FPL Gameweek 31 Preview: Captain Picks, Transfers & Chips
Key fixtures, captain options, and transfer targets for Gameweek 31.
FPL Gameweek 31 Preview: Captain Picks, Transfers & Chips
Gameweek 31 presents a captaincy split between midfield stability and defensive upside. Fernandes leads projections with strong underlying numbers away to Bournemouth, while Palmer and Thiaw offer contrasting routes to a big haul.
---
Key Fixtures
| Fixture | Context | |---------|---------| | MUN vs BOU (A) | GW31 | | CHE vs EVE (A) | GW31 | | NEW vs SUN (H) | GW31 | | LIV vs BHA (A) | GW31 |
---
Captain Picks
1. B.Fernandes — MUN (MID, £10.1m)
**Projected:** 5.94 pts | xG 0.30 | xA 0.37 | pStart 82% **Fixture:** GW31: @ BOU
The safe option. Bournemouth away isn't a standout fixture but Fernandes' combined xG+xA of 0.67 is the highest in the gameweek. Penalty duties seal it.
2. Palmer — CHE (MID, £10.6m)
**Projected:** 4.87 pts | xG 0.34 | xA 0.09 | pStart 79% **Fixture:** GW31: @ EVE
Everton away is a good fixture for Chelsea attackers. Palmer's xG is the highest of any midfielder this week, though the lower xA limits his floor.
3. Thiaw — NEW (DEF, £5.0m)
**Projected:** 4.73 pts | xG 0.19 | xA 0.05 | pStart 84% **Fixture:** GW31: vs SUN
A differential captain pick. Newcastle at home to Sunderland is the best clean sheet fixture this week, and Thiaw's aerial threat from set pieces adds an attacking dimension.
4. Virgil — LIV (DEF, £6.2m)
**Projected:** 4.64 pts | xG 0.15 | xA 0.04 | pStart 84% **Fixture:** GW31: @ BHA
Liverpool's defensive solidity makes van Dijk a consistent 4-5 point floor. Brighton away is trickier than it looks though.
5. João Pedro — CHE (FWD, £7.7m)
**Projected:** 4.58 pts | xG 0.45 | xA 0.03 | pStart 76% **Fixture:** GW31: @ EVE
The highest xG of any player this week at 0.45. The risk is the 76% start probability — if he starts, he's got the best goal threat on the slate.
---
Injury Watch
- **Pablo** (WHU) — 0% chance this round - **White** (ARS) — 0% chance this round - **Ødegaard** (ARS) — Knee injury, 50% chance of playing - **Summerville** (WHU) — Knock, 75% chance of playing - **Scarles** (WHU) — Knock, 75% chance of playing
---
Bottom Line
Captain Fernandes for the safe floor, Palmer for the upside play. No chips worth activating this week — save them for double gameweeks later in the season.
[Model your exact captain options against your squad's fixture list →](/captain-picks)
---
*Data from FPL API as of GW31 deadline. Check team news before finalising your squad.*