Big Man Bakar Answers the Biggest Questions in his FPL Gameweek 31 Tips, Including Wildcard Strategies

Big Man Bakar is back to address the biggest dilemmas and answer the big questions in his FPL Gameweek 31 tips.

Big Man Bakar’s FPL Gameweek 31 Tips

What to Do with Gabriel This Week?

This decision depends on your team structure. If you own both Gabriel and David Raya, William Saliba is the best Arsenal defensive replacement due to his security of minutes. However, if you already own Saliba and Gabriel, holding off on a transfer could be the smarter play.

Other defensive options like Jurrien Timber and Rúben Dias are worth considering, but there’s no clear standout replacement at the moment. With many FPL managers having already Wildcarded and prepared for a Bench Boost, players like Joško Gvardiol can provide temporary cover. Waiting an extra week or two could give more clarity on the best replacement.

Why is Saving a Transfer Important This Week?

Many managers are heading into Gameweek 31 with only one free transfer, having recently Wildcarded. In this case, rolling a transfer can be incredibly beneficial, as there aren’t many high-upside moves this week.

Having extra transfers available before the upcoming double gameweeks can provide more flexibility and allow for a stronger squad setup when it matters most.

Who is the Best Captain in Gameweek 31?

If guaranteed similar minutes, Alexander Isak would be the best captain option, given Newcastle’s strong fixture. However, there is some risk of him being substituted early due to a lingering niggle.

That leaves us with Cole Palmer and Mohamed Salah as the standout choices. Salah is the safer option based on goal involvement probability, but for those chasing rank, Palmer presents a higher-risk, higher-reward pick.

How Should a Gameweek 31 Wildcard Team Differ from a Gameweek 30 Wildcard Team?

The core of both teams should remain similar, but one key difference is the inclusion of Bukayo Saka. With Arsenal’s Gameweek 33 double ahead, bringing in Saka now helps avoid using a transfer later.

In a Gameweek 31 Wildcard team, Saka, Raya, and Saliba should be the preferred Arsenal trio, replacing Gabriel, who featured more prominently in Gameweek 30 Wildcards.

Which Players Should Form the Core of a Gameweek 31 Wildcard?

If Wildcarding this week, these 10 players would be nailed on for my team:

• Goalkeeper: Raya

• Defenders: Saliba, Gvardiol, Livramento

• Midfielders: Sarr, Eze, Palmer, Saka

• Forwards: Marmoush, Isak

What’s the Plan for Saka?

For those who Wildcarded in Gameweek 30 without Saka, the best strategy remains bringing him in via Palmer in Gameweek 33. Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures are favourable, so holding Palmer for the next two weeks makes sense.

Saka could be the best captaincy option in Gameweek 33, so planning for his inclusion is crucial.

When Should the Assistant Manager Chip Be Played?

The ideal time to use the Assistant Manager chip is Gameweek 36, where managers like Pep Guardiola or Oliver Glasner could maximise returns.

If deploying it this week, Eddie Howe is the safest choice, while Graham Potter offers a higher upside due to his potential table bonus.

Who is the Best Third Manchester City Pick on a Wildcard?

Holding off on selecting a third Manchester City player until Gameweek 33 is advisable. Currently, both Rúben Dias and Savinho are emerging as solid options, but more time will provide better clarity.

Who is the Best Kluivert Replacement?

For those looking to replace Justin Kluivert, the standout options are Eberechi Eze and Pape Matar Sarr.