Fantasy Football Tips and Captain Picks Gameweek 31

Fantasy Football Tips and Captain Picks Gameweek 31

Welcome to Fantasy Football Tips and Captain Picks Gameweek 31. We may be masochist’s in many respects but we don’t (normally!) treat our writers in the same fashion. In a week with just four fixtures, asking our Tips writer to do anything other than name the bleeding obvious seemed cruel. Asking this week’s Captain writer to knock out an article to justify anyone but a Liverpool player, and in particular one named Mo, seemed… absurd. And painful.

Instead… we’ve asked them all to do both!

Sort of. We’ve expanded the thought process a bit though and have asked them all a series of questions about not only BGW31 but also about their plans for the weeks ahead and also their chip strategy. And their captain for this week (spoiler alert: it’s Salah).

We just didn’t expect so many of them to respond! And so you have before you possibly the longest ever article in the shortest ever week.

To put a slight twist on it, we’ve featured them in order of their FPL rank this season. This isn’t to say that one piece of advice is better than another, by any means, nor is it designed to name & shame them! (Although they didn’t know we were doing this, so some may never write for us again!) We’ve done this deliberately though as every manager’s scenario is different and you may empathise with one rather than another based upon your current position, be that leading a ML, or chasing one, or have a different set of chips left, or simply be trying to claw back some degree of respectability.

There should be something for everyone in here, it may just take a few days to find it!

Over to the team:

Gallant Pioneer – current rank 2,042
How many players are you planning on going with for BGW31?
I think 9 or 10. Although in theory, two of these won’t play (Kenny/DCL) but I can but hope. If it turns out that it is just 7 or 8 then I think that is cover enough for this particular gameweek.

Who are you bringing in this week and why?
I think I’ll bring in Lossl of Huddersfield in place of Adrian (who didn’t play and West Ham are poison just now in any case) and Lossl gives a decent alternative to DDG in the coming weeks. Possibly another midfielder as well.

Are you taking any hits to accommodate this?
I won’t need a hit for this one transfer but I will consider a hit to bring in another midfielder as a one-off one-week replacement for either Sterling or Eriksen. This will be an Everton midfielder or perhaps I’ll back Mr Kop’s judgement and give Alex Pritchard of Huddersfield a whirl.

Thoughts on taking hits along the ‘-2 theory’ this week….
I like this theory in principle, always have but I just keep returning to the fixture list and I’m not impressed at all. I think I’ll probably take my one hit and then leave it at that.

What are your plans beyond this week in terms of Chips / Wildcard?
Like I was asked for GABO earlier this year, I still have no plan for use of my remaining chips (Bench Boost, Wildcard and Free Hit remain). I think it will be obvious when the BB and FH should be used once the Double Gameweeks are set, but I haven’t felt the overwhelming urge to Wilidcard and as long as I don’t, I’ll keep it tucked away. I am conscious that time is running out though. They can’t make you use it can they?

Who is your Captain this week and why?
It will be Salah or Firmino. It may have to be Salah for protection purposes as the world and his wife will give the Egyptian the armband.

Swirly – current rank 13,821
How many players are you planning on going with for BGW31?

I was originally going to have nine players, however Aguero and Kane then had other ideas with their injuries. “But they’re not playing!”, I hear you shriek. Well, that’s true – however the two players are being sold by the shed load at the moment and so their price will also go the same way – it works out better this time to also jump ship and then get them back when they’re better, rather than lose value. So, it looks like I’ll be taking a hit and having 10 players now.

Who are you bringing in this week and why?
I’ve already brought in Mounie and will definitely bring in Mane when I have worked out who drop to for him between Sterling and Son. Wilson will most likely come in too, as he faces a horrendous West Brom side.

Are you taking any hits to accommodate this?
The one hit and so four points (or two, really) forfieited.

Thoughts on taking hits along the ‘-2 theory’ this week….
I think it’s a valid theory, so long as you’re not losing too much value in the person you’re selling. With all hits, too, you’re still giving up points and so you have to be sure of yourself!

What are your plans beyond this week in terms of Chips / Wildcard?
Looking to use the wildcard for GW32 which, I think, should be when we have a better idea of when the double gameweeks will be. Triple captain and bench boost are reserved for the double gameweeks and the free hit can get used on the next blank gameweek, number 35.

Who is your Captain this week and why?
Salah because, well, Salah. The last time Watford travelled to Anfield, it ended up 6-1 to the home side and so a repeat of that with the Egyptian in and amongst it would be great. It comes to something when he does nothing against United (from a fantasy perspective) and still outscores Aguero and Kane!

Cookie – current rank 14,292
How many players are you planning on going with for BGW31?
It looks like I’ll have nine players, assuming that dumbass Walcott recovers from his cramp.

Who are you bringing in this week and why?
I will likely be bringing in Jack Butland and Josh King. The King option is dependent on Howe implying he will play when he holds his Friday presser. He will likely come in for Kane. I would prefer the safety and form of Stanislas but I already have four playing mids this week and won’t be selling Mahrez. I do also like the Zaha option but I want Mahrez more for next week than I want Zaha for this week. If that makes sense.

Are you taking any hits to accommodate this?
Yes I will take a 4pt hit for the two transfers.

Thoughts on taking hits along the ‘-2 theory’ this week….
My ‘-2 hit’ is for a keeper!! I have no playing keeper as I currently own Ederson and Elliot. Butland seems to be as good a shout as any this week; Stoke don’t let in many at home and Everton don’t score many away, so I’m confident Butland will deliver at least 2pts with the obvious upside of a clean sheet and save points. Butland has collected save points in each of his last five matches and remarkably in 14 of his last 16 matches and bonus points in two of his last three and four of his last seven matches. Since returning from injury, Butland has not failed to score less than 2pts so it would appear, historically at least, to be a relatively risk(ish) free punt.

What are your plans beyond this week in terms of Chips / Wildcard?
I will likely wildcard in GW33, play Bench Boost in DGW34 and probably Free Hit in GW35. That’s the plan at the moment anyway!

Who is your Captain this week and why?
Has to be Salah I think. No point gambling this week – the world and his wife will capo Salah, that’s assuming Ashley Young releases him from his pocket in time 😉

Mito – current rank 31,563
How many players are you planning on going with for BGW31?
It will be 9 or 10 for me, just depends on how many hits I am willing to take. I do have two free transfers though, so could have 8 with no hits, but likely will gamble a bit and go in for more.

Who are you bringing in this week and why?
Probably 2 Bournemouth players, Zaha and possibly another defender or a keeper.

Stanislas has a goal or an assist in 4 of his last 7, so I am willing to take a chance on him, but there’s a problem. I have 4 mids who will likely play already and I want the next guy more than Junior.

Zaha looked sharp in his return and ready to contribute, so he is definitely in. Besides LFC players I believe he is the guy I most want to own in this blank.

Since I can’t get Stanislas I could take Bego and possibly a Cherry forward or Tosun.

Not really sure on the possible last pick, it would likely be a defender if I did grab another player and besides LFC I am not exactly high on any defence getting a CS and would already have 3 LFC and 3 Bournemouth so I might just leave as is. This will probably be a deadline decision.

Are you taking any hits to accommodate this?
Yeah, as explained above, it be one or two if I decided to get that last defender in.

Thoughts on taking hits along the ‘-2 theory’ this week….
If the players are LFC and Zaha, I don’t mind at all. The next level down there is a set of players I don’t love, but would be willing to justify with the -2 theory are the guys from Bournemouth, but I will be bringing them in for free.

So a couple of things, I am usually for and have always been for the -2 theory. However it is easily more justifiable when you can think of players who are worth using it on that one doesn’t already own and only Zaha falls in that category for me. What is kind of making me want to just go balls out is the WC. My plan is to use it right away, so is not like I will be stuck with a bunch of players I don’t want going forward. Yet the options on paper are so crap…if my past behaviour is any indicator, expect me to get 2 Bournemouth and Zaha for -4 on Friday. Then on Saturday right before the deadline go in for another hit or three.

Tosun, Bego and Zaha in for good Mito.

Tosun, Bego, Zaha, A. Smith and Ince in for bad Mito.

What are your plans beyond this week in terms of Chips / Wildcard?
That hasn’t changed much in several weeks. WC in 32, BB in 34, FH in 35 and TC in 37.

Who is your Captain this week and why?
Eh? What kind of a question is this?

Look, as I understand it, Ashley Young will not play for Watford this weekend, so I expect regular service from Salah to return.

AT – current rank 52,215
How many players are you planning on going with for BGW31?
I currently have six due to my inability to transfer in players who are actually going to start the gameweek over recent weeks! Ideally I would have more, but I don’t see the week being particularly high-scoring any way, at least for non-Liverpool players. I will probably bring in 3 more, with my 2FTs. A -4 sounds alright to me this week. I might even take a -8 at 11.29am if I get nervous about my team being tantamount to bringing a knife to a gun fight. In short, probably 9, maybe 10.

Who are you bringing in this week and why?
One recruit is certain: Sadio Mane. He may have only notched one double-figure point haul all season, and only scored four and assisted two in his last ten matches, but his underlying stats look fairly promising and, heck, he is in that Liverpool trio! He is also at home to Watford, a side that have conceded ten in their last five away games, and Liverpool have scored 19 in their last six at home (which includes Manchester City and Spurs).

All the following are players I am toying with. Wilfried Zaha came back into the fold with an assist against Chelsea and plays a Huddersfield side that has conceded eight in four at home. His run before getting injured hardly whets the appetite though, without a double-points return all season and blanking in his last six (with just a solitary assist to boast across his last eight). Palace have also only managed to score 2+ away from home on two occasions all season.

Josh King; if I am willing to take the risk on rotation, I am leaning towards Kingy (not the Hairy Biker). His remarkable form towards the end of last season in Callum Wilson’s absence saw a rather hefty price-tag affixed to him this season. Wilson was unlucky at the weekend though, with his goal being controversially ruled out for a tackle that a Sunday League referee would have brushed aside, and he looks set to lead the line against West Brom. West Brom…

Are you taking any hits to accommodate this?
See above – I have 2FTs, and will almost certainly be taking one hit. With others in my ML playing their Free Hit chip I do not want to be left totally outnumbered. I would be happy to go without a goalkeeper and a defender though.

Thoughts on taking hits along the ‘-2 theory’ this week….
I am actually not adverse to taking hits even without the ‘-2 theory’ in play. On the whole this season hits have not worked out for me though. That one player who has been dragging my team down always comes up with that goal they were ‘due’ for the last seven weeks the week I take them out for someone who was on form and now decides to commence their goal draught.

With creative defenders being rewarded more than ever with bonus points this year, this makes the standard ‘no hits for a defender’ policy a little less convincing. Having said that, I am not sure I will be chasing clean sheets this week simply because I cannot predict any of them. They concede two and you are instantly down to -3. They get a yellow card and you are back down to -4. If the potential risk is ‘-2’, the most likely potential gain is also two points (a six point clean sheet appearance). Some may well get a bonus point or two, but I am yet to find anyone who knows how on earth they are awarding them this year. Coleman, Baines, Van Aanholt and Robertson might be the exceptions to this analysis, with something more to give going forward.

For attackers I am much keener to take hits to replace non-playing players. The difference here lies in the fact that bonus points are usually awarded to those who grab a goal and they have a much higher ceiling than ‘clean sheet or nothing’ defenders, and it is rare for even an attacking defender to hit double figures. Provided you are not bringing in attacking players without an assessment of their likelihood of scoring, I am all for taking hits this week.

I must say that I most likely will be wildcarding next week, and therefore it is accurate to view the ‘-2’ in isolation of any other gameweek. If you are not wildcarding next week then I am not convinced that a hit to replace your Manchester City boys for, say, Zaha, will be worth it. Over the course of three or four gameweeks I back the City boys to outscore him even playing one game fewer. Zaha being handicapped with a ‘-2’ does not look so appealing in this regard. Please accept my apologies Wilfried, I should have not have made this personal.

Oh, and as a word of caution, before agreeing with Matt’s take on the ‘-2 theory’, he had to ask what it actually was….

What are your plans beyond this week in terms of Chips / Wildcard?
The plan is to wildcard in GW32, and free hit for the blank gameweek in 35. I must admit, I have not decided how I will deploy the remaining two chips (I will only have two remaining chips? I swear I still have the AOA chip somewhere; must be using an old Internet browser) in the two DGWs, although I guess that is the luxury I have! Having given it thought for a few seconds (you cannot say that I do not go all out to provide a quality service), it would probably make sense to play the bench boost in Gameweek 34 with the recently used wildcard being able to facilitate the fielding of a strong squad of 15 (where there are also far more teams in this double gameweek than in the one in 37). Then the triple captain chip can be used when I am grossly underequipped in Gameweek 37. An early wildcard makes sense at least if the favourites make it through the quarters of the FA Cup, as they can become long-term fixtures in your team to cover both DGWs.

Who is your Captain this week and why?
Salah. Why? Really?

Rosco – current rank 59,887
How many players are you planning on going with for BGW31?

First off I’d like to use this opportunity for reflection (a good old moan). GW31 has completely ruined my season. I began planning in GW24 my rank at that point was 18k, I’ve since made the following transfers in preparation for GW31; Pickford (21pts) in for Fabianski (31pts), Wally in GW26 (10pts) for Son (37pts.) and VVD in GW28 (9 pts.) for Otamendi (19 pts)

I wanted to bring in Mahrez 3 weeks ago, but because he didn’t have a game in GW31 I ignored him… another 23 points missed. I’m now down 65 points as it stands, those additional 65 points would mean I’d be 6k… instead I’m 59k. I’ll not make up those 65 points this coming game-week.

So it’s fair to say I’m not too excited about GW31. I currently have 8 players (but 2 of those are Zeegelaar and RLC) so lets call it 6 and 2FT’s. I may take a -4 and go in with 11, of which probably 9 will play. Whoop-Dee-Doo!

Who are you bringing in this week and why?
I’ll likely bring in Shaqiri, I have my full Liverpool quota and he’s probably the next ‘must have’ if indeed there is such a thing this week. I’ll probably then bring in another mid, at present I’m thinking Stanislas, you can’t beat a bit of recency bias!

Are you taking any hits to accommodate this?
Why the devil not! I may take a -4…or dare I say it a -8. My final transfers will hinge on weather I decide to WC in GW32. If I do, then I’ll likely ditch Kane for a 1-week punt, if he’s confirmed injured for GW32, then this will likely solidify that decision.

Thoughts on taking hits along the ‘-2 theory’ this week….
If ever there were a good time to take a hit, then this week would be it, I think the -2 theory is very valid. I’ve been very measured with my hits this season (6), so I’m unlikely to go full Mitro, but a -4 or even -8 could pay-off if you land on the right players. I got Josh King in for a hit last season and he got a hat-trick, who will be this years Josh King? Maybe Josh King; I have Callum Wilson, bloody typical.

What are your plans beyond this week in terms of Chips / Wildcard?
As mentioned, I’ll probably WC in GW32. My plan was to try and hold it till GW33, but I despise my team, so may hit that button this Saturday. I need to sit and weigh up who I’ll want in for DGW34 this week, then make the decision. I’ll likely use BB in GW34 as there is less chance of losing players to injury that way. FH will likely be 35, but again that largely depends on who I bring in on my WC. TC will probably be wasted in GW37 (I say wasted, as I’m yet to get it right!)

Who is your Captain this week and why?
Got to be Salah. Best player, best fixture, highest owned player and likely the most captained. You would have to be mad or very brave to go against the masses this week.

Jamesimmo – current rank 89,488
How many players are you planning on going with for BGW31?
I’ve managed to garner 9 active players for BGW31, minus Crouch, so probably 8 and I’ll buy a couple more so my starting XI is theoretically complete.

Who are you bringing in this week and why?
Firmino, who I’ve somehow never owned, and likely Mooy, who I somehow have owned! The former’s an essential coverage move — the deadly Aguero seems to be droppable now fixtures are piling up — and the latter’s got decent fixtures, a flaky Son replacement.

Are you taking any hits to accommodate this?
I’ve managed to save 2 FTs for this misery.

Thoughts on taking hits along the ‘-2 theory’ this week?
You can’t really knock it, other than asking “how many from this pool of players will score more than those 2 points?” and ensuring the sell-on fee won’t hurt if you plan on bringing the sold player back after this pathetic gameweek.

What are your plans beyond this week in terms of Chips / Wildcard?
I could pretend that I’ve made plans already. Do you want me to here? Don’t lie? Ok, erm, I’m taking each gameweek as it comes. Physics exams have turned me into somewhat of a casual… the shame!

Who is your Captain this week and why?
Salah as I’ll see “Liverpool [1]-[0] Watford” drop down my phone screen as a FlashScore live notification with 90% confidence that a Salah goal or assist just occurred. Firmino will have likely provided the opposite; it’ll feel safe to finally have double Liverpool attack.

Matt – current rank 112,221
How many players are you planning on going with for BGW31?
I currently have 8 players for 31 and will use my FT and possibly a hit to bring in 1, maybe 2 more.

Who are you bringing in this week and why?
I’m thinking of doing Joao Mario to Shaqiri and possibly Kenny to PVA. The reason I’m doing these moves is because Kenny is not playing and PVA is in fine form and coming up against a Huddersfield side that isn’t known for defending. As for Shaqiri I’m bringing him in because nearly everyone has him so it’s more of a precaution in case he does well.

Are you taking any hits to accommodate this?
As mentioned above probably will take a -4 hit this week.

Thoughts on taking hits along the ‘-2 theory’ this week….
Well my hit player this week will be PVA and like I said above he could grab a goal or assist which will definitely make up for lost points for the hit.

What are your plans beyond this week in terms of Chips / Wildcard?
I will be playing my wildcard in 32 that’s why I am going with so many players this week. I think with the injuries to Kun and Kane now it’s time to capitalise on going with the likes of KDB and other top draw midfielders as the ones who take the majority of the budget.

And before you take AT’s advice on anything, ever, he still thought the AOA chip existed! Seriously. The douchebag.

Who is your Captain this week and why?
The Egyptian! He’s going to be everyone’s choice so if you don’t cap him you will want to hide behind a massive sofa!

Elleffcee – current rank 139,367
How many players are you planning on going with for BGW31?
At the moment I have 7 but that does include Walcott and Zeegelaar, who may not play, so that makes 5 definite starters. I think 7 is sufficient, for me anyway.

Who are you bringing in this week and why?
There are a few ways i could go with my 1 free transfer. Elliot to Lossl, Lingard to Pritchard/Mooy but at the moment i’m on Ogbonna to Robertson as West Ham are in relegation mode and Pool do have an excellent run of games to the end of the season, on paper anyway.

Are you taking any hits to accommodate this?
No hit for the above mentioned move but i am considering a -4 to get Mane as my 3rd Pool player instead of Robertson. If its this route i take i’ll try and get another cheapo starter to go with Mane. This will give me 7 definite starters and 2 possibles.

Thoughts on taking hits along the ‘-2 theory’ this week….
This is fine if it works out for you but is it worth it, bringing in players for just 1 week to chase points and ruin your squad for the next 2 or 3 gameweeks ? Its not for me as chasing points usually goes tits up.

What are your plans beyond this week in terms of Chips / Wildcard?
I have 3 left, free hit, WC and bench boost. I haven’t given it much thought up to now but they will be played on or around the 2 DGWs to come. Free hit in 35, WC in 36 and bench boost in 37 sounds good. All subject to change of course when the extra fixtures are announced.

Who is your Captain this week and why?
Salah for me, it’s a no brainer. If Mane does make my team he’ll need some consideration as he’s shown good form over the last few weeks

Smash – current rank 258,899
How many players are you planning on going with for BGW31? I’m going to have 10 maybe 11 if I take a hit. I am going to wild card in the next 2 weeks and still have my free hit. However I am not sure I can really call it 10 players Hennessey could not keep a clean sheet to save his life, Mariappa could score less than a blank player, Colin the hero Quaner is one of them and Theo Walcott who I’m hoping will be fit.

Who are you bringing in this week and why?
I’m looking at chasing the Bournemouth players I think. Wilson for Kane once his injury is confirmed. I know he’s out of form but think he’s worth the risk against a very deflated West Brom team. Bournemouth always attack and Wilson is capable of double digits. In midfield I’m looking at Stanislas he’s coming into form and is certainly capable. I just feel Bournemouth attackers have the higher ceiling. I’d probably bring him in for Sterling. I am thinking of a hit as well for Shaqiri but not sure at this stage as it will be for my recent heroes Mkhi or Son.

Are you taking any hits to accommodate this?
As explained above possibly one. I would not be taking a hit for a defender. A lot of the games could go either way. Thing to be careful with is being stuck with some of these players after.

Thoughts on taking hits along the ‘-2 theory’ this week….
I certainly think a -2 is worth a risk on some of these players. However you are likely to want your old players back or someone else in upcoming weeks. Baines likely being back on pens is only defender possibly but not for me. There are not loads of options With the games on offer. 3 Liverpool is the obvious way to go with the stand out fixture. Others to look for are Wilson, Stanislas and King at home to Bournemouth. Pritchard and Mounie at home to a Palace team that leaks goals every week. Zaha is now back and is always capable. Then there is Walcott and Shaqiri who are capable but that could be a tight game and hard to call.

What are your plans beyond this week in terms of Chips / Wildcard?
I’ll be wildcarding in next 2 weeks after GW31 before the double so GW 32/33. I’ll be using free hit when the FA Cup teams are in action.

Who is your Captain this week and why?
I’ll be captaining Colin Quaner! Guy has been looking dangerous all season. Seriously is this a question, is there anyone not captaining Mo Salah?

Holly – current rank 504,524
How many players are you planning on going with for BGW31?
I’ve somehow got 11 players already. It’s been the only benefit of having a poor squad post Christmas, I’ve carried the dead weight through for this week. I’ll be setting up in a 3-5-2 with Lossl; Kenny, Zanka, Daniels; Salah, Walcott, Shaqiri, Milivojevic, Mane; Firmino, Wilson.

Who are you bringing in this week and why?
I’ve got one free transfer to use this week. Kenny hasn’t been in the Everton team for the last couple of weeks, so he is the biggest priority to deal with, ahead of out of form options Walcott and Wilson. I’m looking at bringing in either an Everton or Stoke defender. Coleman and Baines are top of the list, as the only premium defenders on offer besides Van Dijk. Last year I had a similar dilemma between the full backs. I went with Baines with the promise of penalties, but he was subbed off with an injury after 45 minutes: this time around I’m favouring Coleman!

Are you taking any hits to accommodate this?
I’ve not taken a hit since Gameweek 26, before the schedule for this blank week was confirmed. Careful planning between that point and now has allowed me to not take a points hit. I’ve even got the luxury of a substitute. I’ve held rank over the last couple of weeks, but in hindsight, a few calculated hits in the run up to the blanks on players without a fixture this week, could have been beneficial.

Thoughts on taking hits along the ‘-2 theory’ this week….
I was a firm believe of the -2 theory until last season. I took a -12 for the blank to field XI and then my squad was blighted by injuries and rotation on the day, meaning I ended up with a red arrow! I only had 7 out of 11 players get the minimum 2 appearance points, and my captain blanked too. It can come off, but it’s not guaranteed!

What are your plans beyond this week in terms of Chips / Wildcard?
I’ve got all my chips other than the Triple Captain still to play. I’m likely to wildcard in Gameweek 32 and then Bench Boost in Gameweek 34. I’ll probably Free Hit in Blank Gameweek 35. I’m flexible though, I may consider wildcarding in 33 rather than 32. I could also use my Free Hit in double Gameweek 37 or the final Gameweek 38. Let’s see what the fixtures bring!

Who is your Captain this week and why?
I’ve toyed with my other Liverpool options of Mane and Firmino, with the aim to make up ground, but I can’t look past Salah this week. Salah’s home form is so much better than the other two, plus he’s on penalties. His last six FPL scores at Anfield are, in chronological order, 9-14-11-15-10-8. Having a full starting XI without taking a hit is enough of a differential in itself for me this week, I don’t need to gamble on the captaincy.

Thanks for reading Fantasy Football Tips and Captain Picks Gameweek 31

This article was compiled by Inittowinit

@Adamalcock247

Gameweek Tracker GW31-38

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