FPL Gameweek 31 Review: Beto Headlines, Everton Crush Chelsea in Reduced Gameweek
Beto's 16-point haul leads the way as Everton demolish Chelsea 3-0 and five teams keep clean sheets across a reduced 8-fixture gameweek.
Gameweek 31 was a reduced round with only 8 fixtures after Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Man City, and Wolves were removed due to the EFL Cup final weekend. Despite the lighter schedule, 22 goals across 8 matches kept things entertaining. Our live FPL tracker captured all the action as home teams edged matters with 13 goals compared to 9 for the visitors. Everton's dominant destruction of Chelsea was the standout, while Forest stunned Spurs away. Here are the essential insights for optimizing your FPL captain picks going forward.
Top Performers by Position
Attacking returns from unexpected sources stole the headlines this week, with Beto's all-round display and Neco Williams' creative brilliance leading the way across five clean sheets.
Goalkeeper: Kelleher (9pts) & Pickford (7pts) ⭐
Brentford's Kelleher delivered a solid 9-point return with a clean sheet, 4 saves, and 2 bonus in the disciplined 0-0 draw at Leeds. Pickford (7pts) kept Everton's clean sheet in the 3-0 demolition of Chelsea with 4 saves. Sels (7pts) also impressed for Forest with a clean sheet and 3 saves in their emphatic 3-0 win at Spurs. Martinez (6pts) and Darlow (6pts) both secured clean sheet returns for Villa and Leeds respectively.
Defender: Neco Williams (15pts) ⭐⭐⭐
The performance of the gameweek from defence. Nottingham Forest's Neco Williams delivered a stunning 15-point haul with two assists, a clean sheet, and maximum 3 bonus in the emphatic 3-0 away win at Spurs. Bijol (11pts) anchored Leeds' defence with a clean sheet and 3 bonus in the 0-0 draw. Pinnock (10pts) matched the clean sheet value for Brentford with 2 bonus. Milenković (9pts) added to Forest's defensive excellence with his own clean sheet return.
Midfielder: King (13pts) & Bruno Fernandes (13pts) ⭐
King delivered a 13-point return with a goal, assist, and maximum 3 bonus in Fulham's convincing 3-1 victory over Burnley. Bruno Fernandes (13pts) matched that tally with a goal and assist in Man United's 2-2 draw at Bournemouth. McGinn (10pts) scored and kept a clean sheet in Villa's 2-0 win over West Ham. Ndiaye (10pts) added to Everton's attacking excellence with a goal and clean sheet bonus. Gordon (10pts) scored Newcastle's goal despite the 1-2 home defeat to Sunderland.
Forward: Beto (16pts) & Welbeck (12pts) ⭐
Beto delivered a magnificent 16-point haul with two goals, an assist, a clean sheet bonus, and maximum 3 bonus in Everton's 3-0 thrashing of Chelsea. Danny Welbeck (12pts) scored a brace with 3 bonus in Brighton's impressive 2-1 victory over Liverpool. Watkins (9pts) found the net with a clean sheet bonus in Villa's 2-0 win over West Ham. Igor Jesus (8pts) scored for Forest in their dominant 3-0 away win, while Brobbey (8pts) netted Sunderland's winner at Newcastle.
Team Performance Analysis
Best Performing Teams
Everton (5.60 avg) ⭐
Everton delivered the gameweek's best team average with a dominant 3-0 home thrashing of Chelsea. Beto's 16-point masterclass anchored the display with two goals and an assist, while Ndiaye (10pts) and Keane (8pts) contributed key returns. Pickford's clean sheet capped a commanding performance across the board.
Nottingham Forest (5.44 avg)
Forest secured an emphatic 3-0 away victory at Spurs with Neco Williams (15pts) providing two assists from defence. Milenković (9pts) added clean sheet value while Igor Jesus (8pts) scored. Sels (7pts) kept a solid clean sheet in goal. Forest's away form continues to impress this season.
Brentford (5.33 avg)
Brentford ground out a solid 0-0 draw away at Leeds with clean sheet value rewarding their owners. Kelleher (9pts) was excellent with 4 saves and 2 bonus, Pinnock (10pts) anchored the defence with clean sheet and bonus, while Bijol's opposite number couldn't match the Bees' discipline.
Aston Villa (4.69 avg)
Villa delivered a comfortable 2-0 home victory over West Ham with McGinn (10pts) scoring and keeping a clean sheet. Watkins (9pts) added a goal with clean sheet bonus while Martinez (6pts) kept things tight in goal. A professional performance from Emery's side.
Teams to Avoid
Tottenham (1.38 avg) ⚠️
Spurs suffered the gameweek's most disappointing result with a 0-3 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. Zero goals scored and three conceded at home delivered minimal returns across the board. Their home form raises serious concerns for FPL managers.
Chelsea (1.38 avg)
Chelsea's 0-3 away defeat at Everton was a disastrous performance. Zero goals scored and three conceded meant minimal FPL returns across their squad. Their attacking struggles continue to make Chelsea assets difficult to justify at current prices.
West Ham (1.40 avg)
West Ham's 0-2 away defeat at Aston Villa continues their struggles on the road. No goals scored and no clean sheet meant negligible FPL returns. Their lack of attacking threat and defensive vulnerability makes their assets hard to recommend.
Burnley (1.87 avg)
Burnley's 1-3 home defeat to Fulham exposed their defensive frailties. Conceding three at home against Fulham is concerning for their FPL assets. Their struggles at the back make defensive investments particularly risky in upcoming gameweeks.
Reduced Gameweek & Everton's Chelsea Demolition
Gameweek 31 was impacted by the EFL Cup final, removing Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Man City, and Wolves from the schedule. Despite only 8 fixtures, Everton delivered a statement performance by crushing Chelsea 3-0 at home:
- Beto (16pts): Two goals, one assist, clean sheet bonus, and maximum 3 bonus in a dominant all-round forward display.
- Ndiaye (10pts): Added a goal and clean sheet bonus as Everton's midfield controlled proceedings.
- Defensive solidity: Pickford (7pts) and Keane (8pts) anchored a clean sheet in the comprehensive victory.
- Blank gameweek impact: Managers with Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Man City, or Wolves assets faced reduced squads, making bench planning crucial.
Key FPL Statistics - Reduced Gameweek, Five Clean Sheets
Gameweek 31 featured only 8 matches due to the EFL Cup final (Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Man City, Wolves absent):
- 22 goals scored across 8 fixtures (13 home, 9 away)
- 5 clean sheets - Everton, Leeds, Brentford, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest
- Home advantage - 13 home goals vs 9 away goals
- Top scorer: Beto with 16 points (2 goals, 1 assist, clean sheet)
The five clean sheets from 8 matches rewarded defensive investments heavily in this reduced gameweek. Using comprehensive fantasy premier league tools to plan for blank and reduced gameweeks remains crucial for the run-in.
Notable Results & Talking Points
Everton Demolish Chelsea 3-0
The headline performance of the gameweek saw Everton crush Chelsea 3-0 at home. Beto's 16-point haul with two goals and an assist was the standout, while Ndiaye and the defence contributed across the board. Chelsea's attacking struggles continue to worry their FPL owners.
Forest Stun Spurs 3-0 Away
Nottingham Forest produced a stunning 3-0 away victory at Tottenham. Neco Williams was the standout with 15 points from two assists and a clean sheet. Igor Jesus and the Forest attack dismantled Spurs' fragile defence, raising serious questions about Tottenham's home form.
Sunderland Win Tyne-Wear Derby at Newcastle
Sunderland secured a memorable 2-1 away victory at Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby. Brobbey (8pts) scored the decisive goal as Sunderland triumphed on Tyneside. Gordon (10pts) scored Newcastle's consolation but the home defeat was a blow for Magpies owners.
Welbeck Brace Sinks Liverpool
Danny Welbeck's 12-point brace powered Brighton to a 2-1 home victory over Liverpool. The veteran striker's finishing was clinical in a result that could have title implications. Liverpool's 2.13 average was a poor return for those backing the visitors.
Tactical Takeaways for FPL Managers
1. Blank Gameweek Planning is Essential
With Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Man City, and Wolves all absent, managers who planned ahead reaped the rewards. Investing in players from teams guaranteed to play in reduced gameweeks is a key strategy for the final stretch of the season.
2. Everton as Differential Goldmine
Beto's 16-point haul and Everton's 5.60 average demonstrate the value of targeting low-ownership differentials from in-form sides. Ndiaye, Keane, and Pickford all delivered strong returns at bargain prices. Monitor Everton's upcoming fixtures for continued value.
3. Attacking Defenders Continue to Deliver
Neco Williams' 15-point haul with two assists from defence demonstrates the explosive potential of attacking full-backs. Bijol (11pts) and Pinnock (10pts) also delivered strong returns from clean sheet bonus. Prioritize defenders with set-piece and crossing threat.
4. Avoid Spurs and Chelsea Assets
Both Spurs and Chelsea suffered 3-0 defeats, delivering identical 1.38 team averages. Tottenham's home vulnerability and Chelsea's away struggles make their assets extremely risky. Consider reallocating funds to more consistent options.
Looking Ahead: Transfer Priorities
Based on Gameweek 31 data, consider these strategic moves for your FPL squad:
Priority Targets
Neco Williams for Forest defensive attacking returns (15pts), Beto as Everton's in-form striker (16pts), King for Fulham midfield value (13pts), and Aston Villa defenders for consistent clean sheet potential. Prioritize players with both attacking upside and clean sheet prospects.
Consider Offloading
Spurs assets after the 0-3 home humiliation to Forest, Chelsea players after 0-3 away defeat at Everton, West Ham options after another goalless away loss, and Liverpool attackers who struggled in the 1-2 defeat at Brighton. Reallocate to teams demonstrating consistency.
Differential Options
Beto as Everton's low-ownership striker (16pts), Ndiaye for Everton midfield value (10pts), Bijol as Leeds' bonus magnet from defence (11pts), and Brobbey as Sunderland's derby hero (8pts). Monitor ownership levels before price rises.
Monitor Closely
Everton form with Beto's firepower and defensive solidity, Forest away form after another emphatic win, Brighton's ability to beat top sides at home, and Fulham's attacking consistency. Also monitor when Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Man City, and Wolves return from their cup commitments.
Maximize Returns with FPL Pulse
Gameweek 31's reduced schedule and Beto's explosive 16-point haul confirm meaningful gains remain available for prepared FPL managers who plan for blank gameweeks. FPL Pulse provides the comprehensive live FPL tracking you need to identify performers before ownership rises.
From tracking elite performances (Beto 16pts, Neco Williams 15pts, King 13pts) to identifying form patterns (Everton attack, Forest away form, Brentford clean sheets) and monitoring consistent performers, our suite of fantasy premier league tools helps you make smarter decisions in competitive conditions.
FAQs
- Who were the top performers in FPL Gameweek 31?
- Beto delivered the gameweek's highest score with 16 points, scoring twice and providing an assist in Everton's dominant 3-0 victory over Chelsea. Neco Williams (15pts) contributed two assists and a clean sheet in Nottingham Forest's 3-0 win at Spurs. King (13pts) and Bruno Fernandes (13pts) both delivered goal-and-assist combinations.
- Why were there only 8 matches in Gameweek 31?
- Gameweek 31 was a reduced fixture round with only 8 matches instead of the usual 10. Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Man City, and Wolves were absent due to the EFL Cup final weekend. This meant managers with heavy exposure to those four teams faced potential blank gameweek issues.
- Which teams kept clean sheets in GW31?
- Five teams kept clean sheets from the 8 fixtures: Everton (3-0 vs Chelsea), Leeds (0-0 vs Brentford), Brentford (0-0 at Leeds), Aston Villa (2-0 vs West Ham), and Nottingham Forest (3-0 at Spurs). This made defensive assets particularly valuable in the reduced gameweek.
- What was the average score in Gameweek 31?
- The reduced gameweek saw 22 goals across just 8 matches, with home teams scoring 13 and away teams 9. Everton led the team averages with 5.60 points per player, followed by Nottingham Forest (5.44) and Brentford (5.33). Five clean sheets rewarded defensive investments.