Looking for the edge in Gameweek 31? This week’s selection is a clinical blend of high-volume shooters and the league’s most creative sparks, all primed for a massive haul. From “pressing monsters” to tactical “high-line specialists,” here is the Scout’s Top 8.
1. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Fixture: AFC Bournemouth vs. Manchester United
The Manchester United captain stands as the undisputed titan of the midfield this season, currently reigning as the top-scoring player in his position within Fantasy Premier League. His statistical dominance is highlighted by a staggering 23 attacking returns, comprised of seven goals and 16 assists. Entering Gameweek 31, Fernandes is arguably the most in-form player in the country, having secured his sixth consecutive double-digit haul at Old Trafford in the previous round. This explosion in output is no coincidence; under the management of Michael Carrick, Fernandes has been deployed in a significantly more advanced tactical role. This shift has already yielded five double-digit scores since the coaching change, proving he is the primary beneficiary of the new system. With a high floor provided by his status as the team’s chief set-piece and penalty taker, he is the second-highest predicted scorer for this entire round with an expected return of 5.8 points.
2. Harry Wilson (Fulham)
Fixture: Fulham vs. Burnley
Harry Wilson has emerged as an explosive differential for those navigating the blank gameweek. His recent form is nothing short of remarkable, accumulating 23 points across his last four appearances while averaging nearly seven points per 90 minutes. Wilson has evolved into Fulham’s creative hub, currently ranking fourth in the entire league for Big Chances Created per 90 minutes (0.84) over the last five weeks of play. Beyond his distribution, he poses a significant goal threat by averaging 1.7 shots per 90 minutes with an impressive 23% conversion rate. History also suggests he is the man for this specific matchup; in the reverse fixture against Burnley earlier this season, Wilson secured a massive 16-point haul that included both a goal and two assists.
3. Harvey Barnes (Newcastle United)
Fixture: Newcastle United vs. Sunderland
As the Tyne-Wear derby returns to the spotlight, Harvey Barnes enters the fray with a proven big-game pedigree. He has developed a reputation for finding the net in critical moments, having recently scored against both Manchester City and Barcelona. Statistically, Barnes is operating at an elite level, ranking in the 89th percentile for goals and the 86th percentile for shot attempts among all Premier League wingers. Despite some squad rotation, his volume of output remains high; he has managed 49 shots this season with an expected goals (xG) figure of 6.11, demonstrating his ability to generate high-quality chances regardless of his minutes on the pitch. His recent good performances against elite opposition suggests he is perfectly primed for the intensity of the derby context.
4. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Fixture: Everton vs. Chelsea
Cole Palmer continues to be the lone bright spot in an often inconsistent Chelsea side. His shooting volume has surged recently, and he now ranks joint-top among all league midfielders for total shots (18) and shots inside the penalty area (11) over the last six gameweeks. Palmer offers a reliable baseline for points through his penalty security, having successfully converted all five of his spot-kicks this season. His underlying creativity is equally impressive, as he has been involved in nine big chances over the last six rounds, more than any other Chelsea attacker. Perhaps most encouraging for his Gameweek 31 prospects is his specific history against Everton, a team he has historically dismantled with five goals and one assist in just six career appearances against them.
5. Randal Kolo Muani (Tottenham Hotspur)
Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Nottingham Forest
Randal Kolo Muani is currently riding a wave of momentum following his recent heroics on the European stage. He arrives at this weekend’s fixture having scored a vital goal in Tottenham’s 3-2 Champions League triumph over Atletico Madrid on March 18. While often noted for his finishing, his underlying creativity is a major asset, as he ranks in the 81st percentile for chances created among all forwards. He is also a favorite for high-pressing tactical setups due to his work rate, ranking in the 86th percentile for defensive contributions. In a blank gameweek where many premium forwards are unavailable, Kolo Muani serves as the primary focal point for a Spurs attack facing a Nottingham Forest side that struggles away from home.
6. Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United)
Fixture: Aston Villa vs. West Ham United
Jarrod Bowen represents the pinnacle of proven longevity at West Ham, having now reached the milestone of 10 or more goals in all competitions for five consecutive seasons. His threat is most potent when he drifts into central areas, evidenced by the 27 shots on target he has recorded from inside the box this season. Currently described by club data as being “on fire,” Bowen’s momentum was further boosted by a clinical brace in the recent FA Cup victory over Brentford. His creative numbers remain among the best for English attackers, boasting an expected assists (xA) of 3.88. Furthermore, his 138 touches in the opposition box are the highest of any West Ham player, ensuring he is always in the vicinity of an attacking return.
7. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Fixture: Aston Villa vs. West Ham United
Morgan Rogers has significantly increased his offensive output in recent weeks, showing an aggressive shooting mentality that has seen him record a shot every 30 minutes. This is a drastic improvement from his season average of 41.1 minutes per shot. His box presence is now rivaling the league’s elite; he ranks among the top midfielders for shots in the box per 90 minutes (1.7), placing him on par with Cole Palmer over the last six rounds. While primarily a playmaker aiming to surpass his career-high of 10 league assists, Rogers is operating in high-value central areas that suggest more goals are coming. Despite a slight dip in his conversion rate, his 18 shots in the last six games indicate that a major statistical correction is imminent.
8. Kevin Schade (Brentford)
Fixture: Leeds United vs. Brentford
Following his return from suspension, Kevin Schade made an immediate impact by scoring his seventh goal of the season in a thrilling 4-3 victory over Burnley. He provides Brentford with a massive physical presence in the final third, having recorded 115 touches in the opposition box and 21 shots on target from inside that area. His efficiency is actually higher than his current goal tally suggests; his expected goals (xG) of 9.79 indicates that he is consistently finding high-quality scoring positions and is currently “under-performing” relative to the chances he receives. Against a Leeds United defense that often allows space in behind, Schade’s physical profile and high-value positioning make him a potent final pick for this week’s top eight.
The statistical landscape for Gameweek 31 is defined by those who can fill the void left by absent superstars. Whether it is the historical dominance of Cole Palmer against Everton or the tactical evolution of Bruno Fernandes under Michael Carrick, these eight players are the ones currently backed by both the eye test and the underlying data. In a week where every point is magnified by the lack of fixtures, focusing on players with high shot volumes and clear creative responsibilities is the most viable path to success.
