In the Fantasy EFL Gameweek 31 Scout Squad, our experts – Merlin, Louis, Jack and Danny – unveil their top picks.

Teams across the Championship, League One and League Two play twice this week, so that’s where our experts’ focus will be.

Our panel have nominated a 12-man long-list of players and a four-club selection. With no player prices or budgets to worry about, they’ve each picked the following names…

• READ MORE: Goals + assists imminent! Who is ‘due’ in FPL Gameweek 28?

THE FANTASY EFL SCOUT SQUAD: GAMEWEEK 31

JACK SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

With two favourable fixtures and a defence that continues to look solid, Christian Walton stands out as a very strong option this week. The clean-sheet potential looks high and the double only boosts his appeal.

There’s a similar case for Grant Smith, who also benefits from excellent defensive fixtures and carries strong shutout potential across the round.

The third goalkeeper spot feels slightly less clear-cut, but Will Norris could still return at least one clean sheet and offers a reliable alternative between the sticks.

DEFENDERS

Returning once again, Omar Sowunmi remains a fantastic pick. He has impressed all season and continues to offer threat going forward, so an attacking return could easily accompany his strong clean-sheet prospects.

There’s also clear appeal in Dara O’Shea, who brings genuine goal threat from defence and benefits from the same favourable fixtures, even if bonus potential remains limited.

Meanwhile, Jack Tucker provides a strong floor. With solid clean-sheet chances and consistent minutes, he shapes up as another dependable defensive option this week.

MIDFIELDERS

Excellent recent form makes Jack Payne one of the standout midfield picks. The fixtures suggest goals, and as the main talisman he should find himself heavily involved.

If momentum continues, Mark Helm could prove golden. He faces strong attacking fixtures and has already shown he can capitalise on them.

Wycombe’s promising schedule also boosts the appeal of Fred Onyedinma, who should start both matches and remains a key part of their attacking play.

FORWARDS

Despite a slight dip in form, Michael Cheek still looks a good option. He faces sides that have not been particularly convincing defensively, giving him the ceiling to deliver a big return.

The same can be said for Jayden Wareham, who enters the week in good form and benefits from decent attacking fixtures.

Up top for Ipswich, Jack Clarke continues to secure consistent minutes and enjoys favourable matchups, making him another strong forward pick.

TEAM PICKS

Ipswich, Bromley, Wycombe and Fleetwood all look like excellent team selections this week and each carries significant upside.

MERLIN SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

Two favourable home fixtures put Ipswich in a strong position to respond after that disappointing loss to Wrexham. With promotion still firmly in sight, the clean-sheet potential looks high, and Christian Walton remains a reliable, calm presence between the posts.

Mansfield’s defensive record also boosts the appeal of Liam Roberts. He commands his area well and organises the back line effectively, and with kind fixtures ahead, another clean sheet could easily be on the cards.

Wycombe continue to build momentum at the right time, and that improvement strengthens the case for Will Norris. Agile and experienced, he benefits from a solid-looking set of fixtures this round.

DEFENDERS

Few defenders in the league offer the all-round upside of Omar Sowunmi. Physically dominant and a major aerial threat, he already has six goals this season and 23 across the last four campaigns – remarkable numbers for a centre-back. That attacking output significantly boosts his bonus potential. If fully fit, he’s arguably the standout fantasy defender in the division.

Ipswich will want to restore defensive stability quickly, and Dara O’Shea feels central to that response. Reliable and composed, he offers security for minutes and the type of consistency you trust in a bounce-back performance.

At Mansfield, defensive solidity remains the foundation of their success. That makes Adedeji Oshilaja an appealing option thanks to his versatility and strong bonus profile. Clearances, tackles and overall defensive work consistently keep him in the points conversation.

MIDFIELDERS

Fresh from a hat-trick, Jack Payne arrives in outstanding form. Everything creative flows through him, he takes penalties, and he remains the undisputed talisman. The fixtures may not look straightforward on paper, but he has already proven he can deliver against any opposition. He arguably stands as the safest captaincy option this week.

Wycombe’s improving performances enhance the appeal of Fred Onyedinma, who plays a central role in their attacking play. Direct, energetic and regularly finding dangerous positions, he combines reliability with genuine upside in this round’s fixtures.

Meanwhile, Charlie Whitaker continues to operate as the attacking heartbeat for Tranmere. Technically sharp and confident in possession, he often plays slightly advanced, sometimes alongside a striker. That more forward role increases both his goal threat and overall fantasy ceiling.

FORWARDS

Despite a recent dip in form, Michael Cheek remains a strong option. He leads the line, takes penalties and rarely leaves the pitch. In these fixtures, you would still expect returns, and that blend of security and responsibility makes him hard to ignore.

Confidence is high for Jayden Wareham after his recent hat-trick. With a Double Gameweek ahead and the team structured to create chances for him as the lone striker, the opportunity for a big haul is clear.

Up front for Walsall, Daniel Kanu looks a class above at times. He leads the attack with physicality and pace, and now fully recovered from illness, he should play a key role in their offensive output this week.

TEAM PICKS

Ipswich Town, Bromley, Wycombe Wanderers and Walsall stand out on paper for fixtures. There’s no need to complicate it – target the strongest matchups, pick two, and move on. Sometimes the simplest strategy proves the most effective.

DANNY SAID…

GOALKEEPERS

With a Double Gameweek and both fixtures at home, there’s every reason to back Christian Walton this week. The setup looks ideal for clean-sheet potential.

Ten clean sheets already this season underline the appeal of Grant Smith. Two home fixtures against weaker opposition strengthen his case even further.

For those looking to go slightly different, Joe Whitworth offers an interesting differential. He also plays twice at home and has collected strong save points throughout the season, which gives him multiple routes to returns.

DEFENDERS

The return of Omar Sowunmi from injury is a major boost in a Double Gameweek. He brings real attacking threat from set pieces alongside his usual clearance points, which gives him serious upside.

Few defenders match the floor of Jack Tucker, who consistently racks up clearance points. If he pairs that with a clean sheet, he could deliver a very strong score this week.

Ipswich’s double at home enhances the appeal of Dara O’Shea. A nailed starter and dependable performer, he looks well worth consideration across two fixtures.

MIDFIELDERS

A hat-trick last week has pushed Jack Payne firmly back into the spotlight. He heads into a Double Gameweek full of confidence, takes penalties and remains one of the most reliable midfield options available.

Consistency defines Azor Matusiwa, particularly for interceptions. He offers a safe route to points and could once again provide steady returns this round.

Meanwhile, 14 goal contributions this season highlight the impact of Fred Onyedinma. With two favourable fixtures ahead, he has both the form and opportunity to produce again.

FORWARDS

It’s been a quiet spell for Michael Cheek, but writing him off would be a mistake. Two strong fixtures give him every chance to return to the scoresheet, and he always carries the potential for a big haul.

Confidence will be sky-high for Jayden Wareham after his recent hat-trick. Heading into a Double Gameweek in that kind of form makes him an exciting option.

Thirteen goals this season speak for themselves when it comes to Daniel Kanu. He has enjoyed an excellent campaign and ranks among the standout striker assets for this Double Gameweek, with the potential to deliver again.

TEAM PICKS

Bromley sit top of League Two and remain unbeaten in 15 matches, making them a very solid team pick.

Ipswich, with two home fixtures and plenty to play for in the promotion race, also demand attention.

Walsall’s fixtures look appealing, and there’s every chance they secure two positive results.

Wycombe have found their scoring touch of late, and against vulnerable defences this week, they could easily walk away with two wins.

LOUIS SAID

GOALKEEPERS

Ipswich Town are the standout team this week, so naturally Christian Walton is an excellent option.

I also think that both Bromley’s Grant Smith will be popular. Bromley have been fantastic this season, so he could well challenge Walton in Fantasy managers teams this week.

Mansfield Town have maintained one of the best defensive lines this campaign, so Liam Roberts is also worth a shout.

DEFENDERS

The Bromley double and Omar Sowunmi’s return to action after injury arguably makes him essential. My only concern is that he may not start both games this week, but I think that’s a risk many are willing to take.

With two matches this week, I have to highlight centre-back Dara O’Shea, who is his sides standout defender pick.

Adedeji Oshilaja is also a great pick. Mansfield don’t usually concede many goals, so it would be un-wise to leave him out.

MIDFIELDERS

After recent returns it’s hard to ignore Jack Payne. For me he heads into the round as the standout midfielder pick. Colchester United don’t have easy fixtures, but his multiple routes to points should offer a reliable floor across a double.

Wycombe Wanderers don’t convince me as a side, but Fred Onyedinma has netted four goals in his previous seven outings, so heads into the week in good form.

As frustrating as he has been lately, I also think Tranmere Rovers talisman Charlie Whitaker could be another good pick.

FORWARDS

Michael Cheek of Bromley will always be a standout when playing twice. He’s their main man, takes penalties and has been brilliant this campaign.

Ipswich Town’s Jack Clarke and Hull City’s Oliver McBurnie are also good options this week due to recent form.

TEAM PICKS

Two teams stand out this week: Ipswich and Bromley. There aren’t many good sides with a double in the upcoming round, so these two sides are even more obvious than they would usually be as picks.

I also think Mansfield Town and Salford City could have successful weeks.