As we approach Fantasy Football Matchweek 31 of the Premier League, scheduled from Saturday, April 5, to Monday, April 7, it’s essential for FPL managers to strategise effectively to maximise their points.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you in making informed decisions for your squad in this blank gameweek ahead of the international break.
Fantasy Football Matchweek 31 Fixtures
The Fantasy Football deadline for this weekend is Saturday, April 5, 11:00 GMT.
Saturday, April 5
- Everton vs Arsenal (12:30 GMT)
- Crystal Palace vs Brighton & Hove Albion (15:00 GMT)
- Ipswich Town vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (15:00 GMT)
- West Ham United vs Bournemouth (15:00 GMT)
- Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest (17:30 GMT)
Sunday, April 6
- Brentford vs Chelsea (14:00 GMT)
- Fulham vs Liverpool (14:00 GMT)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Southampton (14:00 GMT)
- Manchester United vs Manchester City (16:30 GMT)
Monday, April 7
- Leicester City vs Newcastle United (20:00 GMT)
Injury Updates to Note
- Alexander Isak (Newcastle): One of the Premier League’s best strikers, Alexander Isak, is out with a groin injury and is unlikely to feature – or at the very least start – against Leicester City.
- Gabriel (Arsenal): Arsenal centre-back Gabriel limped off only 16 minutes into the Gunners’ 2-1 win against Fulham. His hamstring injury will keep him out for the remainder of the season.
- Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest): Ola Aina was yet another Premier League defender to come out of Gameweek 30 with an injury. His calf injury is expected to keep him out until at least April 12.
Top Transfer Targets
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Bukayo Saka (£10.4m) is back, and so are his goals. The England international made a statement in his return from injury, scoring off the bench. It is not far-fetched to assume he will find the back of the net again when Arsenal play Everton in Matchweek 31.
- William Saliba (Arsenal): If you’re wondering who to replace Gabriel with, his teammate William Saliba (£6.4m) is a good pick for FPL managers.
- Omar Marmoush (Man City): Egyptian Omar Marmoush (£7.4m) is Pep Guardiola’s most in-form player at the moment. He has brought in a good haul of Fantasy Football in the past two Gameweeks, and may well continue the trend in the Manchester Derby come Sunday.
- Jorgen Strand Larsen (Wolves): Wolves play Ipswich Town next and will be aiming to stay further from the relegation zone. Forward Jorgen Strand Larsen (£5.3m) has scored three goals in his last two Premier League fixtures, making him a strong option for Fantasy Football managers this weekend.
- Cole Palmer& Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea): Cole Palmer (£10.7m) and Nicolas Jackson (£7.7m) play better together, and that was evident when the pair returned from injury and started in Chelsea’s win against Tottenham. Palmer had an assist, while Jackson looked hungry for a goal, making them worth considering, especially with Ipswich coming up after Brentford.
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Best Assistant Manager Options
- Eddie Howe (Newcastle United): Leicester City are struggling massively and are likely to receive a thrashing against Eddie Howe’s men. The Englishman may well rack up plenty FPL points this weekend.
Players to Sell
- Gabriel (Arsenal): The Brazilian will be out for the rest of the season.
Captaincy Picks
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): If you’re a Liverpool fan you probably will never get tired of hearing that Mohamed Salah is the best option for the captain’s armband in any FPL manager’s squad.
- Alexander Isak (Newcastle): Despite the injury scare, Isak is the type of player to never count out.
Strategic Considerations
Monitor Press Conferences: Last-minute injury updates and team news can significantly impact your decisions. Stay informed to make timely transfers.
By staying updated on the latest news and being strategic with your Fantasy Football transfers and captaincy choices, you can navigate the challenges of Matchweek 31 and boost your FPL performance.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PPAUK
Recording Date: 01.04.2025