Top Forwards to Consider for the Opening Weekend of the Premier League 2021/22
In most seasons past, when looking to select the regular point scoring option for one of the forward positions, either the striker of the reigning champions or Harry Kane would be the initial picks.
Coming into the 2021/22 campaign, Manchester City have a distinctly Agüero-sized hole in the team, with there still being question marks around Gabriel Jesus. Then, there’s Harry Kane, who not only might be moving club but will also miss the start of the season, according to Manchester Evening News.
On the bright side, this situation does mean that Fantasy Premier League players won’t feel strong-armed into paying 12.5 for one player straight off of the bat. That said, it can leave some wondering which forwards would make for trusty options for the opening weekend. So, here are three picks for you to consider.
Michail Antonio, West Ham United (7.5)
Ever since they sold Sébastien Haller last winter, almost all of the transfer talk surrounding West Ham United has been about the Irons getting a new striker. Tammy Abraham was batted around for a while, but Chelsea’s asking price is seemingly too high. On the face of it, though, they don’t seem to need a new first-choice striker.
Michail Antonio has been exemplary up top, especially when you consider his path from right back and right midfield to get into the role through necessity. Now, the incredibly athletic and versatile player is well-positioned to attempt to improve on his ten goals in 26 Premier League games of last season.
For the opening match, in particular, Antonio can make a statement of intent. The Hammers face a Newcastle United side that hasn’t reinforced as of yet and leaked 62 goals last season. The oddsmakers of Space Casino foresee there being over 2.5 goals, with odds of 20/21, and narrowly favour an away win at 6/5. This should present some great conditions for Antonio to hit the ground running.
Jamie Vardy, Leicester City (10.5)
Leicester City looked to have made a strong move at the right time to usher in their next age of striking options. The Foxes signed Zambian speedster Patson Daka on a five-year deal, following the 22-year-old’s mighty 34-goal, 12-assist season for Red Bull Salzburg. He already looks to be custom-made for Brendan Rodgers’ side and their recognised style of play.
However, he’s still new to the King Power Stadium, and at least for now, 34-year-old Jamie Vardy still looks to be the team’s first striker on the team sheet. He ran a bit cold towards the back half of last season, but started very hot, scoring eight goals in his first seven league games. Leicester’s first game sees them play host to a Wolverhampton Wanderers under new management, which the veteran striker will certainly look to exploit.
Edinson Cavani, Manchester United (8.5)
Being a very late signing, having a couple of knocks, and largely being seen as a supporting striker to the starting XI, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Edinson Cavani had somewhat of a rocky landing at Old Trafford. Still, despite averaging a mere 52.5 minutes per game, the Uruguayan scored ten goals in 26 games.
After becoming more and more trusted as the season progressed, Cavani was given a one-year deal to see him through 2021/22, and looks poised to lead the frontline on the opening day. That first match sees Leeds United come to the red half of Manchester, where they lost 6-2 last season.
If you’re looking to grab a striker destined for goals in their opening match of the season, consider forking out for Michail Antonio, Jamie Vardy, or Edinson Cavani.
