Fantasy Premier League 2013: Prolific Scorers You Should Target

With the new Premier League season almost upon us, now is the time to fine-tune your fantasy football team ahead of the opening weekend of fixtures.

No matter what version of the game you decide to play, there's one constant which unites them all—goals equal points.

It's important to build a team of players who find the back of the net on a regular basis, thus propelling you up the leaderboard.

Although bagging the top three or four strikers is a good idea if your budget allows, the key is to pick players in each position who often find themselves on the score sheet.

Here we take a look at a defender, a midfielder and a striker who will add goals aplenty to your Fantasy Football team next season.

Leighton Baines (Everton) £7.5m

Although an expensive pick at £7.5m, Leighton Baines is a defender almost guaranteed to score goals next season.

In the 2012/13 campaign he hit the back of the net five times, the joint-best return for a defender along with Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.

The England man is certain to start every game for Roberto Martinez's side when fit, and he should retain his penalty-taking and free-kick duties.

With new boss Martinez expected to encourage a more attacking style of play at Goodison Park, the former Wigan star also has a chance to add more goals from open play to his already impressive game.

Frank Lampard (Chelsea) £8.0m

Last season Frank Lampard wrote himself into Chelsea's history books, becoming their all-time leading goalscorer. And, after penning a new one-year contract, he shows no signs of slowing down.

The 35-year-old enjoyed arguably the best form of his career under Jose Mourinho during his first spell at the club, and he's likely to relish the return of the Special One.

Lampard has been an integral part of the Blues' successful preseason, and will be relied upon to play a key role in the heart of Chelsea's midfield despite his advancing years.

He was his club's top scorer in the league during the 2012/13 campaign managing 15 goals, with only Tottenham's Gareth Bale scoring more from midfield.

Robin van Persie (Manchester United) £14.0m

An obvious pick, but last season's golden boot winner really is a must for all Fantasy Football teams next season.

Van Persie will generally be the most expensive player in any version of the game, but he remains a worthwhile investment after bagging 26 league goals in his debut season for Manchester United.

The Dutchman has already shown what he's capable of, and scoring twice in Sunday's Community Shield victory over Wigan at Wembley proves that he's in good form heading into this weekend's away trip to Swansea City.

With Wayne Rooney's future at Old Trafford still up in the air, van Persie can expect to start every game under new boss David Moyes.

And, if he can keep fit, you can expect him to produce a second consecutive season of scoring more than 20 goals.

All values courtesy of fantasy.premierleague.com