FPL gameweek 31 is finally here and with it comes the first major blank of the season. Arsenal, Wolves, Crystal Palace and Manchester City all sit this one out, which means plenty of managers will struggle to even field an XI. This is the week where planning and bravery meet: setting up for short-term hauls, plugging the gaps, and leaning into a few differentials who actually play. Here are five buys to help you attack the blank, including three low‑owned punts who can give you a real edge.
Harry Wilson (6.0m)
Burnley at home in a blank gameweek and people are selling Wilson – that’s a gift. If you’re looking for a one‑week punt before Wildcard 32, there aren’t many better options. In the reverse fixture he absolutely destroyed them with a goal and two assists, and he continues to be one of Fulham’s main creative and goal threats, especially on the break. On set pieces, with a wicked left foot and the confidence to shoot from range, Wilson is exactly the kind of player who can turn this into another big haul. For managers needing a GW31 talisman, he’s right there in plain sight. Even a huge differential captaincy option.
Igor Thiago (7.3m)
This one feels obvious, but it still needs saying: if you don’t own Thiago yet, he should be right at the top of your shopping list. Leeds away, then Everton and Fulham at home, is an excellent three-fixture run for a penalty-taking striker who doesn’t stop shooting. Owners were incredibly unlucky last time out as he racked up around 1.85 expected goals against Wolves without a monster haul to show for it. The underlying numbers are exactly what you want from a forward – high xG, plenty of shots in the box, and guaranteed minutes. In a blank gameweek where just playing is half the battle, he’s a staple.
Cristian Romero (5.0m)
Yes, Spurs have been a mess. Yes, trusting their defence feels insane. But if you want to actually climb in your mini‑league, you sometimes have to go where others won’t. A home “relegation six‑pointer” against Nottingham Forest has all the ingredients of a season‑defining match. Romero is nailed, offers 9.58 DEFCON/90’, and carries some threat from set pieces too. If Igor Tudor’s side can channel any of the spirit from their draw at Anfield and last‑minute win over Atletico, a clean sheet and bonus isn’t out of the question. As a one‑week punt before a Wildcard, he’s a gutsy but interesting shout.
Richarlison (6.3m)
Two Spurs players in the same buy list sounds wild, but Richarlison deserves a mention as an ultra‑differential if he’s expected to start. Richarlison has always been FPL chaos in the best way, and he was key in the draw at Anfield, racking up 0.93xG in a strong underlying attacking performance. He’s got two goals in his last three league games and now walks into arguably Tottenham’s biggest fixture of the season against Forest. The narrative is there, the motivation is there, and there’s even a small chance he gets penalty duties if Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons aren’t on the pitch. If you prefer the Forest side, Morgan Gibbs‑White is a great alternative – but for pure one‑week shock value, Richarlison is a thrilling punt if you believe Tudor gives him the nod.
Raúl Jiménez (6.2m)
A penalty‑taking striker at home to Burnley in a blank gameweek is exactly the sort of profile you want to be backing. Jiménez has a perfect Premier League record from the spot and knows how to put the ball in the back of the net. Minutes are the only slight concern, but even 60 minutes against a Burnley side that gives up a ton of chances to central forwards inside the six-yard-box can be enough for returns. The Mexican will fancy his chances of adding to his tally, and in a reduced gameweek, one goal can go a very long way. As short‑term forwards go, he’s a strong, low‑owned option.
