Big Numbers

FPL Gameweek 31: The key player and team statistics

Our Big Numbers piece looks at some stand-out player and team statistics ahead of the next Fantasy Premier League deadline.

Alongside the usual stats from our Premium Members’ Area, we will also be offering some titbits supplied to us directly by Opta, our match data providers.

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We’re still running a free, seven-day trial, so register an account today to read the below article and explore the vast array of data and tools available to our paying users.


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1,059 Comments Post a Comment
  1. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any changes you'd suggest on this WC? top of my MLs so going quite template.

    Mendy Forster
    TAA Shaw Rudiger Fofana Holding
    Salah Bruno Son Lingard Jota
    Bamford Kane Iheanacho

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I assume Bamford will be benched until Leeds fixture turn. GTG

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

        Yes mate just cant see anyone cheaper I want. Could do well the last 5 games.

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I have a similar plan with Dallas keeping him on the bench. I'll bring in Raphiha for the double up in 34

    2. Hktrader88
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      You have great team value! You'll be benching a 6.5m player every week. You could consider downgrading Bamford which then allows you to upgrade Fofana to Evans and Rudiger to James. Although Bamford will be useful for the last 3 games.

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

        Cheers. Yeah I don't mind benching Bamford for the next few anyway and think he could do well the last 4/5 fixtures.

        1. SmasherLagru
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          James won't start

  2. Amans94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Had Dias since he was 5.5 so got value tied up in him, but would it be worth going Azpi over him to avoid the GW33 blank + potential rotation?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Prefer to go cheaper with Rudiger but the idea to go to a Chelsea def is fine.

      1. Amans94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah, I'm actually leaning away from Mendy + Rudiger to go Rudiger + Azpi, with Martinez as my keeper (i know horrible fixtures but I think the saves + potential bonus justifies)

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          GK spot is difficult. I was torn between Martinez and Mendy as well. I don't think there will be much between them when you factor in saves and BPS Martinez VS Mendy CS from now until end of season

          1. Amans94
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah, I probably just think Mendy will give you either 2 or 6, Martinez even conceding 1 or 2 goals could still get you 3 or 4. Throw in 1-2CS and he could get a 10 point haul

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

      That’s tricky. I have Gundo, Stones and Dias personally and Dias would be the last player I would want to lose.

      Chelsea’s fixtures aren’t that great so I don’t know what the fuss is all about.

      Maybe another 5-2 defeat would make people change their minds.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Kept a CS away to Porto yesterday. Rudiger back in the team and Kante back from injury makes their defence solid again. 5-2 drubbing was due to being down to 10 men and a one - off imo

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

      Can see the logic and considering this myself
      One extra rest plus the blank and it probably justifies

    4. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I have a soft spot for Dias (and Stones) too but it's hard to keep him. Even if he plays every game, it's one less than most and it gives you a problem in GW 33 as most will have at least two Spurs who also blank.

      1. Amans94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Dias and Stones propelled me to my current OR (2k) because of that GW19 double gameweek. Dias been amazing for me so it's hard to say goodbye!

        1. Hulk Smash
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Similar story for me albeit only ranked 70k. Dias and Stones when all my rivals seemed to have Cancelo has been fun all season.

  3. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I think I'm close to locking my WC. Dallas, holding and Davis on the bench.

    0.0itb and FH left
    Mendy Forster
    Rudiger TAA Alonso Dallas Holding
    Son Lingard Bruno Jota Salah
    Kane Nacho Davis

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks tidy

    2. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nearly identical to mine, cept I've gone Shaw/Dias over Alonso/Dallas. Looks good!

  4. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Why is Son still being picked so much?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      DGW32

    2. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      dgw

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

      Double 32

  5. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Watching FPL Blackbox, if I was Mark I'd absolutely hold on playing the wildcard.

    With a DGW approaching at a point when so many people will have already used their chips, playing a wildcard once we know those fixtures provides the certainty of *definite* advantage and not an insignificant one either.

    Whereas playing a wildcard with his team as it is now comes with more uncertainty, particularly given he isn't convinced by Salah nor by the prospect of losing the likes of Gundogan and Alonso. And even if he's wrong and Salah *is* back in flying form then the later wildcard allows him to bring Salah in for the prime captain-able games he's identified anyway.

    1. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Agreed, if it can survive the week there's no point

  6. Hulk Smash
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Wildcarders - any concerns about having too many players in certain fixtures this week?

    As it stands I have 4 in LIV v AVL, and 4 in TOT v MUN...

    I'm tempted to punt on Maddison or a City mid over Son just for this week.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would lean towards sterling over maddison if taking a punt

      1. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Can't afford him at present as I only left 9.5m for Son.

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Bruno

          1. Hulk Smash
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Already got him

            Salah Jota Bruno Lingard [Son]

            1. Tonyawesome69
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Sterling instead of Bruno for the 1GW punt then bring Bruno back in 32 unless you have value built up. Solves your 4 players in one match concern as well

              1. Hulk Smash
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                Now that's a really interesting shout! Cheers.

  7. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Kdb to salah for a hit and capt salah ?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Probably yes

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah ... just think it very unlikely KDB starts .... I also think he won’t come off the bench .... so if you keep and captain KDB, make sure you have a good VC .......... it would just be like Pep to shock everyone and start KDB and for him to run riot LOL

  8. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What you reckon?

    Mendy
    TAA Rudiger Cresswell
    Son Jota Salah Neto
    Kane Laca Vary

    Forster ESR Holding Kilman

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

      Vardy.

    2. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Dont like Laca,otherwise good

    3. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd prefer more cash invested in midfield rather than up front. Lacazette in particular looks a risk given he started tonight.

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

      Not keen myself - too many uncertainties

      No Bruno
      Cresswell not so effective with Rice out and Masuaku starting
      Lacazette probably won’t start after start tonight - Sané with ESR.
      Kilman massive risk as not played for months
      Vardy not scored since week 14

      Sorry!

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

        * same with!

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

      Thanks all! Great replies.
      I'll keep tweaking it!

  9. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    James or Shaw ?

    or someone else up to 5.3M (have Coady and Rudiger)

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Shaw, also Id consider Fofana over Coady

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

      I like James

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Both good picks. Shaw should start next 2 games since he is banned for the Europa 2nd leg. I would double up in Chelsea def if dont have Mendy

  10. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mendy Forster
    Shaw TAA Rudiger Holding Lascelles
    Salah Fernandes Son Jota Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho Vydra

    0.0 itb

    Is this good to go??

    If Son drops I have 0.1 to upgrade Lascelles to 4.3 possibly like Alioski or Masuaku?!

    Thanks.

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

      Looks good- hoping for Son fall tonight also! Masuaku my suggestion if he does fall

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Son won't drop. It's been skewed by WCs

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Ok thanks for breaking my heart

  11. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Im very sceptical of Lingard after Rice and Antonio's injury. The 2 (especially Antonio) are heavily involved in West Ham's goals and without a proper striker I think Lingard will struggle for goals/assists. Reminds me a bit of Spurs without Kane.

    What order would you put these for the next 5 or so GWs?

    A) Lingard
    B) Mount
    C) Maddison
    D) Saka
    E) Neto

    1. Noisy Neighbour
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C, B, A, E, D

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C A B E D

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

      C B A D E

    4. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C a b e d

    5. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Cheers all, looking to have Maddison so thats reassuring, will give Lingard some further thought

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

    Have Rudiger—

    a) Mendy Coady
    b) Patricco RJames

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

      Zero rotation risk ....

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

    3. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

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

    Who should I remove to bring in TAA

    A. Ayling
    B. Struijk

    Other defenders are Veltman, Stones and Dias

    So A and B will be bench fodders for most week but by selling A, I will have funds to do Gundo to Lingard for free next week.

    Thoughts please

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

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

        Thanks, anyone else please? Really stuck here

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

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

        Why? Can you please give reason..

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

          Because A definitely starts but B liable to benching as per last couple of games

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

            Thanks but I will have Veltman to cover any benching too. Is it necessary to have both Ayling and Veltman on the bench?

            1. Tonyawesome69
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Clearly you have made you mind up to sell Struijk.

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

              So you want Struijk so go for it but not for me

          2. Eh, just one more thing ...
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            This

            1. Eh, just one more thing ...
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              To Dunas comment

        2. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Cooper and llorente the prefered CBs in 4ATB. Struijk will only play if they go 5ATB. Ayling is nailed.

    3. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Sell Struijk, who is less nailed, because you already have Stones who will be rotated on occasion.

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

        But I have Veltman to cover

        1. Hulk Smash
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          OK. You sound like you want people to say A so maybe that tells you you should do that.

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

            I’m split 50 50 mate. I think no one understands the question. I know Ayling is nailed and Struijk isn’t but given Leeds difficult fixtures I won’t be using any unless autosubs are required. I have 3 City players so Ayling might be useful but isn’t the max he going to score in the next 4 games on for two points. The problem I’m facing is if Lingard goes mad again tomorrow, I will want to bring him easily for Gunfo and selling Ayling would give me the required funds.

            Thoughts please mate

            1. Hulk Smash
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Personally I wouldn't feel comfortable with both Struijk and Stones liable to be benched because if something happens to one of your other 3 defenders you're forced into a transfer.

              But TAA, Dias and Stones with Veltman to cover is pretty solid so if you're comfortable with the risk then sell Ayling.

  14. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    3.2m in the bank (for transfer to Son for DGW32) ...

    Mendy Forster
    Shaw TAA Rudiger Stones Coady
    Salah Fernandes Mount Jota Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho Vydra

    Think I’m pretty settled ... any pointers welcome?

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd be concerned about Mount's minutes. Chelsea play Porto 3 days after Palace, then play the FA Cup semi 3 days before Brighton. And Mount is their most important attacker.

      1. Eh, just one more thing ...
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        That’s a great point that I hadn’t really factored in ... meaning Maddison comes into my thinking.

        1. Hulk Smash
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I am so tempted by Maddison. Huge differential potential this week, just not sure if I have the stones for it!

  15. stumanchuu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Best 4.1 defender?

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Philips at 4.0

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

    Why is Reece James not showing up very often in WCs on here or on Twitter? Am I missing something?

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

      Quite pleased going under the radar.......

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

        Ah, makes sense. Thanks.

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

        Interesting and Zoph a Chelsea expert but CHO not able to do same defensive role as James.

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          James isn't 90 or 0 mins. There is always a cameo

    2. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm scared of rotation.

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

      Thanks all.

  17. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    who to start?

    a. Dcl
    b. Ihenacho

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

      Iheanacho

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

  18. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Sterling is gonna start the rest of the year isn't he

    Hauls incoming

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

      Good captain punt this week

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      it’s a good punt

  19. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bottomed.

    Have Nacho and Kane, for the 3rd striker spot:

    A) Vardy
    B) Aguero

    On A at the mo, but B could be a massive differential if he plays. I am chasing, would you go for it?

    1. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B sounds good. Worth a shot.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

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

      A - Aguero may find pace of Leeds game too much

      1. Phil's Stamps
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Good point that. One of the main reasons to go with Kun would have been the Leeds fixture.

        I thought, albeit romantically -as a few others did- that maybe Pep would give him most of the remaining league fixtures (especially when the title is wrapped up) and play Jesus in the CL. But after the line-up the other night, he may not even need Jesus in the CL.

  20. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    With bench boost still to use, which one for long term?:
    a) Raphinha --> Jota
    b) Struijk --> TAA

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      b

    2. HellasLEAF
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

  21. Avery
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    GW31 Captains Poll has KDB in second place. He should see some game time even if he doesn’t play the full 90 right?

    Seriously thinking about captaining somebody else and putting him VC

  22. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone else holding KDB and Gundo with very real chance both get rested?

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

      Im holding Gundo

    2. HellasLEAF
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Am honestly considering hedging with Gundo out to Lindgard. At least will give sure start and bench options are 3 Leeds players vs City..

    3. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes. I think Gundo will start but I am starting KDB too. Would be a huge differential if he does start.

  23. stumanchuu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    8.9 for 2 defenders, no liverpool, have lowton taa rudiger

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Masuaku holding or Fofana Mitchell

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

        Thx

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

      Phillips and Holding

  24. Hulk Smash
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Feedback please?

    Martinez Button
    TAA Shaw Rudiger Dallas Veltman
    Bruno Salah Jota Lingard Maddison*
    Kane Iheanacho Davis

    *Maddison to Son for the DGW.

    1. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Maddison only just returning from injury and up against a flying Hammers side - personally don't see him running riot in that game

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        This for me. 1GW too early to bring in maddison

      2. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Maddz got 20 minutes last time out and has had a full week to recover - I think he starts and maybe gets 60-70 mins. West Ham are flying but defensively? Conceded 6 in last 3 games and Rice out injured now.

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

          This. Frailties and concerns showing for WH this week. Ready to be exploited by Leicester. Madds has good chance of being architect to that potential.

  25. yanky
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    ignoring lingard...thoughts?

    Mendy
    Rudiger TAA Holding (Saiss Coady)
    Salah Jota Sterling Bruno (SmithRowe)
    Vydra Kane Iheanacho

    1. yanky
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      plan is to do Sterling > Son for dgw32

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Double wolves def is punty especially if they stick with 4ATB

      1. yanky
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        yeah but peep the fixtures after this wk (SHU, BUR, wba, BHA)

    3. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      He's not in my WC either.

  26. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Chances of Bellerin starting? I own him(dont ask), so it wont be a transfer in

    1. nurav11
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Higher now without Tierney - having said that I still think Chambers could come in for the weekend and Cedric stays LB, sorry :/

  27. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is Lingard going to continue scoring big with two key players out in Antonio and Rice?

    West Ham could be the new Liverpool who have been poor with VVD and Henderson out..

  28. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC draft :

    Patricio Forster
    TAA Rudiger Coady Shaw Masuaku
    Maddison/Son Salah Jota Lingard Fernandes
    Davis Kane Iheanacho

    Thx

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm not convinced by Wolves. Everything else looks great.

    2. nurav11
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nice side, I suppose Patricio is in there for 33?

  29. The White Pele
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    captain :
    A) Sterling
    B) Auba

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

  30. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    fpl stats not showing data for me. Does anybody know any other sites that predict price changes?