Top 5 FPL Forwards to Pick for Gameweek 1

The new Fantasy Premier League season is almost upon us, and this is the time for those last-minute changes. So do not fret, Sportsdunia is here to help you out. You’re probably already tinkering with your drafts, scouring the fixture list, and debating with your mates about who the best forwards in FPL really are. Gameweek 1 is crucial; get those fpl forwards right, and you’ll be smiling with a strong start. Let’s chat about the five best forwards to consider for Gameweek 1, blending current form, fixture appeal, and Fantasy value. We will weave in all the info you need, fixtures, stats, and the latest from the community, to help you lock in the best FPL forwards for the curtain-raiser weekend.

Why Fixture Is Everything in FPL GW1?

Before we dive into names, here’s a quick reminder: early Gameweeks are all about the fixtures. You want FPL forwards who have soft matchups, a definite starting role, and are in teams likely to score goals out of the gate. Meaning, they should have the Best Fixtures for New FPL Season.
Gameweek 1 Key Fixtures for Forwards:

• Spurs vs Burnley (promoted side, juicy for Spurs attackers)
• Liverpool vs Bournemouth (but top LFC forwards might rotate)
• Brighton vs Fulham (plenty of goals expected here)
• Nottingham Forest vs Brentford (Forest attackers under the spotlight)
• Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (new-look Chelsea against a shaky Palace defense)
• West Ham vs Sunderland (Sunderland promoted and likely to leak chances)

Top 5 FPL Forwards for Gameweek 1

Here are some suggestions on which FPL forwards are the best fit for Gameweek 1 of 2025-26 season:

Erling Haaland (Manchester City):

The Man City Forward Haaland is the premium heavy-hitter at £14.0m. Despite Man City’s slightly tougher opener away to Wolves, Haaland’s proven goal-scoring quality and key role for City make him a must-have for many managers willing to invest heavily in a forward. His inclusion brings star power and consistent point potential to this list.

Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal):

The prolific striker Gyökeres joined Arsenal this summer from Sporting CP for a reported £63 million on a five-year deal. He is a powerful and clinical striker, expected to play a key role in Arsenal’s attack. While Arsenal’s opening fixtures are challenging, Gyökeres brings strong potential as a premium forward with a price of £9 million.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool):

The Egyptian winger Salah is a proven elite FPL asset with a history of consistent high returns. Despite the earlier mention of potential rotation concerns with Liverpool’s fixtures, Salah’s attacking influence, set-piece threat, and goal involvement make him a top pick for any forward line in Gameweek 1.

Joao Pedro (Chelsea):

Chelsea have been active in the transfer window and landed Joao Pedro, a forward who was a FPL darling at Brighton due to his combo of penalties and open play threat. The Blues face Palace, whose defense was generous last season and shaky in preseason. Joao Pedro is the most-selected player so far, found in 60% of Fantasy squads, making him a must-own FPL player, showing massive faith from managers. If you want a Chelsea attacker, he’s your safest bet as the best FPL forwards option.

Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest):

If you love a good budget FPL forward, Chris Wood has to be on your radar. Brentford visit Forest in Gameweek 1, a team that has seen a lot of change, from managers to key players. Wood is now a focal point in Forest’s attack and is great for that third forward slot, especially if you’re going big in midfield. He’s priced nicely and is also a bonus magnet when Forest scores.

Honourable Mentions (Just Missing the Cut)

• Danny Welbeck (Brighton): Great fixture against Fulham and some behind-the-scenes hype, but isn’t as nailed as the others, making him a slight risk.
• Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace): Always an explosive pick when in favor, but opening day away at Chelsea is less than ideal.
• Jared Bowen (West Ham): Now reclassified as a forward, but GW1 away to Sunderland is tasty. If he weren’t so streaky, he’d make the list.

Building Your FPL Forward Line: Tips & Tactics

• Don’t spend all your budget up front: The best fpl forwards are those with form and fixtures, not just price tags.
• Have at least one nailed starter who can rotate out for easier fixtures in the coming weeks.
• Keep an eye on Friday lineup leaks: Some managers (especially Chelsea and Spurs) have a rep for surprises. Look for hints before the deadline before you come up with your Predicted Lineup for Gameweek 1.

Final GW1 Forward Line Draft

Here’s how you should start your forward line in FPL Gameweek 1:

• Salah/ Haaland — main men for the opening fixture
• Joao Pedro (Chelsea) — the best mix of form, fixtures, and nailed-ness
• Chris Wood (Forest) — budget slot, big upside
• (Gyokeres and Bowen as different price brackets rotate in if you prefer)

Don’t just chase last season’s points; combine fixture, form, and role. Tinker, trust your gut, and enjoy the GW1 rollercoaster. These are the best FPL forwards to give you that head start.