The Scout’s Panel of experts discuss the key lessons they have learned across the first seven Gameweeks of 2021/22 Fantasy Premier League.
Forwards
Utkarsh Dalmia (@zophar666)
Managers need to keep at least one premium spot to rotate between Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.7m), Romelu Lukaku (£11.7m) and Harry Kane (£12.2m) depending on fixtures and form.
There are also great budget options such as Ivan Toney (£6.3m) and Hwang Hee-chan (£5.6m) showing potential. Patrick Bamford (£7.8m) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.0m) can appeal in the mid-price forward bracket once they return to fitness.
Lee Bonfield (@FPLFamily)
I probably went one week too late on configuring my team to have a premium forward. Gameweek 4 hurt me big time as Ronaldo and Lukaku both got double-digits. I quickly rectified it, though, and I don't see me changing my approach - I'll have that premium forward slot for most of the season.
Holly Shand (@HollyShand)
It's all on the table when it comes to analysing premium v mid-priced forwards this season and momentum may change due to fixtures. However, Michail Antonio (£8.0m) is incredible value and Jamie Vardy (£10.5m) is seriously overlooked.
Ben McNair (@drbenmcnair)
I wrote off Allan Saint-Maximin (£6.8m) before the season started but he has been a real live-wire and finds himself in the top 10 players for non-penalty expected goal involvements over the first seven Gameweeks.
The fact I am not tempted to bring him into my team indicates the wealth of value-for-money forwards available this season with the likes of Antonio, Raul Jimenez (£7.5m), Toney and Calvert-Lewin. Right now, having only three forward slots is forcing us into some really tough decisions.
Paul Gee (@FPLPaulGee)
I think the Gameweek 7 results proved we only need one premium asset in the striker position. Jimenez and Toney offer good mid-priced value.
Tom Cantle (@WGTA_FPL)
Tough decisions need to be made. The "threemium" set up didn't pay dividends beyond one headline week, and managers with Ronaldo and Lukaku may need to make a difficult call soon to aid flexibility
Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily)
Most FPL managers started the season without a premium forward, but with the arrival of Lukaku and Ronaldo there has been a clamour to bring them both in.
However, the last few weeks have highlighted the value in players such as Jimenez, Toney, Hwang, Antonio and Ollie Watkins (£7.3m). There is no need to destroy your team’s budget structure for two premium forwards right now as the mid and lower-priced forwards are performing well.
Pranil Sheth (@Lateriser12)
Seems like a category flooded with options at the moment, especially with Bamford and Calvert-Lewin being fit soon. One premium striker spot could be very handy with Lukaku and Ronaldo's arrival.
Also in this series
Part 1: Look to Man City and Chelsea defences
Part 2: Target midfield bargains like Mbeumo
Part 4: Foden an overlooked gem
Remember, the Gameweek 8 deadline is at 11:00 BST on Saturday 16 October.
