As the new year unfolds, Fantasy Premier League managers have a chance to recalibrate and overcome challenges faced during the festive period. The departures of Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-min for the Africa Cup of Nations and Asian Cup, respectively, are significant talking points in FPL. While their absence poses challenges for many managers, it also creates opportunities to explore lesser-owned picks and make strategic moves in the coming weeks.
Taking a closer look at the Top 5 Forward options for Gameweek 21 becomes pivotal in navigating this period of international duty. Managers can consider choices and potentially take calculated risks to maximize points during Salah and Son’s absence, presenting an intriguing dynamic in the FPL landscape.
1. Ivan Toney (Brentford)
Ivan Toney, returning to action after serving an eight-month ban for breaching betting rules, is poised to make a significant impact for Brentford. His comeback is well-timed, considering Brentford’s struggles and injury challenges, making Toney’s return a crucial boost for the team. Although ideally, Thomas Frank would have preferred Toney’s availability from Gameweek 1 rather than Gameweek 21, the circumstances demand immediate contributions from the striker.
Brentford finds themselves grappling with a high number of absentees, surpassed only by Chelsea and Tottenham in terms of injuries. Toney’s return becomes even more pivotal given the team’s current predicament and the need for attacking prowess.
While the expectations are high for Toney to quickly acclimate to match intensity, the circumstances differ from a traditional return from a long-term injury. Toney has diligently maintained his fitness during the ban, including working with an attacking coach in Nashville, ensuring he is in peak physical condition for his comeback against Nottingham Forest.
Priced at £7.9m and with a fixture against Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 21, Toney presents an intriguing option for FPL managers seeking a dynamic and motivated striker, despite the challenges associated with his delayed start to the season.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top 5 Defenders for FPL Gameweek 21
2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland, priced at £13.9m, is a tempting prospect for Fantasy Premier League managers as he returns to contention after a period of injury and Manchester City’s involvement in the Club World Cup. Many FPL managers might have initially included him in their squads before his injury and City’s fixture congestion led to a decline in his desirability. However, with the departures of Salah and Son due to international duties, there is newfound financial flexibility to reconsider Haaland.
The positive update is that Haaland is back in training, raising hopes for his return to the pitch. With ample time until Manchester City’s Gameweek 21 fixture on January 13 against Newcastle, there is a favorable likelihood that Haaland could feature in that game. For FPL managers seeking a premium striker with goal-scoring prowess and a potential differential in their squads, Haaland’s return presents an opportune moment to consider reintegrating him into their lineups.
3. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Priced at £8.9m, Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa has risen to become the highest-scoring forward in the Fantasy Premier League, boasting an impressive tally of nine goals and 11 assists. Recognized for his unwavering consistency, Watkins plays a pivotal role in one of the league’s top attacking teams. In Gameweek 21, Aston Villa faces Everton at Goodison Park, where Watkins aims to continue his goal-scoring exploits.
Despite Everton’s defensive solidity this season, Villa ranks second in total goals (43) with a noteworthy expected goal (xG) of 36.74 (sixth). As favorites for the upcoming clash, Watkins, with the highest Goal Involvement rate (43%) among teammates, remains a dynamic and reliable forward option. Nailed on for starting XI and likely to play the full 90 minutes, Watkins stands out as one of the few attackers in the league offering both consistency and high-quality performances.
4. Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)
For £7.4m, Darwin Nunez Ribeiro emerges as a compelling forward option for Fantasy Premier League managers heading into Gameweek 21. Playing for Liverpool, Nunez showcases a commendable form with a Points per Match average of 4.1. In the previous gameweek, he accrued 5 points, contributing to his total of 77 points for the season. Moreover, in the next gameweek the Reds face Bournemouth and thus, the Liverpool forward has a good chance to score against a defensively vulnerable team.
With six bonus points to his name and an impressive ICT Index rating of 124.1, Núñez demonstrates a well-rounded impact on the field. Currently owned by 13.6% of FPL managers, he holds the sixth-highest Team Selected by percentage among forwards, underscoring his popularity in FPL circles. As Gameweek 21 approaches, Nunez presents an intriguing option for managers seeking an in-form and moderately priced forward for their fantasy squads.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top 5 Midfielders for FPL Gameweek 21
5. Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth)
Priced at £7.1m, Dominic Solanke emerges as a noteworthy forward option for Fantasy Premier League managers entering Gameweek 21. Representing Bournemouth, Solanke boasts an impressive run of form, securing a Points per Match average of 5.2, placing him third among forwards. In the previous gameweek, he garnered 2 points, contributing to his season total of 98 points. An appealing factor is Solanke’s consistent ability to accumulate bonus points, with a total of 10 to his credit.
His noteworthy ICT Index rating of 150.2 underscores his impact on the field, ranking fourth among forwards. Currently owned by 27.6% of FPL managers, Solanke holds the fourth-highest Team Selected by percentage in the forward category. With his consistent form and affordable price, Solanke presents a compelling choice for managers seeking an in-form forward to bolster their fantasy squads in the upcoming gameweeks.