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The 2018/19 season was a difficult one for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) strikers. The top-scoring FPL forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang managed only 205 points, a total that was beaten by six players, two of whom (Andrew Robertson & Virgil Van Dijk) were defenders.
However, it is worth mentioning that the top two forwards Aubameyang and Sergio Aguero both saw their minutes reduced due to European commitments or injuries and neither played over 2800 minutes, so perhaps we should consider this more of an anomaly than a pattern.
For the purpose of this article, neither Aguero or Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City is being considered as both had an extended break due to Copa America commitments and it is unclear whether Guardiola will consider either for selection in gameweek one.
1) Harry Kane (TOT, 11.0m)
Harry Kane had a disappointing 2018/19 campaign by his standards as injury and World cup fatigue affected his output. Nevertheless, he still managed 17 goals and six assists in 2423 minutes, notching 160 points.
This led to a significant price drop for the Englishman to 11m from 12.5m last year. Kane's pedigree cannot be questioned, he managed 20 goals for four consecutive seasons prior to last and with a full preseason behind him, the sky is the limit for the striker.
The signing of Tanguy Ndombele means that Kane does not have to drop deep to link up play as he often did last season and can focus on staying at the tip of Spurs' attack. This is also their first full season in the new stadium and performances can be expected to improve after their stint at Wembley. A nailed on-starter for Spurs, Kane is also an excellent armband alternative to the City and Liverpool players as he can go big on any given day.
2) Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ARS, 11.0m)
The top-scoring forward in FPL last year, Aubameyang was tied for the golden boot on 22 goals with Mohammed Salah and Mane despite playing significantly fewer minutes (2722 vs 3254 & 3076). He often saw rotation with Alexandre Lacazette but it is worth mentioning that this was predominantly in the second half of the campaign, as Arsenal progressed deeper in the Europa League.
Despite these reduced minutes, he registered more 'big chances' (36) than any other forward in the league and only Aguero (43), Kane (46) and Aleksandar Mitrovic (47) landed more shots on target than the Gabonese's 39.
The addition of Dani Ceballos and Nicolas Pepe to the Arsenal attack should mean more goal-scoring opportunities for the striker and if Mesut Ozil can regain his creative spark too, the Gunners would have one of the best supply lines in Europe. He was on penalty duties last year and is likely to retain them despite Pepe's excellent spot-kick record as he looks to charge towards the golden boot once again.
3) Raul Jimenez (WOL, 7.5m)
One of the FPL stars of last season, Jimenez enjoyed a stellar debut campaign notching 13 goals, 10 assists, and a whopping 31 bonus points. As a result, his price has been hiked by 2m this campaign but even with his loftier price tag, the Mexican remains a bargain. Only Aguero (118) and Mitrovic (131) took more shots than Jimenez's 111 and he was the fifth most creative forward with 42 attempted assists as well.
He missed a large chunk of Wolves' preseason due to his involvement with Mexico in the Gold Cup this summer but has already returned to scoring ways in their Europa League campaign. Unlike other Premier League sides, Wolves have already played competitive games prior to their first Premier League match and are likely to be fitter and sharper than the opposition early doors, which could allow Jimenez to profit despite a difficult opening fixture run.
4) Callum Wilson (BOU, 8m)
Like Jimenez, Wilson was one of the stars of the 2018/19 campaign with 14 goals, 12 assists, and 22 bonus points. He has also received a price bump of 2m and his underlying statistics would indicate he is very worthy of that price tag.
No forward created more 'big chances' than Wilson's 13 or registered more assists than his 12. Only Aubameyang (36) and Jamie Vardy (33) registered more 'big chances' than his 28 amongst forwards.
The fact that he plays for the most attacking team in the league outside the 'top six' also helps his cause. Only four teams ( Chelsea 96, United 98, Liverpool 108 and City 125) registered more 'big chances' than the Cherries' 95 and only the 'top six' scored more goals than their 56. The Cherries could not have asked for a better pair of fixtures to open their campaign as they square up against promoted sides Sheffield United. and Aston Villa in their first two games.
5) Jamie Vardy (LEI, 9m) –
It was a season of two halves for Vardy as he struggled for game-time and consistency under Puel. The appointment of Rodgers and the implementation of his attacking philosophy saw the forward score nine goals in the last 10 game-weeks, more than any other player in the league. No forward attempted more than his 25 shots in the box or registered more 'big chances' than his 12 over this period.
Only Palace (19), City (20) and Liverpool (25) scored more goals than their 17 and only Everton (56), Chelsea (59) and City (68) landed more shots on target than their 54.
The Foxes have shown their intentions to challenge for the 'top six' positions with the permanent signings of Youri Tielemans and Ayoze Perez and with the excellent supply line available to him the pacy striker could be in for another 20+ goal season.
