Full Breakdown
Navigating Blank Gameweek 31 in Fantasy Premier League
3/20/2026, 10:47:40 PM
Key Players for Gameweek 31
Blank Gameweek 31 (BGW31) presents a unique challenge for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, as several teams, including Arsenal, Manchester City, Crystal Palace, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, will not be playing. This situation necessitates strategic planning to ensure competitive line-ups. Key players to consider include Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United, who has been a standout performer with five double-figure returns in nine matches under manager Michael Carrick. Despite his impressive home form, his away performance raises concerns for captaincy.
Fulham's Harry Wilson and Newcastle's Anthony Gordon are also pivotal picks. Wilson, priced at £6.0m, has excelled at home, scoring 33 points in his last four matches at Craven Cottage. Meanwhile, Gordon, listed as a midfielder but recently playing as a forward, has garnered significant attention, earning over 196,000 new owners ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland.
Defensive Options
Defensively, Joachim Andersen of Fulham (£4.5m) and Malick Thiaw of Newcastle (£5.0m) are strong candidates. Andersen's potential for a clean sheet against Burnley, who have struggled offensively, makes him a valuable asset. Thiaw, the most-bought defender for BGW31, has scored four goals this season and offers both clean sheet and defensive contribution points.
Fulham's goalkeeper, Bernd Leno (£4.9m), is also a recommended choice, boasting the highest clean sheet probability at 45% for the match against Burnley. His recent form includes a clean sheet against Nottingham Forest, further solidifying his appeal.
Low-Owned Differentials
For managers looking to gain an edge, targeting low-owned differentials can be beneficial. Players like Kenny Tete (£4.5m) and Lewis Hall (£5.3m) are under 5% ownership and could provide significant returns. Tete's value lies in his favorable fixture against Burnley, while Hall's consistent performances make him a solid pick against Sunderland.
Additionally, Taty Castellanos of West Ham (£5.5m) is a potential forward differential, currently owned by just 0.1% of teams. His recent form and West Ham's need for points could see him deliver valuable returns.
Official Statements & Responses
FPL experts emphasize the importance of not panicking during BGW31. Managers are advised to hold onto their Free Hit chip for future double gameweeks and consider playing with fewer than 11 players if necessary. The focus should be on maximizing expected minutes and targeting players with favorable fixtures.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts caution against over-reliance on popular picks, suggesting that sticking to the usual options may hinder rank improvement. Instead, they advocate for a balanced approach that includes both high-profile players and low-owned differentials to navigate the blank gameweek effectively.
What's Next
As FPL managers prepare for BGW31, the deadline for team submissions is set for Friday, March 20, at 18:30 GMT. Following this gameweek, attention will shift to the upcoming double gameweeks, particularly in Gameweek 33, where strategic planning will be crucial for maximizing points.
