Joao Pedro, Chelsea, striker, £7.5m After a standout first season at Chelsea that yielded 15 goals and nine assists, the Brazilian looks like a prime fantasy forward pick. He wrapped up the campaign as the game’s fourth highest-scoring striker, posting 63 shots in the box and 26 big chances. With a full summer’s rest and Xabi Alonso taking charge, he’s well positioned to match those returns, helped by Chelsea’s lack of European fixtures. He’s also £2m cheaper than Cole Palmer and remains the focal point of the Blues’ attack, though new signing Danny Welbeck could challenge him for minutes.
Neco Williams, Nottingham Forest, defender, £5m The Wales right-back is an appealing defensive option, especially if a formation tweak plays to his strengths. Under new manager Oliver Glasner, Forest are projected to be more solid at the back, with 13 clean sheets anticipated in 2024-25. Williams finished third for fantasy points among Forest players last season, producing five goal contributions and leading all defenders with 46 shots. If Glasner deploys his preferred wing-back system, Williams could push higher up the pitch—much like Daniel Munoz did for Palace last term with eight goal involvements.