Gameweek Guide

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice for Gameweek 31

On Fantasy Football Scout this week, a fab four from Liverpool have been causing a stir as the fixtures turn in favour of the Reds and the soothsayers have been playing Pep Roulette again – could Raheem Sterling (£11.3m) reward those bold enough to spin the wheel?

There’s a Friday deadline for Gameweek 31 and you have until 18:30 BST deadline to make any last-minute changes to your side. 

Mo, Trent, Nat and Diego

Top of the fixture ticker for the remainder of the season, Liverpool first take on an Aston Villa side shorn of their talisman Jack Grealish (£7.5m). Dean Smith confirmed that his latest injury flare-up “will probably put him back a couple of weeks”.

Mohamed Salah (£12.4m), Diogo Jota (£6.9m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.3m) are all selected in the Scout Picks‘ starting XI, while Nat Phillips (£4.0m) is Tom’s headline differential

Encouragingly for their backers, Villa have been struggling defensively.

As Captain Sensible writer Jan mentioned, they are the biggest over-performers in the Premier League and should have conceded at least three more goals over their last four matches.

And if we cast our net a little further back to Gameweek 21, no team has conceded more shots than Dean Smith’s side since then.

Jan and the Scout Picks selectors have handed Salah the armband for Saturday’s enticing encounter.

Golden Boot race motivation and penalty duties ensure Salah just edges out Jota in Jan’s estimation, while Pro Pundit Lateriser commented:

Salah has now scored in back-to-back matches and I’ve seen him play further forward in the last two games than he has for most of this season.

Meanwhile Jota was described by Az as “the number one target on the Wildcard”, which many are playing this week.

Such confidence is underpinned by an impressive 50 per cent goal involvement this season when he’s been on the pitch, as highlighted by both Jan and Lateriser, as well as Karam on the Scoutcast.

And although rotation remains a risk, there is comfort in the knowledge that the Portuguese has found the net in three of his six cameos off the bench and bagged a brace at Arsenal last weekend, as Neale pointed out when he delved into the stats ahead of Gameweek 31.

Both players seem excellent choices for our FPL teams but, as Seb advised us, captaincy is important when it comes to selecting Salah:

I do not plan on handing the Egyptian the armband and thus his value is seriously diminished. Salah is only worth his price if you plan on doubling those points.

– Seb

Otherwise the main decision when deciding on the ideal Liverpool trio appears to come down to a decision between Alexander-Arnold and budget defender Phillips.

The enterprising full-back costs £3.3 million more than his central defensive colleague – is he worth the extra outlay?

Last four matches

Over the last four matches, only two players have created more chances than the Liverpool full-back, namely Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m), who both cost considerably more. 

As Seb mentioned on the Scoutcast, Trent has been accelerating away from his fellow full-back Andy Robertson (£7.1m) in terms of underlying stats since Gameweek 24. And the Scot has created just three chances in his last four compared to the Englishman’s 11.

Defensively the signs are also positive. The return of Fabinho (£5.4m) to midfield makes a big difference to Liverpool’s prospects of recording a clean sheet.

Jürgen Klopp’s side badly missed the Brazilian as a number six, and look a far better side with him sitting in front of the back four.

– Tom

In the end the decision will likely come down to the needs of your FPL team. 

Phillips costs just £4.0m, and as one of the cheapest starting defenders in the game, could be a quality enabler for the remainder of the season.

– Tom

While Seb countered:

If I was on a Wildcard, I’d have definitely gone for the Liverpool right-back over the cut-price Phillips as I don’t like looking for value from the best teams with the best fixtures.

Planning Ahead

Digressing away from Liverpool for a moment, Leeds fan Seb backed up recent Meet the Manager interviewee Tom Stephenson’s plan to ‘save a transfer’ by including Raphinha (£5.6m) on his Wildcard.

If you can afford to keep [Raphinha] on the bench I think he provides a great sub and saves you a transfer for when you want him back for those aforementioned fixtures.

– Seb

Maverick Joe

According to Andy, “only an idiot would continue to try and second-guess Pep Guardiola” – and yet, here we are again. 

Speaking after the win over Leicester City on Sunday, Pep Guardiola promised that there’d be “fresh legs, more than ever” for the upcoming clash with Leeds.

Given that neither Sterling nor Gabriel Jesus (£9.2m) started the midweek Champions League quarter-final, they are tipped to make the first XI in what should be an open game against Leeds United. As Neale reminded us:

17 penalty box touches, five goal attempts and five key passes recorded by Raheem Sterling when Manchester City and Leeds United met in the very open reverse fixture of Saturday’s game.

– Neale

It’s even tempted Joe to consider an uncharacteristic one-week punt on the Brazilian, despite Seb’s warning that he’s a trap.

Joe’s plan on his Wildcard would be to switch out Jesus to Jamie Vardy (£10.1m), who is at a similar price point. 

Leicester City

James Maddison’s (£7.1m) return from injury could be good news for our FPL teams, although his price point is considered awkward by Joe.

Nonetheless both Az and Tom have been singing his praises, having picked up on an intriguing quote from the Leicester City midfielder:

Me, the gaffer and Jack, the analyst, sat down and looked at where I can get more goals. Playing a bit deeper, I was a No.8 today, and breaking into the box and getting beyond that last line and really, kind of, almost smelling where the ball is going to drop. It’s not an easy thing to do. Frank Lampard was the best at it, arriving late and scoring goals, and that’s what I did today.

– James Maddison

Tom went on to add that:

Personal motivation could be a key factor, too. If Maddison is to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championship this summer, he will need to play a starring role during the run-in.

– Tom

Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.8m) was lauded for his clinical finishing on the Scoutcast and offers an excellent mid-price alternative up front.

There are concerns that he could drop out of the side for Maddison, having been replaced the Englishman against Manchester City. But, as Karam explained, Iheanacho played for Nigeria during the international break and only returned 48 hours before kick-off. 

For the time being, Neale has predicted that Iheanacho will start against West Ham with Maddison set for another appearance from the subs bench.

Community Competitions and Head-to-Head Fixtures

RedLightning provided us with his usual comprehensive round-up of the latest Community mini-leagues and competitions, which included a new section on a Community Manager of the Week. 

The inaugural winner was Kushral Pakhrel (aka Fantasizer), nominated by FPL Egregious for his impressive tally of 92 points scored in Blank Gameweek 29.

Kushral’s deft use of his Free Hit chip was underpinned by three Brighton players, who contributed 44 points to his total and helped him to a Gameweek rank of 620.

There are five rounds to go in our cup competitions with the finals set to take place in Gameweek 35.

This Gameweek, round six of the FFS Open Cup sees the lowest-ranked manager left in the competition, ronaldez, face Community regular Jarvish, who is aiming for his second top 10,000 finish in the last three seasons.

While Psyurmh, ranked 615,244 takes on 2018/19 FFS Members Cup runner-up Jambo17.

And in this year’s Members Cup, Torpedo will be hoping to overcome the odds when he comes up against FPLMAD, who is currently 1,876,860 places above him in the overall standings.

Neale reviewed the results from the previous rounds yesterday.

Finally, the Head-to-Head fixtures for Gameweek 31 can be found below. 

The scores and tables update every night on the Head-to-Head Leagues main page so you can keep track of the action as the Gameweek unfolds. 

May your arrows be green!


TopMarx Fan of Fantasy Football and Monty Python. "Archimedes out to Socrates, Socrates back to Archimedes, Archimedes out to Heraclitus, he beats Hegel. Heraclitus a little flick, here he comes on the far post, Socrates is there, Socrates heads it in! Socrates has scored! The Greeks are going mad, the Greeks are going mad! Socrates scores, got a beautiful cross from Archimedes. The Germans are disputing it. Hegel is arguing that the reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination, and Marx is claiming it was offside. Follow them on Twitter

909 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Half 6 deadlines are a killer

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Wouldnt have missed it for the world would ya?

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah missed it.can't believe it. Wanted to change Forster to Martinez. Oh well.

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I'm not too bothered, had 14/15 locked in on WC and just couldn't bring myself to lose Martinez. Could be a blessing in disguise I guess (I was going to get Johnstone!)

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

      Apart from too late for some team news, like it as it means I'm nt refreshing till 11am on a Saturday lol

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

      I actually like them, all done and dusted come Friday night.

  2. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Lot of different captains... Went Auba(c) myself. Good luck everyone!

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

      Think he starts up front on Sunday so hope it works out for you

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Sneaky devil.

      Had it on him all week but chickened out & went for Jota.

      GL this week... I still hope Auba bangs in some goals for us

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

      Nobody has talked about Arsenal, good punt. I went Mount.

    4. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Vs Shu, Auba(c) is a great pick

    5. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Great choice.

    6. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Alonso... Again!

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

    Roll on gw32 ... Who's 1st sub - Nacho (WBA) or Laca (FUL)

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yep iwould

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

    Was this the right arrangement of my team and the bench, mates?
    I arranged them very quickly in the end

    Mendy
    Philips, Rudiger, Holding
    Salah(C), Bruno, Gundo, Jota, Neto
    Kane, Vardy

    Forster, Masuaku, Fofana, Davis

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      6.5/10 but g2g

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

        I just wanted to have Vardy, I hope he comes good again.

        And I dont rate TAA for a lot of cleanies. Time will tell.

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

          You don't spend 7m on a defender for clean sheet potential...

          1. Kun Tozser
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            For 7m you want both!

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

              Precisely:)

              And I didnt want to think If Nacho Maddy or Perez will be rotated

            2. Pep bites Kun
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              This

  5. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Here’s the (WC) team. Hopefully won’t fail me too much! Went for the 1 week Sterling punt (move to Son in GW32)

    Mendy
    TAA, Rudiger, Holding
    Salah, Sterling (C), Jota (v), Bruno, Lingard
    Kane, Iheanacho
    (Forster) (Shaw, Masuaku, Davis)

    GL all!

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

      Couldn't get more template

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Getting in Sterling may have been popular here last day or so but I wouldn’t call it template surely?!

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

          Apologies missed Sterling, I've captained him too as a punt but they never go well for me.

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Haha no worries. Expect it’ll backfire but I’m at 39k and gonna attempt somewhere nearer top 10k! GL

            1. Pep bites Kun
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Team looks good - bol for the 10k

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks still have my WC left, so good to see others.

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

      Looks great. Top 10k here we come.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Let’s hope so bro! GL!

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

      It has got 11 template players, see what your template rating is.
      Mine was 81% before this week's wildcard, will be interested to see how it has changed and I have gone quite template for this wildcard.

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

    Kane captain...
    Not very confident. .

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      2 pts

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Salah Cap with Gundo VC - would have preferred to cap a City player v Leeds, but then there's Pep ..

      Considered Kane, but the way Manu play against the top 6 usually diminishes the goal count, not to mention the way Mourinho likes to play. I see a very staid game, but I hope I'm wrong

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

    Did anyone else captain Bruno?

    He seemed like the only non-Kane player who should definitely get 90 minutes that is still a heavy hitter.

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

      I literally haven't seen any comment saying they chose him

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ingsy

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

      Why on earth would you captain the highest scoring player in the game!

    4. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nearly did...
      In the end went with Kane c and Bruno vc.

    5. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nearly but went Salah with Bruno vice.

  8. Nanoelektronicar
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Went with template wildcard, but it was hard for me to justify leaving Salah out this week or cramming Salah and Sterling together for just one week, with Son planned for next week.

    Using two transfers on Son to get him in and straight back out, in two weeks after wildcard seemed too much, especially considering I don't believe Sterling is that much better option than Salah this week.

    Salah and Sterling together this week would mean either loosing 0.5 on Bruno, or getting Phillips and leaving too much in the bank, along with planning how and when to bring TAA. Now, I just get him, and play him.

    I lose advantage of Sterling(c) this week, but I will save one or two transfers along the way to end of season.

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

      And I've done the opposite. One of us will win, the other will lose. Exciting times!

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      The sensible move I guess. Sterling > Son > Salah for me all booked in.

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

        I still think next two are good for Salah, Villa and Leeds.

        It's just I don't get the slating of Liverpool, and at the same time favoring the out of form player like Sterling, it just doesn't add up for me.

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

      Same as me,but i saw spurs fixtures till the end and they are really good,so i will do
      Gw32:Sterling>Son
      Gw33:Bruno>Salah and bench Son for blank

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

        I wouldn't lose Bruno for Leeds tbh. He might end up being my captain actually.

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

          Fair enough. I will se about that aswell,it can go to the last second decision which i hate the most.

  9. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    No Pool and captain Kane, 90 min behind a huge coach tomorrow and a weekend full of stress, sometimes I feel like it is just not worth it 🙂

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thankfully were all busy

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

      Liverpool lost last six at home and scored just one from penalty spot, iirc. Villa without Grealish will just be that team that frustrate Liverpool most. I really hope, Liverpool turn it, or they have already turned it around, but this game is hard for me to read.

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

        For very same reasons, I did not feel confident to get hits to bring in Salah or Jota but easily can go the other way around

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

    Now just need Son to drop before bringing him in for 32

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Towers won't let that happen.

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

        You're probably right, but I'll live in hope

  11. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What was better?

    A) Play Coufal against Leicester City and save the transfer.
    B) Dallas -> Holding for free and play him?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      b

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B. Brought in Philips rather than Holding for the longer term, but I really fancy Ars cs points over the next 2

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

    Missed the deadline with two FTs to use. What a shocker.

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ouch! I've got a spare Shell calendar you can have for keeps. They're usually not much good anyway after 1 year

  13. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I left Bruno out of my WC. Bit of rebel I know, but distributed nicely elsewhere..

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

      I went Saka over Bruno. Need to make some moves with my OR.

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

    I kept Dias on the wildcard over moving to Alonso/Azpilicueta (have Rudiger). Feel alone here!

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

      Kept Dias here

  15. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Last minute chnages, got stelring(c) in and wood, 1 week punts in WC, next gw will ship them out with a hit and triple captain kane

    1. Three-Five-Two
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Same, Sterling in for a one week punt. Back to Bruno next week.

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

        Good luck

  16. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Differential Captain check?

    Richarlison here!

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

      Mane

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

      Jesus

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

        Sterling

    3. Mr. Funny Name
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Alonso 🙂

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

      Trent

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

    I couldn’t stretch to Salah so I got Mane and captained him.

    Anyone think it could pay off?

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

      He has the ability, I've seen much worse captained in these comments 😀

    2. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not if they play a frontline of Jota, Firmino and Salah

  18. Tomas_brolin
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any Ings captainers like me?

    Had a pretty template wildcard so needed it up with my rank at 230k

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

    Good to see some variation this GW

  20. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Moura for a 1 week punt, or Maddison/Lingard as a long term replacement for Gundo for next week?

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

      I like the idea of a random Tottenham punt. The World and its dog will have Son and Kane. Everton isn't a great fixture and surely Southampton learned their lesson with Son last time. Could be time for someone else

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

        Moura posting better stats recently than Son. Not random, just under the radar

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

      I'm going moura

  21. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    updated

  22. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    AGÜEROOOOOO

  23. RooneyforLife
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Played my wildcard

    Martinez
    TAA azpi Saiss
    Salah(c) Bruno son Neto Jota
    Nacho kane
    Sub : Forster lowton holding Davis

    Hope I made good use of wildcard

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Cant read your team. Stuck at your profile picture!

  24. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    No Lookman?

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

    Sterling captainers unite! 14% top 10k EO. Massive game

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Mark's extra bonus factor too

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

      Game of the season probably

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

      Huge mate, huge. Make or break stuff

  26. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What is your record for a hit? And what about when there is no double or blank ?

    I've just made mine this week . Biggest ever in 11 years on a regular GW

    16

    Did you make any hits this week ? How do you feel about them?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      1 hit.

      Stones + Lewis + KDB to TAA + Coady + Maddison

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        good

  27. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Didn't realise GW32 was so spread out, finishes on Thursday and GW33 starts on Friday!

  28. BOATIES FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    FFS. didn't miss the deadline but tinkering with my wildcard at the end and never moved the armband off Kane 🙁

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

    Podence to shine tonight 🙂

  30. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mitrovic , this is your time.

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

      To get red