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. davewg59
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Cannot decide guys
    Lowton or Holding for 5th defender?

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

      Lowton if you've got the money I reckon

    2. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Rob

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

    Gtg?
    Mendy
    TAA alonso holding
    Salah(c) Bruno gundo neto jota
    Kane(vc) diagne
    (forster nacho shaw veltman)

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

    Prediction -

    Whu v Lei
    Tot v Manutd

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      1-2
      1-2

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

        Well rested Spurs getting beat by travelling manchester ?

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

      1-1
      0-0

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

      1-1
      2-0

    4. #Swish41
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      1-2
      1-1

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

      2-1
      2-1

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

    WC team GTG????

    Mendy

    TAA - Azpi - Fofana

    Salah (C) - Jota - Son - Mahrez - Lingard

    Kane - Iheanacho

    (Forster - Callum Robinson - Holding - Coufal)

  5. #Swish41
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mad to go with Stones on WC?

    Coady first sub and loaded team for BB next week, so can transfer out if it’s a fail...?

    1. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Better, more-nailed on options out there...

      1. #Swish41
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Agreed, who do you recommend as better at that price?

    2. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It's not mad. He will play a few games, just not all of them so you'll need to have a strong bench.

      1. #Swish41
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I think that’s where I’m at. BB next week so I do have a decent bench (Shaw Coady this week, Phillips and Rudiger starting)

    3. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Who does he take the place of? If you have Coady to come in then it works but could the money be spent better?

      1. #Swish41
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Probable Keane (Eve) or Forfana...

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

      I've done same.......price is just about right for the risk he doesn't play and you probably have someone to cover him on your bench. Interestingly, most City fans think that he will start and Dias will be rested.

      1. #Swish41
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks, and that is what is swaying me to keep him (which is probably nuts). Also covers a ML rival 60pts behind me...

        1. WHUFCSmith23
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          How about Reece James for similar money?

          1. #Swish41
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Good shout, but I’ve got Mendy and Rudiger so a triple up feels a bit risky! Good option though

  6. Lost in fantasy
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A or B

    A) Bam, DCL, Bruyne > jota, Sala, Iheanacho

    B) Bam, DCL, Bruyne > jota, vardy, Iheanacho.

    Thanks!

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

      Think I'd prefer A)
      It's what I have gone for.

  7. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    If you still have your BB, are you planning on using it in a possible DGW 35 or is the uncertainty of fixtures causing doubts?

    1. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes, I'll use it in the double game week in 35/36. I don't plan on ripping up my team for it though.

  8. 420king
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who would you prioritize getting this week:

    A) Salah (for KDB)
    B) Jota (for Gundo)

    Who would you sell to fund this move:
    1) Dallas (to Phillips)
    2) Raphinha (to ESR)
    3) Watkins (to Iheanacho)

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

      B1.

      1. 420king
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks.

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

      I'd want Iheanacho for upcoming fixtures anyway.

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

      b)

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

    Any of you going without Bruno from now on?

    1. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Tempted. Will cost me an extra 0.5 if I do want to get him back...

    2. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thought about it on WC, but the fear of a haul and his EO was enough to keep him in the team. For me, at least.

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

      no, but will swap big hitters out for (c)

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

    Masuaku nailed now he's back from injury?

    Decent bench option?

    1. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I wouldn't, its not worth the risk for a 0.2m saving. You could always go Diop if you want West Ham and are tight for money.

  12. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    So. Many. Options.

  13. Tronity
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on the below?! Struggle to get to Trent with Lingard in the team.

    A) TAA, Veltman, Masuaka, Neto
    B) Dias, Shaw, Phillips, Lingard

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

      A

  14. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC defense: Rudiger, Holding, Coufal, -----, ------

    1) Trent, 3.9
    2) Robbo, Struijk
    3) Phillips, Dias

    Have Salah and Jota in already.

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

      3

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

    Repost

    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

    Reply

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

      nope! It's similar to my team and I am holding off. Just a bit weary about not having Salah but have gone for Jota as captain as well

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

        Got you, thank you. I could bring Salah in as I have an FT but I think I should try replace Bamford first

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

    go with 'a' or Wildcard? Will there be a better time to use the WC? still have the TC chip left as well

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

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

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

      Wc

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

        cheers. got me a but worried that there still might be a big dgw?

  17. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Think this is the right p0lan for my WC:

    Thoughts - predominantly a 353

    Martinez
    TAA, Coady, Holding
    Salah, Gund, Bruno, Jota,
    Kane, Nacho, Wood

    Forster, Moura, Targett, Reguilon

    0.4 ITB

    Plan to Transfer out Moura and Reguilon in 33 for Maddiosn and maybe Leicester defender.

    G2G??

    TIA

  18. 99Redbaboons
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On WC, Mount one week punt > Maddison gw32
    or Maddison this GW

    1. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Maddison looks like he will start on the bench

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

    Play one:

    a. Digne, away against Brighton
    b. Shaw, away against Tottenham

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

      A

  20. 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 azpi)

    1. Pedaso Pirates
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A lot of people on here fancy Sterling as C. I like that option best. Son back on the WC

  21. Pedaso Pirates
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts about Reguilon instead of Shaw? Would bench Shaw this GW and it gives me 3 Spurs players for GW 32

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

      Looks good
      If you think we will start both

      1. Pedaso Pirates
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        He's preferred over Davies but there's obviously some risk he'll rotate

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

          Yes that's the issue
          Any suggestion for above

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

    Konsa or Lowton on a WC 5th def?

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

      Konsa

      Burnley defence is in free fall right now.

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

        Cheers bud.

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

      You want a Villa defender for gw 33 but Baggies will give everything in that West Midlands game.

  23. Maarrrr17
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you play forster or martinez this week?

    maybe cs for forster, but saves for martinez.

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

      Martinez

    2. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      If Martinez somehow keeps a clean sheet then you would imagine he would be in the bonus.

  24. Pauntley
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which one should I bench?!

    Jota
    Salah
    Bruno
    Gundogan
    Lingard
    Kane
    Iheanacho
    Wood

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

      Salah

    2. Pedaso Pirates
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Wood.
      Kane? lol

  25. Greenbob
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Start Nacho, Vydra or Son?

  26. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Shaw dropping in price ?

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

    Would you make any changes for my WC? Or G2g

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

  28. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you do Aubs to Salah for a -4 ?

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

      no

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

      Pondering the same question. But I have Jota and I'm chasing in my ML so I'm actually considering captaining Auba instead.

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

    Alonso or Reguilon?

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

      Alonso

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

      Reg

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

    Thoughts on Sterling (c) for a one week punt and then transfering him out for Son for dgw?

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

      Decent play - with bench option of course