Best Captain Picks In FPL | GW 31
Once again, the choice for the FPL Gameweek 31 captaincy remains open, with form players overshadowing Erling Haaland. Despite facing a challenging fixture after a tough outing against Arsenal, the Norwegian striker’s prospects seem uncertain. So, who should FPL managers be considering for the armband?
With insights from Fantasy Football Hub’s robust AI Points Predictions tool, here are the top captain picks for Gamewek 31.
Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
Son Heung-min, priced at £10.1 million, has been a prolific contributor for Spurs this season with 15 goals and eight assists in the league. Over the last four games, where he has been deployed up top, Son has notched three goals and two assists. In the upcoming fixture against West Ham, Spurs have a favorable matchup for attacking purposes. West Ham’s defensive record has been less than stellar, conceding 54 goals, ranking sixteenth, with an expected goal conceded (xGC) of 55.2, placing them eighteenth in the league.
Conversely, Tottenham has been potent in attack, scoring 61 goals, ranking fifth, with an expected goal (xG) of 52.91, placing them seventh. This suggests a likelihood of goals at both ends of the pitch in this encounter. Additionally, Tottenham is the fourth favorite to score 2.5+ goals, with a probability of 33%. Son is expected to start and is the designated penalty taker for Spurs. With his recent performances and the uncertainty surrounding Richarlison’s return to the starting XI, Son remains a compelling captaincy option for FPL managers.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah, valued at £13.1 million, made a triumphant return to scoring form in the previous gameweek, marking his first start since Gameweek 20. With 16 goals and nine assists to his name, Salah boasts impressive underlying statistics, including expected goals (xG) of 16 and expected assists (xA) of 6.1.
In Gameweek 31, Liverpool enjoys their most favorable fixture of the season against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United. The Blades have struggled defensively, conceding the most goals in the league (77) and ranking second worst in expected goals conceded (xGC) with 58.4.
In contrast, Liverpool’s attacking prowess is evident, with 67 goals scored (second) and an xG of 67.1 (first) in the league. They are overwhelming favorites to score 2.5+ goals, with a probability of 71%, indicating the potential for a high-scoring encounter.
Salah emerges as the standout captaincy option for this gameweek, with the fixture presenting an opportunity for one of his biggest hauls of the season. His starting position is virtually assured, given his indispensable status in the team despite the demanding schedule.
Also Read: Best Goalkeeper Picks in FPL Gameweek 30
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Bukayo Saka, valued at £9.2 million, has been in exceptional form this season, tallying an impressive 13 goals and 10 assists, making him the highest-scoring midfielder in the game. His performances have been consistently strong, supported by noteworthy underlying statistics, including an expected goals (xG) of 11.5 and expected assists (xA) of 9.1.
In Gameweek 31, Arsenal enjoys a favorable home fixture against Luton at the Emirates Stadium. Luton’s defensive struggles are evident, having conceded 62 goals (eighteenth) and possessing the worst expected goals conceded (xGC) record in the league with 64.1.
Arsenal, on the other hand, leads the league in goals scored with 70 (first) and ranks third in expected goals (xG) with 58. This suggests a promising outlook for Arsenal’s attacking prospects in this fixture. Additionally, Arsenal has a high probability of scoring 2.5+ goals, standing at 67% (second) for Gameweek 31.
Saka is a guaranteed starter for Arsenal, takes penalties, and poses a significant goal and assist threat. As the club’s top scorer, he remains a pivotal figure and is expected to continue delivering strong performances until the end of the season.
Erling Haaland (Man City)
Erling Haaland, priced at £14.4 million, aims to bounce back from consecutive blank gameweeks with a promising fixture in Gameweek 31. Across the season, he has showcased his prowess with 18 goals and seven assists in just 23 league starts.
Manchester City hosts Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium, where Villa ranks among the top eight for both goals conceded and expected goals conceded (xGC). However, Manchester City’s attacking prowess is formidable, placing them among the league’s best. Bookmakers favor City as a strong favorite and the third most likely team to score 2.5+ goals, with a probability of 55%.
City ranks third in goals scored (63) and second in expected goals (xG) with 59.38, indicating their ability to create numerous scoring opportunities. Haaland is expected to capitalize on these chances.
The Norwegian forward emerges as the standout forward option for Gameweek 31 and ranks among the top three captaincy picks. Playing at home increases the likelihood of him finding the net. Moreover, Haaland is the favorite to score at any time, with a probability of 63%. He is expected to start, particularly crucial during a period of fixture congestion, and is also entrusted with penalty duties, making him Manchester City’s clear talisman under Pep Guardiola’s leadership.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
Alexander Isak, priced at £7.6 million, continues to shine in the ongoing season, boasting an impressive tally of 14 goals in 18 league starts, supported by an expected goals (xG) figure of 12.8. His stellar statistics reflect his pivotal role in a team that consistently finds the back of the net.
In Gameweek 31, Newcastle United faces Everton at home. Despite Everton’s solid defensive performances, Newcastle has been potent in attack, ranking third in goals scored with 63 and fourth in expected goals (xG) with 56.96.
Under the leadership of Eddie Howe, Newcastle is expected to be a favorite for this fixture, with Isak serving as their key player. With Callum Wilson sidelined due to injury, Isak assumes the role of the team’s primary striker, having played the full 90 minutes in recent matches.
Moreover, Isak is Newcastle’s designated penalty taker in Wilson’s absence, a role confirmed in the previous gameweek when he successfully converted both penalties with Anthony Gordon on the pitch.
Backed by his teammates’ creativity and chances created, Isak is likely to feature prominently in Newcastle’s attacking setup and is almost certain to start.
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