The Best FPL Gameweek 31 Differentials 

Now before we get stuck into this week’s best differentials we will be splitting this into 2 sections. Given a lot of people will be on FH31/WC31/WC32 etc, we will do 3 differentials which are 1-week punts and 3 differentials who will be for a longer period and either double in GW33 or do not blank in GW34. 

However, if you are after the best options for Gameweek 31 and indeed the free hit team, then check out our Gameweek 31 Best Players and Free Hit Team article. 

If you are after more differential options, particularly at captain, then make sure you check out our Gameweek 31 Captains article. 

As always, make sure you check out our Predicted Line-Ups and Team News Hub before locking in any changes. 

Anyway, without further ado, let’s get stuck into the best Gameweek 31 differentials. 

 

1-Week Punts 

 

Anthony Gordon vs SUN (H) 

Ownership: 5.2% 

To be honest, I’m going to need a good reason this isn’t one of the best matchups this week.  

Gordon’s move to the centre forward role of late has not only helped his returns but also has seen him receive far more chances. All of which bode well for FPL potential. The fact he is on pens also provides a nice insurance.  

Perhaps even more importantly however, is the state of Sunderland’s defence. Sunderland are coming into the weekend’s fixture with only 1 win in their last 6 and 4 losses. Not the form you want to be taking into the Tyne-Wear derby.   

Sunderland are also suffering a severe defensive injury crisis with Roefs, Ballard, Mukiele, Enzo Le Fee and Reinildo all battling injuries. As I have mentioned all year, Newcastle are a different team when Livramento and Hall are both fit and will have revenge on their mind, this could get ugly. 

 

Morgan Gibbs-White vs TOT (A) 

Ownership: 5% 

To be honest it feels wrong calling anyone playing against Tottenham a differential, but he is only 5% owned. If you have a 1-week punt then Gibbs-White could be an excellent shout, particularly for those who need to swap out Rice. Spurs’ current situation needs zero further context. With impressive goals against both Brighton and City and a club with everything to play for, there is every chance Gibbs-White continues finding the net against a dejected Spurs side. 

 

Raul Jimenez vs BUR (H) 

Ownership: 3.2% 

Jimenez is a perfect 1-week option for those looking to move off Haaland and invest elsewhere in their line-ups. There is no better fixture on the calendar than Burnley right now and Jimenez should be set to lead the line. He still seems to be battling the reduced minutes demons but any striker against Burnley warrants substantial consideration. Particularly one with 3.2% ownership. 

 

Longer Term Differentials 

 

Emi Martinez – £5.1m 

Ownership: 5% 

Now granted Villa’s form and indeed their defence, havent been the best recently. But considering 2 or their last 3 games were against the high-powered attacks of Chelsea and Man United there is a world where can say it may look worse than it is. So if you are one of those people, then Martinez could be a great option, particularly if you are sacrificing Raya to the GW31 blank. 

Villa’s fixtures are nothing short of fantastic, particularly for a goalkeeper, with West Ham, Forest, Sunderland, Fulham, Spurs and Burnley in their next 6. You could not design better defensive fixtures in a lab. 6 of the 7 lowest xG teams in the league this season. 

Villa also do not blank in 34 meaning their layers are perfect for helping teams who also want to target some doublers in GW33. 

 

Ouattara Dango – £6.0m 

Ownership: 3.7% 

There’s no 2 ways around it, Dango is just a great FPL pick right now. With 5 returns in his last 7 games, and a price tag of only £6.0m, he is a great option. More importantly however are the fixtures.  

We mentioned Villa having great defensive fixtures, well Brentford have great attacking ones. There isn’t a single scary defence between Leeds, Everton, Fulham, United or West Ham, and given how strong Brentford are going forward, there could be plenty of goals in these games.  

Dango also averages a very healthy 0.48 xGI per 90, so the returns are sustainable. 

 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – £5.6m 

Ownership: 7.8% 

I know, I don’t like it either but their fixtures are too good to ignore. It’s fair to say DCL hasn’t been at the races in his last few games but as we all know too well, fixtures can breed form. Brentford, United, Wolves, Bournemouth, Burnley, Spurs, Brighton and West Ham are about as good as it gets for closing out the season out as an attacker. Granted there are some strong attacks in their like Man United and Bournemouth, but no defences that will scare you at all. 

DCL still has 10 gaols and 2 assists this year on an xGI per 90 of 0.56, so the chances are still there. In truth he really should’ve scored against Palace. But if they do keep coming his form this season suggests he can put them away. 

 

Check out our Game Week Tips section for more Gameweek 31 Tips.