Fantasy Premier League managers have plenty to think about in the £7.5M forward category this season, with João Pedro joining Viktor Gyökeres, Hugo Ekitike (currently sidelined with a long-term injury), and Kai Havertz in one of the most intriguing price brackets for FPL 2026/27.
After an impressive debut campaign, João Pedro looks like one of the standout options. The Brazilian finished with 15 goals and 4 assists, registering 19 goal contributions despite Chelsea enduring a disappointing season overall. In fact, he was one of the club's brightest performers throughout the campaign, consistently providing attacking threat even when results failed to match expectations.
What's even more interesting is that Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz combined for just 20 goal contributions, only five more than João Pedro managed on his own despite both benefiting from an Arsenal side that went on to win the Premier League title. On paper, that comparison alone makes João Pedro look like the stronger fantasy asset heading into the new season.
The arrival of Xabi Alonso as Chelsea manager only adds further excitement. Alonso has already built a reputation for improving attacking players, and many FPL managers will believe João Pedro still has another level to reach under his guidance.
The Competition Above Him
Several forwards are priced above João Pedro, but each comes with significant question marks.
Alexander Isak (£9.0M)
Although Isak has received a price reduction from last season, £9.0M still feels expensive. Injuries have regularly interrupted his momentum, and after his move to Liverpool, managers will need to wait and see whether he can rediscover the devastating form he previously showed at Newcastle United. Until then, spending the extra £1.5M carries considerable risk.
Igor Thiago (£8.0M)
Brentford's Igor Thiago exceeded all expectations with an outstanding goalscoring campaign, but repeating that level is never guaranteed. Defenders will be more familiar with his style, and expectations are significantly higher this time around. He's certainly capable of surprising the league again, but managers may prefer to watch the opening weeks before investing.
Ollie Watkins (£8.0M)
Watkins has been a reliable fantasy asset for several seasons, but recent performances suggest he may be entering a period of decline. At £8.0M, there are simply more exciting and potentially higher-value options available, making him difficult to justify over João Pedro.
The Welbeck Factor
One interesting twist is Chelsea's recent signing of Danny Welbeck from Brighton. The experienced striker adds valuable depth and competition for places, which naturally raises questions about João Pedro's minutes.
However, it is still too early to draw firm conclusions. At 35 years old, Welbeck could primarily serve as an experienced rotation option rather than a week-in, week-out starter. Much will depend on how Xabi Alonso manages his squad and whether he views Welbeck as a regular starter or an impact substitute. Until Chelsea's attacking hierarchy becomes clearer, João Pedro should still be viewed as the club's leading fantasy forward.
Final Verdict
When considering the key FPL factor, availability, risk, consistency, quality of team, and managerial influence, João Pedro currently stands out as the strongest non-Erling Haaland striker option in Fantasy Premier League 2026/27.
He offers proven Premier League production, enters the season with confidence after an outstanding debut campaign, and now gets to work under one of football's most highly regarded young managers in Xabi Alonso. While players like Isak, Thiago, Watkins, Gyökeres, and Havertz all have undeniable quality, each comes with greater uncertainty or weaker value relative to price.
As things stand, purely on paper, João Pedro looks like the best-value premium forward outside of Haaland. If he builds on last season's 15 goals and 4 assists while flourishing under Alonso, he could quickly establish himself as one of the must-own players in FPL 2026/27.
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