We are here with our best forward picks this week for Gameweek 2 of FPL. Finding the right forwards is crucial for building a strong Fantasy Premier League (FPL) squad, especially after the opening Gameweek has given managers their first look at player form, fixtures and attacking potential. With Gameweek 2 approaching, several forwards stand out as excellent options across different price points.
Here are the top five best FPL Strikers to buy for Gameweek 2, including premium options and budget-friendly picks.
1. Erling Haaland — £15.5m
Erling Haaland owners were extremely unlucky not to get an attacking return in the opening Premier League gameweek. The Manchester City striker had a golden opportunity to give his team the lead against Bournemouth in the first half, but somehow missed the chance.
It is the type of opportunity Haaland would probably convert nine times out of ten, making his blank particularly frustrating for FPL managers. However, there is little reason to panic after one missed opportunity.
Haaland remains the best striker in the Premier League, and such misses are unlikely to happen frequently. Manchester City now face Crystal Palace, who looked poor in their opening game against Everton. This makes Gameweek 2 an excellent opportunity to back Haaland.
With City's attacking quality and Haaland's goal-scoring ability, he could finally begin his Premier League scoring journey for the 2026/27 season against Palace.
2. Oli McBurnie — £5.5m
For FPL managers searching for a budget forward for Gameweek 2, Oli McBurnie could be one of the best options available.
Hull City produced one of the biggest surprises of the opening gameweek by beating Manchester United, and McBurnie was among their most impressive players. The striker regularly linked up with his teammates, contributed to Hull's attacking moves and looked dangerous throughout the match.
He also provided an assist against Manchester United, giving FPL managers an early indication of his potential at just £5.5m.
Hull now face Coventry, and this could be the fixture where McBurnie gets his first goal of the season. At his price, he offers managers an attractive route to save money while still having a forward capable of contributing attacking returns.
3. João Pedro — £7.5m
João Pedro was simply phenomenal against Fulham in Gameweek 1, registering both a goal and an assist.
The Chelsea forward looks like a player who could become an FPL essential if he maintains this level of form. His performances during Chelsea's pre-season had already generated plenty of excitement, and he has continued that form under Xabi Alonso.
There is also plenty of potential for João Pedro to develop into a world-class player this season. At £7.5m, he offers an interesting alternative to the premium forwards and could become one of the most important mid-priced FPL assets if his performances continue.
4. Kai Havertz — £7.5m
Kai Havertz has started the season in terrific form for Arsenal and currently looks almost unstoppable.
The German forward has scored in each of his last three games for Arsenal, making him one of the most in-form attacking players heading into Gameweek 2. Arsenal will now face Aston Villa, whose defensive situation has become weaker following the departure of star defender Ezri Konsa to Arsenal.
That makes this an appealing fixture for Havertz, particularly given his current confidence in front of goal.
However, FPL managers should be aware of a small rotation risk. Victor Gyökeres could compete for minutes, so Havertz is not completely risk-free from a starting perspective. Still, his current form makes him an attractive £7.5m option.
5. Igor Thiago — £8.0m
Igor Thiago owners were another group of FPL managers who were extremely unlucky not to get a return in Gameweek 1.
Brentford were outstanding in attack against Tottenham, eventually winning the game 3-0. The scoreline could even have been 4-0 had Thiago converted his penalty, but his effort hit the post.
Penalty misses are frustrating, but they are part of football. On another day, Thiago could easily have converted that opportunity and delivered a strong FPL return.
Now, Brentford face Leeds, a team that has traditionally been vulnerable defensively. Given Brentford's current attacking form, this is a fixture in which Thiago could have several opportunities.
At £8.0m, he is certainly worth considering, and a goal or even two could be on the cards in Gameweek 2.
Best FPL Forwards for Gameweek 2
Haaland remains the standout premium forward, while McBurnie provides an excellent budget option. João Pedro and Havertz offer exciting mid-priced alternatives, with Thiago also possessing significant upside after an unlucky blank.
For managers looking to strengthen their FPL attack, these five forwards should be firmly on the Gameweek 2 shortlist.
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