Gayle furthers Fantasy forward options

Many Fantasy Premier League managers will have already reserved a spot in their forward lines for 2017/18 for Harry Kane.

A devastating eight goals over the final two Gameweeks ensured that the Tottenham Hotspur forward ended the season as the top-scoring FPL striker, while also retaining the Golden Boot.

There are other Fantasy strikers bidding for inclusion in managers' forward lines alongside Kane in the new campaign.

City double act

Gabriel Jesus will take his end-of-season popularity into 2017/18.

The Manchester City forward returned seven goals and four assists from only 10 Gameweek appearances.

Jesus's average of 6.7 points per match (ppm) was second only to Kane (7.5 ppm).

But his team-mate Sergio Aguero is also difficult to ignore.

Despite an inconsistent FPL season, the Argentinian still scored 20 times and produced 34 points in three starts alongside Jesus.

Ultimately, price may be the key factor in how we assess the City pair. 

Increase in options?

Our preview of the midfield options revealed that Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez and Joshua King, of AFC Bournemouth, could be classified as forwards next season.

On the back of 24 goals, Sanchez would vie with Kane at the top end of the market, along with Everton’s Romelu Lukaku and Diego Costa, of Chelsea.

Jamie Vardy could also be of interest. The Leicester City forward produced eight goals and five assists in the final 13 Gameweeks to average 7.0 ppm under Craig Shakespeare.

Despite his change, King would represent an intriguing mid-price option.

Indeed, after a shortage of viable third forwards for much of this season, managers could be handed more choice in 2017/18.

Forward value

Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke and Watford's Troy Deeney will be out to impress new managers and feature on the pre-season radar. 

Swansea City’s Fernando Llorente will be similarly priced having scored 15 goals and finished as the top-value forward in terms of points per million.

Jermain Defoe should also be tracked if he remains in the Premier League after relegation with Sunderland.

Lower down the price brackets, Sam Vokes will offer a cut-price solution after a convincing end to the season. The Burnley striker got four goals over his final three Gameweeks.

Promoted pair

The promoted clubs could also be the key source of bargain-striker options.

Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle and Glenn Murray, of Brighton & Hove Albion, return to the Premier League after prolific seasons. 

Both produced 23 Championship goals, although Gayle appears more likely to tempt investment, since his haul came from only 26 starts for Newcastle.

The Scout's planning for 2017/18

Goalkeepers: Why Butland looks value

Defenders: Wing-backs could dictate selection

Midfielders: Sane offers early temptation

Forwards: Gayle provides third way