Scout Picks

FPL Gameweek 31 Scout Picks: Man City double-up includes Mahrez

We have chosen our best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players for Gameweek 31.

As ever, we are limited to £83.0m for our first XI. And, after a reader vote ahead of 2022/23, an overall price cap of £100.0m is in place for our 15-man squad, too.

GOALKEEPER

FPL 2022/23 'sleeper' picks: David Raya 1

David Raya (£4.9m) is our goalkeeper of choice for Gameweek 31 as Brentford prepare to visit Wolverhampton Wanderers. Julen Lopetegui’s troops are the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League when hosting, scoring just eight goals in their previous eight matches. Meanwhile, all four of The Bees’ away clean sheets this season have arrived at the so-called lesser clubs. As for Raya, no ‘keeper has made more saves than the Spaniard in 2022/23, with 124.

DEFENDERS

FPL notes: Conte's rant, Porro's threat, Leeds' doublers

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.3m) gets back into the Scout Picks after setting up Roberto Firmino’s (£8.0m) equaliser and creating a team-high four chances against Arsenal last weekend, which coincided with a new (ish) central midfield role. Liverpool have just three victories on the road this season, but opponents Leeds United were subjected to a 5-1 thumping by Crystal Palace last time out, so there’s potential for points at both ends of the pitch for Alexander-Arnold.

Gabriel Magalhaes (£5.3m) was the most popular Arsenal defender among the Scout Squad panel in Gameweek 31. Mikel Arteta’s league leaders visit West Ham United this weekend, who have European commitments either side of Sunday’s clash. No top-flight side has kept more clean sheets or conceded fewer goals than the Gunners on the road this term, while the Hammers have found the net just three times in their last three home outings. Arsenal will once again be without the injured William Saliba (£5.1m), but there is still potential for a clean sheet.

Pedro Porro (£4.8m) has had more shots (11) than any other FPL defender over the past five Gameweeks, with a goal and assist registered in that period. A home match with Bournemouth is a great opportunity for another positive performance, given that the Cherries have scored just four goals in their last eight away matches. They also concede a lot of chances down their left, the flank Porro will be attacking.

James Tarkowski (£4.2m) continues to offer a value route into an Everton defence that has proven reliable under Sean Dyche at Goodison Park, with three of his five home games ending in 1-0 wins. The Toffees have suffered defeat in just one of those matches, so there is an opportunity to extend that run against a Fulham side that have scored only one goal in their last three outings and will once again be without talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.6m).

MIDFIELDERS

 

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 1

COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Each week, a member of the Fantasy Football Scout community takes on the Scout Picks.

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.

Boleyn Boy’s 81-54 victory in Gameweek 6 gave them the biggest win (27 points difference) of 2022/23 so far.

Our champion this week is Athletico Timbo who has gone for the following: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, White, Keane; Salah, Saka, March, Mahrez; Haaland (c), Toney, Jesus

The Scout Picks are 16-13 up on the community this season.

FOLLOW THE SCOUT’S WEEKLY TRANSFER PLANS

Premier Fantasy Tools to join the Scout Network in 2021/22 2

We’re running a Scout community team in FPL this season, with regulars like TopMarx, Geoff, Tom Freeman and more contributing to the weekly decisions.

And we’re not just looking one week ahead like we are with the Scout Picks but instead planning in advance for the weeks and months to come.

You can follow our team via the Premier Fantasy Tools Pro Planner, which you can learn more about here.

Haaland Foden


528 Comments Post a Comment
  1. George Sillett
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Start Watkins or Isak ? The former on fire , Isak looks full of points but starting doubt

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      I would start Isak. I think Watkins would streak would have to stop someday, and this is the gw I am suspecting.

    2. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      Surely both?

      If there’s no one else think you go Watkins for minutes.

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        There's nobody I would want to bench from my midfield

        1. ZeBestee
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 24 days ago

          Post your midfield Slouchy

          1. George Sillett
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 24 days ago

            KDB Grealish Saka Bruno Mitoma

            1. ZeBestee
              • 9 Years
              1 year, 24 days ago

              Thats a strong midfield. Bruno starting deeper wont help but i can imagine he will have to step up in the absence of Rashford.

              1. George Sillett
                • 8 Years
                1 year, 24 days ago

                Exactly especially with their first choice CDM's back too.

                1. ZeBestee
                  • 9 Years
                  1 year, 24 days ago

                  Expecting Sabitzer to start as a number 10 again with Bruno and Casemiro in the mid pivot but yeah Bruno out isnt the right time given u have waited for this gw since you brought in

              2. Gazwaz80
                • 4 Years
                1 year, 24 days ago

                Bruno may not start as deep with Rash out and Cas back…

      2. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        This

    3. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      I'm starting Watkins over Isak

  2. thomashl
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Start one:

    A) DDG
    B) Raya

    (no Shaw)

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      1

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        Makes sense Raya coz of the Utd defense injuries.

    2. Gazzpfc
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      Same dilemma I’m on Raya

    3. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      I'm starting Raya

    4. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      A

    5. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      I’ve the same two and going for Raya.

  3. Gazzpfc
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Gw 32 lose Haaland for a week

    Haaland and Maddison
    Darwin and Salah -4

    Yea or no???

  4. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    A) Chilwell to Ake (free)
    B) Bruno to Grealish (free)
    C) Chilwell + Bruno > TAA + Grealish (-4)
    D) Something else

    1FT 0.0ITB
    Raya
    Trippier Schar Chilwell
    Bruno Saka Mitoma March
    Haaland Kane Watkins

    Kepa Pinnock Estupinan Rashford

    Thanks

    1. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      B

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        Cheers

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      B

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        Cheers

    3. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      C

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        Thanks

  5. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Who to start alongside Raya, Chillwell & Trippier?

    A) Mings
    B) Botman
    C) Henry

    Cheers

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      C

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        cheers

    2. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      C. Wolves dont score many and I can see the odd Brentford cleansheet.

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        ta

    3. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      CS odds:

      Newcastle - 13/8
      Brentford - 9/4
      Villa - 3/1

  6. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Any Pool mids worth looking at? Salah too expensive. Want a replacement for Rash who plays next GW

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      Diaz could be gold but perhaps just a little to early.

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        Decent shout if we knew he would start

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      All too much of a rotation risk for my liking

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        Think you're right

  7. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Start one-

    A Henry
    B Shaw

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      b

  8. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Hi all, 1 FT and 2.2 ITB. Will FH next week in GW32

    A - Chilwell > TAA (bench Rash and play March)
    B - Rash > Grealish
    C - Other suggestion?

    Raya
    Chilwell - Trippier - Estu
    Saka - Marti - Mitoma - Rash
    Kane - Watkins - Haaland

    Kepa - March - Botman - Shaw

  9. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Bench mitoma or march? Cheers

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      March

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        Cheers

  10. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Thinking of starting Tarkowski over Chilwell. I know this is a risk but since Lamps said he will rotate a lot, can see a much weaker side this weekend. Also starting both of my Brighton mids.

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      I've got rid of Chilwell for Tarkowski. Lampard is clueless and Chelsea need the season to end

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        Starting him?

    2. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      Chillwell will surely be the only one not rotated though?

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      I mean I can see Everton winning to nil tomorrow personally so I'd go for it

  11. Well you know, Triffic
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Is Trent a trap given that Pool can't keep cleansheets.

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      He has been given the inverted RB role recently where he plays as a midfielder when they have the ball hence expecting a better attacking output but Pool do concede a lot and thats the main issue. Also Konate a doubt.

  12. Gazzpfc
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Will Chillwell play given Lampard saying rotation

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      Of course he will. Suspended in the Champions League

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      Leaning towards keeping but he has been dreadful

  13. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Start 1:

    1) Mings
    2) Shaw
    3) Henry

  14. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    If you have Raya who to play
    A- Chilwell
    B- Henry
    C- Shaw

  15. Alan Watts
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Ederson
    Trippier. Chilwell. Estupinan
    Saka. Martinelli Rashford Mitoma
    Haaland. Kane. Tony

    Ward. Tarkowski. Maddison. Bueno
    2.0m itb No chips left

    1) save ft , let Maddison or Tarkowski sub in for Rashford

    -Sounds like Rashford could be back in a couple of weeks.

    - 2fts for bgw32, get in 2 liv and couple of others

    - more info etc

    2) Rashford to Grealish , free
    - doubts on Grealish start, short on bgw32 players

    3) Rashford and Maddison out for Salah and Andreas , -4

    Gets 2 bgw 32 players to give c. 9, "differential" Salah vs Leeds

    4) Something else

  16. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Call me crazy but I might transfer Andreas in instead of Grealish. That will also enable to keep Kane down the line if I want.

    Saka, Maddison -> Salah, Andreas (-4)

    Stupid or genious?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      Crazy.

    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      You're not the only one that's thought of that move 😆

    3. Essan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      exactly the move I am thinking about (but with 2 FTs)

  17. Reece’s Pieces
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    This game takes so much thought, research and guess work! Finally committed to 2 Brighton mids and a transfer of Ode to Grealish.

    Now I wait for my close alternatives to punish me …

  18. Rojo's Modern Life
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    "Our champion this week is Athletico Timbo who has gone for the following: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, White, Keane;"

    Double Everton defence? Dude...

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      😆

  19. Gazwaz80
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Start Martinez ( New H) or Steele (Che A)?
    Cheers…

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      Martinez

    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      You may have the choice taken out of your hands...

      Clean sheet odds suggest they'll both concede and tbh I'm not sure (listening to the rumours) that Steele starts...

      BHA: 27%
      AST: 24%

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        Cheers chaps, thanks for your input…

  20. AD105
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    G2G or take a hit? 2.2 ITB

    Kepa
    Tripps Gabriel Chilly
    Saka Martinelli Mitoma MacAllister
    Haaland Kane Watkins

    Steele Shaw Madders Botman

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      1FT?

      1. AD105
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        Already used..

        1. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 24 days ago

          Ouch...

  21. GW31 Fixture and clean sheet odds
    G-Whizz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    GW31 fixture odds can be found here:
    https://prnt.sc/R-wQlTBhfkYi
    (Provided by William Hill.com)

    GW30 clean sheets:
    MNC: 52% ❌
    MNU: 45% ✅
    AST: 42% ✅
    CHE: 40% ❌
    LEI: 38% ❌
    LEE: 36% ❌
    NEW: 34% ❌
    FUL: 29% ❌
    WHU: 29% ✅
    TOT: 27% ❌
    BHA: 25% ❌
    BRE: 25% ❌
    CRY: 25% ❌
    ARS: 24% ❌
    LIV: 24% ❌
    WOL: 24% ✅
    NFO: 19% ❌
    BOU: 17% ✅
    EVE: 15% ❌
    SOU: 10% ❌

    Highest clean sheet % odds current success rate: 42% down 1% from the previous GW)

    GW31 clean sheet odds:
    MNC: 52%
    ARS: 43%
    TOT: 43%
    MNU: 40%
    EVE: 38%
    LIV: 34%
    NEW: 34%
    WOL: 34%
    CRY: 32%
    SOU: 32%
    BRE: 29%
    BHA: 27%
    CHE: 27%
    FUL: 25%
    AST: 24%
    LEE: 16%
    NFO: 16%
    WHU: 16%
    BOU: 14%
    LEI: 6%
    (Provided by Checkthechance.com)

    Clean sheet totals:
    Man Utd: 13 (+1)
    Newcastle: 13
    Arsenal: 12
    Liverpool: 11
    Aston Villa: 10 (+1)
    Chelsea: 10
    Manchester City: 10
    Brentford: 9
    Brighton: 9
    Tottenham: 9
    Fulham: 8
    Wolves: 8 (+1)
    Bournemouth: 7 (+1)
    Everton: 7
    Nottingham Forest: 7
    West Ham: 7 (+1)
    Crystal Palace: 6
    Leicester: 6
    Leeds: 5
    Southampton: 4

    *(+1) denotes team kept a clean sheet in the past GW.

    Half decent week for me, Ollie got me out of a pickle especially with that Haaland geezer doing bits again lol

    I'll take the green arrow and run, and won't be making that mistake again (for a while at least 😆 )...

    Rashford to Grealish done ✅ can always bring him back for Barnes in GW34 IF he's fit by then...

    Anyway, enough about me, whatever your moves this week may your arrows green!!!

    G

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      Are these utd odds before or after Martinez injury? Slabhead starting surely cuts those odds in half

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        😆

        Before...

    2. Oneman
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 20 days ago

      Thanks for posting. Leicester 6% chance of clean sheet Vs wolves seems harsh though!

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 20 days ago

        You're in the wrong week mate

  22. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Which one to start?
    A) Chilwell
    B) Mings
    C) Estupiñán

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      C

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      A
      C if you are starting Kepa

  23. T.Henry14
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Save transfer here?
    Or
    Rash&Chilwell to Grealish & defender who plays GW33, for -4

    Pope
    Trippier, Chilwell, A.Moreno, Tark (White)
    Salah, Martinelli, Mitoma (Rashford, Jensen)
    Haaland, Kane, Watkins

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      Are you playing FH chip in GW32?
      If so, just make Rash to Grealish move

  24. DagheMunegu
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Raya
    Chilwell Shaw Trippier
    Martinelli Bruno March Mitoma
    Watkins Kane Haaland

    Rash Botman Estupinan

    What about this plan guys ?

    31- Bruno Rash to Salah Andreas
    32- FH
    33- Roll
    34- Kane Martinelli Chilwell to Darwin Rashford TAA -4

    Gives me in 34

    Raya
    TAA Shaw Estupinan
    Salah Rashford March Mitoma
    Haaland Darwin

    And will have to decide if if play Andreas who has a double, Watkins or Trippier

  25. Jon Snow
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Definitely mugged myself off using up my FH, want to go Maddo/Rash >> Grealish but already only have 8 playing in GW32

  26. D.Glynn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    If you owned Nunez would you keep or sell for Jesus for -4? No FH and WC 33

  27. XX SMICER XX
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Complete my WC

    A. Konate & Rashford/Sancho
    B. Robertson & March

    Steele Iverson
    XXX TAA Shaw Botman Fofana
    XXX Mitoma Salah Mahrez Grealish
    Haaland Kane Greenwood

    Thanks!

  28. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Looking at free hit for next week and the popular teams will be Liverpool, Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Brentford and maybe Bournemouth.

    Results in the return fixtures earlier this season: 1-0 loss, 1-1 draw, 3-0 loss, 4-0 loss and 2-0 loss. Yikes.

    Leicester meanwhile being treated like FPL leprosy but smashed Wolves 0-4 earlier this season...

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      What would you say the Leicester result will be on current form?

      1. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        Not sure. Need to see how Smith sets them up this weekend and it's a shame that City at the Etihad is not going to give many clues as to attacking shape against beatable teams.

        Prior to 0-4 at Moleneux, they lost their last 5 away games, conceding 19 goals. Form can change. And with a new manager and coaching setup, it can change quite quickly.

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      I would pick defenders based on fixtures so would go for Arsenal/Liverpool/Palace/Brentford defenders. Also those teams have got most of the in-form attacking players at the moment which is what I would use to pick my midfielders/forwards for a FH.
      So Saka/Salah/Martinelli/Toney/Jesus/Olise etc would be in.

  29. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Thoughts?

    Maddi to Bruno or Grealish?

    1 FT, 1.8itb, playing FH32

    Raya
    Trip Estup Shaw
    Saka March MacA Madd
    Haaland Kane Watkins

    Kepa Rash Schar Pinnock

  30. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 24 days ago

    Free hitting next week so I have to use my transfer this week.. team is

    Ddg (Steele)
    Trippier Chilwell Shaw (Schar Burn)
    Mitoma March Salah Grealish (Rashford)
    Haaland(c) Watkins Havertz
    1.3 in the bank

    Planning on
    Havertz to Jesus/Darwin this week (literally no options upfront)

    And will FH in GW32 and then swap Chilwell for Diaz for GW 33.

    Are there better uses for my transfers?

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 24 days ago

      Nope, think moving Havertz on is the right call

      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 24 days ago

        Thanks mate. Really want to punt on Nunez for gw31, 33,34 over Jesus due to the double...but it seems so risky. May go Jesus. Cheers