Scout Picks

Gameweek 31 Scout Picks built on Liverpool triple-up

Liverpool’s key players form the spine of our Gameweek 31 Scout Picks.

Following DavidNealeTom and Andy‘s Scout Squad submissions, we have chosen a starting XI of our best players for the next round of action.

This week we line up in the traditional 3-4-3 formation and come in at £82.1m, £0.9m inside our budget of £83.0m.

Goalkeeper

My Own Strategy to select 'Set and Forget' Shot Stopper for the rest of the Clean-Sheet-less Season

Bernd Leno (£5.0m) is our representative from the Arsenal defence in Gameweek 31 ahead of a trip to Sheffield United. The Blades have scored 10 goals at home this season, only West Bromwich Albion and Fulham (nine) mustering fewer at their own grounds.

Defenders

From a Fantasy perspective, Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.3m) looks set to offer points potential for the 2020/21 run-in. He has produced 5.6 points per game over the last six matches, a period in which he among the top two defenders for key passes and big chances created.

We believe Chelsea’s 5-2 defeat to West Brom was a blip, a Gameweek 31 trip to Crystal Palace offering César Azpilicueta (£5.9m) and his colleagues a chance for redemption. The Eagles are currently second-bottom of the Premier League for shots on target over the last six, while Azpilicueta remains the most nailed-on starter in the Chelsea defence outside of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Only Sheffield United and Fulham offer a lower goal conversion rate over their last six matches than Newcastle. That could be good news for value defender Matt Lowton (£4.4m), who is joint-top for big chances created among defenders over the same period.

Midfielders

Only two FPL midfielders have registered more shots in the box than Mohamed Salah (£12.4m) over the last six matches. The Egyptian also ranks joint-top among players in his position for big chances.

Raheem Sterling (£11.3m) is our chosen representative from the Manchester City attack as they prepare for a potentially end-to-end meeting with Leeds. Rests against Leicester and Borussia Dortmund suggest the England international will feature on Saturday afternoon and, if he lines up on the left-hand side of a front-three, he will enjoy a decent match-up. Leeds have conceded 20 chances down their right-hand side since Gameweek 25, more than through the middle or left.

Diogo Jota (£6.9m) has hit the ground running since his return from injury. The former Wolves man has produced three goals in his last two matches and is offering the sort of form that arguably makes him undroppable for Jürgen Klopp. Still, even if he does find himself on the bench, the fact that he has been involved in 50% of his team’s league goals scored when on the pitch this season shows that even a substitute’s appearance can be fruitful, just as it was against Arsenal last time out.

Sheffield United still have the worst figure for expected goals conceded (xGC) over the last six matches, suggesting Arsenal’s attackers can enjoy their trip north on Sunday evening. During the same period, Bukayo Saka (£5.2m) ranks joint-second among Mikel Arteta’s charges for shots in the box.

Forwards

Gameweek 28 Scout Picks built on Spurs, Everton and Villa assets

While a Gameweek 31 meeting with Manchester United is hardly an appealing fixture, there is no ruling out Harry Kane (£11.7m) recording an attacking return on Sunday afternoon. He has two double-digit hauls across his last four matches from a total of five goals and two assists.

Chris Wood (£6.2m) faces a Newcastle defence that has conceded at least twice in nine of their last 13 Premier League matches and has good form of his own to bring into Sunday’s Turf Moor clash. Over his last six matches, he ranks second in the whole division for shots on target, netting in each of his last three.

Without Declan Rice, West Ham conceded the second-highest number of shots in the box of any team in Gameweek 30. Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.8m) could take advantage of that on Sunday afternoon having supplied at least one goal in three of his last four starts.

Substitutes

  • Edouard Mendy (£5.2m)
  • Ben Mee (£4.9m)
  • Rob Holding (£4.2m)
  • Pedro Neto (£5.7m)

THE CAPTAIN

Who are the best captain options for FPL Gameweek 36+?

We choose the Scout Picks captain using a four-way vote between our Scout Squad pundits.

Because we use Fantasy Football Scout data so heavily in this process, the skipper we choose each Gameweek is known only to those with a valid Fantasy Football Scout subscription and revealed to the public only when the deadline has passed.

Here’s how we voted for Gameweek 31:

THE COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Each week, one of the Fantasy Football Scout community takes on the Scout Picks by pitting their chosen XI against ours.

The Community Member who beats our team by the largest margin will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Moderators and Contributors League for the following season.

Peteski29 takes on the Scout Picks in Gameweek 31 going with a 3-5-2 line-up of Leno; Alexander-Arnold, Alonso, Rüdiger; Salah (c), Sterling (vc), Mount, Jota, Neto; Kane, Vydra.

AA33 is the current leader, defeating the Scout Picks by a 53-point margin in Gameweek 2.

1,033 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Caesar caesar
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Coady or Fofana on WC ?
    Or any other 5.0 defender.
    Already have Holding and 3 Liverpool so not Phillips

    1. Sam (Team Sam)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Rudiger?

      Dawson?

    2. bautasten
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Isn't LEI the better defense? Think I'd go Fofana if I could afford but Coady seems more popular for some reason..

    3. Caesar caesar
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Also have Rudiger
      Staying away from West Ham defence now that Rice is injured

    4. KGJ United
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm going with Fofana if that matters.
      The other 4 TAA,James, Shaw, Holding

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

    Would you make any changes for my WC? Or G2g?
    Neto or Iheanacho? Because if I dont have Neto now it will be tough to put in Jligz in a couple weeks

    Mendy Forester
    TAA D.Sanchez Coady Holding Fofana
    Salah Jota Fernandes Son Esm
    Kane Iheanacho Vydra

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

      Not crazy about your defence. But could work better than mine below.

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

    Hey. Quick g2g WC team.

    Mendy Forster
    Rudiger TAA Dias Shaw Mitchell
    Bruno Son Saka Salah Jota
    Kane Nacho Vydra

    Seem alright?

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

      I guess so. 🙂

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

        Dias is too expensive imo and not really into Shaw. But hey your not crazy about my defence im not crazy about yours thats fpl. Do you think Rudiger is nailed when Silva comes back?

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

          Yeah. Fair enough. I’m the sort of go with proven pedigree kinda guy with my picks.
          I’m hoping he is. Don’t really know but value is there until proven otherwise.

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Gtg. Similar to me but I have Martinez Gundogan Lingard Vardy (2.4m ITB) to your Mendy Saka Salah Nacho. Tight one.

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

        All depends on Mo hitting it big. You could be onto something but I decided to stay away from Lingard because of Antonio, Vardy loses on form to Nacho (can’t believe it), Gundo minutes too managed for my liking. Then again i rarely do well with my WC teams so... 🙂

    3. For Fuchs Sake
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Neto over Saka if possible

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

        Sadly not. Even money.

  4. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Currently on Jota(c) (no Salah) - but would you captain Vardy instead?

    Other options are Gundo/Kane, but primarily thinking:
    A) Jota
    B) Vardy

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

      I’d risk it with Jota tbh.

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers bro, on form that was my first instinct.

        Hope Martinez doesn’t have a worldy (though I have him too!)

    2. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I have both Vardy and Kane (no pool boys) and going with Kane. I always regret not having the cojones to captain a player in top 6 derby, and tonight is the night, I can easily see Kane bagging at least a pen.
      On the other hand, Vardy and Leicester will have a tough task against WHU, and Vardy aint exactly on some massive form. Just having is enough, captaining is a bit too much

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Fair points bro thanks. West Ham been leaky recently though was my only consideration for Vardy, and he’s on pens too obviously

        1. Silecro
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Well there you have it,
          Kane - form vs good defence
          Vardy - lack of form vs leaky defence

          As for Jota, i see him carrying more risks than the above two, mainly with not secure starting, not having pens, and Villa didnt turn into Newcastle overnight, so I wouldnt underestimate their 14 clean sheets defence

  5. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Easy Antonio to Vardy Swap?

    Martinez,
    Shaw, Dias, Coufal, Dallas, Veltman
    Son, Lingard, Jota, Fernandes, Gundogan
    Kane, Antonio, Bamford

    1ft - 4.7 itb

    Still got my wc for next gws

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

      Yes

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Sure

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Big yes - wish i could bu instead im settling for nacho

  6. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    0FT - 5.2m ITB - Only TC remaining

    Martinez
    Stones Digne Azpi
    Bruno (VC) Gundogan Lingard ESR Jota (C)
    Kane DCL

    Fabri - Bamford Cresswell Targett

    Ready to go? Jota the best (C) pick from this bunch?

    1. Bojam
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Dunno about the captaincy. I currently have it on Gundo. Think he's quite likely to start. If he doesn't start will he come on?
      Jota may not start but more likely to come on. But he has a record of hauling off the bench. Tricky.

      1. No Kane No Gain
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Same Capitan. Literally 50/50’if he comes on if benched. I think he starts personally.

      2. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Aye, not really a clear pick this week

  7. wildnothing
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How about this wc draft? 2.3 itb.

    Mendy Forster
    TAA Alonso Reguilon Saiss Phillips
    Fernandes Son Jota Lingard Mount
    Kane Iheanacho Wood

  8. Big Al Stankovic
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Final touches on my wc.

    A) Rudiger and Castagne?
    Or
    B) Alonso and Fofana?

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

      Rudi and Alonso

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

        Ooh that's what I have

  9. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How come no one has posted clean sheet odds yet?

  10. Bojam
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Watkins -> Iheanacho worth a -4 this week?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No imo

  11. Sal8
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Current team.

    Martinez
    Cancelo dias digne
    Gundo fernandes lingard son
    Kane Dcl Bamford

    Subs - Meslier soucek dallas veltman

    3m itb. Wildcard FH BB left.

    Would you wildcard this lot? Afraid of Salah potential
    Or
    Would you take jota captain in for soucek and bench bamford?

    Advice appreciated.

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

    On a wc, who to go for :
    Maddison and bring son next week or go with Son (Man u)
    Thx

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

      Son. Few injuries and goodbye Son for next week.

    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Get son

  13. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Captain who if i am leading my ML by 40 odd points?

    a. Salah

    b. Kane

    Cheers

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Mo

    3. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thats who i am on currently but Jota was calling me too lol

      Cheers

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

    Morning all. Which from the below please? Tempted by F. 1.7m ITB.

    McCarthy
    Dias - Coufal - Azpi
    Lingard - Bruno - Salah - Raphinha - Gundo
    Bamford - Kane

    (Martinez) - Antonio - Dunk - Alioski

    A) Save
    B) Raphinha > Jota
    C) Antonio > Iheanacho
    D) Dunk or Alioski > 6.7m def
    E) Raphinha + Antonio > Jota + Iheanacho (-4)
    F) Dunk + Antonio > TAA + Iheanacho (-4)

    1. Sid07
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

  15. ZAMUNDA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Kane - Nacho - DCL

    For only a gw captain punt:
    DCL to:
    1) Jesus
    2) Laca
    3) Save FT and captain Kane

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      3

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

        Leaning towards 1. Cheers mate

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

      1

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

        What I'll eventually do. Cheers

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

      Wondering whether Ings is a better choice than Laca this week

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I’m wondering this. Unfortunately I’m stuck with Lacazette.

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

          Having Laca shouldn't be a headache tbh. Great fixtures to come and he scores.

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

            The headache is Arsenal's absolute focus on Europa. May be gone by Thursday.

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

              Definitely getting Laca if that happens

          2. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            I should be captaining him this week really with Sheff Utd but will he start?
            Playing safe I think with Bruno.

      2. ZAMUNDA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah true as well. Don't trust his outcome with Adams, Redmond and JWP recently performing and nailed.

  16. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is it worth making any changes this week or save for 2 FT's in GW32 and then WC33?

    Martinez (Sanchez)
    Dias / Digne / Azpi / Lowton (Dallas)
    Salah (c) / Mount / Son / Gundo (Raphinha)
    DCL / Kane (Bamford)

    Thanks

  17. Rabb05
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Final WC trying to balance between the template team with some reasonable differentiation and no pep roulette! Appreciate any thoughts please

    lloris
    azpi coady rudiger
    salah (c) bruno jota neto
    kane laca nacho

    sanchez pereira cresswell phillips

  18. HashAttack
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On a WC and have decided to stick with Son, instead of trying to punt on a 9.6m mid for one week
    Mahrez was the only player that really temped me, but not after his UCL minutes

    My WC includes Laca ... should I consider getting Ings in for a one week punt as Laca's minutes may be limited

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

      Went the same path with Son. Ings is a class finisher. But not for a one week punt imo.

  19. GW31 Breakout Players
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who do you think will find form this GW, stepping up with a big score, and why?



    Maybe someone who hasn’t scored well lately, has very low ownership, or is being broadly overlooked in the community.

    

Have you seen something in someone’s play or in their stats to make you think they could be ready for a breakout GW?



    Extra points if you give a solid explanation for your pick.

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

      Raz
      😉

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        What’s the team looking like Tina?

      2. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        This time last year he had that crazy game hoping for similar 🙂

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Salah - He is well overdue a haul. 🙂

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

        This

    3. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Vardy. I hope. Coming into some great fixtures

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

      Probably wishful thinking on my part but I'm going for Bale. Has fallen out of favour after that short golden streak. But Spurs haven't been delivering and could do with his incisiveness. Will Jose bring him in to give Spurs the extra counter-attacking thrust against Utd? Bale's hauls have all come at home so maybe this is the week he comes back with a bang.

    5. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Danny Ings @ WBA who are awful at home.

    6. Horlicks esq.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think it's now or never for Werner. Chelsea has a real chance at serious success this season and it will rely on their front men emulating the resurgence of the backline.

      Werner has great stats in keeping hold of the delivery from the attacking play (70% of the time) compared to Tammy who can only muster (51%) in reply. We know the kid is capable. I think Chelsea will scupper West Ham hopes this weekend and press on to make the final of the Champions League, perform well in the semis of the FA cup (but lose to city), and ultimately secure top 4 by GW38. Werner needs to prove himself in this run-in, and I think he will do just that.

    7. ritzyd
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Aguero (c)

      Started last 2 and hooefully another start this weekend against that Leeds defence . . . . .

      1. Horlicks esq.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        But heee soooo old.

    8. Rabb05
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Neto in wolves new attacking formation. Double digit haul this week!

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

      Wilson

      Burnley defence is posting some horrible numbers and are curiously enough down among SHU and Southampton for both goals conceded and XGC.

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

        Oh

        And giving myself a small pat on the back for tipping Jota in this thread last week.

  20. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Antonio out for this GW from what I understand? Will he be back for the next one?

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

      Rumour mill suggests out for the season. Not the vibe I got from Moyes' comments though.

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

      There's a lot of debate on this. A bit smoke and mirrors. Secret stuff behind the scenes sounds bad, Moyes sounded more like it was shorter term. So could be anything really.

      1. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Ah too bad. Huge blow for West Ham

  21. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Last decision on WC, which do you prefer?
    Which £5m defender do you rate the best? Coady, James or Fofana. Cheers.

    Mendy, Forster
    TAA, Shaw, Rudiger, xxx, xxx
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Jota, Lingard
    Kane, Nacho, xxx

    A) Coady, Masuaku, Vydra
    B) James, Holding, Vydra
    C) Fofana, Holding, Vydra
    D) Coady, James, Davis
    E) Coady, Fofana, Davis

  22. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    ugh. The envy of not having a wildcard. All my lovely green arrows soon to be a thing of the past.

    Holding these everton and villa assets in the hope that DGW dropped might be my downfall.

    Martinez, Watkins, Targett, Digne, DCL. All trouble.

    Havent taken a hit for months and its paid off. Groan out loud.

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

    Wood or diagne?

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

      A

  24. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    KDB to Sterling (c) for a hit, or is that too risky?

    1. ritzyd
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Do it!!

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

      Mad

  25. thepirates
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hi!

    Martinez
    Shaw - Dallas - Stones
    Raph - Son - Fernandes - Salah
    Kane - Watkins - Bamford
    Forster - Gundogan - Tierny - Veltman

    Raphina, Tierny, Watkins, Dallas —> TTA, Jota, Rudiger, Vydra (-8). Y/N? Got no WC left.

  26. Enes_Sahini1
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bottomed...

    Wildcard needed lads?

    Martinez
    Stones Cancelo Creswell
    Fernandes Gundogan Son Salah Lingard
    Bamford Watkins

    McCarthy Dallas Adams Justin

    2 free transfers 1.7 in the bank

  27. Atwood
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    2FT's and 0.7 spare.
    Watkins > Vydra sound good?

    Martinez
    Stones - Rudiger - Dallas
    Salah - Bruno - Son - Lingard
    Kane - Bamford - Watkins

    Raphinha - Shaw - Targett

  28. Mesh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On WC
    Coady or Fofana?

    1. beetlejuice
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      no big diff, picky any

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

      I think there is. Fofana is not a Point scorer. He is on something like 56 points for the season. Coady is on 86. Both have equally good fixtures but if Boly gets the all clear next Tues, Id go Coady. Wolves know they cant score easily to tend to play a tighter game now whereas Leic always believe they can score so play more expansive game.

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

    Martinez (Liv) or Areola (WOL)?

    Thanks for the help!

    1. Jimmy Boy
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Got both and I'm playing Areola this week

  30. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you Cap Auba if you have him this week?

    Didn't start in the Europa League too...

    1. beetlejuice
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would