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The Technical Area – The Optimum Gameweek 31 Line-up

Constructing sides with just a single Gameweek in mind is a rare treat in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), which typically prioritises medium-to-long-term thinking when it comes to squad composition.

Yet with just four scheduled matches in Gameweek 31, many of us now find ourselves doing exactly this. Managers who choose to deploy their Free Hit Chip for this coming weekend can assemble a side from scratch, tailored specifically to best exploit the weekend’s fixtures. Meanwhile, a number of other managers may choose to ‘dead-end’ their sides this week ahead of deploying the Wildcard chip in Gameweek 32.

Managers on both sides of the coin have no doubt been observing the form of our eight participating sides (Liverpool, Everton, Watford, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Stoke, Huddersfield and West Brom) closely over the past several Gameweeks, with this particular weekend in mind. With the deadline now looming, however, the time has finally come for us to commit to the players we hope will salvage premium point tallies from this meagre spread of fixtures.

Although managers with active Free Hit chips obviously boast more freedom and are able to tailor their entire squad to this Gameweek, even those preserving this chip for later Gameweeks will no doubt find themselves heavily investing in Gameweek 31 assets over the coming days.

This week’s Technical Area will be closely inspecting the Gameweek 31 candidates, to produce a blueprint for managers – particular Free-Hitters – to follow during the process of their own squad construction.

This will be guided by Fantasy Football Scout’s own Rate My Team tool, as well as some standalone statistical and eye-test observations of recent form among key assets.

780 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    LOFTUS - CHEEK!!!

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Just practicing for Saturday 🙂

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      It's where the points are at.

      Well, maybe point.

    3. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      haha, flag gone... will he play?

      was 1 of my planned 2 FTs this week (to leave my team)

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Same situation here. Reckon i might as well hold and transfer out kane for mounie instead.

        1. kennethrhcp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I'm doing Kane to Mounie also.

          i'd 9 players & FTs, now with RLC flag gone I've 10 with 2FTs... & confused as feck now 🙂

          Salah, Mane, Shaq, Ibe, RLC
          Firmino (Kane, Aguero)

          was gonna do RLC & Kane to Stanislas & Mounie, still a goer?
          or lose Aguero & Kane & keep RLC

  2. Annie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Choupo Moting, really?

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      That’s what caught your eye? Not the 2 Bournemouth defenders lol 😛

      1. Annie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Smith has good potential considering his actual position.

  3. OldBenKenobi
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Can’t wait for GW31 to be over....

  4. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on fabianski and Alonso to butland and Coleman for -4 to give me 9 possible players (includes quaner though)

  5. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    MAGIC BEAN IS BACK !!!

  6. AlCapwnUK
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    G2G?

    Pickford
    VVD, Francis, Shawcross
    Salah, Shaqiri, Choupo-Moting, Zaha
    Firmino, Wilson, Mounie

    hoping shawx and wilson actually start

  7. TaiwanHC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    What's the latest on Harry? What are you guys doing with him?

    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Selling. He's out for a while

    2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Out for a month. Rip golden boot

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Got 7 in last 4 days last season.

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          If Salah continues the way he is then I agree on the golden boot being gone

          1. how now brown cow
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Most likely. Just pointing out you'd have thought the same last year.

            1. OldBenKenobi
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Agreed

    3. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      sell & rebuy if/when fit

  8. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Cannot wait for my wildcard.

    1. Lecky Legs FC
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Me too mate me too

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Activate it then 😉

    3. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I have to wait until Sunday as I'm away for nearly the whole weekend 😛

  9. Lecky Legs FC
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Scratch my last post got 2 FT's would you do Kane & T Carroll > Firmino & Zaha for BGW31 will be using my WC for 32/33 thoughts?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'd use the 2 FTs so sure.

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah only having 6 out max for it TM don't think BGW wont have high scores at least not for me anyway

  10. Minerva-03
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Hi all;
    Before I pull the trigger on what I'm thinking of doing, can anyone enlightening me with any opinion or questions on my team...

    -Foster Elliott
    -Mee Daniels chilwell Hegazy Rosenior
    -Salah Mane Son mkhi RLC
    -Kane Wilson Firmino

    2FT 1.8ITB

    I'm thinking Kane, son, mkhi and chilwell OUT Mounie, Stanislas, Walcott/zaha and Baines IN..??

  11. Hammerslammer
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Why is no-one talking about Rooney? Shouldn´t he get more responsibilities with Sigurdsson out?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      What - like penalties?

      1. Hammerslammer
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Both penalties and free kicks will be taken by either Rooney or Baines. Can´t really see Rooney being subbed off before 90 minutes with Sigurdsson out, so in my opinion this is a great differential, especially if we remember his deliveries around christmas. Anyone who can talk my out of bringing him in?

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Allardyce released him back into the wild after his last performance

    3. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      he was laughed at by Big Sam in the post game interview...

  12. JurgenRodgers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Butland or Mounie for a -4?
    (No keeper at present)

    1. bigvern63
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Mounie. There are two ways Mounie could get you points, Butland only one. Don't worry about the keeper.

  13. Prøfeßör …
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    With Ramadan pushing for a start, will Choupo-Moting start as the striker or on the bench?

    From Stoke's website:

    Egyptian international Ramadan could be the benefiter of those changes with Lambert admitting that he was impressed with his cameo appearance against Manchester City.

    “I thought Ramadan did well on Monday, and he is ready to play,” he added.

    “He is enthusiastic and has really good attributes - he has good speed and he has a lot to learn, so he is really in my thinking for the game.”

    1. JJO
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe all Shaq Chupo and Ramadan to start?

      1. Prøfeßör …
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Maybe. Let's hope so.

  14. Jonny HOW SON?
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone planning to do a cheeky benchwankery? 😀

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A bit short lived this week.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      All games on Saturday.

    3. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No point. All games are on Saturday

      1. JJO
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Well there is point
        That period from19:30 to period when bench points are added:)

        1. JJO
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          *time

        2. Pep says
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Ultimately though, there is no point

        3. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          They will add instantly? The league positions, points and autosubs will likely all get done at the one time....

        4. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Would love to hear "the point" 😉

    4. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      of course

  15. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Best GK for 31 + 32?

    A. Begovic (WBA wat)
    B. Lössl (CPL new)
    C. Butland (EVE ars)
    D. Foster (bou BUR)

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      c

  16. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Tough one

    Vardy or firmino?

    Both have great fixtures but vardy has a potential double dgw.

    Thoughts ?

    1. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Firminho

  17. TaiwanHC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Who should I get instead of Kane? Already have Firmino and Vardy.

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      all questions... no replies

    2. Minerva-03
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I reply failed sorry

      King/Mounie depending on your future plans, have you still got WC?

      1. TaiwanHC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yes

  18. XP
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I have 8 players available with my FT this week. FH left and triple captain.

    I should FH for the DGW or this one ? Talk to me oh wise ones.

    1. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Assuming you have Firm+ Salah + VVD/Mane then 8 is plenty. Better save FH for 35 or DGW.

      1. XP
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Firm + the 2 wing backs.

        1. Annie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I'd FH and get Salah. If he gets a brace you're buggered.

  19. Srv210
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Views on Chris wood for that 3rd striker slot post gw31 for DGW??

    Looked good last few games

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Could do worse.

      1. Srv210
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Who do you prefer then??

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          No I mean I like it. You would have to play him most games as he’s a little expensive to constantly bench. I guess that way Barnes is a more popular pick. Wood is definitely a good option

          1. Srv210
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks mate

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Worth it just for the "I've got Wood" jokes

  20. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    -12 is too much for me... I will stop at -8 so I wonder... Baines or Zaha is worth the hit more?

    1. Aston-villain
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I dont like the idea of hits this week tbh....1 hit max for me (8 starters should be fine)

      1. HD7
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Agreed. But I have 7 players for -4

        VVD
        Stanislas Shaq Salah
        Firmino Wilson Mounie

        And I want 8

    2. fusen
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Zaha more likely to score points? Gamble but probably is the truth.

  21. Aston-villain
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Is 7 players for gw31 enough???(possibly 9 if DCL and Kenny get gametime, but its unlikely)
    Would you take a hit to bring in a forward for DCL???
    (I have Mounie, Firmino)

  22. Minerva-03
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    King/Mounie depending on your future plans, have you got your WC still?

  23. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    watford have conceded a lot of goals from corners .are we avoiding vvd for this match where he may get a goal.with midfield options a bit emerging and no cleanies on offer except liverpool(mostly).does vvd + midfielder combo have the edge over mane + defender combo??.midfielder i am mentioning is stanislas as as no would have him before this gw and MANY LOOKING TO BUY HIM.THOUGHTS??

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I have no choice in the matter as already owing vvd. Great point though

  24. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Kenny > Baines (-4)

    YES or NO

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      yay

      1. #FPLBhuna
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        oo quick response - yay that's a first

    2. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      no

    3. Aston-villain
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Im considering this but Everton fixtures are putting me off...

    4. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      yeah but wait till moments before the deadline to make sure Baines is fit.

    5. james 101
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Could easily pay for itself.

  25. fusen
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    This weekend could troll us completely. After so many teams haven't been able to keep cleansheets and it looking like it'll be a complete waste to do any hits to get in defenders, I wouldn't be at all surprised if half the teams end up with cleansheets and you have a load of casuals with crappy defenders from poor teams scoring high.

    Would be typical FPL

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Would help the FH and BB teams.

    2. james 101
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Alcohol solves everything.

      Just saying...

    3. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Im going with 10 players with a missing defender for this reason.
      Decision was made easier with the injury to Kane.

    4. bigvern63
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Put on a couple of clean sheet bets... win, win!

  26. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Who is the best striker option this week apart from Firmino?

    1. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Salah 😉

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Wilson

    3. JohnnyMagrinho
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I’m goong with Mounie.

        1. JohnnyMagrinho
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Going*

      • IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        when are bournemouth pressers??

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Usually super early on a Friday

      • james 101
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Current team:

        GTG?

        Pickford.
        Alexandra. TAA.
        Salah. Walcott. Shaq.
        King. Firmino. Quaner.

        (Elliot. Ogbonna. Sterling. Son.Bavies. Azpil. )

        Zero FTs. Over 8m itb!

      • Zenith UK
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Ramsey, Antonio & DCL > Zaha, Stanislas & Mounie (-4)

        Thoughts? Would probably keep those three for the rest of the season as well (dependant on form).

        1. james 101
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          No WC then?

          1. Zenith UK
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Still have it but these are the kind of players that I want for the rest of the season, so might use my WC differently to others, maybe for the second DGW?

        2. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Good moves

          1. Zenith UK
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks, thought it was a -8 at first but then realised I didn't make a change last week.. AYYYYY

      • Lignja
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        when we will know double gw teams?

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          19/03

          1. Lignja
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            oh nice for my b day 🙂