We are here with our best forward picks this week for Gameweek 1 of the 26-27 FPL season. With the 2026/27 Fantasy Premier League season ready to begin, selecting the right forwards could be crucial for getting your FPL campaign off to a strong start. From premium forward options to exciting budget picks, there are plenty of forwards capable of delivering points in Gameweek 1.
Here are our top five FPL forwards to buy this week
1. Erling Haaland — £15.5m
There are no surprises here. Erling Haaland is coming off another historic season in which the Norwegian once again finished as the Premier League's top scorer with 27 goals. He then went on to amaze the footballing world with his incredible World Cup performances.
There was some concern over whether Haaland would start Manchester City's opening game after missing the majority of their pre-season matches. However, his inclusion in the Community Shield appears to have erased those doubts.
At £15.5m, Haaland is the most expensive player in FPL history, but his goalscoring record makes him difficult to ignore. With his proven ability to deliver huge hauls, he remains the standout premium forward for Gameweek 1.
2. João Pedro — £7.5m
João Pedro looks set to thrive under Xabi Alonso, with Chelsea boasting an exciting attacking line that could see him supported by the likes of Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.
The Brazilian looked lively throughout Chelsea's pre-season games and enters the campaign after a solid season in which he scored 15 goals.
At just £7.5m, João Pedro offers an attractive route into Chelsea's attack without requiring managers to spend premium money. If Alonso can get the best out of him and Chelsea's attacking players develop strong chemistry, João Pedro could quickly establish himself as one of the best mid-priced forwards in FPL.
3. Kai Havertz — £7.5m
Viktor Gyökeres was our original choice for this spot, but Mikel Arteta's decision to start Kai Havertz in the Community Shield looks like the strongest indication yet that the German could remain his preferred striker whenever both players are fit.
There are still concerns surrounding Havertz, particularly regarding injuries and potential rotation. However, those risks could be worth taking with Arsenal facing Coventry in Gameweek 1.
Havertz is also entering the season in excellent form, having scored in the Community Shield. At £7.5m, he could offer significant value if he maintains his place at the top of Arsenal's attack.
4. Brian Brobbey — £6.0m
Brian Brobbey is arguably the best cheap budget forward option for Gameweek 1. After a promising debut season with Sunderland, in which he scored seven goals, the Dutch striker took his game to another level at the World Cup.
Brobbey scored three goals in just four games for the Netherlands, demonstrating the attacking potential that made him such an exciting prospect.
At only £6.0m, he could provide FPL managers with the budget flexibility needed to invest heavily elsewhere. Brobbey looks like a player ready for a breakout season and could become one of the biggest forward bargains in the game.
5. Alexander Isak — £9.0m
Alexander Isak is arguably the riskiest FPL forward pick on this list. However, at his best, the Swedish striker is arguably the best forward in the Premier League after Haaland.
He has plenty to prove following a disappointing debut season at Liverpool, which was heavily disrupted by injuries. Now, the perfect stage is set for Isak to show that he can return to his best.
Liverpool face Newcastle away in Gameweek 1, meaning Isak will return to St James' Park, the very same stadium where he was once worshipped as a hero. It is a fascinating storyline and potentially the perfect opportunity for the £9.0m forward to make a statement.
Final Verdict
From Haaland's unmatched goalscoring record to Brobbey's budget appeal, there are plenty of intriguing forward options for Gameweek 1. Haaland, João Pedro, Havertz, Brobbey and Isak all offer different routes to FPL points, making them five forwards worth considering before the opening deadline.
