For years, Fantasy Premier League managers have been told that traditional strikers are a thing of the past. The emergence of players like false nines, inverted wingers, and attacking midfielders in forward roles caused many to dismiss the classic number nine.
Managers would keep their money invested in midfield in premiums such as Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, and Son Heung-min. They were consistently outscoring their forward counterparts. The points system, which rewarded goals and clean sheets more generously for midfielders, made them the more attractive investment. Premium forwards were often seen as a necessary evil, and managers would happily spend big on a Salah or a De Bruyne while opting for a budget or mid-priced forward.
A few seasons ago that was not the case, the meta used to be a 3-4-3 with managers going with forwards such as Vardy, Aguero, Kane, Aubameyang. With the new summer arrivals this season, could forwards start becoming a must have?
Emergence of Number 9
Last year forwards took notice after Haaland’s arrival, managers started to realise the importance of a striker. Players such as Isak, Haaland, Mateta, Wissa and especially Chris Wood started taking more importance in teams. The Template also started to shift from a 3-5-2 or even sometimes even the old reliable 3-4-3.
What brought this change?
The modern Premier League is a high-pressing league. Teams are increasingly looking to win the ball back high up the pitch, creating turnovers in dangerous areas. Strikers are often the primary beneficiaries of this tactic, as they are well-positioned to capitalize on mistakes and launch quick counter-attacks. The data shows that teams who press high are, on average, scoring more goals per game. We are also seeing record high penalties being given which favours the strikers who take up the penalty duties.
Forwards to look at
The summer transfer window has brought us a lot of strikers joining the prem, especially the top clubs.
Viktor Gyökeres to Arsenal: After a prolonged search for a prolific number nine, Arsenal have made a significant statement by signing Gyökeres from Sporting CP. For FPL managers, he could be a premium forward option with the potential to rival the likes of Haaland, especially given Arsenal’s attacking creativity. His ability to hold up the ball and link with players like Saka and Martinelli makes him an intriguing fantasy prospect.
Benjamin Šeško to Manchester United: Manchester United have invested heavily in their attack by bringing in the highly-rated Slovenian striker from RB Leipzig. At 6’5″, Šeško offers a dominant aerial presence, but he also possesses a surprising turn of pace and sharp finishing. FPL managers will be watching closely to see how he fits into United’s new-look attack, which also includes other new attacking signings.
Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool: Liverpool’s transfer activity has been notable, and the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt is a significant one. The French forward comes off the back of a prolific season in the Bundesliga and is known for his clinical finishing and powerful running. He showed his prowess as he would score a brilliant goal on the turn within 3 mins against Crystal Palace in the community shield.
The consensus among the FPL community is that the 2025/26 season will likely not see a complete overthrow of the midfield meta, but rather a more balanced, hybrid approach. Midfielders will always have the edge due to an extra point for goals and clean sheets, that’s always how FPL has worked but the change is here and forwards are no longer just a necessary evil; they are now a genuine alternative for captaincy and a core component of a high-scoring FPL squad.
