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

    TAA - Alonso - Rudiger - Holding - Masuaku

    Is this defense too punty?

    I know that Rudiger and TAA are nailed.

    Thanks.

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

      I've gone for the same apart from Coady for Alonso.

      Punty but good punts I'd say!

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

        Cheers.

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

      No. Alonso is the punt, but could be gold. You have bench players to step in if he’s benched.

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

        Yeah went Alonso over Azpi for his potential. Cheers.

    3. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I like the Massuaku pick

      1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Masuaku

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

    Common question this week. Thoughts on KDB to Salah?

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

      Go for it. Now is the time.

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

      No way, KDB is captain material and Salah is diving

    3. Nay08
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      if you have reliable back up, you can try hold this week

    4. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not for me if you have bench cover, I don't see Liverpool putting Villa to the sword like so many think, and if KDB plays he could have a field day. Ignoring his injuries he's only been benched 3 times all season and once was just before the break. Big week but he could well play

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

    Alonso to start v Palace ?

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

      Most likely

  4. tissae
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Start one:

    A) Holding (shu)
    B) Shaw (tot)
    C) Fofana (whu)

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

      A

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

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

      C

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

      A

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

    A Lowton Gundo
    B Bellerin Saka

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

      B

  6. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    In need of help! Would you WC this team friends? Possible WC team below... still got BB for possibly 32.

    Martinez
    Dias. Alonso. Digne. Coufal
    Bruno. Son. Lingard. Jota
    Kane. DCL
    (McCarthy. Raph. Bamford. Dallas)

    WC team;
    Mendy. Forster
    TAA. Rudiger. Shaw. Holding. Masuaku
    Salah. Bruno. Son. Lingard. Jota
    Kane. Iheanacho. Vydra

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

      Start Raph ahead of Coufal maybe and I think you're good to keep the WC. Either way, I reckon you can ride this week out.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I am playing Raph sorry. Problem is I might be missing Alonso and Dias. And no Salah(C). Tough call. Not sure whether to pull the trigger or keep it for combining with a BB in 35

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

    A) scmeichel and reece James?
    Or
    B) mendy and Fofana?

    Have Rudiger.

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

      B

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

        Cheers.

  8. Joey Tribbiani
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I need to play 1, which one:
    Dallas (mci)
    Targett (liv)

    or just flip a coin?

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

      Dallas

  9. Gentlemens club
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC team, good to go?

    Mendy
    Azpi TAA Lowton
    Jota Salah Bruno Son Neto
    Nacho Kane

    Vydra/Holding/Regulion

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yep

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

      I’d say so. Is lowton just for the fixture this week or do you see value in him?

      1. Gentlemens club
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Fixture mostly

    3. Gentlemens club
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      and thanks guys.

  10. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who to give the armband out of

    Jota
    Sterling
    Fernandes
    Kane

    Any ideas would be welcomed

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

      Bruno

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Harry. Form is immense

    3. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Jota

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

      Sterling

    5. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Raz

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

      Probably Sterling if you own and feel brave. If not coin toss between Kane and Bruno, can’t decide myseld

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

    A) Dias + Rudiger
    B) James + Shaw

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

      A more safe. B bigger upside.

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

    Start two out of:
    1) Holding
    2) Coady
    3) Son

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

      1 & 3

  13. Gabhini Gupini
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Will. sterling play against leeds?

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

      Nobody knows. I'd say 80% chance he does

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would’ve have thought so

  14. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on this wc??

    Mendy Forster
    TAA Phillips Dias Coady Holding
    Son Bruno Jota Mount Smithrowe
    Kelechi Vardy Kane

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

      Template. But I like it

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

      Looks good. Some may say defense is a bit weak but you should get 3 out minimum every week. Mount is a punt but could be worth taking imo

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

    Which is better?
    A) Raphinha
    B) E Smith Rowe +1.3m

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

      B

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

      There are too many good mids to waste a spot on ESR.

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

        Can’t afford anyone up to 6.7 or above so reduces the options a lot

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

          I assume your 6.7 is a typo? and you actually have 5.5?

          Either way, I'm not sure, so maybe Neto can fit in? Perhaps Neves if stretched?

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

      B

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

    Gents,

    Auba -> Salah(c) worth it for -4?

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

      No

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

      Not this week imo. Next week bring in Salah if it doesn’t mess up plans

  17. Slim25
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Martinez
    Cancelo, AWB, Stones
    Bruno, Gundo, Salah, Lingard
    DCL, Kane, Bamford
    (Button, Raph, Soy, Veltman)

    2 Ft's 0.5m in bank.

    What would be the best option? Cheers!
    A: Cancelo & Soy - TAA & Holding
    B: Soy & Raphinha - Holding & Jota

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

    Haven't touched my wildcard so if you want to come hang out and discuss options in every position before the deadline, this is the stream and community for it:

    https://www.twitch.tv/spearmintspaff

  19. HD7
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How about this WC draft, mates?

    Mendy, Forster
    Philips, Fofana, Rudiger, Diop, Holding
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Jota, Neto
    Kane, Vardy, Davis

    1. HD7
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      (+) Has most of the big attacking players. Dont need to worry about Nacho and if he is nailed in the next GWs. TAA was the obvious sacrifice. I just don rate Liverpoool defence to get a lot of cleanies, even with those nice fixs. He may grab a goal or an assist but I dont think he will get a lot of cleanies.

      (-) Obviously defence suffers, but there are enough players to get in, if someone doesnt start (I hope).

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Not too keen on Diop pick, WH likely to play back 5 now with Masuaku back, Cresswell and Dawson will be 2 of the CBs and Ogbonna is nearing a return. Apart from that looks good

  20. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    1 Castagne or Fofana?

    2 Gundo or Saka?

    3 Bellerin or James?

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

      Fofana, saka, james

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

    To start?
    A) Sanchez (EVE)
    B) Martinez (LIV)
    &
    1) Dunk (EVE)
    2) Digne (BHA)

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

      B2

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

      B1

      Wouldn't be brave enough to go double Brighton defence but think they have the best cs chance of the teams involved and would have one of them. Martinez for save points.

      (Will confess to a very dysfunctional relationship with Lucas 😉 )

  22. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A) Dallas --> TAA
    B) Raphinha --> Salah

    I already have Jota.

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

      Yes

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

      Found a few million in the sofa I see.

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

    On WC. Thinking Sterling to Son next GW, then Son to Bruno. 1.4 itb.
    Any suggestions?

    Mendy (Foster)
    Alonso Dias TAA (Rudiger, Masuaku)
    Saka Jota Sterling(C) Salah Lindgard
    Kane Nacho (Bamford)

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

    How nailed is Kelechi in the next two?

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

      Very

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

    Holding is a below par defender... But they actually kept 4 back to back cs once this season while he was starting.

  26. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Help
    For a -4 Y or N

    Bamford and ESR out
    Vydra and Jota

  27. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    My WC team based on TSB%

    9.9%
    14.8% 4.0% 28.4% 5.9% 3.6%
    57.9% 8.9% 5.1% 14.6% 21.0%
    48.5% 1.8% 6.4%

    Looks so far off the template...

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

      But likely much higher when comparing to active teams and/or wild card teams.

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

    Anything you'd change to my WC team?
    or
    G2g?

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

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

    So Dias will be benched ? 🙂

  30. kenzo.
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Watkins (liv MCI WBA) to iheanacho (whu WBA CPL) worth the -4? Will be switching to Bamford post these 3 fixtures

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      With the way Villa are playing maybe, but if I had him I'd honestly be very tempted to play him this week. Liverpool press high and have a high backline and have conceded in and lost their last 6 in a row at Anfield