Fantasy Premier League managers should brace themselves for a quick turnaround, as the deadline for the upcoming game week is set for Tuesday night. Following some challenging matches over the weekend, the Premier League fixture list appears to be slightly more straightforward for this midweek round.
However, FPL managers still face the task of managing their resources effectively, considering another set of games awaits them over the weekend. This situation underscores the importance of selecting the right forwards, especially in light of Erling Haaland’s recent struggles. As managers weigh their options, the question arises: Who will be a reliable choice?
David Datro Fofana (£5.0m)
With Fofana set to return after being ineligible for the weekend draw because they faced his parent club, Vincent Kompany will bring him back as they aim to bolster their unlikely survival bid. Fofana has been a mainstay, featuring in nearly every minute of the previous six league games, and even scored in his last two appearances while registering eight shots across the last three matches.
Being in top form for a team desperate for goals, Fofana becomes the go-to player as Burnley seeks to prolong their three-game unbeaten streak. The upcoming fixtures present favorable opportunities, starting with a clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers followed by matches against Everton, Brighton, and Sheffield United. Not the most challenging, and given Fofana’s current form, one can expect him to excel.
Alexander Isak (£7.7m)
Sometimes, it’s wise to follow the trail of goals, particularly when a top-tier forward is in fine form. And that’s exactly what Alexander Isak’s is in, as his recent brace against West Ham extends his tally to four goals in the last six Gameweeks. It places him among the top performers alongside Semenyo, Muniz, and Watkins. Moreover, Isak boasts an impressive record of nine goals in home matches, second only to Haaland (10), and shares the top spot for Big Chances with 17.
Newcastle’s recent attacking prowess, scoring 12 goals in the last six Gameweeks and ranking seventh for xG, adds to the allure of selecting Isak. Everton, their upcoming opponent, has conceded nine goals in the same period, failing to keep a clean sheet. Looking ahead, Newcastle faces Fulham and encounters tougher challenges against Tottenham and Manchester United later in the season. Given Isak’s current form, he presents a solid option, especially if he maintains his scoring streak.
Dominic Solanke (£7.2m)
In a Premier League world with Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, Son Heung-Min and several other stars, Dominic Solanke is the joint-second highest goal-scorer. The player once called a flop, sold by both Liverpool and Chelsea, is having arguably one of his best seasons ever. There’s just something about Bournemouth this term and Solanke is leading the bunch well.
But with games against Crystal Palace, Luton Town before big games against Manchester United and Aston Villa, Solanke might just be the man for many. He’s in fine form with two goals in as many games from an xG of 1.30 which puts him amongst the in-form forwards for the week. However, Bournemouth’s fixtures in the near future does make him a risky pick but it could be worth the bet for a few managers.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4.9m)
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s Fantasy Football prospects have seen a significant boost since the appointment of Oliver Glasner as Crystal Palace’s head coach. With three goals and 25 points in his last four appearances under the Austrian manager, Mateta has emerged as a valuable budget asset for FPL managers.
Despite facing tough fixtures against Manchester City and Liverpool, Palace’s schedule after those matches appears favorable, making Mateta an attractive option for the remainder of the season. Although there’s a chance his current form may regress, Mateta’s recent performances suggest he could continue to deliver points for managers seeking a budget-friendly option.
Rodrigo Muniz (£4.7m)
The second budget-friendly option on the list, Rodrigo Muniz has had some season ever since Fulham brought him in after an injury crisis. The Brazilian has thrived since Gameweek 22 with 8 goals while playing nearly every minute since then. That does include an excellent run of recent form with three goals in his last two games for the Cottagers with an xG of 1.99.
Combine that with an excellent fixture list until the end of the season and it makes Muniz a proper option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option. The Cottagers do, however, face Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Manchester City before the season ends which could be tougher than most expect.