Gameweek 30 was defined by the performance of three premium captain picks, which saw FPL managers toying all international break over which to hand the armband. Heung-min Son (£10.1m), Mo Salah (£13.3m) and Cole Palmer(£5.9m) all found the net, the latter twice against Burnley ensuring that his 15-point haul trumped Son’s 10 points and Salah’s 7 points.
So in the Salah v Son captaincy debate, the answer all along was Palmer pic.twitter.com/qBaB9OtYwo
— FPL Dean (@FPL_Dean) March 31, 2024
There’s little time to dwell on the weekend’s proceedings however, with a midweek round of fixtures immediately after Easter. Therefore, we’re on the spot as always to analyse another three premium captain picks for Gameweek 31, along with a differential selection ahead of Tuesday’s 18:00 deadline.
PREMIUM OPTIONS
Mo Salah (£13.3m) vs SHU (H)
If you’d been told before the start of Liverpool’s match against Brighton in Gameweek 30 that Mo Salah would take 12 shots, a record for him in the Premier League, you’d expect him to have accumulated a huge haul of FPL points. However, the Egyptian was forced to settle for just the one goal in a 2-1 victory for the Reds, leaving captainers both satisfied but disappointed at the same time.
Outstanding save by Verbruggen denies Salah. This game is still in the balance #LFC
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) March 31, 2024
Another enticing home match is on the cards for Salah in Gameweek 31 with Sheffield Utd the visitors to Anfield. It would be no surprise at all to see him record less shots in this encounter, but more fantasy points as he looks to improve on his 16 Premier League goals so far. With nine further assists and 175 FPL points overall, captaining Salah appears a no-brainer.
Bukayo Saka (£9.0m) vs LUT (H)
On paper, placing the armband on Bukayo Saka at home to Luton has to be one of the most attractive premium captain picks of Gameweek 31. But it’s clear that the England international is managing an injury and with that in mind, FPL managers would be wise to prioritise caution prior to the deadline. Be sure to monitor Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s post-match press conference and our on-site extended preview of their clash with the Hatters, which includes team news and predicted line-ups.
Wonder if Saka starts vs Luton?
— The Editor (@FPLEditor) March 31, 2024
Would be a big loss to many FPL managers if he didn’t. Prime fixture.
Saka boasts a whopping 181 FPL points so far this campaign, the most of any midfielder and the second-highest individual score of every player bar Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Since Gameweek 22, Saka has racked up seven goals and two assists. Should he start in Gameweek 31, it would be a shock if he ended up not gaining at least one attacking return.
Luis Diaz (£7.5m) vs SHU (H)
Understandably all eyes from a fantasy perspective will be on Mo Salah among the FPL-listed Liverpool midfielders. But those shrewd operators among the community will have their eye on Luis Diaz. Playing on the opposite flank to Salah, the Colombian has been ruthless in front of goal at Anfield, having found the net in four of Liverpool’s last five home Premier League games, accumulating 41 FPL points in the process.
I am really starting to warm to the idea of Luis Diaz over Nunez.
— FantasyFootball_JianBatra (@FPL_JianBatra) March 31, 2024
What I’ve seen from him in the second half of this season, is not something I expected.
He’s improved significantly.
Something to consider.#FPL pic.twitter.com/VX2b5KiRMo
Taking on Sheffield Utd, Diaz is well-placed to maintain his fantastic home form for the Reds and is coming off the back of a 10-point haul on Sunday. With Liverpool not only desperate for a win, but for plenty of goals in a bid to further boost their goal difference, this may well play into Diaz’s hands, increasing his captaincy appeal.
DIFFERENTIAL OPTION
Kai Havertz (£7.2m) vs LUT (H)
The form of Kai Havertz makes it somewhat of a surprise that he is seen as a differential option, but with so many viable midfielders on the table for FPL bosses, this serves as an excellent opportunity for those needing a captain who offers a point of difference. When you look at his recent numbers, Havertz is finally looking like the attacking midfielder Arsenal hoped he would be when they signed the German from Chelsea.
Is anyone else nervous of Saka's injury? I'm wondering if Havertz could be the better option
— Glynn (@FPLGlynn53) March 29, 2024
Since Gameweek 25, Havertz has four goals and three assists to his name. He is averaging 10 fantasy points per match with 50 accrued in total. Three of those gameweeks saw him pick up double-figure hauls. You’d expect him to continue in this vein against struggling Luton and therefore, naming him as your Gameweek 31 captain is worthwhile if you need to make up ground on your mini-league rivals.
