Premium forwards — Haaland, Isak, Watkins
Haaland (14m+) remains the template; Isak (Newcastle, 11m) was 25/26's most consistent points-per-pound striker; Watkins (Aston Villa, 9-10m) the bridge tier. Pick one premium striker — the captaincy decision flows from this choice. Haaland-template managers won 25/26 in most mini-leagues.
Mid-price forwards — 7-8m
Wood (Forest) hit 20-goal pace in 25/26; Cunha (Man United, if confirmed move) is the dark horse; Tonali-flanked Isak is the alternative. Mid-price forwards have to score 12+ to justify the slot — pick ones with proven minutes + supply.
Budget forwards — 5-6m
Cheap starting strikers exist but are matchup-dependent. Cody (returning), Strand Larsen, Welbeck — these become 8-12-goal scorers in 6m bands. They're the 4th forward who only starts in DGWs. Don't over-think it; pick one that you don't need to actively manage.
Differentials — strikers under 8% ownership
25/26's breakout was Cunha (sub-5% GW1, 18% by GW10). 26/27 candidates: newly-signed CFs to top-6 clubs (always check who the manager has signed), and any 7-8m striker on a guaranteed starter role at a fixture-friendly opening period.
Captaining strikers
Haaland captaincy is now the unanimous default for 60%+ of managers post-Salah, with City's opening fixture against a promoted side (Coventry/Hull/Ipswich) the model's clearest GW1 captain green light. The differential captain plays go via Isak (vs softer fixtures) and Bruno Fernandes / Palmer for the midfield captain bracket. The model board flags when an under-owned striker has the best xP for a given GW.