With the Fantasy Premier League season just around the corner, managers are busily chopping and changing their drafts in pursuit of the perfect 15-man squad.
By the end of last campaign, the majority of FPL teams had gravitated towards 4-4-2 and 3-5-2 formations, as forwards struggled to keep up with the points managed by defenders and midfielders.
Two defenders – Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joao Cancelo – and three midfielders – Kevin de Bruyne, Son Heung-min and Jarrod Bowen – totalled over 200 points last campaign, while no forward managed that feat.
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Although the pool of potential assets is smaller amongst strikers, there are still several budget forwards in the game worth having ahead of 2022-23.
More articles in this series:
- The 100 best FPL team names
- Every rule change you need to know about for the 2022/23 FPL season
- The 25 players you need to consider for your squad this season
- The best budget goalkeepers in FPL this season
- The best budget defenders in FPL this season
- The best budget midfielders in FPL this season
- The best and most selected players
We have compiled a list of 10 value players under £7.0m to consider, with the opening match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal set to kick off next Friday.
Ivan Toney - Brentford (£7.0m)
- Brentford talisman
- On penalties
- Solid fixtures
The fifth highest-scoring forward last campaign, Toney impressed during Brentford’s debut Premier League season, notching 12 goals, five assists and 139 FPL points.
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As Thomas Frank’s star man and penalty taker, the 26-year-old enjoys a favourable run to start the season, facing Fulham, Everton, Leeds and Southampton in his opening seven games.
Anthony Martial - Manchester United (£7.0m)
- Strong pre-season
- Fresh start with Ten Hag
- Slight rotation risk?
Despite enduring a turbulent spell both at Old Trafford and on loan in Seville last campaign, Martial has impressed during pre-season under Erik ten Hag, scoring three goals in his four friendlies.
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With Cristiano Ronaldo eagerly pursuing an exit, the Frenchman has looked incredibly sharp and is likely to lead the line against Brighton and Brentford in the opening two fixtures.
Aleksandar Mitrovic – Fulham (£6.5m)
- Fulham talisman
- On penalties
- Mixed bag of fixtures?
Breaking the Championship scoring record with 43 goals last season, Mitrovic asserted himself as the main man under Marco Silva at Fulham and is destined for another fruitful campaign, provided the Cottagers play with the same attacking style in the top flight.
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Despite a tricky clash with Liverpool on the opening weekend, the Serb faces Wolves, Brentford and Brighton in his next four matches, making him a favourable high-ceiling pick ahead of an early wildcard.
Julian Alvarez (£6.5m)
- Cheap Man City attacker
- Excellent fixtures
- High rotation risk?
With Erling Haaland arriving at the Etihad, Alvarez is a high risk, high reward option. It would be unwise to expect the Argentine to play every match, but with the new five substitutes rule, he could see ample game time.
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Capable at centre-forward and in the wide positions, Alvarez has impressed in pre-season and could worth a roll of the dice.
Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford (£6.0m)
- Solid fixtures
- Unlucky last season
- Differential
Although the Brentford forward made a habit of hitting the woodwork last season and frustrated several FPL managers with his lack of goal returns, Mbeumo still provided 119 points at an inexpensive price tag.
Sharing the same appealing fixture run as Toney at £1m cheaper, the Frenchman provides managers with an exciting alternative and differential.
Brennan Johnson – Nottingham Forest (£6.0m)
- Nottingham Forest talisman
- On penalties last season
- Promoted team risk?
With 19 goals and nine assists in all competitions last season, Johnson was exceptional at the City Ground last campaign and is viewed as one of Nottingham Forest’s star players as a result.
Forest have made over 10 new additions to the squad this summer and could be one of the surprise packages next season.
Taiwo Awoniyi, Nottingham Forest (£6.0m)
- Nottingham Forest record signing
- 20 goals last season
- New to the Premier League – risk?
Arriving in Nottingham for over £18m, Awoniyi is set to lead the line alongside Johnson and play the target man role in attack.
The striker scored 20 goals in all competitions last season – if he is able to match the 15-goal return he managed in the Bundesliga in 2021-22, the new signing could provide excellent value at £6.0m.
Dominic Solanke – Bournemouth (£6.0m)
- Bournemouth talisman
- 29 Championship goals last season
- Tricky fixtures?
The Bournemouth star netted 29 league goals last season, going slightly under the radar because of Mitrovic’s record-breaking tally. As the Cherries’ true talisman, Solanke scored 39% of his side’s goal tally last season and takes penalties.
Unfortunately, despite facing Aston Villa on the opening day, Bournemouth have a difficult run to start the season, with Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool before GW5.
Deniz Undav – Brighton (£5.5m)
- Cheap high-ceiling option
- Solid fixtures
- Rotation risk?
With 25 goals and 10 assists at Union SG last campaign, Undav is bidding for a first-team spot at Brighton this season, although it is yet unclear whether his number will be called as early as GW1.
As the joint-fourth lowest scorers in the league last season, Brighton need to consider a change in attack. If Undav makes the first team, he could well emerge as the go-to budget forward at the start of 2022-23.
Cameron Archer – Aston Villa (£4.5m)
- Strong pre-season
- Great bench option
- Will benefit from five subs rule
It is very unlikely Archer will win a starting place at the beginning of the season, but as the cheapest possible striker in the game, he is arguably the best bench option amongst the forwards.
Archer’s £4.5m price tag enables managers to pump additional money into their starting line-ups, and with a few impressive pre-season matches under his belt already, there is every chance he wins regular cameo appearances.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Fantasy Football, Fantasy Premier League, Brentford, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, Julian Alvarez
