Forwards are usually the focal point of every fantasy football team. Goals win matches, but selecting the right striker requires far more analysis than simply backing the league’s top scorer.
Modern fantasy football rewards a wide range of attacking actions, meaning the best-value forwards are often those who contribute consistently across several areas rather than relying solely on goals.
Whether you’re playing Fantasy Premier League, daily fantasy football or another salary-cap game, understanding how forwards accumulate points is essential to building successful line-ups.
What Makes a Great Fantasy Forward?
Every generation has produced centre-forwards who combined physical presence with intelligent movement and clinical finishing.
When discussing Kevin Davies, former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp famously said:
“He’s a proper centre-forward. He’s excellent, he just knows how to play.”
While styles of striker continue to evolve, fantasy managers still face the same question:
Which forward offers the greatest value for the upcoming fixture?
The answer depends on much more than recent goals.
How Fantasy Forwards Earn Points
Every fantasy platform has its own scoring system, but forwards commonly earn points through:
- Goals.
- Assists.
- Shots on target.
- Expected goals (xG).
- Expected assists (xA).
- Key passes.
- Touches inside the penalty area.
- Minutes played.
- Bonus-point systems.
- Winning fouls.
Points may also be lost through:
- Yellow and red cards.
- Missed penalties.
- Fouls committed.
- Missed opportunities where bonus systems are affected.
Understanding exactly how your chosen platform rewards these actions is the first step towards making better selections.
Look Beyond Goals
Goals remain the most valuable source of fantasy points, but they are also one of the least predictable.
Managers should also consider:
- Shot volume.
- Shots on target.
- Touches inside the penalty area.
- Expected goals.
- Chance involvement.
- Assist potential.
- Penalty responsibility.
A forward who consistently generates high-quality chances is usually a stronger long-term selection than one relying on occasional spectacular finishes.
Role Within the Team
Not every striker performs the same function.
Consider whether the player:
- Is the team’s primary goalscorer.
- Creates opportunities for others.
- Takes penalties.
- Leads the press.
- Drops deep to link play.
- Operates as a wide forward.
Understanding a player’s tactical role often provides a clearer indication of future fantasy returns than recent statistics alone.
Fixture Analysis
The strength of the upcoming opponent should always influence striker selection.
Useful considerations include:
- Team expected goals.
- Opposition defensive record.
- Home or away fixture.
- Likely possession.
- Recent form.
- Injuries to opposition defenders.
A favourable fixture can significantly increase a forward’s scoring potential, particularly if he dominates his team’s attacking output.
Playing Time Matters
The best striker in the league offers little fantasy value if he starts on the bench.
Always confirm:
- Expected starting line-up.
- Fitness.
- Rotation risk.
- Recent substitutions.
- Fixture congestion.
Secure minutes remain one of the most valuable fantasy assets.
Finding Value
Premium forwards often justify their price, but value can frequently be found elsewhere.
Look for:
- Players moving into the starting XI.
- Forwards playing centrally after previously operating wide.
- Penalty takers.
- Players whose underlying statistics are improving.
- Favourable fixture runs.
- Salaries that have yet to reflect a player’s new role.
The objective is to identify forwards whose projected output exceeds their price.
A Practical Forward Checklist
Before selecting a striker, ask yourself:
- Is he expected to start?
- Does he regularly play 80–90 minutes?
- Does he take penalties?
- How many shots does he average?
- What are his expected goals?
- How strong is the fixture?
- Does he represent good value?
- Is he suitable for the contest type?
Historical Mondogoal Case Study
Fantasy Sports Portal originally explored these concepts using Mondogoal’s scoring system and Premier League data from the 2014/15 season.
The case study demonstrates how goals, attacking contribution, consistency and salary value influenced forward selection and many of the principles remain applicable across modern fantasy football formats.
Read the Mondogoal Forwards case study →
Key Lessons
Goals Are Only Part of the Story
Look for forwards who consistently generate chances rather than relying purely on recent scoring streaks.
Understand the Player’s Role
A striker’s tactical responsibilities can significantly influence his fantasy output.
Fixture Quality Matters
Good players become even better fantasy options when facing favourable opponents.
Secure Minutes Are Essential
Always prioritise forwards expected to start and complete the majority of the match.
Value Wins Over Reputation
The best fantasy forward is the player whose projected return offers the greatest value relative to his cost.
