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The FPL Manual presents a comprehensive overview of Gameweek 31, highlighting top captain picks, differential player selections, and the exciting forwards for the weekly FPL Challenge game.
In Gameweek 30, there was a notable improvement in performance compared to previous outings, highlighted by a total of 32 goals scored across 10 matches. Notable contributions came from the prolific 'Ice Cold' Cole Palmer, who netted a brace for Chelsea, and Alexander Isak, who secured two goals and one assist playing a pivotal role in Newcastle's remarkable 4-3 comeback victory against West Ham.
The FPL Challenge continues to captivate, with the 'Unlimited budget' offering managers a strategic advantage in acquiring core players during the previous weekend. As we transition to 'Forwards Focus' for the upcoming week, where double points await, the likes of Rodrigo Muniz and Alexander Isak are ones to look out for in the upcoming midweek fixtures.
With only eight gameweeks left and the next FPL deadline approaching rapidly, join me, The FPL Manual, as I look at ideal player targets and uncover top differentials for Gameweek 31.
77 – Newcastle trailing by two goals in the 77th minute before going on to win is the latest a side has done so at home in the Premier League since Reading against West Brom in January 2013 (82nd minute). Looney. pic.twitter.com/ED5eME8CpL
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 30, 2024
Gameweek 31 Tips
Double Up on Arsenal and Liverpool Assets
According to statistics, Liverpool and Arsenal are anticipated to generate 3.60 xG and 3.40 xG against their opponents in Gameweek 31. It is also worth mentioning that both top clubs have been projected to earn a clean sheet in the upcoming encounter, with a high likelihood of 47% for Liverpool and 50% for Arsenal.
This is a strong wager for a potential double up on any of Liverpool's attacking players and a combination of Arsenal defenders. Essential players to target here include Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Benjamin White, and William Saliba.
#FPL GW31 matchups
Goals and clean sheet projections for the upcoming round of Premier League games, via spread betting markets pic.twitter.com/GEva7flJvW
— Rob T (@robtFPL) April 1, 2024
Gameweek 31 Top Captain Picks
The midweek fixtures are filled with a plethora of enticing options for your captaincy choice. Players like Erling Haaland facing Aston Villa, Alexander Isak against Everton, and Cole Palmer against Manchester United all present strong cases. However, my top-three picks would be:
Mohamed Salah (£13.1m) - Liverpool
The Egyptian international added another goal to his impressive tally, reaching 155 Premier League goals and 208 goals overall for Liverpool. Mohamed Salah made a significant impact by finding the net against Brighton in Gameweek 30, although he had opportunities for more. Despite his efforts, Salah was only able to convert once from his 12 shots on goal, accumulating an expected goal involvement of 1.58 xGI.
In the upcoming fixture against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United, Salah will aim for a more clinical display against the struggling Blades. As a result, he will be my top choice for the captain's armband in this midweek fixture.
A goal in Gameweek 30, and another price rise for Mohamed Salah 📈
Have you already brought the @LFC star in ahead of Thursday's GW31 fixture against Sheffield Utd? pic.twitter.com/TivQlzWyjy
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) April 1, 2024
Son Heung-min (£10.1m) - Tottenham
The South Korean international and Tottenham's club captain remains a standout performer among Spurs assets. He has netted three goals in his last four Premier League appearances, including a crucial late winner against Luton Town, accumulating an impressive 36 FPL points during this period.
With his consistent form and goal-scoring prowess, Son is a compelling choice for the captain's armband. He will be motivated to exploit a vulnerable West Ham defense, especially after their recent concession of four goals to Newcastle in their last encounter.
Bukayo Saka (£9m) - Arsenal
Arsenal's 'Starboy' returns to the captaincy shortlist once more. Despite going without an FPL return in his last two games, Bukayo Saka has been instrumental for the Gunners, contributing to 13 goals and providing 10 assists, which has aided Arsenal in the title race. With a fixture against relegation favorites Luton Town at the Emirates Stadium, Saka will be eager to regain his form and find the scoresheet, making him a prime candidate for the captain's armband.
Top Differentials to Consider (<10% ownership)
Kai Havertz (£7.2m) - Arsenal
Kai Havertz has been on a remarkable streak, showcasing his talent with four goals and three assists in his last five Premier League appearances for Arsenal. The German forward's impressive run has seen him accumulate a total of 50 FPL points during this period, making him a standout performer in the league and top differential for FPL managers.
As Arsenal gears up to face Luton Town next, Havertz will approach the fixture with confidence, especially considering his past contributions. He played a significant role in Arsenal's previous 4-3 victory over Luton Town, a match that he'll likely look to replicate his success in once again.
Kai Havertz has never been in better form in #FPL 🔥
60,557 managers bought him in Gameweek 30 for the tough test of #MCIARS... pic.twitter.com/s7czhB9s6E
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) March 31, 2024
Alexis Mac Allister (£5.8m) - Liverpool
The Argentine midfielder has been in scintillating form, notching two goals and providing three assists in his last five Premier League outings for Liverpool. His contributions have played a significant role in propelling the Reds to the top of the Premier League table. In the recent showdown against his former club, Brighton, Mac Allister showcased his attacking prowess, registering a total of five shots during the game.
Additionally, he created an expected assist of 0.51 xA, ultimately assisting Mohamed Salah for the decisive goal. Despite flying under the radar for a few weeks, Mac Allister has emerged as a potential star differential for FPL managers willing to back him in the midweek fixture against Sheffield United.
It's now five straight Gameweeks with returns for Alexis Mac Allister 🖐️
A budget way into Liverpool's midfield? 👀#FPL pic.twitter.com/WlRmuVb5k2
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) April 1, 2024
FPL Challenge - Forward Focus
As we enter the second week of the FPL Challenge, our focus shifts squarely onto the strikers, with forwards set to earn double points in this gameweek. RotoBaller is here to offer valuable insights into which forwards are poised to shine in the upcoming midweek fixtures.
The second week of Fantasy Challenge begins tomorrow! Here is a look at what we have in store 👀
Who do you already have your eye on for Forward Focus?#FPLChallengeAccepted pic.twitter.com/t3SeKTu8oa
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) April 1, 2024
Alexander Isak (£7.7m) - Newcastle
The Swedish international was the standout performer in Gameweek 30, amassing 15 points for owners. What specifically stood out for Isak was his expected goal involvement of 2.07, scoring two goals and providing an assist. Considering Newcastle's formidable home form, being the only club to score in every home game this season, I'm backing Alexander Isak to find the back of the net once more when they take on Everton at St. James' Park.
2️⃣ goals
1️⃣ assistWhat a shift from Alex Isak! 🇸🇪🤝 pic.twitter.com/FNqNetilRL
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 30, 2024
Ivan Toney (£8.1m) - Brentford
Despite Brentford's hard-fought draw in the recent matchup against Manchester United, Ivan Toney showcased his prowess for the London side by amassing a total of nine shots against the Red Devils. Considering Brentford's upcoming opponent, Brighton, who faced a staggering 30 shots in its 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, it's evident that Toney will be eager to capitalize on the vulnerabilities of Brighton's defense and find the back of the net for his club.
Rodrigo Muniz (£4.7m) - Fulham
The 22-year-old Brazilian forward continues to shine for Fulham, playing a crucial role in the recent comeback against Sheffield United, helping secure a valuable point from a 3-1 deficit. With his latest goal, Muniz has now found the net eight times in his last eight Premier League appearances. Impressively, he has amassed a total of 34 FPL points in his last five games, solidifying his position as a key asset for FPL managers.
As Fulham prepares to face Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 31, Rodrigo Muniz's impressive goal-scoring record and consistent form makes him a compelling option for the Forward Focus Challenge.
Red-hot Rodrigo! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/yYiEHblQ6D
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) March 30, 2024
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