Five tips for Gameweek 31+ of the Fantasy Premier League
The Premier League, so often fast and furious, got off to a rather sluggish restart in Gameweek 30+ with undertrained players adapting to the ghostly atmosphere of empty stadiums.
For some teams however the strong mentality and star quality shone through with players from teams up and down the table proving their worth with assured performances.
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Hide AdHere are five players who hit the ground running in Gameweek 30+, and, more importantly, could provide your team with a boost in Gameweek 31+ and beyond.
Matt Ritchie, Newcastle United
It took the sending off of John Egan for Newcastle United’s attack to be unshackled, but the Magpies defence looked impressive for much of Sunday’s fixture against the Blades.
Matt Ritchie is inexplicably listed as a defender in the Fantasy Premier League and could benefit from his side’s stinginess at the rear.
In reality the Scotsman is used in a more advanced role than his FPL position suggests, and his finish past an under-par Dean Henderson proved that he is more than capable of contributing in attack.
Stuart Armstrong, Southampton
Some players appear unstirred by lockdown.
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Hide AdTake Stuart Armstrong – despite the UK-wide closure of barbers he still sports a classy haircut, and more vitally for FPL managers his match sharpness appears unaffected by a three month break.
The former Celtic star was vital in his side’s 3-0 victory over lowly Norwich City, scoring and assisting once.
The Saints will face far tougher opposition than the Canaries, but the Scot could well contribute with decent totals in the coming Gameweeks against Arsenal and Watford.
Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United
Paul Pogba stole the headlines with his outstanding performance from the bench, but Bruno Fernandes looked dangerous throughout for the Red Devils pinging menacing shots from distance throughout and stroking a penalty passed an impressive Hugo Lloris.
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Hide AdThe Portuguese star maintained his outstanding start to his Man United career, despite the pause in the season, and he could well enjoy more fruitful days out in the weeks ahead when his side face Sheffield United, Brighton, Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
Matt Doherty, Wolves
Matt Doherty’s last six Gameweek totals speak for themselves: 6, 6, 10, 12, 6, 12.
The Irishman has long-proven to FPL managers that he can contribute in defence and attack, and with Wolves facing one of the league’s easiest run-ins he and teammate Raul Jimenez are quickly outlining themselves as must-own assets.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Everton
The Merseyside derby was a drab affair, but Calvert-Lewin looked sharp.
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Hide AdThe Toffees’ striker finished sharply past Allison in the second half, before his goal was rightly ruled offside.
Expect him to get far more joy in the coming Gameweeks, starting in Gameweek 31+ when Everton face bottom-placed Norwich.