FPL Gameweek 31 Briefing: Key Tips, Team News & Double Gameweek Updates
Key Insights
Double Gameweeks Confirmed: DGW32 features Newcastle & Crystal Palace. DGW33 is a big one, featuring Arsenal, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Man City. Gameweek 34 is now a Blank Gameweek (BGW34) for these DGW33 teams.
Gianni Buttice's Top Tips:
Salah: Still considered the best FPL asset, selling him is "very risky" despite Liverpool not having a DGW.
Gabriel Replacement: Isak and Marmoush mentioned as potential considerations, depending on team structure and transfer plans.
Fernandes: Viewed as a "fixtures pick"; potentially sell on Wildcard due to Man Utd's tough upcoming run.
Murphy (Newcastle): An "underrated FPL pick" with good chemistry with Isak.
Gordon (Newcastle): A "high risk selection" currently due to fitness concerns.
Isak (Newcastle): A top pick, potentially for Triple Captain in DGW32, but monitor groin issue.
Scout Picks Highlights: A triple-up on Newcastle (Livramento, Murphy, Isak) is favoured for GW31, alongside mainstays like Salah and Palmer, and form players like Mbeumo and Marmoush.
Chip Strategy: DGW32 (Newcastle/Palace focus), DGW33 (Bench Boost likely popular), BGW34 (Free Hit candidate). The Assistant Manager chip is powerful, especially targeting managers like Palace's Glasner over multiple gameweeks.
Why this matters? Understanding the fixture swings and player advice is vital for maximizing points through transfers and chip usage in the crucial run-in.
In-Depth Analysis
The FPL landscape has shifted significantly with the confirmation of Double and Blank Gameweeks. Managers now have a clearer roadmap for deploying valuable chips.
DGW32 Planning: Crystal Palace and Newcastle stand out. Palace assets like Daniel Munoz (£5.1m), Ismaila Sarr (£5.7m), and Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.6m) benefit from fixtures across DGW32 and DGW33 before blanking in GW34. Newcastle players like Dan Burn (£4.4m), Tino Livramento (£4.5m), Jacob Murphy (£5.0m), and Alexander Isak (£9.5m) are prime targets for their DGW32 (MUN, CRY). Isak, if fit, emerges as a leading Triple Captain candidate for this double-header at home.
DGW33 & BGW34 Strategy: The bumper DGW33 (Arsenal, Villa, Palace, City) makes it the prime target for the Bench Boost chip for many managers. Wildcarders activating now (GW31) will likely load up on players from these teams, such as David Raya (£5.5m), Bukayo Saka (£10.3m), Lucas Digne (£4.5m), Morgan Rogers (£5.5m), Josko Gvardiol (£6.1m), and Omar Marmoush (£7.5m), alongside the Palace options. Navigating the subsequent BGW34 will likely require a Free Hit for those heavily invested in DGW33 teams.
Key Player Decisions:
Salah (£13.8m): While expensive and lacking a DGW, his consistent high ceiling makes him difficult to sell.
Fernandes (£10.0m): Form dipped after a good run against easier opposition; faces tough fixtures.
Isak (£9.5m): Monitor fitness reports regarding his groin issue ahead of Monday's game.
Gordon (£7.4m): Didn't train fully before GW30, making Murphy (£5.0m) a potentially safer Newcastle midfield pick for GW31.
Wider Context: Keep an eye on general team news. Kevin De Bruyne's announced departure from Man City at the season's end doesn't impact FPL immediately but is significant news. Injury updates on players like Gabriel (Arsenal - out for season) and Trippier (Newcastle) are crucial.
FAQs
Q: Should I sell Mo Salah to fund players with Double Gameweeks?
A: Experts advise against it, calling Salah the "best player in the game" and a "very risky sell." His high points potential often outweighs the lure of a DGW for others, though captaincy might shift elsewhere in DGWs.
Q: Who are the best replacements for injured defenders like Gabriel?
A: Focus depends on budget and strategy. For DGWs, Newcastle options (Livramento, Burn) or Palace's Munoz are popular. For general value, consider budget options like Konsa (Villa) or Agbadou (Wolves).
Q: When is the best time to use my FPL chips?
A: DGW32 is good for Triple Captain (e.g., Isak) or potentially starting an Assistant Manager run (e.g., Glasner). DGW33 looks ideal for Bench Boost due to the number of teams doubling. BGW34 is a prime candidate for the Free Hit chip. Tailor this to your remaining chips and team structure.
Key Takeaways
Plan Your Chips: Map out your Wildcard, Bench Boost, Triple Captain, and Free Hit usage around DGW32, DGW33, and BGW34.
Target DGW Teams: Prioritize bringing in players from Newcastle and Crystal Palace for DGW32, and Arsenal, Villa, Palace, and Man City for DGW33 if Wildcarding or using transfers.
Monitor Fitness: Pay close attention to press conferences for updates on Isak, Gordon, Trippier, and other potential doubts.
Assess Premiums: Decide if keeping Salah without DGWs fits your strategy. Consider if Fernandes's form justifies his price given tough fixtures.
Utilise Expert Advice: Leverage tips on differential picks like Murphy or risk assessment for players like Gordon.
Discussion
The run-in is heating up with these fixture swings! How are you planning to navigate the Double and Blank Gameweeks? Do you think Isak is the best Triple Captain option for DGW32? Let us know!
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Sources & References
Source 1: Recap FPL Q&A with Gianni Buttice, plus tips and Premier League team news - BBC Sport `target="_blank"`
Source 2: Four clubs handed a Double Gameweek 33 in Fantasy - Premier League `target="_blank"` (Note: Actual URL might differ, using placeholder structure)
Source 3: FPL Gameweek 31 Scout Picks: Newcastle triple-up - Fantasy Football Scout `target="_blank"` (Note: Actual URL might differ, using placeholder structure)
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