Navigating Blank Gameweek 31 is one of the most significant tactical hurdles of the 2025/2026 Fantasy Premier League season.
With heavy hitters from Arsenal, Manchester City, Crystal Palace, and Wolves all without a fixture, managers must pivot to reliable assets who are actually taking the pitch.
This week is all about maximizing your “Expected Minutes” while targeting high-ceiling differentials.
Whether you are using your Free Hit chip or relying on savvy transfers, these EPL GW-31 FPL Player Picks
are designed to help you dodge the blanks and climb the rankings.
Bernd Leno – Fulham (4.9m)
All signs point to Bernd Leno as the premier goalkeeping choice for Blank Gameweek 31.
Fulham currently boasts the league’s highest clean sheet probability at 45% as they prepare to host a struggling Burnley side.
Leno enters this matchup with significant momentum, having just secured a clean sheet and multiple save points against Nottingham Forest in GW-30. He is the ultimate “set and forget” option for this blank window.
Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool (6.2m)
Liverpool’s defensive captain remains a top-tier EPL GW-31 FPL Player Pick.
Beyond the clean sheet potential against Brighton, Virgil is a “DEFCON” monster, consistently racking up points for clearances, blocks, and interceptions.
As a primary target on set pieces, he offers a legitimate goal threat that most defenders lack. Crucially, Liverpool’s participation in GW-31 makes him a vital long-term hold for the final stretch.
Malick Thiaw – Newcastle (5.0m)
If you are looking for a Newcastle defender who offers more than just clean sheet potential, Malick Thiaw is your man.
The center-back has already notched 4 goals this season and consistently plays the full 90 minutes.
With Newcastle facing Sunderland in a high-stakes derby, Thiaw’s aerial dominance and high defensive work rate make him a high-floor, high-ceiling option for managers on a budget.
Joachim Andersen – Fulham (4.5m)
For those navigating the blank gameweek, Joachim Andersen is an essential defensive asset.
Fulham’s favorable odds for a shutout make him a statistical favorite, but his real value lies in his “Defcon” points—averaging 10 per 90 minutes.
At just 4.5m, he is a “spicy differential” that provides elite value without breaking the bank.
Harry Wilson – Fulham (6.0m)
Harry Wilson has emerged as a standout midfield option, particularly with Fulham facing a Burnley side that has conceded heavily to right-wingers this season.
Wilson has already recorded five double-digit hauls in the 2025/2026 campaign.
His underlying creative numbers—averaging nearly 7 points per 90 in recent starts—position him as a top-tier EPL GW-31 FPL Player Pick for those looking to capitalize on Fulham’s attacking form.
Anthony Gordon – Newcastle (7.3m)
With Newcastle projected to be one of the highest-scoring teams this week, Anthony Gordon is a must-have.
He has frequently operated as a striker recently, is on penalty duties, and thrives in high-pressure home games at St. James’ Park.
For managers without a Wildcard, Gordon is a strategic “hold” as Newcastle is likely to have a Double Gameweek in 33.
Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United (10.2m)
“Captain Fantastic” Bruno Fernandes is arguably the most essential player in FPL right now.
Under Michael Carrick’s more attacking setup, Bruno has exploded for 31 points in his last three games and has seen his ownership soar to 43.2%.
His 90-minute security, combined with his monopoly on penalties and set pieces, makes him the premier captaincy candidate for this GW-31 FPL Player Pick list.
Matheus Cunha – Manchester United (8.0m)
Following his high-profile transfer to Old Trafford, Matheus Cunha has become the perfect foil for Bruno Fernandes.
With 15 points in his last three outings and a goal in his last appearance against Villa, Cunha offers clinical finishing and assist potential.
He is an excellent differential pick for GW-31 against a Bournemouth defense that has conceded 46 goals this season.
Jarrod Bowen – West Ham (7.5m)
Jarrod Bowen remains the talisman for West Ham and one of the few forwards who consistently contributes defensive points.
He has blanked only once in the last five gameweeks and now faces an Aston Villa side that has lost four of its last five home matches.
With Bowen on penalties and West Ham showing strong away form, he is a reliable anchor for any GW-31 frontline.
Richarlison – Spurs (6.3m)
If you are hunting for a mid-priced differential, Richarlison is the man in form. With 15 points in his last three games, he is currently the most productive asset in the Spurs lineup.
With favorable fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Sunderland on the horizon, he provides an explosive entry point into a Tottenham attack that is desperate to regain its top-four momentum.
Igor Thiago – Brentford (7.2m)
Brentford’s Igor Thiago has been a revelation, racking up 19 goals this season—second only to Erling Haaland.
Coming off a goal against Wolves, he now faces a 15th-place Leeds United side that has struggled to contain physical strikers.
With 149 total FPL points, Thiago is a prime candidate for another double-digit haul as Brentford’s offensive transition game continues to click.
