Gameweek 31 is right around the corner, and FPL managers everywhere are scratching their heads over who to bring in for maximum points. With the Premier League season heating up in March 2026, some mouthwatering fixtures stand out. This piece dives deep into the top five transfer recommendations that could turn your team around just when you need it most.
These picks are not random, but based on scorching form, juicy match-ups, and a knack for racking up those bonus points, clean sheets, and hauls. Imagine hauling double digits from a defender or midfielder who bosses set pieces, that is the dream here.
Forget the hype trains that fizzle out; these guys have the stats and fixtures to deliver now and beyond. Whether you are chasing the mini-league or just climbing ranks, swapping in one or two could be your ticket to green arrows. We will break down each player’s season story, recent hauls, and why GW31 screams “captain them.”
Stick around after the deep dives for a quick-glance table and some honourable mentions that might sneak into your plans too. Let is get into it; first up, a Fulham wall who’s money in the bank.
Joachim Andersen has been a quiet beast for Fulham this 2025/26 season, piling up 100 FPL points already as a £4.5m defender who has nailed six clean sheets and five bonus points. What makes him special is his habit of snagging those DEFCON points, hitting the threshold for an extra two points in more than half of his outings already, second only to a few elite names.
Fulham’s defence has stepped up big, turning promising underlying stats from last year into real results, making Craven Cottage a fortress. With Burnley visitiing up next in Gameweek 31, Andersen’s history screams a big haul in this match. He has been a set-piece threat too, and Fulham’s home edge could mean another clean sheet and bonus for the Dane. If you are light on defenders delivering week in, week out, he is your no-brainer transfer before the deadline.
Lewis Hall at £5.3m has been Newcastle United’s left-back revelation, blending solid defending with forward surges that pay off in contributions in the final third. His only goal of the season came in a gritty loss to Manchester City, and he has also got two assists. Sure, Newcastle United have not locked down clean sheets like clockwork, but Hall’s offensive output give him that extra edge over other defenders.
Gameweek 31 brings Sunderland for the Tyne-Wear Derby, and the Black Cats have been all over the place lately, as they have shown average form with poor away record and leaking goals regularly. That inconsistency hands Hall a golden chance for attacking returns, maybe even a clean sheet if Newcastle United click. The Englishman’ recent goal shows he is due a haul; bring him in if you need a differential full-back who attacks like a wing.
Matheus Cunha has lit up the 2025/26 campaign with 111 points from seven goals, three assists, six clean sheets, and 11 bonus points. Additionally, his form index sits at an enticing 4.5. He has been clutch lately, like netting in the win over Aston Villa, showing he thrives in chaos. United fans love his energy, and he is owning that No. 10 shirt with shots and fouls drawing points.
Facing Bournemouth in Gameweek 31 at the Vitality Stadium will be the perfect storm, as the Cherries rank low defensively, making them ripe for Cunha to exploit. His recent history of hauls in open games makes him a captaincy shout; if Manchester United click, expect goals or assists or both. This Brazilian’s prospects scream double-digit potential.
Dominik Szoboszlai has been pure class for Liverpool this season, leading in progressive passes, final-third touches, and long balls. That is not all, as he has amassed five goals and three assists. The Hungarian playmaker’s all-around game fits Arne Slot’s tactics perfectly, making him a points machine in big moments. Recent outings show his passing range carving defences while boosting Liverpool’s attack from deep.
Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion have endured a frustrating season, sitting mid-table with squad woes and no real push for Europe while being vulnerable at home. Szoboszlai’s form positions him to dominate, especially on set pieces where he could bag goals or assists. His haul history in similar spots makes him essential; transfer him in for that midfield boost with upside.
Joao Pedro’s recent form for Chelsea has been building steam, even if shots have dipped briefly. He has been hitting rhythm against defensively vulnerable sides, using pace, and chance creation to threaten. As a forward, his Brazilian flair shines through, and Gameweek 31’s trip to Everton plays right into his hands with the Toffees’ inconsistent backline, plagued by tactical gaps and injuries, often leaving wide areas exposed.
Everton’s defence has been all over the place at times, with poor support for attackers highlighting leaks, making it perfect for Pedro to bag a goal or two and set up hauls for the remainder of the season. His uptick in involvement screams big points; the 24-year-old is the forward to own for this fixture and beyond, chasing that captaincy glory.
| Player | Club | Opponent | Main Appeal | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joachim Andersen | Fulham | Burnley (H) | DEFCON hauls, clean sheet potential | Low |
| Lewis Hall | Newcastle United | Sunderland (H) | Attacking returns vs leaky away side | Medium |
| Matheus Cunha | Manchester United | Bournemouth (A) | Goals/assists vs weak defence | Medium |
| Dominik Szoboszlai | Liverpool | Brighton & Hove Albion (A) | Set pieces, passing dominance | Low |
| Joao Pedro | Chelsea | Everton (A) | Form vs inconsistent backline | Medium |
Honourable mentions for your shortlist: Antonee Robinson, Diogo Dalot, Joe Rodon, Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, Morgan Gibbs-White, Yankuba Minteh, Harry Wilson, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Igor Thiago, Hugo Ekitike, and Richarlison. Keep an eye on them as possible differentials/late picks if you do not have them already.
