Pro Pundits

The best FPL players to buy ahead of Blank Gameweek 31

Six-time top 5k finisher Utkarsh Dalmia – aka Zophar –  highlights some of the leading Fantasy Premier League candidates for a Free Hit squad.


Fantasy Premier League managers are just picking up the pieces from what was supposed to be a Double Gameweek 29 but we can waste no time brooding, with the season-defining run-in approaching and Blank Gameweek 31 looming large.

I’m not going into chip strategy too much in this piece, with that topic having already been discussed in a recent article.

Instead, I’m focusing on players who I believe are good picks for a Free Hit squad in Gameweek 31 or for you to acquire now.

Most of you will know this by now but the Premier League fixtures going ahead in Gameweek 31 are:

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Bournemouth
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Burnley vs Watford
Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham

First off, let’s have a look at the xGOT (expected goals on target) non-penalty data from the last four Gameweeks to see which of these teams are showing form in attack:



In terms of my own team, Ayoze Pérez (£6.2m) is likely to make way for Sarr ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

I’m unsure if I’m going to use the Free Hit chip in Gameweek 31 as I only have four active players right now (Alexander-Arnold, Salah, Doherty and Jimenez) but with the Sarr transfer this week, I can get to seven by subsequently transferring in Jota and Mané for a hit.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.1m) and Harvey Barnes (£6.1m) are the candidates to drop out.

The only players I would likely miss out on would be Pope, Antonio, Wood and another defender, so that’s a decision I’ll be making closer to the date.

Hope you enjoyed reading and good luck with whatever strategy you decide.


An FPL veteran of 10 seasons, Utkarsh Dalmia has been a member of the site right since 2009 and has finished in the top 5k in six of those campaigns, with a best finish of 17th in 2010. A Chelsea fan based in India, he relies heavily on statistics for his FPL decision-making process.

1,044 Comments Post a Comment
  1. nolard
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Help me out here, please:

    A: Get Doherty for Pereira this week and Sarr for Perez next week

    B: Play Pereira, and get Docoure for Perez this week

    1. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      A

      1. nolard
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        Cheers. I could also play both Pereira and Perez, and do both transfers next GW. 0.1 margin only though.

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Honestly, B. Perez is dead-weight.

      1. nolard
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        I know, which is why what to do first is difficult to decide.
        I prefer Sarr over Docoure.

    3. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Perez needs to go, Pereira can go also

    4. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      B

  2. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Barnes to Bruno for -4?

    Wont play villa every week

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Anyone else to sell for Bruno?

      1. JJeyy
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        Can get him instead of Willian, but cant ignore that villa fixture

      2. nolard
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        this

    2. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Could be ok

  3. EffPeeEll
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    It's often the crowd that affects referee's decisions, cards etc

    game changer?

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Home venue advantage diminished a bit, not so sure ref's decisions will be impacted so much.

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Well... Haven't checked the stats but imo probably yes. Or neutral field imo (besides travelling).

    3. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Sometimes yea

      Shouldn't make a difference with VAR tho 😆

  4. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Hey everyone,

    Which of the GW31 targets do you think are worth getting in a GW early? Ie. this coming gameweek.

    I’m struggling to see anyone, so may save my transfer

    1. Blueberg
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Just thinking aloud, but has anyone said if the city arsenal game could be rescheduled for the mid week of week 31?

      1. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        If all internationals get cancelled, then I suppose it's possible.

        1. Rover
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 17 days ago

          If internationals get cancelled, and domestic games are still running, they might try to get as many games out of the way as possible, and GW31 might just become a DGW instead. But too many ifs as of now.

      2. Klaren
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        City has a CL match on 21st (unless knocked out) and it’s international break after GW31 so unlikely unless infernationals are cancelled.

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      So am I, since I already have 3x Wolves +Liv, + Pope and Sarr. I may get Taylor for Soy next week but find it difficult to get 10th player who wouldn't be a problem gw32.

    3. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Outside of three Liverpool and three Wolves, I am not excited about any of the options. So I wouldn't get one in early.

  5. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    What to do here? Who to bring in?
    A) Sell Ryan
    B) Sell Ings
    C) Sell DCL
    D) Sell 2 of the above

    Ryan
    TAA-Lunds-Cathcart
    Salah-Mane-Fernandes-Kdb
    Ings-Jimenez-DCL

    Subs:Button-Taylor-Soy-Romeu
    (1FT & 1.6itb)

    1. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Sorry 2FTs

    2. nolard
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      A and C?

    3. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Ryan to Pope and Ings to Jota?

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        Ings might score this week as a parting gift, I wouldn't ditch him now If I still had him.

    4. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      A

  6. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Do you think that She still Believes in Phil Neville?

    England women beaten again.

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Neville is such an easy escape goat.

      1. Tony Moon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        Lol. A scapegoat too 😉

        1. sunzip14
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 17 days ago

          “Escape goat” joke is a few pages back. I think that was intentional.

          1. Tony Moon
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 17 days ago

            Ah I see. My bad.

  7. osceola31909
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Ryan - Button
    TAA - O'Connell - Saiss - Stephens - Lascelles
    Salah - Mane - KDB - Traore - Saka
    Auba - Jimenez - DCL

    I've used my wildcard, don't want to use FH for GW 31, have 1 ft, and 1.0 itb. Right now, I have 6 GW 31 players.

    Should I do:

    A) KDB --> Fernandes this week, maybe take a -4 next week to get 8 players

    or

    B) Save FT, then next week do KDB, Ryan, Stephens ---> Pope, Ngakia, Fernandes (-4), then the GW 32 do Traore --> Martial/Richarlison

    or

    C) Give up.

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      A

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Join me and C

    3. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      C. Only joking! B looks good, tempted to do KDB to Bruno this week though.

  8. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Is there any indication to when a DGW might be??? Ive heard 34?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      I've heard that too, and gw37

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Nothing is certain now in European football, so there may be new slots.

  9. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Juventus player Cristiano Ronaldo has been tested positive for Corona virus! [Sky Italia]

    Read it on other forum. Idk is it true

    1. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      You do know the earth is flat, don't you.

    2. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Um no
      The cb has it and Ronaldo is isolating himself in Portugal.

  10. mrodgers91
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Times reporting that all football might be played behind closed doors. Pubs not allowed to show games to stop people gathering in one place and season ticket holders will be able to stream games but still no 3pm saturday https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/sport/games-to-be-played-behind-closed-doors-as-part-of-coronavirus-crisis-plan-h8bcxm2bj?utm

  11. Max City
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    How many points to climb from 450k to 100k now?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Livefpl.net

  12. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Would you rather Doherty or Jota in GW 31. Have Saiss and Jimenez already so cant get both

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      I went for Doh

    2. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Doherty.

  13. LordEllison
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    2 FT and 0.0 ITB, abit stuck any ideas?, Thanks!!

    McCarthy Button
    TAA Kelly Soyuncu Dunk O'Connell
    Salah Maddison KDB Fernandes Dendoncker
    Aubameyang Ings Jimenez

  14. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    All travel to US from Europe suspended

    #justaflu

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      UK not included, not part of Europe?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        Brexit

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 17 days ago

          I don't think a killer virus distinguishes between borders. As likely to be in Northern Ireland as the Republic across our border or other non-EU European states.

      2. ppv
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        UK letting flights in from Italy without any checks

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 17 days ago

          Surely travellers from Italy have to be checked before travelling outside Italy? They're pretty vigilant there in comparison to other countries.

          1. ppv
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 17 days ago

            Hope so

    2. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Madrid (here) is apparently about to be locked down with no travel outside Comunidad de Madrid..maybe Mon.
      #sniffles

    3. CroatianHammer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      45 is a joke. Firstly, Ireland is outside Schengen, as is Croatia and others so his message contains massive contradiction already.
      Second, travel from the UK means that the busiest airport in Europe stays open and half of the Heathrow staff have been exposed already.
      Oh and he did this unilaterally. Never informed anyone relevant. Zero coordination.

  15. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Looks like all the games are being held behind closed doors now. Could be some serious upsets now. Home advantage not a factor as much?

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Probably not. I heard TV companies would be rubbing their hands a bit, anyone not going to games could give them more revenue. But I watched a bit of Atalanta v Valencia, an awful TV experience when there's no crowd going mad and there were plenty of goals in it. I'd rather watch paint dry.

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Possibly yes, not sure what will happen. It's a new situation, more like training games.

      Looks Seria A could suspend their season soon, other sports like NBA has completely suspended their season. FA should do the right thing and just cancel the season. No point playing without the fans

  16. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Liverpool is biggest english club again. Deal with that Mancs.

    It took 2 years Liverpool to became no1 and ruin everything that Man United was doing for 30 years.

    19+6 > 20+3

    #facts

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Need to win the league first. Leagues are what count in England. Despite losing to Athletico they're well ahead in European Cup terms.

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        We will.

        So europan cups doesnt counts?

        Lol

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 17 days ago

          We? You're from Liverpool?

          The English league determines the best team in England, not Europe.

          1. Niho992
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 17 days ago

            So if I'm not from Liverpool i can't be Liverpool fan?

            1. GreennRed
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 17 days ago

              How are they 'we' if you're not from there?

    2. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Lol

    3. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Now say that without Crying...

  17. rainy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Price Changes - 12th March 2020

    🔺  van Aanholt (5.6)

    🔻  Podence (5.1)

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Cheers bruv!

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Cheers Rainy.

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Cheers Rainy.

    4. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Good to see everyone checking in, nice antidote to the news cycle 🙂

      1. ted mcnure
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        Nice to trust a serious fact checker

  18. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    I can't stand all the liverpool haters but not unexpected given we are the best club in the world. What do you honestly think (not hope) will happen with EPL season?

    NBA just suspended their season due to Rudy Gobert testing positive

    1. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      League will not finish....no chance. But, I expect 3 weeks of weeks of games behind closed doors which will be enough for Liverpool to be Champions mathematically. The Champions league chasers should be worried

    2. scubasmithy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      'Best Club in the World' - that is the issue. Athletico beat you home and away, this is part of the problem.

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 16 days ago

        It’s an official title though
        Doesn’t mean you have to go undefeated the whole season. Losses happen and we cop it on the chin.
        Guess it’s the same in most industries. The more successful you are (or have been) the more others want to bring you down

  19. juho
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    I have one FT.
    Pick one please.

    A) Grealish -> Sarr
    B) Ings -> Jota & Traore -> Sarr for a hit
    C) Save FT & start Grealish

    1. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      C

  20. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Anyone watching the basketball on Sky? crazy stuff, utah jazz player caught corona virus and the stadium has been shutdown and NBA season cancelled

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      both teams quarantined in the locker rooms and police surrounding the stadium

  21. timmmuh
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    NBA season in US suspended ... about 3/4 complete.

    Wow

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Suspended but not cancelled?

      1. timmmuh
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        Correct...
        They’re going to assess during the hiatus.

      2. timmmuh
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        Rudy Goebert tested positive and game was postponed just before it was supposed to start.

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 17 days ago

          Thankfully horses don't play basketball. Cheltenham's wide open spaces and not inside a football stadium or an indoor arena one of the reasons why the festival goes ahead

          1. ted mcnure
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 17 days ago

            Bring back foot and mouth.

    2. Greek Freak
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Just watching the last game now. My guess is they may go straight to the playoffs if the situation is better in a couple of months or so.

  22. pablo discobar
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    I'm expecting all the premier league games to be postponed for this weekend.

    Expected to go into "delay" tomorrow following the cobra meeting

      1. ted mcnure
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        Yup.
        If it all plays out well the Cherries can still stay up!

    1. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Will get one last weekend out of it probably

  23. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Tom Hanks and wife have Coronavirus now.

    1. GREEN IS GOOD
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      If he could survive on that island for 4 years, I'm sure he can beat this.

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      They're healthy and fairly young so please God both will be OK.

    3. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      "Arthur Askey's just been shot!"
      (Mark E Smith),

    4. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Seems a nice guy and a great actor. No real sympathy for him though. He’s not taking this seriously like most ppl. Otherwise he wouldn’t be flying to Australia to shoot a film in the middle of this

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        little bit harsh imo!

  24. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Which one are you this week?

    a) made transfer/s
    b) using a chip
    c) done nothing so far

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      c

    2. L S P
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      C

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      c

    4. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      C

    5. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      c

    6. juho
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      c) given dynamic covid19 situation

    7. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      c

    8. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      C but poised over the 2 FT

    9. Moeda
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      C

    10. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      c

    11. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      C, taking 2FT into 31 most likely

    12. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      C, the more I proactively do things, the more points I lose!

    13. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      C and I have 2 FT

    14. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      C

    15. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      C for sure, imagine nearly everyone will be in the same boat aside from a few WC

    16. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      C

    17. ppv
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      A brought back Fernandes for Pepe

  25. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Hey guys....Good to save FT here right? Bench order ok? 0.5 itb

    Henderson
    Robertson TAA Söyüncü
    Salah KDB(c) Fernandes Sarr
    Vardy Jiménez Ings

    McGovern Stephens Dendoncker Kelly

  26. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Scroll down the list of forwards according to points scored.....

    You need to go down as far as Wesley to find someone owned by less than Wood

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Are you saying Wood is a good differential or bad?

      1. olidooley
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        Outstanding differential

  27. TherryOnWii
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Hi all,

    Which Chelsea midfielder would you prefer for this week?
    A. Willian
    B. Pedro
    C. Mount
    D. Other

    Thank you.

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      A should be on all set pieces if mount is injured

  28. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Welcome to Anfield!!!!!!!!

  29. Amey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Pool going out is good for FPL (if the season goes on that is)
    Now the question is to hols Kdb for one more week or sell for Mane ...

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Not good for me, wanted to get rid of Salah as well as Mane for long term.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        Why ?

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 17 days ago

          Don't like their fixtures plus recent performance plus no double

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 17 days ago

            Cool
            Thanks Holmes.

  30. noquarternt
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 17 days ago

    Wonder what they’ll do if the season gets cancelled.

    An average goals scored and conceded and then weighted to fixture difficulty then applied to games yet to be played?

    Any sort of metric would give Liverpool the title, but relegation and promotion would definitely lead to a lot of court cases on whoever misses out.

    1. ClassiX
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 17 days ago

      Would imagine their must be some rules for this buried somewhere in the EFA charter.

      1. DF
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 17 days ago

        What's efa?

        1. DF
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 17 days ago

          Sorry, got it. The FA yeah?

          1. ClassiX
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 17 days ago

            Yes, the English FA 🙂