Football Paparazzi Weekly Fantasy Fix: Best picks for FPL Blank Gameweek 31

Last Updated on 19 March 2026

Gameweek 31 presents one of the trickiest rounds of the season, with a Blank Gameweek reducing the available player pool. Manchester City and Arsenal are absent due to the Carabao Cup final, while Wolves and Crystal Palace also do not feature.

This forces Fantasy Premier League managers to rethink their usual strategies. With key assets unavailable, this is a week where smart, low-owned picks and reliable starters can make a huge difference.

Targeting players with secure minutes, strong recent form and favourable fixtures is essential to navigating the blanks and maintaining momentum in your mini-leagues. Here are four standout picks for BGW31.

Joachim Andersen (Fulham) – £4.5m

Joachim Andersen offers a dependable defensive option as Fulham host Burnley. The centre-back returned to the starting XI in Gameweek 30 after illness and immediately delivered, helping secure a clean sheet while adding defensive contribution points.

That has been a consistent theme this season. As per FPL, Andersen has reached the defensive contribution threshold in 63 per cent of his starts, one of the best rates among defenders. Against a Burnley side ranked bottom for xG, another return looks firmly within reach.

Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) – £7.3m

Anthony Gordon has quickly become one of the most popular picks for BGW31, and for good reason. Now operating further forward, the Newcastle midfielder has scored in back-to-back matches against Manchester United and Chelsea, collecting 18 points.

Newcastle are looking to respond to a heavy European defeat, but their domestic form remains strong. Sunderland, meanwhile, have struggled for results and defensive stability. With penalty duties and attacking momentum on his side, Gordon offers both reliability and upside.

Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool) – £5.7m

Jeremie Frimpong could prove a valuable differential for BGW31 as Liverpool face a favourable fixture. The right-back was substituted early in midweek against Galatasaray, suggesting he is being managed with the weekend in mind.

With Mohamed Salah an injury doubt, Frimpong may even be deployed in a more advanced role, increasing his potential. As Liverpool’s only fit right-back, his minutes look secure, and his ability to contribute in attack makes him an intriguing option in a reduced Gameweek.

Igor Thiago (Brentford) – £7.3m

Igor Thiago continues to deliver as one of the most consistent forwards in the game. His goal against Wolves last time out took him to 19 for the season, putting him within touching distance of the Golden Boot race, especially with Erling Haaland blanking this Gameweek.

Brentford travel to Leeds, who have been defensively fragile at home, keeping just one clean sheet in their last 13 matches at Elland Road. Thiago’s underlying numbers are equally strong, ranking among the top forwards for shots in the box and big chances over recent weeks.