Why budget forwards have become key figures in 2023/24 FPL

Forwards have proven a more reliable source of attacking returns than last season across the opening four Gameweeks of Fantasy Premier League.

As many as 18 FPL forwards have produced at least two attacking returns, up 33 per cent from the total of 12 in the same period in 2022/23.

See: All you need as FPL returns

Similarly, 10 have claimed three or more attacking returns in 2023/24, climbing from seven last season.

FPL forwards' attacking returns

Handily for Fantasy managers, seven of those 10 forwards started 2023/24 at a cost of £6.5m or under.

FPL forwards' attacking stats 2023/24

That highlights the host of value options for managers looking for a partner for Erling Haaland (£14.1m) in the popular 3-5-2 formation this season.

Best budget forwards

Carlton Morris (Luton) £5.5m
Luton Town’s talisman has a favourable short-term schedule, including a Double Gameweek 7, to lift his output.

According to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), five of the Hatters’ six matches in the next five Gameweeks score a mere two. That includes both their matches in Double Gameweek 7 against Burnley and Everton. 

Morris has averaged five points per match this term, blanking in only one of his three outings. 

He can appeal to those managers who plan to “dead end” their squad in Gameweek 7 and Wildcard in Gameweek 8 to profit from fixture swings for a number of clubs.

This allows them to temporarily bring in Morris as a short-term pick before refreshing their squad to target picks from Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Aston Villa.

See: How to plan for Luton and Burnley's Double Gameweek

Yoane Wissa (Brentford) £6.2m
The Brentford star offers a secure starting option at a point in the season when the start of European action could lift the prospect of rotation for a number of other clubs.

Wissa has two goals and an assist over the opening period, averaging six points per match.

Meanwhile, his 15 shots and 14 shots in the box both place among the top four forwards this season.

The Bees’ upcoming schedule gives Wissa the chance to continue rewarding his 16 per cent owners.

Three of their next five matches, against Everton, Nottingham Forest and Burnley, score only two in the FDR.

Brentford's next six matches

Odsonne Edouard (CRY) £5.5m
The Crystal Palace forward has matched Wissa’s total of 24 points yet is found in only two per cent of squads. 

Notably, Edouard appears to have secured the role as the Eagles’ lone frontman this season.

He has started each of the opening four Gameweeks, scoring on three occasions.

Edouard's first GW4 goal v Wolves

The Frenchman has boasted a considerable goal threat in that period.

Indeed, his 19 shots and 18 shots in the box both place second only to Haaland among all players this season. 

Cameron Archer (Sheff Utd) £4.5m
Archer's move from Aston Villa to Sheffield United offers managers a rare starting forward at a mere £4.5m.

While Archer’s 12-point debut haul at home to Everton highlights his potential, his main appeal is to sit on managers’ benches as their first substitute in a 3-5-2 set-up.

Archer's ultra-low cost makes him a great replacement to climb off managers' benches should any of their regulars get rested.