How mid-price forwards are shaking up FPL mini-leagues

A host of upper mid-price forwards could prove handy differentials in the upcoming period in 2023/24 Fantasy Premier League.

The popularity of the 3-5-2 formation in Fantasy this season means that, apart from Erling Haaland (£14.1m), forwards are less owned than their midfield counterparts.

See: All you need as FPL returns

Over 91 per cent of managers hold Haaland, leaving just one space to fight for alongside him. 

His Manchester City team-mate Julian Alvarez (£6.7m) has proven the most successful option, amassing 28 points thanks to two goals and three assists.

Yet the Argentinian is found in just 14 per cent of squads, highlighting the potential in picking low-owned assets.

Alvarez is among eight forwards who are found in over 10 per cent of squads, compared with 15 midfielders.

Furthermore, just three forwards have been picked by 20 per cent, compared with eight midfielders.

Top-scoring players by position 2023/24

Best upper mid-price forwards to own

Julian Alvarez (Man City) £6.7m
An injury to Kevin De Bruyne (£10.3m) has helped Alvarez start each of Man City’s first four matches.

Alvarez has made a crucial impact on his side in the Belgian’s absence. 

His totals of 14 shots and 12 key passes mean he is among only six players, and the only forward in Fantasy, to register double-digits for both statistics.

While that all-round potential highlights Alvarez’s huge value so far, managers must now monitor Pep Guardiola's team sheets as the UEFA Champions League group stage begins next week.

If Alvarez succumbs to rotation, a role on the bench will significantly dent his appeal. 

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) £8.0m
Aston Villa’s striker has been overshadowed by his new team-mate Moussa Diaby (£6.6m) at the beginning of 2023/24.

Watkins has, nonetheless, still enjoyed a relatively consistent start to the season, with three assists and just a single blank in four outings.

He is now set to embark on a schedule that could reward investors for many Gameweeks to come.

According to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), six of Villa’s next eight matches score only two.

Villa's next eight matches

Callum Wilson (Newcastle) £7.8m
The Newcastle United forward is an admittedly risky pick at present, having yet to start a league match this term.

Wilson has featured off the bench in all four league matches, with Alexander Isak (£7.7m) preferred up front. 

However, the Magpies’ upcoming UEFA Champions League schedule may result in a change of thinking by head coach Eddie Howe.

Should Isak lead the line in Europe, Wilson’s chances of more domestic minutes would certainly improve.

Matches with Sheffield United and Burnley in Gameweeks 6 and 7 could make Wilson a major differential, depending on Howe’s European plans.

Darwin Nunez (Liverpool) £7.4m
His last two displays for Liverpool suggest the Uruguayan could be their first-choice forward this season.

Nunez followed up his two goals off the bench at Newcastle with two assists against Villa on his first start of 2023/24 in Gameweek 4.

Nunez's winner v Newcastle

If he can retain his role up front, the 24-year-old has the schedule to thrive for many Gameweeks to come.

According to the FDR, five of Liverpool’s next seven matches score only two.

Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea) £7.2m
Chelsea’s summer signing has disappointed his 19.1 per cent owners with only a single goal this season.

Despite that meagre output, Jackson’s 15 shots, 14 shots in the box and seven big chances are all team-leading totals. 

Matches with AFC Bournemouth, Fulham and Burnley in the next four Gameweeks offer encouragement for his patient backers.

Chelsea's next six matches