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. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Coady, Saiss or Fofana on wildcard?

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

      Hmm don't love any of them. Probably coady

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

      Fofana

    3. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Fofana

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

    Still deciding on final cheap fwd, have 6 mil to spend. Need them to play in 33
    A) vydra
    B) welbeck
    C) diagne

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Get on the Diagne train

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

        I'm tempted! Keep seeing how bad wba are at home....

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

      Vydra according to the Big Man.

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

        Until 33....don't fancy having to change that 8th attacker

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

    Rudi or Alonso on WC?

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

      Alonso for me

    2. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Rudi

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

      Was all set and then got this punty urge...

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

      I have both. Rudi comes in for Alonso when the inevitable rotation hits.

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

      I have James and Alonso for the uber punt - strong bench though

      chasing a lead so looking at players with biggest upside

  4. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    8th attacker on WC who would you choose?

    A. Wood
    B. Wilson
    C. Vydra + 1.4m

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

      Do you need them to play?

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Want to BB next week ideally

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

          Wood then probably

    2. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Wood

    3. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      My problem as well but am leaning Diagne for some reason. Most to play for, wish he had pens though like Wood but just feel wood will go on a cold spell now and not sure about Vydra tbh

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah another problem with Diagne is that WBA will be probably be relegated in 2-3 weeks, then will truly have nothing to play for

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

      Wilson

      But neither Burnley is a bad option. Vydra could be awkward if you have Nacho down the line with a view to reaching a 6.5 type if needed

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        You convinced Wilson starts?

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

          Think it likely - this is a very winnable one after all.

          Burnley defence has been shocking recently. The only team posting consistently worse defensive numbers in the second half is Southampton. Burnley are in much the same territory as SHU as curious as that sounds.

    5. 2hotty
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      ive gone Wood

  5. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone on WC looking at SOU defenders for a possible DGW?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Would rather eat my own faeces

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

        That's a big call

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No sir

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

    Best captain here:

    A) Auba
    B) Jota

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

      B

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

      B. Auba seems uninterested for some reason.

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

        Auba -> Salah(c) for -4?

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

          Yes

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

      B

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

      A, SHU is too bad

  7. Radzio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC team?

    Martinez or Leno / Forster
    TAA/Alonso/Rudiger/Veltman/Holding
    Salah/Bruno/Sterling/Jota/Neto
    Kane/Nacho/Davis

    0.0 ITB, I feel like a bit weak bench but sitting at 60k so wanted to attack...
    Of course Sterling-Son planned transfer

    Alternative was to have Son for Bruno and spread funds around, what do you think?

    1. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Similar to mine except I have Lingard instead of Neto and Coady instead of Alonso.

      I am also considering to play Sterling(c) and then switch to Son for the double.

      But I must tell you. It is scary What if he benches Sterling?

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

    Start Rudiger or Holding?

    Already starting Mendy and Alonso

  9. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Was hoping to keep Watkins on WC with Grealish returning. But now definitely sell right?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’d say so, no form or fixtures. Tough to find a replacement in that price range though

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Might get Diagne. See what he can do.

        1. Thomas Magnum
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Yeah im with you (Down below) just wish he has Penalties. Can upgrade him to C.Wilson if he gains form/fitness

  10. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is this WC team too crazy?
    Mendy Forster
    TAA Dias Rudi Veltman Philips
    Bruno Salah Greenwood Lucas Moura Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho Diagne
    .1 ITB

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

      Yes 🙂

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Haha it’s about 70% punts so could either end in happiness or just pain

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

          Lucas Moura is already a significant punt let alone Greenwood and Diagne. But I get your spirit. I get to do the same here and it always ends in pain. Yet, fun.

          1. Thomas Magnum
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Need to push for top 3 in my ML so need to go outside the box, I guess if I did it I would look back at regret but like you said it would be fun, Moura reasoning down below, he’s probably the one I’m least confident in

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Its not boring 🙂

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Too risky? Haha

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Moura might be too much, but rest look good for points.

          1. Thomas Magnum
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah just feel it may be good to have some spurs coverage to make up for lack of Son that’s the reason behind him, can be changed though for sure. Thanks for the responses though!

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

    Looks like I am playing both Bamford and Raphinia. Any chance Leeds score vs City?

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

      Lol what a question. Of course there’s a chance. How many people who watch football would have said WBA would score 5 against Chelsea.

    2. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      They've have very less of the ball against City. Chances are slim they'll score this week.

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

    Lads, time flies and i need some confirmation 😀

    should i go with 'a' or Wildcard?

    pope (martinez)
    dias cresswell dallas (targett veltman)
    bruno lingard raphinha son (gundo)
    dcl kane bamford

    a) raphinha -> jota
    b) hit the WC chip

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

      I have a very similar team and I brought in Jota and am holding on the WC.

      Had you considered Bruno--> Salah if you had the money?

  13. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hey Guys, did pep say anything about KDB or Dias playing? Can’t find anything

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

      He said they’re both nailed and that he’d advice fpl managers to captain KDB

      1. Thomas Jerome Newton
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        That was nice of him.

  14. Better Call Raul
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    If wildcarding now, when is the best time to bench boost? Giving me a headache at the minute as it's preventing me from getting a non playing 3rd striker

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

      Get Vydra

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

    Best 2 enables to go alongside Taa Rudi Shaw?

    A: Holding....good baps, fixtures..how long is he nailed for?
    B: Veltman....attacking, poor fix in 36/37 but good gw33 fix. 90% nailed
    C: Masuaku...attacking, good fix till season end, not fully nailed

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B for me, until I know C is nailed. Can do B to C for the last few weeks when I know

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

    Mahrez should start this GW or go with Mount ?

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

    Start Vydra or Son

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

      Hi Hugo, you should back your teammate Son.

    2. Louis Van Gaalstones
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Having the same doubts and then I remember that it's still only Burnley, so going Son (even though I expect a low scoring game against united)

  18. Mr_Barbs
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who to ship for Jota? (currently have 3 city and 3 leeds players)

    A) Gundogan
    B) Raphina

  19. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Sterling C ?
    1-Yaaaay
    2-Nope
    If you have Gündo would you
    A - Keep
    B- Sell

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

      2 a

  20. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Pereira for one week punt?

  21. veedub1989
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any love for Vardy?

    Leno
    Dias Phillips Azpi
    Son Sterling (C) Bruno Jota Lingard
    Vardy Kane

    Forster Holding Shaw Davis

    Sterling>Salah next week.
    0 ITB (otherwise I'd have Mendy)

  22. Dele
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Martinez > Allison or Ederson for a hit?

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

    Will wc next week, have 2fts
    1) cancello + son to sterling + Phillips
    2) cancello + gundo to rudiger + jota( have Phillips)

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

      2) have azpi*

  24. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    This worth the WC or not?

    2.3 ITB

    Pope
    Cancelo | Rudiger | Cresswell | Digne
    Jota (C) | Lingard (V) | Bruno | Son
    Kane | Bamford

    GK: Martinez | Watkins | Raphinha | Dallas

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

    Get rid of gundogan or Raphina?

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

      Raph

  26. YEAH PITCH!
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On WC

    AWB > Shaw?!

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

      Shaw

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

      Definitely Shaw

  27. Peekay
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Can Neto match Lingard for points over next 4 gameweeks?

  28. The Legend Squad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    80 points to catch up... going to be tough. Here is my WC team that I hope will help do it. Thoughts?

    Mendy Forster
    Saiss Coady Rüdiger Shaw Phillips
    Jota Salah Fernandes Son Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho Vydra

    RMT?

  29. 2OLEgend
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Start 1:
    A) Vydra (NEW)
    B) Nacho (WHU)

  30. George James
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Best captain?

    A) Kane

    B) Jota

    C) Gundo