Fixture week 31 for FPL is now upon us, bringing with it the season’s initial significant hiatus. As Arsenal, Wolves, Crystal Palace, and Manchester City are not participating, numerous fantasy bosses will face challenges in assembling a full squad of eleven. This particular week sees meticulous planning converge with bold choices: strategizing for immediate gains, adeptly filling vacancies, and relying on some unique, active player picks. Presented here are five player recommendations to help you navigate this sparse schedule, featuring three under-the-radar selections that could offer you a distinct advantage.
Harry Wilson (6.0m)
With Burnley playing at home during a sparse fixture round, the fact that some are offloading Wilson presents a clear opportunity. Should your strategy involve a single-fixture gamble prior to Wildcard 32, few superior choices exist. During their prior encounter, he comprehensively dominated them, contributing a goal and two assists, and remains one of Fulham’s primary offensive and playmaking assets, particularly during counter-attacks. Equipped with a potent left foot for set pieces and a willingness to strike from distance, Wilson embodies the type of player capable of delivering another significant points return. He is readily apparent for managers seeking a key performer in GW31, even standing out as a highly unique captain choice.
Igor Thiago (7.3m)
While this pick appears self-evident, it still merits emphasis: if you haven’t acquired Thiago yet, he ought to be among your top priority acquisitions. A superb sequence of three matches—Leeds away, followed by Everton and Fulham at home—awaits this spot-kick specialist forward who relentlessly takes shots. His current owners were remarkably unfortunate in the previous outing, as he accumulated approximately 1.85 expected goals against Wolves, yet without a massive points return to reflect it. His statistical indicators are precisely ideal for a forward: high xG, numerous attempts from inside the area, and assured playing time. During a reduced fixture week where simply having players active is a significant advantage, he stands as an essential choice.
Cristian Romero (5.0m)
Indeed, Spurs have appeared disorganized. And certainly, placing faith in their defensive unit seems unwise. However, to truly advance in your mini-league, embracing unconventional paths is sometimes necessary. A home “crucial survival clash” against Nottingham Forest possesses all the components for a pivotal season-defining encounter. Romero is a guaranteed starter, provides 9.58 DEFCON/90’, and also presents a scoring danger from set pieces. Should Igor Tudor’s team manage to replicate the intensity from their draw at Anfield and their last-minute victory over Atletico, a clean sheet and bonus points are conceivable. He represents a bold yet compelling prospect as a short-term gamble before activating a Wildcard.
Richarlison (6.3m)
Having two Spurs players on the same recommendation roster might appear audacious, yet Richarlison warrants consideration as an extremely uncommon pick, particularly if he’s projected to be in the starting XI. Richarlison has consistently served as a wildcard FPL asset in the most favorable sense, playing a pivotal role in the Anfield draw by amassing 0.93xG during a robust offensive display. With two goals in his past three league games, he now approaches what is arguably Tottenham’s most crucial match of the season against Forest. The compelling storyline is present, as is the impetus, and there’s even a slight possibility he could be assigned spot-kick responsibilities should Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons not be playing. Should you favor a Nottingham Forest player, Morgan Gibbs-White presents a solid option – however, for maximum single-week impact, Richarlison is an exciting gamble if you believe Tudor selects him to start.
Raúl Jiménez (6.2m)
A spot-kick specialist forward hosting Burnley during a fixture-light round is precisely the type of player you should be supporting. Jiménez boasts a flawless penalty record in the Premier League and is adept at finding the goal. Playing time presents the sole minor worry, yet even 60 minutes against a Burnley side, known for conceding numerous opportunities to strikers within the six-yard box, can prove sufficient for points. The Mexican forward will be confident in his prospects of increasing his goal count, and in a condensed fixture round, a single goal can make a significant impact. Among temporary attacking options, he stands out as a reliable, under-selected choice.