Pro Pundits

The FPL squad I’d pick if I was playing my Wildcard in Gameweek 31

Many Wildcards are being activated as fixture swings abound in Gameweek 31. Scoutcast regular Seb, who finished 389th in the world last season, talks us through who he’d pick if he was deploying the chip this week.


For many, Gameweek 31 has been identified as the week to play their second Wildcard. The teams we built to navigate Gameweek 29 generally had one final ‘good’ fixture left in Gameweek 30, after which there is now an edge to be found in switching your squad up and targeting the season run-in.

The final nine Gameweeks of the season can very roughly be split into two batches based on favourable fixtures: Gameweek 30 to Gameweek 34 and Gamweek 35 to Gameweek 38. There are also the remaining Double Gameweeks to keep in mind, principally Tottenham Hotspur’s in Gameweek 32.

Whilst I do not personally have my second Wildcard – it was used in Gameweek 24 and has since halved my rank – identifying the ideal 15-man squad will be invaluable to my own planning as I attempt to compete with those still holding the chip and improve my standing once again.

Note that this piece was written using statistics up to and including Gameweek 29 and does not include data from Easter weekend.

The Team

I have used my current team as the starting point for this, which means we have £104.8m worth of players and £0.9m in the bank to play with. Some of these players will have been purchased prior to Gameweek 31 at below their current price. This should give us a fair view of what is ‘achievable’ for most managers at this time.

The building blocks of this team are:

  • Hold – Players that will stay with the team for the remainder of the season
  • Twist – Players that are included based on fixtures and will be swapped out for more favourable options as appropriate
  • Efficiency – Minimising planned transfers whilst ensuring routes to players of various value and opportunity are left open

The Players

349 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ‘Tis the Season
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Don’t agree with this selection on WC at all. Double Liv mid instead of def with Salah for one. Gundo still better value than KDB and his place is not at threatening in the starting lineup as being claimed. Bale doesn’t deserve a place and would rather a Spurs defender for the third Spurs place.

    1. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      My choice is:
      Mendy (Martinez)
      Rudiger Shaw Phillips (stones holding)
      Salah Gundo Bruno son (Neto)
      Kane DCL Nacho

      1. HammersXI
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        If you don't have BB having the rotation between your 5th mid and strikers will be a nightmare with Neto's favourable fixtures.

        And I wouldn't want to spend 10+m on 2 player gk, unless you're saving a BB which then makes sense.

        1. ‘Tis the Season
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I am planning BB32

          1. HammersXI
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Ah yes then it makes sense really. But moving forward the Neto vs DCL and Nacho will be a potential headache IMO.

      2. Thighland
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Not bad, but not much attacking threat in the DEF
        No Jota either

        1. ‘Tis the Season
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Neto/Jota. Will more than likely change back to Jota..

    2. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Its all opinion. Thats his choice, i disagree with a lot of his selections aswell. I never quite understand the ‘pro pundit’ articles. Pretty pointless.

    3. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Would rather a spurs def.. doesn't own spurs def 😆

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Brining in one after United in 31

  2. HammersXI
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On a WC right now with the aim of BB in 32, how does this team look currently?

    Forster Martinez
    Trent Rudiger Dias Coady Shaw
    Mount Son Neto Bruno Jota
    Kane Ihenacho Bamford

    2.3m ITB.

    Planning to go Forster -> Lloris in 32 to maximise BB. Thoughts? Am currently weighing up Rudiger / Shaw / Neto vs Arsenal assets like Holding and Saka.

    Would love to hear some thoughts.

    1. Mini League Fatigue
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I have transferred Bamford out of my WC team, form and fixtures turning for him imo

      Other than that looks strong

      1. HammersXI
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I'm holding quite a huge sum of money in Bamford. I would want him back after the next 3 fixtures tbh.

    2. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Why not mendy instead of Lloris?
      Is Mount a good FPL assist. He is a great player but not convinced in FPL terms

      1. HammersXI
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Lloris has a DGW and I'll take my odds on 2 spurs game over one chelsea game. Would only prefer 1 chelsea defender.

        I mean if 6 goals 5 assist doesnt convince you in FPL I don't know what will. He is a good enabler at a reasonable price and based on their shambles at WBA he should start

  3. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Sam Johnstone has more open play goal involvements against the top 6 than Bruno Penandes 🙂 brilliant

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Very harsh to call Leicester a non top 6 team 😎

  4. anish10
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you WC this team, still have BB left so thinking of keeping it as it is.

    Martinez Button
    Cancelo Coufal Dallas Aina Veltman
    Fernandes Salah Lingard Gundogan Odegaard
    Kane DCL Bamford

    1. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      If you don't WC when will you be doing so and activating BB?

      I WC this with the aim of BB next week to maximise it

      1. anish10
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        When are the planned DGW

  5. Amey
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I get that this article must be written before yesterday's games.
    But that makes Alonso, Bale completely useless assets IMO.
    Should have written after all the games being played.
    I don't see both of them featuring in PL most of the times now this season.

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ay why would they not update it before releasing it

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Written after the Chelsea game, part of the article you can't see.

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      There is an Argument for Alonso. In my view it is dependent on money spread. If you go for Salah it might be difficult but Jota, Phillips and TAA makes it more viable. Bale will not be close in my reasoning though. Games yesterday solidifies Jota and avoiding Arsenal. Bruno remains a quandary.

  6. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What would you do with this team?

    a. Gündogan - > Jota
    b. Bamford - > DCL
    c. Save the transfer or other suggestions

    Martínez
    Cancelo, Digne, Lowton
    Pereira, Salah, Fernandes, Gündogan, Mount
    Antonio, Kane

    McGill, Bamford, Shaw, Struijk
    1 free transfer, 1.7 million in the bank

  7. Mini League Fatigue
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Played WC, BB planned for 32 with no transfers between now and then (view to transfer out Spurs / city with my 2FT in advance of blank 33). Appreciate views ;

    Ederson, Johnstone
    TAA, Coady, Rguilon, Shaw, Cancelo
    Bruno, Son, Gundo, Neto, Jota
    Kane, Iheanacho, Wood

    Plan to bench Shaw, Reg + 1 I can’t decide yet for 31!

    Only 0.2 left ITb

  8. Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hmm this article is old? Surely Bale isn't a pick that should be recommended by a 'pro'?

    1. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Terrible pick. Makes no sense to me

    2. Kane and Ablett
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Keep selling him lads get him out the template I need him to become a differential again

  9. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I’m no pro but how is this WC draft?

    Mendy Forster
    TAA Shaw Rudiger Holding Veltman
    Salah Bruno Son Jota Smith-Rowe
    Kane Antonio Iheanacho

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks great! But do you know when ESR is fit and will Holding keep starting? I will punt on Reguilon over Shaw I think, benching him vs United though

      1. olidooley
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Don’t know much about ESR....just have 4.2 for that spot....Holding is good now that Luiz is injured right?

        1. Whazza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I guess it's him or Burke then for 4.1. Hope Holding is gonna play but not sure!

    2. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Holding never plays

      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Even with Luiz out for weeks?

        1. Cruyff's Eleven
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Yeah, maybe you're right....

          1. Whazza
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            I don't know tbh

    3. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nice team!

    4. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I take it you don't have BB left. If you don't that is quite a good team. Am not so keen on the Chelsea double up and Veltman over a Wolves defender.

  10. Cruyff's Eleven
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Based on yesterday, triple Spurs is madness.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah, having just Kane is fine.

    2. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It’s due to the double in 32 - only reason

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Followed by a blank...

        Madness

  11. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Couple of question:

    1. TAA, Azpi, Dias, Saiss, 4.0 too much money in defence in wildcard (so much value in midfield money not a huge issue)

    2. What is a wildcard midfield?
    Son & Fernandes + Salah/Jota. Not sure who else even appeals (get Raphinha back in after there next 3)

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Don’t mind that amount in defence but I’d be looking for possible attacking returns too. Marginal beyond TAA for any of the others.

      Looking as if it mostly comes down to Mo or not. Some have the more powerful mid with Mo and no obvious fodder such as Neto but their defences are generally poor

      Bruno Son Jota Lingard Maddison
      Bruno Mo Son Jota/Maddison/Lingard Fodder(ie Neto)

      1. TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks for the considered reply 🙂

        Def food for thought re: Defence. Want chelsea defender but not sure Rudiger is nailed.

        Midfield I’ll almost certainly go for the second midfield if budget allows in defence

    2. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      for question 2 there are actually a lot of potential options for WC right now:

      Maddison, Saka, Neto, Jota, Mount besides those you mentioned

  12. sandman58
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is Vardy worth a punt for the run in considering is form is not good???
    Great fixtures coming up

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      He is in wildcard draft

  13. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Im sorry but this wildcard aint it. Bale? Seriously?

  14. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is any of those worth a hit?

    A) Martinez ➡ Mendy / Patricio / Schmeichel
    B) Bamford ➡ Ihenacho

    1. sandman58
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Beware...iheanacho will be a troll now Madisson is back
      Its Vardy or bust at Leicester

    2. sandman58
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Go for Patricio also
      Just wait on eye test tonight before pulling the trigger

  15. KirkhamWesham
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Am I GTG with this WC, for next gw?

    Mendy
    Cresswell Rudiger TAA
    Mount Jota Son Salah Lingard
    Iheanacho Kane

    Meslier Lascelles Shaw, Bamford

    0.7m itb

    1. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      you have BB still left? Unsure why you would keep Meslier. Would prefer some Wolves / Arsenal players for their fixture swing

      1. KirkhamWesham
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I've switched Meslier for Forster and Bamford for Lacazette.

        It's Mount that I'm unsure with.

        Cheers.

    2. sandman58
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      U need Bruno
      If he score well which he usually does you will be left behind
      Pick 1 of Jota or Salah

  16. space mercenary
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    This is a perfect example of when to shut out all the noise and pick the wildcard best for you. I don't like a lot of the above picks either. Good talking point all the same. Here is mine. I have based it on 3 at the back plus I have BB and FH to play...
    Mendy Forster
    Holding Rudiger Shaw Dias TAA
    Lingard Jota Salah Maddison Son
    DCL Kane Iheanacho

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Going without Bruno?

      1. space mercenary
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yes, but can't have em' all as we say. Had him all season and I just think there is some real good value there now. I am looking to climb rather than consolidate though so may not be right for everyone.

  17. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On wildcard, which combination sounds better?

    A: Salah and Iheanacho

    B: Mahrez and Vardy

    1. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A and it’s not close

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

    3. xHaTr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks chaps

    4. sandman58
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B with Jota

  18. MrPeabody7
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is it too risky to go without Chelsea and city players for next few Gameweek?
    Case 1: Chelsea Players
    They started really well for the new managers. Got many cs before Gameweek 29. Then, In GW 30, almost everyone transfer in at least one defender from Chelsea and they conceded 5 goals. I think they will consider in upcoming game weeks as well. Those who capitalized Chelsea defender from Gameweek 20 to Gameweek 29 are real winners.

    Case 2: City Players
    Rotations, CL. No fix player to play at least 2-3 game week in a row except Ederson. Almost certain to win the league. so I don't see why they are a necessity for remaining games

    1. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      For Case 1: It's just one game, we can't comment so much based on a 10 man performance. 1 is ideal, but 2 is abit overkill IMO.

      For Case 2: If they still keep it tight at the back why aren't players like Ederson and Dias good options? I will rather have Dias and take the change with a strong bench over having other alternatives with less clean sheet potential. This is Pep's team and he doesn't take the foot off the gas though they might be cruising in the league

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Apparently Tuchel kicked Rudiger out of training and Reece James and Azpilicueta had a heated argument after their game.

      Two things can now happen:
      a) they will all come togheter like men and bounce back.
      b) in true Chelsea style there will be no end to accusations, conspiracy & wife shagging.

  19. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On wc, no BB. Second keeper will be forster.
    Which would you choose :
    A) Martinez (5.2, bad fixtures, double)
    B) Leno (5.0, good fixtures, not sure I trust arsenal)
    C) mendy (5.2, average fixtures, prefer chelsea defence if any? )
    D) Schmeichel (5.4, decent fixtures, last three could be covered by forster?, possible transfer in the future)
    E) patricio (5.3, decent fixtures, again, possible future transfer?)

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      mendy

    2. xHaTr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Still Mendy for me. West Brom game was quite the anomaly

    3. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks!

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Of those

      C
      E
      D
      A
      B

      But Ederson is of course most likely to score best of all

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I like Ederson Foster combo too, but it would mean going without Bruno

    5. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would say Ederson tbh. Followed by Mendy and Martinez

  20. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    on WC

    A) TAA, 5.5 fwd
    B) Phillips, Lacca

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Which fwd would you prefer mate, I would only need him for BB35.

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Benteke will likely have a double, and both away games which could suit Palace

    2. xHaTr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not sure there are any fwd options for 5.5

      Iheanacho is fantastic at 5.8 if you can stretch

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        He is already IN, I would need the 5.5 fwd for only BB35

        1. waltzingmatildas
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Maja?

    3. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Vydra? Quite good fixtures this week. Longer term is tentative.

  21. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    No wildcard, only BB left

    Areola
    Shaw Digne Stones
    De Bruyne Fernandes Raphinha Gundogan Lingard
    Kane Watkins

    Martinez Bamford Dallas Burn
    2.6m 1ft

    A) Raphinha to Jota
    B) Raphinha and Burn to Jota and Rudiger (-4)

  22. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Will Bale Avoid dropping again tonight? Would like Liverpool to play signing Jota.

  23. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on WC Draft?

    Leno Forster
    TAA Shaw Coady Christensen Mitchell
    Salah Bruno Jota Lingard Gundogan
    Kane Lacazette Iheanacho

    (0.5m ITB to do Gundogan to Lucas Moura for DGW32)

  24. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone else Wildcarding in 33 after knowing the doubles?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      o/

      not just that. feel ok for 31 & 32

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Probably as I'm not doing it in 31. When will the next double gamdweek be after 32?

      1. kennethrhcp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        35 or 37 (per BenC)

        1. jtreble
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          +1.

  25. anish10
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    People with both WC & BB left, what are your plans?

    1. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Look up.

  26. Black Panther
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    There's still a lot of love for Iheanacho. Isn't he a much bigger rotation risk now Maddison is fit? Iheanacho was replaced instead of Perez on the weekend when Maddison came on.

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Iheanacho has always had these little bursts of goals, I wouldn’t be surprised if he went quiet again for the rest of the season

  27. kennethrhcp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    i'm holding WC til 33
    1ft 1m itb

    A: Bale & Watkins to Jota & Vardy (-4)
    B: Bale & Watkins to Salah & fodder (-4) but means playing 1 of ESR/Veltman/Dallas
    C: Keep Bale & hope he plays twice in 32

  28. inSane in the ManeKane
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    this WC is a joke

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      i think it's because he's thinking what he'd do IF he was was WCing. a total dif mindset to those who actually have to make the real calls

  29. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which Chelsea defender to go for is a real headache, so much so that I might just ignore them!

  30. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Pep " And at Leeds, more than ever fresh legs" ..looks like the teenagers maybe playing this one

    1. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Cue: 5-5 vs Leeds, hold onto Bamf and Raph for those getting rid