With just five matches taking place, Gameweek 31 is causing headaches to most fantasy Premier League managers. How to approach this problematic round? Let’s try to find out.
Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 31 Tips
As this gameweek has only five matches, let’s analyse each fixture and the best fantasy assets from them. Many fantasy managers have deployed the Free Hit chip this week so this might help them pick a strong 11. If you are going to play the Free Hit next week, then you will need to pick players who have good fixtures in Gameweek 33 as well.
Fulham v Liverpool
This is definitely the best matchup this week for Fantasy Premier League managers. Fulham have the worst defence in the league and generally, players have done well against them. Liverpool are coming to London after a huge win in the Champions League against Bayern Munich. They need to keep winning in their bid to win their first Premier League title in 29 years. Manchester City will play their FA Cup game this week so the Reds have a chance to move to the top of the table. One should expect Jürgen Klopp to field his strongest possible 11. The man in form these days is definitely Sadio Mané. He has now scored four goals in the last two games. If we consider only the Premier League, he has scored eight times in the last eight matches. However, he only has one goal to his name in seven away matches. Fulham away is possibly the easiest fixture, though.
Mohamed Salah has been the source of a lot of frustrations among the Fantasy Premier League managers of late. The Egyptian is involved in most of Liverpool’s attacking play but somehow cannot seem to get those goals. In the last match against Burnley, he could easily have scored or get more assists but somehow he ended up with only one assist in the end. Maybe things will change for him this week.
Liverpool’s defence has been their strong point this season and their fullbacks have generated a lot of attacking points as well. Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are both fantastic picks this week. Virgil van Dijk is a good option as well. Unfortunately, you can only pick three players from each team so some of the Reds will have to be left out.
Everton v Chelsea
This is a tricky fixture to predict. Chelsea have been very inconsistent this season. They also have a match on Thursday night in Kiev. So, they have a long journey in their hands. Also, they have already complained about the pitch in Kiev and its potential to cause injuries. Gonzalo Higuain did not travel to Kiev because of illness. If one wants to pick Chelsea players, team news ahead of the Everton game is vital. Eden Hazard is unlikely to start tonight and may not even come on as Chelsea are leading by three goals from the first leg. One would consider him the best option. If Higuain recovers then he should be considered as well. David Luiz is not a bad shout too as he can score from set pieces.
Everton might pose some problems for Chelsea. They showed they can defend deep when they ground out a draw against Liverpool. If they take the same approach, it might be hard to break them down for the weary Blues from Stamford Bridge. Jordan Pickford could be a gambler’s pick. He will be trying to perform much better this week after a horrendous display last weekend. If this match somehow finishes goalless, Pickford could be looking at a monster score.
Burnley v Leicester City
This is another tough fixture to call. Burnley are in a bit of trouble after three losses on the trot. They are just two points off the relegation zone. The Clarets will fight hard to get the win. Leicester City could be in for a tough afternoon at Turf Moor. The physical style of Sean Dyche’s side could be too much for them. However, they have Jamie Vardy, who is devastating on the counter. It will depend on who gets the first goal. If it’s Leicester, then one would expect them to pick up the win.
From this game, Jamie Vardy is probably the best bet. Other good options are James Maddison, Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes and Ricardo Pereira.
Bournemouth v Newcastle United
The big news last week was the return of Callum Wilson. He came back and played really well with a goal and assist. His return also helped Ryan Fraser, who notched up a goal and an assist. These two used to be the best fantasy assets from the Cherries earlier in the season. As Bournemouth have another great home game coming up in Gameweek 33, both Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson are great options for those looking to deploy the Free Hit chip on Gameweek 32.
Newcastle United will be without Fabian Schär due to suspension. Jamaal Lascelles is also doubtful. They play a bit more attacking these days so expect an entertaining game at the Vitality Stadium. Ayoze Pérez, Salomón Rondón and Miguel Almirón could all find some joy attacking the Bournemouth defence.
West Ham United v Huddersfield Town
This should be a comfortable home win for the Hammers. Their away form is poor but they have been quite strong at home. Manuel Pellegrini’s side were lacklustre against Cardiff City in the last game and he could make some changes to the starting 11. Marko Arnautovic and Michail Antonio could return to the starting line-up. Disgruntled fans were angry with Robert Snodgrass after last week’s loss and have called for his removal. Manuel Lanzini and Felipe Anderson could do well if they start.
Huddersfield struggle to score goals so Lukasz Fabianski is in for a clean sheet. Declan Rice could be a great option this week as well.
Top Picks
- Sadio Mané (9.9)
- Mohamed Salah (13.4)
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (5.6)
- Callum Wilson (6.4)
- Ryan Fraser (6.2)
- Jamie Vardy (9.0)
- Declan Rice (4.7)
- Lukasz Fabianski (4.8)
- Eden Hazard (10.9)
- Chris Wood (6.2)
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