04 Apr, 2025

Game Week 31: SamFPL’s Key Questions

• The Transfer Wizard is a great tool for customised transfer recommendations based on budget and position.
• FPL Player Rankings also provides clear lists of the best FPL players across each position for budget and premium

Chip Strategy

Wild Card:

Finally, it’s the best chance for WC activation, and most FPL managers will have to use it due to the DGW announcements and recent injuries to some popular assets. The backbone of WC drafts will be much the same, but there are some fine differentials to target according to your chip strategy. Don’t copy other drafts without considering your Bench Boost strategy and Assistant Manager availability! Will you BB in 32 or 33? Will you save money to use your A.M., or has it already been used?

BB or AM:

Many managers have both chips intact and are torn between using one of them. First of all, we should know that we have back-to-back double GWs in GW32 and 33. Activating your AM will block you from using any other chip for three GWs as well.
Personally, I’ve used my AM earlier, so the plan is to BB in 32 or 33. If you have both chips intact, I recommend prioritizing the Assistant Manager to get the maximum benefit from the back-to-back doubles on Emery/Glasner and bench boosting in DGW36.

Gabriel Replacement

It looks like Gabi is ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury, and he is the most sold defender for GW31. In this section, I’m going to discuss the best replacements with incoming DGWs:

• Saliba: The direct and safest pick. Getting an ARS defender for their good run and DGW33 should be on your watchlist and is essential for me. He is a bit of a boring pick as his attacking threat is less than Gabriel’s, but he had a good header last GW and may return soon.

• Gvardiol: No one can ignore that he has improved offensively and has many attacking returns this season. City has improved and has a DGW33 and a potential one in 36 as well.

• Muñoz: Crystal Palace is one of the best teams to target due to their back-to-back DGWs in 32 and 33. Muñoz is their best defender, is always advanced, and is capable of getting returns in big games after losing the CS.

• Livramento: Facing LEI in 31 followed by a DGW32 makes NEW assets a top target. Livramento has good attacking threat and secured minutes since Hall’s injury. For only 4.5, he’s a steal.

Foden – Keep or Sell?

The English international was benched suddenly after his start in the FA Cup, and many managers who bought him in their GW30 wildcard were disappointed. I think it’s just a rest rather than a tactical benching, and he should start this GW. We can trust Pep, and his rotation can affect anyone, but for Foden owners: keep him for one more GW and reassess. He is simply a “don’t buy, don’t sell.”

Best Mid from AVL (Rogers, Asensio or Rashford)?

AVL has a DGW33 and a potential one in GW36, so it’s important to get the best pick from their midfield. All three—Rogers, Rashford, and Asensio—returned in GW30, and many managers want to get one of them in their wildcards.
Firstly, AVL plays in UCL and is going to face PSG in the next two weeks before the double. We will notice some rotations, and we should avoid any minute risk. This is my most important point to consider! Rashford and Asensio are more tempting and higher-ceiling picks than Rogers, but their minutes will be at huge risk. Rashford and Asensio have started only one game in the last four gameweeks.

Best Front Three for Wild Card?

“It seems that there is nothing too serious. Isak just wasn’t feeling 100 percent in his groin. He was just a little bit unsure in his movement, so that’s why he was withdrawn.”

Despite the early substitution, I believe Isak is fit and should feature on Monday night, and he is one of my best three forwards to own.

• Marmoush is the second pick after Haaland’s injury, which will boost his minutes. He rewarded his new owners with a goal and three bonus points in GW30.

• Last pick will be a forward with back-to-back DGWs—Mateta. He was subbed early after coming back from injury, and it wasn’t a surprise for me. He was unlucky and should have returned.

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By: SamFPL

Last Updated: 04/04