FPL Double Gameweek 31 – Captain Picks
As the final international break draws to a close, let’s jog our memories on some of the key aspects of Blank Gameweek 30. Key Spurs assets Harry Kane (£12.5m) and Heung-Min Son (£10.9m) both fired, recording significant returns. Kane’s three assists in Spurs’ 3-1 win over West Ham helped net him 13 points, whilst Son’s brace earned the South Korean 15 points. Dejan Kulusevski (£6.3m) however, drew a blank.
Another well-owned player on the scoresheet was Bukayo Saka (£6.8m), who bagged 11 points as Arsenal triumphed 0-1 away at Aston Villa. James Maddison (£6.8m) was also on the scoresheet for Leicester, although Wolves forward Raul Jimenez (£7.7m) was controversially sent off for a second time this season, leaving his FPL ownership dealing with a -2-point-score.
A far more filling weekend of Premier League football is now looming large with relegation battlers Burnley and Everton both in action twice. However, with a number of extremely enticing options available, we assess the most attractive captain picks available for Double Gameweek 31, alongside a differential option ahead of Saturday’s 11:00 deadline.
PREMIUM OPTIONS
Harry Kane (£12.5m) vs NEW (H)
He was the most popular captain among FPL managers in Blank Gameweek 30 and following his 13-point-haul, it would be no surprise if another large number of FPL managers placed the armband on England’s captain in Double Gameweek 31. The Spurs forward has racked up 66 FPL points across the past five gameweeks with seven goals and four assists within that period of time.
Spurs host Newcastle in Double Gameweek 31, the same opponent whom Kane gained a goal, an assist and 12 FPL points against in the reverse fixture all the way back in Gameweek 8. When taking into account his excellent recent form and the importance of this match from a Spurs perspective in their battle to finish inside the top four, Kane represents an excellent captain pick for FPL managers.
Mo Salah (£13.3m) vs WAT (H)
After not featuring in Blank Gameweek 30, Mo Salah (£13.3m) is set for a return to action in Double Gameweek 31 following the international break as Liverpool take on relegation strugglers Watford at Anfield. The Egyptian remains comfortably the highest scoring FPL asset among the entire Premier League player-base with 222 points accumulated, 35 points more than his nearest rival, Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Salah will be confident of adding to his haul of 20 goals and 11 assists already this season in Premier League against Watford and comes into the match in good form for Liverpool and his vast FPL ownership, having acquired four goals, an assist and 41 points over the course of the last three gameweeks that he has been involved in. In Watford, he faces a defence which has already shipped 55 goals this season, with only Leeds and Norwich having conceded more. Salah already boasts a 13-point-return against the Hornets earlier in the campaign and it would be no surprise if he was to at least match that score here.
Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.2m) vs LEI (H)
Whilst Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.2m) has not shown an extended spell of good form when it comes to gaining attacking returns, Man Utd’s superstar forward is coming off the back of a memorable hat-trick back in Gameweek 29, the last time he stepped foot on the Old Trafford pitch for a Premier League fixture. That match saw Ronaldo accrue 17 FPL points as his three goals led Man Utd to a vital 3-2 victory over Spurs.
United fans and Ronaldo’s FPL owners will be hoping that he can pull something similar out of the bag at home to Leicester in Double Gameweek 31, with the Red Devils desperate for three points in their battle to finish inside the top four. Ronaldo arrives back in Manchester with a positive mindset after Portugal booked their place at the World Cup during the international break and in front of his adoring fans, the stage could be set for another CR7 masterclass this weekend.
DIFFERENTIAL OPTION
Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) vs BUR (a)
Any Man City asset represents a smart pickup ahead of Double Gameweek 31 with Burnley the opponents for Pep Guardiola’s side. The reigning champions boasts an incredible record against the Clarets, not only winning each of their last nine meetings in all competitions, but also doing so by at least two clear goals on all but one occasion. This suggests that Man City should be afforded plenty of joy in front of goal on Saturday and FPL managers should look to take advantage.
Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) remains the creative talisman of this Man City midfield and gave a stark reminder as to his talents in Gameweek 29, when he racked up two goals, one assist and 18 FPL points in his side’s 4-1 demolition of fierce rivals Man Utd. The Belgian has already found the net against Burnley once this season and it would be no surprise if he was to do so again here. Whilst his ownership comes at a premium cost, placing the armband upon De Bruyne could well prove an ingenious move.
