This blog explores the forward options that Fantasy Football managers have going into The World Cup. With The World Cup less than 10 days away, I have broken down the manager’s forward options into 3 categories. Premium (10.0 – 11.5m), Mid-Price (7.5 – 9.5m) and Budget (4.5 – 7.0m) with the first round of the competition being the group stages, we can expect a lot of goals. I, therefore, recommend that managers purchase at least 2, if not 3 Premium forwards.
Article written by Jack Barrett, Do follow him on Instagram🙂
Link to all our FIFA World Cup Fantasy blogs in one place including team previews, group previews, tips and rules guide, differentials, chip strategy, best drafts with pros and cons and more. Completely free to access as well!
Best Forwards to Target in World Cup Fantasy
Premium Forwards World Cup Fantasy (10.0m – 11.5m)
FPL managers have had to rely on Premium Forwards, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland so far this season, with other Premium options such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Jamie Vardy underperforming thus far. However, it is a different story in The World Cup, with managers spoilt for choice. There are a total of 8 Forwards, which fit into my Premium bracket. Let me take you through my favourites.
Neymar (10.5m)
Neymar has had a great start to the season already scoring 11 goals and making 9 assists in Ligue 1. The PSG Forward is the league’s joint top scorer and has the 2nd most assists. It is fair to say he has made more than an impact for PSG so far this season, with the club sitting top of the table. Neymar, who has scored 75 goals in 121 appearances for Brazil, is the second-highest Brazilian goal scorer of all time and looks in fine form heading into their first game against Serbia.
Further Read: Best Budget Picks And Enablers For FIFA World Cup Fantasy 2022
Kylian Mbappé (11.5m)
Kylian Mbappé is the most expensive player in World Cup Fantasy Football. However, I believe that managers will more than get their money’s worth this World Cup. Mbappé also has 11 goals so far this season in Ligue 1 and is the joint top scorer with PSG teammate, Neymar. The 23-year-old is a threat to any defence and with French teammate Karim Benzema (11.0m) not 100% fit, Mbappé could well find himself on penalties at Qatar. France is in Group G, alongside Australia, Denmark and Tunisia. I would be very surprised if The World Cup Holders didn’t claim the top spot in the group, scoring lots of goals along the way. This could also play in The Frenchman’s favour.
Further Read: Beginner’s Guide to 2022 World Cup Fantasy: Rules, Strategy, Tips
Harry Kane (11.0m)
Harry Kane has had a brilliant start to the season with 11 goals and 2 assists in 14 appearances so far in The Premier League. The England Captain has 51 goals in 75 appearances for The Three Lions and is just 3 goals away from breaking former England teammate, Wayne Rooney’s record of top goal scorer for England. Kane is certain to start for England, who are in what should be a more than comfortable group featuring Iran, USA and Wales. Kane looks like a tempting option up front and having won The Golden Boot Award at The 2018 World Cup, we know The Spurs Forward can perform on the big stage.
Robert Lewandowski (10.0m)
Robert Lewandowski is like a bottle of red wine; they both seem to get better with age. Lewandowski has scored 13 goals and provided 4 assists in 14 appearances so far this season for Barcelona. The Polish Striker is La Liga’s top scorer and also has the second-most assists in the league this campaign. Poland, however, is in a tough group, consisting of Argentina, Mexico and Saudi Arabia and they haven’t made it out of the group stages since 1986. If anyone can change this stat for Poland it is Lewandowski.
Further Read: Best Midfielders To Target In World Cup Fantasy | Price Point Wise
Any Room for Either of The GOATs?
Will either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo make it into the manager’s squad? One of them is in fine form heading into The World Cup, with the other struggling for game time at their club.
Lionel Messi (10.5m)
Qatar will be Messi’s 5th and final World Cup. However, the 35-year-old is in impressive shape heading into the campaign. So far this season, Messi has made 18 appearances in all competitions for PSG. He has scored 12 goals and also has 14 assists to his name. Messi, who has the most assists in Ligue 1 so far this season, will be hoping he can win his first World Cup with Argentina when they kick off their tournament against Saudi Arabia. Argentina is one of the favourites to win The World Cup and is looking strong after their Cup of Champions win over Italy back in June. Could this be Messi’s year?
Further Read: Best 2022 FIFA World Cup Fantasy MD1 Drafts With Pros/Cons
Cristiano Ronaldo (10.0m)
Qatar also looks like it could be the ‘last dance’ at a World Cup for the 37-year-old. Unlike Messi, Ronaldo’s form hasn’t been as impressive heading into The World Cup, with The Manchester United Forward struggling for regular game time under new boss, Erik Ten Hag. Ronaldo has only 1 goal in 10 Premier League appearances so far this season, with The Portuguese international only playing 75 mins + on 3 occasions. This means that Ronaldo will be raring to go and eager to represent his country. Despite the stats this season, we all know what Ronaldo is capable of. The Portuguese captain has the most appearances by a European in international football and holds the record for most goals in international football, scoring 117 times for Portugal over the years. We’ve seen him do it many times before and I would not be surprised if Ronaldo turned his season around and helped Portugal to the later stages of this year’s tournament.
Further Read: Beginner’s Guide to 2022 World Cup Fantasy: Rules, Strategy, Tips
Best Mid-Priced Forwards World Cup Fantasy ( (7.5m – 9.5m)
Some managers may feel that a 9.5m price tag is a lot for a mid-priced forward. However, with this being a World Cup and the best strikers from all around the world competing, I feel 9.5m is a more than reasonable price for some of the names I am about to list below. I don’t feel these players should be in the same bracket as the premium forwards, nevertheless they’re more than capable of performing for managers at this year’s World Cup.
Serge Gnabry (9.0m)
Serge Gnabry is a more than tempting offer for managers ahead of the World Cup. The Bayern Munich man has 20 goals in just 36 appearances for Germany. Gnabry has already achieved 7 goals and 3 assists this season in The Bundesliga. After 14 games they sit top of the table, and I think it is fair to say Gnabry has had a more than solid start to the season. He is one to look at and is in dangerous form, having scored a hat-trick in his last game.
Further Read: Best Midfielders To Target In World Cup Fantasy | Price Point Wise
Son Heung-min (8.5m)
After a lot of doubt, we all now know that Son Heung-min will be going to The World Cup. The South Korean, who has been out recently with a facial injury that required surgery, confirmed this week on his Instagram that he will be going to Qatar. Son has made over 100 appearances for South Korea and is the captain of the national team and has scored 9 goals in his last 14 international appearances. However, Son, who was the joint winner of The Golden Boot last season in The Premier League, has struggled for rhythm this season with only 3 goals and 2 assists in 13 premier league appearances. He has scored a further 2 goals in the UCL campaign, helping Spurs qualify for the round of 16, but he has been far from the standard of last season. If 100% fit though, Son offers a different option for managers, rather than a forward from one of the favourite nations.
Further Read: World Cup Fantasy 2022 Comparison to FPL, UCL & Euro Fantasy
Memphis Depay (8.5m)
Memphis Depay has also been one to struggle with both form and game time this season. Depay has only made 2 appearances for Barcelona this season in La Liga, scoring just 1 goal. Despite this Depay always seems to perform for the men in orange. The Dutch Forward has 42 goals to his name from just 81 international appearances. The Netherlands will look to rely on Depay, who is their main outlet this tournament. They find themselves in Group A alongside Ecuador, Senegal and hosts, Qatar. The Netherlands should have no trouble qualifying out of the group stages, scoring a lot of goals along the way, which could play in favour when selecting Depay.
Memphis Depay Injury update- Depay won’t start vs Senegal in MD1 due to fitness issues as confirmed by Van Gaal & himself
Further Read: Best 2022 FIFA World Cup Fantasy MD1 Drafts With Pros/Cons
Sadio Mane (8.5m)
After a shock scare, Sadio Mane is in The Senegal squad and will be heading to Qatar. The Bayern Munich Forward went off injured in the first half of Bayern’s game vs Werder Bremen earlier this week. Before this incident, the former Liverpool man was in fine form. Mane has scored 6 goals and made 3 assists in 14 appearances so far in The Bundesliga this season. He also has a further 3 goals to his name in The Champions League. The 2021 African Cup of Nations winners will be relieved to hear their main man is back and fit to play. Senegal has a chance of making it out of Group A but will need Mane, The 2022 African Player of the Year, to be in top form. We know Mane is in the squad, but the question is though, will he be fit to start Senegal’s first match in less than 10 days?
Mane Injury update- Ruled out of World Cup
Further Read: Beginner’s Guide to 2022 World Cup Fantasy: Rules, Strategy, Tips
Best Budget Forwards World Cup Fantasy (4.5m – 7.0m)
Here are some cheaper forward options for managers, who are still more than capable of returns at this year’s World Cup.
Aleksandar Mitrovic (7.0m)
There seems to be no stopping Aleksandar Mitrovic ahead of this year’s World Cup. The Fulham Striker has 9 goals in 12 appearances in The Premier League this season. Mitrovic will be hoping he can add to his 50 International goals in just 76 appearances for Serbia in Qatar this month. Despite the odd niggle here and there, Mitrovic’s season has been a success thus far. Fulham has adapted well to life in The Premier League after winning The Championship last season, where Mitrovic scored 43 goals in 44 matches and broke the record for most goals scored in an English League Season. Serbia’s all-time top goal scorer looks like a great option for managers, however, how many goals will Mitrovic score in what looks like one of the most competitive groups in the tournament with the likes of Brazil, Cameroon and Switzerland all featuring?
Further Read: World Cup Fantasy 2022 Comparison to FPL, UCL & Euro Fantasy
Ferran Torres (7.0m)
Ferran Torres is one to keep an eye on this World Cup. Torres has scored 3 goals and recorded 1 assist in 5 appearances in The Champions League this season for Barcelona. The former Manchester City player already has 13 goals from just 30 appearances for The Spanish National Team. Torres, the joint top scorer in The Nations League 20-21, will be eager to have an impact on the big stage, as the 22-year-old prepares for his first World Cup.
Further Read: Best 2022 FIFA World Cup Fantasy MD1 Drafts With Pros/Cons
Ismaila Sarr (6.5m)
If you are looking for a differential pick, Ismaila Sarr from Senegal could be your man. The Watford winger has achieved 6 goals and 4 assists so far this season in The Championship. With teammate Sadio Mane being in the squad, but not 100% fit, Sarr, who has nearly 50 appearances for The National Team, could prove to be vital for Senegal as they look to qualify from Group A. Senegal play their first match of the campaign against a tough Netherlands side in less than 10 days.
Further Read: Best Midfielders To Target In World Cup Fantasy | Price Point Wise
Hwang Ui-jo (5.5m)
Hwang Ui-jo could be another great differential option for managers in Qatar this year. With captain Son Heung-min in the squad, but recovering from surgery, South Korea could turn to Hwang and give him a good amount of game time. The Nottingham Forrest forward, who is currently on loan at Olympiacos, is experienced with nearly 50 international appearances to his name. The South Korean, can also be a handful in front of goal, scoring nearly 30 times for Bordeaux between 2019-2022. With just a 5.5m price tag, he could catch the eye of a few managers.
Further Read: Best Budget Picks And Enablers For FIFA World Cup Fantasy 2022
Qatar’s Bargain World Cup Fantasy Budget Forwards (4.5m)
My final forward options may not be very well known by managers. I didn’t know a huge amount about Qatar’s forwards, but I did some digging and turns out that they might not be too bad of an option for managers in this campaign.
Almoez Ali, Akram Afif and Hassan Al-Haydos are all priced at just 4.5m (the cheapest forward options available). However, just because they’re the cheapest in the game, doesn’t mean that they don’t know what they’re doing. Ali has made 84 appearances for Qatar and has scored 41 goals for his national side. He was also the top scorer for Qatar in their World Cup Qualifying campaign. Afif, has made 88 appearances for Qatar scoring 26 goals and recorded the most assists for Qatar in qualifying. Al-Haydos is the most experienced of the bunch, having made nearly 170 appearances for his country and finding the back of the net on 26 occasions. All three could be great options for managers, costing them barely anything. Not only this, but unlike most teams, Qatar has spent 6 months of this year training together in preparation for The World Cup. So whilst some teams may look fatigued due to an overload of domestic football, this will not be the case for Qatar and they are as ready as anyone could be for a competition of this size.
Thank you for reading my first blog for allaboutfpl. I would like to thank Surya for giving me this opportunity to write about something I am so passionate about. I hope you found this interesting and please leave any comments or feedback below or feel free to drop me a message on Instagram @bazzabarrett20 Best of luck to all managers for the start of the campaign!
Further Reads from AAFPL ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Fantasy Season?
Basics of World Cup Fantasy:
Beginner’s Guide to 2022 World Cup Fantasy: Rules, Strategy, Tips
List of Good & Creative 2022 World Cup Fantasy Team Names
World Cup Fantasy 2022 Comparison to FPL, UCL & Euro Fantasy
List of Free to Join World Cup Fantasy Mini Leagues | Mini League
2022 World Cup Fantasy Ultimate Guide: Tips, Best drafts, Strategy
World Cup 2022: Expected Goals (xG) Group Wise for All Teams
World Cup Fantasy: Captaincy Explained & Best Options for MD1
Must Read Articles for World Cup Fantasy:
Best Budget Picks And Enablers For FIFA World Cup Fantasy 2022
World Cup Fantasy- Scout Picks Matchday 1
2022 World Cup Fantasy Matchday 1 Draft & Chip Strategy
2022 FIFA World Cup- Penalty & Set Piece Takers Country Wise
Best 2022 FIFA World Cup Fantasy MD1 Drafts With Pros/Cons
2022 World Cup Fantasy: Predicted Lineups of All 32 Teams
Best 2022 World Cup Fantasy Differentials to Consider for MD1
2022 World Cup Fantasy: Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR) Overall and Group Wise
Position Wise Analysis:
Best Goalkeepers To Target In World Cup Fantasy | Price Point Wise
Best Defenders to Target in World Cup Fantasy | Price Point Wise
Best Midfielders To Target In World Cup Fantasy | Price Point Wise
Best Forwards to Target in World Cup Fantasy | Price Point Wise
Group Wise Team Previews- Best Fantasy Assets & Predicted Lineups:
World Cup Fantasy | Group – A & B Preview, Key Players & More
World Cup Fantasy | Group – C & D Preview, Key Players & More
World Cup Fantasy | Group – E & F Preview, Key Players & More
World Cup Fantasy | Group – G & H Preview, Key Players & More
Link to all our FIFA World Cup Fantasy blogs in one place including team previews, group previews, tips and rules guide, differentials, chip strategy, best drafts with pros and cons and more. Completely free to access as well!
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Jack Barrett
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