Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 31: Strategic Picks for a Blank Fixture Week
As Fantasy Premier League managers navigate Gameweek 31, a significant challenge arises with a blank fixture schedule. Manchester City, Arsenal, Crystal Palace, and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all not playing this week, leaving many squads with reduced options. This requires careful planning and strategic selections to maximise points.
Defensive Recommendations: Clean Sheet Potential
In goal, Newcastle United's Aaron Ramsdale, priced at £4.8 million, stands out as a strong choice. Despite the unpredictable nature of the Tyne-Wear derby, Sunderland's poor away record—scoring only eight goals in 15 games—suggests Ramsdale could secure valuable clean sheet points.
For defenders, Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, valued at £6.3 million, is a top pick. He has consistently earned DEFCON points this campaign and has contributed three goals this season, offering both defensive stability and attacking threat.
Another defensive option is Fulham's Joachim Andersen, available for £4.5 million. He presents a solid clean sheet opportunity against Burnley, a side that has struggled to score goals throughout the season, making him a budget-friendly asset for managers.
Attacking Selections: Goal-Scoring Form
In midfield, Fulham's Harry Wilson, priced at £6 million, is a compelling choice. The Welsh international has scored nine times this season and played a key role in Marco Silva's team securing a victory in the reverse fixture in December, highlighting his consistent performance.
Up front, Brentford's Igor Thiago, valued at £7.3 million, rounds out the recommendations. He recently celebrated a call-up to the Brazil national squad by scoring against West Ham United on Monday, marking his 19th league goal of the campaign. His form makes him a high-upside pick for Gameweek 31.
Strategic Considerations for Managers
With multiple teams not playing, managers should focus on players from active clubs to avoid zero-point returns. Prioritising defenders with clean sheet potential and attackers in good form can help mitigate the impact of the blank fixtures. Additionally, monitoring injury updates and team news closer to the deadline is crucial for making last-minute adjustments.
Overall, these picks provide a balanced approach to navigating Gameweek 31, combining defensive reliability with offensive firepower to boost Fantasy Premier League rankings.
