FPL fixtures: Vardy can make fast start

After the release of the 2022/23 fixtures, The Scout picks out five forwards with promising early schedules who should be considered for opening Fantasy Premier League squads.

Jamie Vardy (LEI)

Leicester City’s talisman enjoyed a prolific end to the previous campaign after returning from injury.

Vardy scored five goals in his final four starts, claiming three double-figure hauls and 38 points.

Vardy goal v Southampton

Despite making just 20 starts last term, Vardy still delivered seven double-digit returns.

That potential for huge scores could even make him a worthy captain early on, with Brendan Rodgers’ side hosting Brentford and Southampton in the first three Gameweeks.

Harry Kane (TOT)

The Tottenham Hotspur forward returned to his best form under Antonio Conte in 2021/22.

After a slow start to the campaign, Kane amassed 167 points after the Italian was appointed head coach in Gameweek 11, a total bettered by only two other players in Fantasy.

He posed the greatest goal threat of any player over that time, with his 114 shots, 29 big chances and 43 shots on target all league-leading totals.

Home encounters with Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the first four Gameweeks, as well as a trip to promoted Nottingham Forest, make a strong case for Kane’s inclusion in early squads.

Erling Haaland (MCI)

Manchester City’s new signing arrives on the back of 49 goals and 13 assists in 52 Bundesliga appearances for Borussia Dortmund in the last two seasons.

The champions’ kind schedule gives Haaland the perfect opportunity to enjoy a strong start to his career in Fantasy.

Man City are the only side to avoid all of last season’s top six in the first six Gameweeks, lifting the Norwegian’s potential as the go-to premium forward, and a major armband contender, from the outset.

Ivan Toney (BRE)

Brentford’s front man has the schedule to continue his fine form from the latter stages of last season.

The Bees face only one of last season’s top six in their first seven matches, at home to Manchester United in Gameweek 2.

After a slow start to the previous campaign, Toney scored eight of his 12 goals last season from Gameweek 22 onwards. 

His totals of 41 shots in the box and 12 big chances both placed among the top three forwards in Fantasy in that period.

Brennan Johnson (NFO)

The Nottingham Forest youngster was crucial to their successful return to the Premier League, scoring 18 goals and supplying 10 assists in 2021/22.

Although he can operate as a winger or support striker, the 21-year-old is expected to be listed as a forward in Fantasy this season as he mainly played in that role under Forest’s new head coach Steve Cooper.

The Wales international’s 94 shots and 68 shots in the box were both team-leading totals last term, while his 60 chances created ranked second.

Meetings with Newcastle United, Everton and AFC Bournemouth in the opening six Gameweeks could lift Johnson’s appeal as an early source of value.

Also in this series

Part 1: Pair up Salah and Haaland for captaincy
Part 2: Early schedule favours Cucurella
Part 3: Son among best early armband picks