The 80s brought us the floppy disc. The 90s brought us the CD. The 2000s (and beyond) ditched all that for the smartphone – and that’s where most of us remain, accessing info about the upcoming World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico via apps.
This summer’s event will embrace technology in a brand-new way by partnering with Lenovo, the World Cup’s inaugural Official Technology Partner. It’s not quite clear what the laptop maker’s role is, but Lenovo endeavours for a tournament with “zero downtime” and an “always-on” fan experience. Inevitably, at least some AI features are involved.
Teething Problems
As is customary by now, FIFA has released its own app to support its World Cup goals. The governing body partnered with IT company Globant at the end of 2025 to create software for multiple future tournaments. Globant’s previous clients include Spain’s La Liga and Google.
It hasn’t quite gone to plan so far. On Google Play, the app has a 3.2 rating based on 1,515 reviews. It fares a little worse on the App Store, with a score of 1.8 from 168 reviews. Concerns focus on its usability. One Google Play user complained that it was “playing hide and seek” with their tickets.
Call it teething problems (although there’s not long left till kick-off on June 11), but the accessibility of tickets has been a bugbear for fans in the build-up to World Cup 2026. Plenty of seats are still unsold, as the cheapest go for hundreds of dollars. In April, the United States’ Sports Business Journal noted the possibility of teams playing in empty stadiums.
SEA & WIN
Most industries use apps to connect with their audiences. In fact, it’s how tourism and the World Cup collided in Seattle, a point we’ll get to shortly. The sophistication of phone software means that it’s possible to add all the functionality of a PC to a pocket-sized device.
FIFA’s World Cup app features live scores, but it’s unclear if it’ll host live content during the summer. Live streaming isn’t exactly a novelty. The gaming company Buzz Bingo provides a similar service via its bingo app, in addition to more traditional entertainment like slots and table games. Live streaming and gaming go hand-in-hand, so naturally such a globally loved sport should adopt and utilise such technology.
Speaking of Seattle, the city decided to go its own way with its World Cup app, creating a novel, ‘gamified’ piece of software for local fans. Dubbed SEA & WIN, a name the developers at the Seattle World Cup Host Committee reportedly agonised over, the app combines the World Cup with local sightseeing and the chance to win prizes.
Creative License
FIFA asked each host city to develop its own app, but it seems to have allowed for some creative license. SEA & WIN hopes to drive visitors to historical sites, art galleries and “really” small businesses. Its mission naturally brought it into competition with Seattle’s other tourism apps. The Committee hopes its game-like aspects will give it an edge.
Inevitably, there will be tens of official and unofficial apps dedicated to the World Cup, each trying to capture an audience of billions. It’s a remarkable undertaking for an event that lasts just over a month.
Double Gameweek 33 presents one of the clearest Free Hit opportunities of the run-in, with a cluster of clubs playing twice across Tuesday and Wednesday.
Using the expected starting line-ups, recent team news and the latest FPL form data, this guide focuses on five key DGW sides — selecting four players per club with an emphasis on:
players who should start both matches
strong recent form and total points output
favourable fixtures within the double
and in defence, a clear preference for centre-backs over full-backs due to reduced rotation risk
Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 33 is set at 11.00am (UK time) today Saturday, 18th April 2026. The free to play FPL or pay to play season/weekend/daily games like FanTeam are ideal ways of following the Premier League action. FISO was founded over 25 years ago in 2000 and is the longest-running UK fantasy sports online community – Independent, community-driven fantasy football analysis since before FPL existed!
The five clubs to target are Bournemouth, Leeds, Brighton, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Bournemouth
Fixtures: Newcastle (A), Leeds (H)
Bournemouth are one of the more appealing attacking doubles. The Newcastle away fixture is not easy, but the home match against Leeds gives them a very attractive second bite at the cherry.
Players to consider:
Evanilson (£6.5) He should lead the line in both games and remains the clearest Bournemouth route for goals.
Rayan (£5.5) A useful midfield option with attacking upside, especially if Bournemouth can find space in transition.
Senesi (£4.6) The preferred Bournemouth defender for a double because centre-backs are more likely than full-backs to get two starts.
Truffert (£4.5) A viable second defensive pick, although slightly less secure than Senesi over two matches.
Bournemouth’s appeal lies mainly in their attackers. If you want a differential double-up, Evanilson and Rayan make sense, while Senesi is the most reliable defensive route.
Leeds
Fixtures: Wolves (H), Bournemouth (A)
Leeds are a very useful DGW33 club because both fixtures are playable and the team news points toward a fairly settled side. The predicted line-ups commentary makes it clear that Joe Rodon is unlikely to be ready, so the better defensive pick is Bijol.
Players to consider:
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.8) Expected to start and gives Leeds a focal point up front for both fixtures.
Brenden Aaronson (£5.7) An attacking midfield option who should get good minutes and has enough creativity to deliver in either game.
Jaka Bijol (£3.9) A cheap centre-back who fits the “two starts over flair” principle perfectly.
Pascal Struijk (£4.3) Another centre-back option and probably the safest Leeds defensive pick for minutes.
Leeds may not have the same glamour as Liverpool or Chelsea, but for a Free Hit they offer exactly what you want: two fixtures, sensible prices and likely high minutes.
Brighton
Fixtures: Spurs (A), Chelsea (H)
Brighton come into the double in strong enough form to warrant attention, even if the fixtures are not the easiest. This is not a team to overload on a Free Hit, but there are still several viable picks.
Players to consider:
Pascal Groß (£5.5) More likely than Mitoma to start both games and offers a steady all-round profile.
Danny Welbeck (£6.2) Expected to lead the line and carries goal threat in both matches.
Jan Paul van Hecke (£4.6) The standout Brighton defender for DGW purposes because centre-backs are more likely to survive both starts.
Bart Verbruggen (£4.6) A goalkeeper with the potential for save points as well as appearance points across two fixtures.
Brighton’s double is more about selective investment than going all in. Groß and van Hecke look the safest picks.
Chelsea
Fixtures: Man Utd (H), Brighton (A)
Chelsea’s double is not straightforward, but they still have some of the strongest individual picks in the player pool. Their attack is capable of delivering in both matches, and there are a couple of defensive options worth considering.
Players to consider:
Cole Palmer (£10.8) Still the standout Chelsea asset. He should start both and remains central to almost everything good Chelsea do in attack.
João Pedro (£7.6) Strong recent form and a very good route into the Chelsea frontline.
Enzo Fernández (£7.3) Should start both and offers a more stable midfield option if you want reliability over explosiveness.
Marc Cucurella (£6.0) The best Chelsea defender for this week based on the predicted line-ups commentary and likely minutes.
Chelsea’s double is harder than Bournemouth’s or Leeds’, but the quality of Palmer and João Pedro means they cannot be ignored.
Liverpool
Fixtures: Everton (A), Crystal Palace (H)
Liverpool are still one of the standout DGW33 teams, even with injury issues in attack. The attraction here is not just the double, but the quality of the players and the strong home fixture against Crystal Palace in the second game.
Players to consider:
Mohamed Salah (£13.3) Still the premium headline pick. Even if his season has been quieter by his own standards, two starts make him one of the top captaincy options.
Cody Gakpo (£7.5) Expected to start in attack and looks one of the strongest value picks from the Liverpool frontline.
Alexis Mac Allister (£5.8) One of the best-form midfielders and likely to play a major role across both games.
Virgil van Dijk (£5.8) The standout Liverpool defender and the safest route into their back line.
Liverpool are probably the easiest team to build around for a Free Hit. Salah, Gakpo, Mac Allister and Van Dijk all have strong cases.
DGW33 Free Hit strategy
The biggest lesson for this week is simple: minutes matter more than upside if that upside comes with rotation risk.
That is why centre-backs are preferred to full-backs. Across two matches in quick succession, the defenders most likely to start twice are usually those playing in the middle. That is why Senesi, Bijol, Struijk, van Hecke and Van Dijk all stand out.
The second key point is not to overreact to the fact a team has two fixtures. Two awkward matches do not automatically beat one excellent single fixture. That is why Brighton and Chelsea should be approached with a bit more caution than Liverpool, Bournemouth or Leeds.
Final word
A successful DGW33 Free Hit is likely to be built around Liverpool first, then supported by a mix of Bournemouth, Leeds, Chelsea and Brighton depending on your preferred balance of safety and upside.
If you want the safest route, prioritise players who should start both matches and lean on centre-backs in defence.
If you want the highest upside, build around Salah, Palmer, João Pedro, Evanilson and the Leeds attack.
Get the minutes right, and the points should follow.
FISO Goals is the EPL Predictions game for FISO Forum Members. Below predict the EPL scores for GW33 using a statistical model. FISO was founded over 25 years ago in 2000 and is the longest-running UK fantasy sports online community – Independent, community-driven fantasy football analysis since before FPL existed!
Double Gameweek 33 is here — and it’s one of the most important and unpredictable weeks of the season.
With six teams playing twice (Man City, Chelsea, Brighton, Leeds, Bournemouth and Burnley), the usual prediction model shifts slightly. Fixture volume, rotation risk and fatigue all come into play, meaning this is a week where variance increases and upside matters more than ever.
Looking at the last two gameweeks (GW31–32) alongside the form tables:
Bournemouth are emerging as one of the form teams — strong away record and a win at Arsenal backs that up
Brighton continue to post strong attacking numbers (notably vs Liverpool), suggesting more goals are coming
Everton have significantly overperformed xG — results may regress
Tottenham sit bottom of both home and recent form metrics — a clear avoid signal
Man City remain top of the last-10 form table and are still the most reliable team in the league
The key takeaway is simple: trust underlying performance, but allow for DGW volatility.
How We’ve Built These Predictions
We’ve applied our standard FISO model (form, venue, attack/defence, xG signals and context weighting) with some small adjustments this week for the extra fixtures.
DGW33 Score Predictions
Saturday 18 April
Brentford 2–1 Fulham Brentford’s home form edge and Fulham’s weak away numbers tilt this.
Leeds 2–0 Wolves Leeds benefit from the double and Wolves’ limited attacking output.
Newcastle 1–2 Bournemouth Bournemouth’s away form and recent big-result profile stands out.
Tottenham 1–2 Brighton Spurs’ poor form continues; Brighton’s attacking data too strong to ignore.
Chelsea 1–1 Man Utd Two inconsistent sides — draw looks most likely.
Sunday 19 April
Aston Villa 2–1 Sunderland Villa solid enough at home against a weaker defensive side.
Everton 1–2 Liverpool Everton’s recent results look unsustainable; Liverpool can edge the derby.
Nottingham Forest 1–0 Burnley Forest’s home structure vs Burnley’s limited attack.
Man City 1–1 Arsenal Top-of-the-table clash — tight, tactical, low margin.
Monday 20 April
Crystal Palace 1–1 West Ham Very even profiles — draw fits both sides’ trends.
Tuesday 21 April
Brighton 2–1 Chelsea Brighton’s attacking consistency should pay off here.
Wednesday 22 April
Bournemouth 2–2 Leeds Two DGW sides → open, high-event game.
Burnley 0–3 Man City Clear mismatch, especially with City chasing the title.
FISO Predictions Table
Fixture
Score
Confidence
Brentford vs Fulham
2–1
Medium
Leeds vs Wolves
2–0
High
Newcastle vs Bournemouth
1–2
Medium
Tottenham vs Brighton
1–2
Medium
Chelsea vs Man Utd
1–1
Low
Aston Villa vs Sunderland
2–1
Medium
Everton vs Liverpool
1–2
Medium
Nott’m Forest vs Burnley
1–0
Medium
Man City vs Arsenal
1–1
Low
Crystal Palace vs West Ham
1–1
Low
Brighton vs Chelsea
2–1
Medium
Bournemouth vs Leeds
2–2
Medium
Burnley vs Man City
0–3
High
Final Thoughts
DGW33 is a week where you can expect swings, surprises, and big scorelines — especially involving the double gameweek sides.
👉 Check back on FISO after the matches for our review and GW34 preview
Fantasy sports have never been static. What began as season-long leagues built around weekly rituals has evolved into a faster, more interactive experience aligned with how fans watch games today.
A Sunday lineup once carried the weight of an entire week. Now, fans expect more touchpoints, more ways to engage beyond setting a roster and waiting. Shorter formats like daily fantasy pushed this shift.
Prediction-based platforms take it further, offering a continuous layer of interaction built around predicting specific in-game outcomes as they happen, mirroring the pace of modern sports consumption.
From Lineups to Live Decisions
Fantasy players are used to thinking like managers. They analyze matchups, track injuries, and make calculated calls. That mindset is built on timing, awareness, and the ability to adapt quickly. Traditional formats, however, limit when those decisions can happen.
Prediction-based platforms remove that restriction, shifting decisions into real time instead of lineup locks or waiver deadlines. A single moment, a tweak, a shift, or even a coaching change, can quickly reshape the outlook and prompt reassessment.
This constant interaction mirrors how fans already consume sports. A second screen is often nearby, stats update instantly, and conversations move quickly on social media. Prediction-based platforms fit naturally into that flow, turning passive viewing into active participation.
Applying Fantasy Skills in a New Format
The appeal becomes even clearer when looking at the skills fantasy players already bring to the table. Through years of lineup decisions and analysis, years of experience have trained them to think analytically, often separating emotion from data.
That same mindset translates naturally into prediction-based formats:
Evaluating player form and recent trends,
Interpreting injury reports and lineup changes,
Assessing matchups and situational factors.
Fantasy has always rewarded spotting value early, and prediction platforms move that instinct from players to outcomes. A fan who identifies an underrated wide receiver can apply the same thinking to game scenarios, using familiar skills in a more immediate setting.
A Simpler Path to Engagement
One of the strongest drivers behind this shift is simplicity. Traditional fantasy leagues often require ongoing commitment, draft prep, roster management, and waiver decisions, which can feel rewarding for some but like friction for others.
Prediction-based platforms remove much of that overhead while preserving the core appeal. The focus shifts away from managing a full roster and toward engaging with specific moments as they happen.
Decisions become quicker but not shallow. Each choice is tied to a specific moment, making the impact more immediate and visible. Fans can act on a single situation, creating a sharper sense of clarity and immediacy without sacrificing analytical depth.
Beneath that simplicity is a structured system that rewards informed thinking. This becomes clearer when looking at how event contracts work. Understanding the rules and mechanics behind each outcome helps explain why the format feels both accessible and strategically familiar.
The Appeal of Flexibility and Control
Fantasy sports often require patience. A lineup decision made on Sunday might not pay off or backfire until days later. Prediction-based platforms compress that timeline, bringing outcomes much closer to the moment of decision.
Fans can respond as events unfold. As new information emerges during play, a strong start can be leveraged, while a concerning trend can be adjusted in real time. This flexibility creates a sense of control that traditional formats rarely offer.
Short-term engagement adds to the appeal. Not every fan wants a full-season commitment, and prediction-based formats allow for quick entry and exit. The experience becomes more adaptable, fitting easily into the rhythm of a single game or even a single quarter.
The Rise of the “Fan as Trader” Mindset
A subtle but important shift is changing how fans see their role. The fantasy manager is becoming more of a strategist or even a trader focused not just on players, but on reading momentum and reacting to changing conditions.
Several factors reinforce this mindset:
Outcomes are influenced by collective sentiment, not just fixed expectations,
Decisions feel dynamic rather than locked in,
Timing becomes just as important as selection.
Fantasy players already understand buying low and selling high, and prediction-based platforms bring that instinct into real time during live, fast-changing game situations. Each decision feels more connected to the flow of the game, not just the final result.
Social and Gamified Elements Driving Adoption
Fantasy sports have always been social. Leagues are built on rivalry, conversation, and shared experiences. Friends compete, debate decisions, and track results together in real time. Prediction-based platforms expand that dynamic.
Leaderboards, rankings, and community insights create ongoing competition. Fans are no longer just comparing weekly scores. They are engaging continuously, reacting to the same moments and forming opinions in real time.
The gamified elements add another layer. Features like leaderboards, rankings, and performance tracking systems, small achievements, streaks, and visible progress tap into the same motivations that make fantasy leagues compelling.
This environment encourages interaction beyond the game itself. Conversations change from “Did you win this week?” to “Did you see that moment?” The experience becomes more immediate, more shared, and more engaging.
A New Layer of Sports Storytelling
Every game tells a story, traditionally building toward a final score. Fans follow momentum shifts, key plays, and turning points as the narrative unfolds. Prediction-based platforms reshape that narrative, breaking it into smaller, more interactive moments.
A single drive, key possession, or player performance becomes its own point of focus. Late-game moments and key plays gain added relevance, and even games that seem decided can stay engaging because those smaller events still carry meaning.
This approach keeps fans involved throughout. There is always something to watch, interpret, and act on, making the experience less about waiting for the outcome and more about following the game in real time as it unfolds live.
The Same Instincts, A Different Format
Fantasy sports have always been about engagement, strategy, and connection, and prediction-based platforms build on those foundations. The core appeal remains familiar, rooted in the same analytical thinking and competitive mindset.
What changes is how those elements are expressed. Fans are no longer limited to weekly decisions or season-long arcs; they can interact with the game as it unfolds, applying the same instincts in a more immediate setting. That shift feels less like a departure and more like an evolution. Modern fans want to be involved and engaged at every stage, and prediction-based platforms reflect that reality.
The Masters returns on 9 April 2026, and FanTeam’s Fantasy Masters Golf game is once again one of the sharpest formats around — combining aggressive scoring with tight roster construction. There are 3 separate games to choose from depending on your preferred entry cost – 20p (with a £200 minimum prize pool guarantee), £2 (with a £2,000 prize pool guarantee) or £10 (with a £5,000 prize pool guarantee). You must be 18+. T&Cs apply.
With just 6 players and a 100M budget, getting the balance right is everything. FISO was founded over 25 years ago in 2000 and is the longest-running UK fantasy sports online community – Independent, community-driven fantasy football analysis since before FPL existed!
Game Overview
Budget: 100M for 6 players
Captain scores 1.25x
Cheapest player becomes Underdog (1.25x)
Top 8% paid
Safety net replaces non-starters
Scoring heavily rewards events such as:
Birdies (+3) and Eagles (+8)
Streaks and low rounds
Final leaderboard positions
FISO Suggested Teams (All Under 100M)
Team 1 – Balanced & Safe Build
Captain: Xander Schauffele – 19.2M Viktor Hovland – 17.6M Patrick Cantlay – 15.8M Russell Henley – 15.8M Si Woo Kim – 15.6M Underdog: Corey Conners – 15.4M
Total: 99.4M ✅
Why this works
Six elite ball-strikers / cut-makers
No weak underdog — full team contributes
Very high probability of 5–6 through the cut
👉 Ideal for single-entry / consistency builds
Team 2 – Premium Anchor (Scheffler Build)
Captain: Scottie Scheffler – 28.0M Alexander Noren – 14.0M Jason Day – 15.2M Corey Conners – 15.4M Aaron Rai – 13.6M Underdog: Nick Taylor – 13.0M
Total: 99.2M ✅
Why this works
Anchored by the highest win equity player
Surrounding picks are reliable cut-makers with upside
Maintains balance despite heavy spend at the top
👉 Ideal for locking in a favourite and building around him
Team 3 – Aggressive Differential Build
Captain: Ludvig Åberg – 19.6M Cameron Young – 18.4M Min Woo Lee – 15.4M Patrick Cantlay – 15.8M Rasmus Højgaard – 13.8M Underdog: Nick Taylor – 13.0M
Total: 96.0M ✅
Why this works
Built around birdie-heavy, high-upside players
Avoids the obvious Scheffler/Rahm builds
Strong potential for streak bonuses and low rounds
👉 Ideal for multi-entry and chasing upside
Key Strategy Takeaways
✅ Stick to 1 premium max (or none)
✅ Mid-tier is where contests are won
✅ Underdog must still have real scoring potential
✅ Birdies + streaks matter more than pure finishing position
Final Thoughts
This format rewards:
Aggressive scorers
Smart salary distribution
Getting your Captain + Underdog right
The three builds above give you:
Team 1: Safety and consistency
Team 2: Premium-led upside
Team 3: High-risk, high-reward differentiation
Check our FISO’s Fantasy Golf forum for more Fantasy Masters games and discussion.
The 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League campaign has delivered everything fantasy managers crave: breakout stars, premium consistency, and a handful of unexpected heroes. After 31 Gameweeks, a clear “Team of the Season so far” has emerged — and it tells a deeper story about strategy, squad structure, and where the smartest managers are gaining their edge.
With Arsenal leading the way with four players in the lineup, this season has been defined by defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and carefully selected attacking firepower.
Goalkeeper: Reliability Over Rotation
David Raya (Arsenal) – 129 points
At the back, consistency is king — and no one embodies that better than David Raya.
With 15 clean sheets, he leads the Golden Glove race and has become both the most-owned and highest-scoring goalkeeper in FPL. His appeal goes beyond just clean sheets:
High save potential
Bonus point accumulation
Stability in selection
For managers, Raya represents a key lesson: investing in a top-tier goalkeeper from a defensively elite side often pays off more than rotating cheaper options.
Defence: Arsenal’s Backbone + Budget Efficiency
Gabriel (Arsenal) – 173 points
Jurrien Timber (Arsenal) – 149 points
James Tarkowski (Everton) – 142 points
The defensive unit is where this season’s fantasy narrative truly begins.
Gabriel Magalhães has been the standout defender, combining:
3 goals
4 assists
14 clean sheets
His ability to deliver at both ends of the pitch has given him a commanding lead in defender rankings.
Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber has redefined the modern full-back role in fantasy. With 3 goals and 6 assists, he offers attacking returns that rival midfielders — a crucial advantage in today’s game.
Then there’s James Tarkowski — the budget hero. His 142 points highlight how defensive contributions and consistency can turn a mid-priced defender into a season-long asset.
Midfield: Creativity, Consistency, and Value
Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd) – 189 points
Antoine Semenyo (Man City) – 174 points
Declan Rice (Arsenal) – 163 points
Harry Wilson (Fulham) – 152 points
Midfield has once again proven to be the engine room of fantasy success.
Bruno Fernandes leads all midfielders with 189 points, driven by:
8 goals
17 assists
24 big chances created
He’s also delivered 11 double-digit hauls — making him one of the most explosive and reliable assets in the game.
A surprise inclusion is Antoine Semenyo, whose move to Manchester City transformed his season. With 15 goals and 6 assists, he has become a must-have option since Gameweek 22.
Declan Rice represents the ultimate all-rounder. His mix of goals, assists, defensive contributions, and bonus points makes him one of the safest picks in fantasy.
Finally, Harry Wilson stands out as the budget king. Starting at just £5.5m, his 10 goals and 8 assists have made him one of the best-value players of the season.
Attack: Premium Power Meets Emerging Stars
Player
Team
Points
Erling Haaland
Man City
197 points
Joao Pedro
Chelsea
164 points
Igor Thiago
Brentford
153 points
Up front, the narrative is all about the balance between premium dominance and rising challengers.
Erling Haaland started the season in unstoppable form, with 19 goals in the first 17 Gameweeks. However, his output has slowed in recent weeks — a reminder that even elite assets can fluctuate.
João Pedro has thrived after his move to Chelsea, delivering 14 goals and 9 assists. Under new tactical direction, his underlying stats have improved dramatically, making him one of the most dangerous forwards in the league.
Then there’s Igor Thiago — arguably the breakout striker of the season. With 19 goals, he’s second only to Haaland and has matched him in key attacking metrics like shots and big chances.
What This Team Tells Us About Winning FPL
Looking at the best-performing players across 31 Gameweeks reveals several key insights:
1. Defensive Investment Pays Off
Arsenal’s dominance shows that building around a strong defensive core is still one of the most reliable strategies.
2. Midfield Depth is Essential
Four midfielders in the team highlight the importance of flexibility and consistent point generation.
3. Value Picks Make the Difference
Players like Harry Wilson and Tarkowski enable managers to afford premium stars without sacrificing balance.
4. Form Over Reputation
Semenyo and Thiago prove that emerging players can outperform established names — if you spot them early.
A Note on Regulation and Responsible Play
As fantasy football continues to grow, its connection to the wider betting ecosystem has become more visible. The same applies to online/offline gambling. Here, the issue of responsible gambling arises. Organizations like the UK Gambling Commission ensure that platforms operate fairly and transparently. Major industry names such as Playtech, Skybet, and Leovegas are all part of a regulated environment designed to promote responsible engagement.
For fantasy managers, the takeaway is simple: enjoy the competition, but keep it strategic and controlled.
Final Thoughts: Lessons from the 2025/26 Season
The “Team of the Season so far” isn’t just a list of high scorers — it’s a blueprint for success.
Winning managers in 2025/26 have:
Trusted defensively strong teams like Arsenal
Invested heavily in midfield consistency
Identified breakout stars early
Balanced premium and budget assets
As we head into the final stretch of the season, one thing is clear: fantasy football is no longer just about picking good players — it’s about building a system.
And if you can crack that system, you’re not just playing the game — you’re mastering it.
Although often displayed as a game, which is just about numbers, many players understand that your greatest enemy in fantasy football isnt your opponents, it’s you. Strategy using logic and tactical planning can only take you so far before your brain steps in and messes everything up. Psychology can determine not only how you manage your emotions and respond to uncertainty, but it can also manage your own team against you. In fantasy sports, emotions and biases can shape trades and trade decisions right under your nose without you noticing. This is similar to how fans interpret wider parts of the game, where discussions around form, performance, and even football betting odds can be influenced by perception as much as data.
How Your Brain Sabotages Your Team
Decision-making is very important in fantasy football, and in fantasy football, we create battles in our mind against what we should do and what we’re biased to do. These mental battles lead to impulsive and irrational decisions being made, even when we think that it’s the correct choice.
Recency bias is when managers believe a player is much better or much worse based on just one recent game performance, even if it doesn’t show the full picture of how a player has played the entire season. This leads to players being overvalued or undervalued by managers, leading to poor transfers and trades being made.
Confirmation bias is when, once we form a view about a player (whether it’s good or bad), we will tend to look for stats and performances from that player that support this belief of ours, and most of the time, we’ll ignore any other stats that prove us otherwise.
The endowment effect is when we overvalue how much a player is worth, which we already own. This makes it hard to trade away players who are performing badly, even though there are better players that you could be trading for.
These are real psychology terms that can really influence the control that you have over your team, especially if left unchecked.
Emotional Trapping
Emotions play an immense role in running your fantasy football team, and can sometimes be the difference between winning and losing. One main problem is the fear of loss and regret. Managers will hold onto players not living up to their expectations, as they may not be able to admit a mistake they’ve made, or in fear that they may perform well again after being traded/transferred. If you drafted a player who was exceptional last season but has been poor this season, logic suggests a transfer; many people will hold onto a player longer than they need to, as they don’t want to feel like a failure. Sometimes someone may be too confident and think that no matter what the stats or logic say,t they’re right, causing them to hold onto too many players who aren’t actually performing as well as that person believes.
Psychology Patterns
Drafting is difficult as it’s hard to get past a lot of bias you have towards certain players. A lot of drafting involves irrational decisions based on how you feel a player performs. Managers are often drafting players just because other managers are, which can lead to your team performing poorly as a whole, as nothing may fit together as it should. During drafts, the influence from what other managers do is strong, and you must follow your own strategy without paying attention totheirss. When trading a player, a lot of psychology is taking place. A lot of people will experience the endowment effect and will overvalue their players when trading; this can lead to poor trades taking place and people rejecting reasonable offers due to attachment to their players.
Outsmarting Yourself
In order to outsmart yourself, you need to be aware of how your brain is working and how it is responding to certain situations. You can use decision frameworks. You should establish a criterion for your team before making a serious decision. This should involve what you want in return for your player and when you should transfer/trade them. You should also consider multiple trade offers before acting on a decision, so you can assess what will be tested for your team.
Try to limit how much your emotions interfere with the decisions that you make. You need to control how you feel about your team and players that you own. Try to prevent yourself from making lots of changes to your team after one bad week. You need to think and strategise before reacting.
Before making any transfers, think about how you’re acting at that moment. You need to think logically, not emotionally. Track trends within your team long-term before making a decision. You need to base your decisions on evidence and statistics rather than on what you feel should be right. Luck can play a key role when it comes to fantasy football. What you think may be a great decision may end up being a bad one due to events that you can’t predict.
Trying to Beat Your Brain
When you look at fantasy football as a whole, it makes you realise that it isn’t just about a player’s statistics or numbers. It makes you realise that the hardest part is the psychological games that your mind plays on you. You need to take your time to understand the biases you’re making and the emotions you’re displaying to make logical decisions instead of irrational and impulsive ones. You can implement strategies that counter these mind games and try to enjoy the game more. Keeping yourself happy will prevent other emotions from interfering and will help you enjoy the game more. For a manager to succeed in fantasy football, they don’t just have to be great analysts, but they have to be knowledgeable psychologists as well. Having a vast knowledge of psychology along with great analytical skills is the key to becoming the best in your fantasy football league. Take your time to learn all of the tricks your mind plays on you; don’t let your emotions control your team.
With Blank Gameweek 31 removing Arsenal (1st overall), Manchester City (2nd), Crystal Palace (14th) and Wolves (20th/Last) from the BGW31 schedule, many managers will be considering playing their Free Hit chip. Here we highlight a dozen players to consider bringing in either under a free hit or permanently using your spare transfers and we base those recommendations on:
projected GW31 results
recent FPL player form (last 30 days)
and the GW31–GW38 fixture run
This article builds directly from our GW31 score predictions where we project several clear winners this week based on recent Home & Away form. Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 31 is set at 18:30pm (UK time) tomorrow Friday, 20th March 2026. The free to play FPL or pay to play season/weekend/daily games like FanTeam are ideal ways of following the Premier League action. FISO was founded over 25 years ago in 2000 and is the longest-running UK fantasy sports online community – Independent, community-driven fantasy football analysis since before FPL existed!
GW31 Overview: Where the Points Should Come From
From our GW31 score projections:
We predict Fulham to beat Burnley 2–0 (highest confidence result)
We predict Manchester United to beat Bournemouth 2–1
We predict Liverpool to beat Brighton 2–1
We predict Brentford to beat Leeds 2–1
We predict Newcastle to beat Sunderland 2–1
These five teams form the backbone of the GW31 strategy — with Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest offering stronger medium-term runs just beyond this week. See who the FISO Forum like for their GW31 Captain.
Top 12 GW31 Picks (Form + Fixtures + Minutes)
Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd) — £10.2 — 43.6% Selected by
Form: 8.2 | Total Points: 176
We predict Manchester United to win at Bournemouth, and Fernandes remains the standout all-round pick in the active GW31 pool. He dominates both form (8.2) and involvement, and with Leeds, Brentford and Sunderland to follow, he is a clear buy-and-hold GW31 captaincy contender.
Next five: BOU (A), LEE (H), CHE (A), BRE (H), LIV (H)
Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) — £6.3 — 2.5%
Form: 8.0
Liverpool are projected to win at Brighton, but it’s the run after that which really stands out. Mac Allister combines elite form with security of starts and a strong upcoming fixture block (although Liverpool retain UCL involvement), making him one of the best-value midfielders this week.
Next five: BHA (A), FUL (H), EVE (A), CRY (H), MUN (A)
João Pedro (Chelsea) — £7.8 — 50.6%
Form: 7.5
Chelsea’s trip to Everton is less convincing from a team perspective, but João Pedro’s form and central role keep him firmly in the conversation. He should start and remains one of the most consistent forwards playing this GW.
Next five: EVE (A), MCI (H), MUN (H), BHA (A), NFO (H)
Hugo Ekitiké (Liverpool) — £9.2 — 36.0%
Form: 5.0
We predict Liverpool to score at least twice at Brighton, and Ekitiké should lead the line again. With Fulham, Everton and Palace next, he offers both immediate and medium-term upside (although the Fulham match occurs midway during Liverpool’s 2-leg UCL quarter final with PSG).
Next five: BHA (A), FUL (H), EVE (A), CRY (H), MUN (A)
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) — £6.2 — 35.3%
Form: 5.2
Brighton away is not the easiest clean sheet fixture, but Liverpool’s defensive prospects improve significantly from GW32 onwards. Van Dijk should start even before/after UCL matches and adds attacking threat from set pieces.
Next five: BHA (A), FUL (H), EVE (A), CRY (H), MUN (A)
Alex Iwobi (Fulham) — £6.4 — 3.0%
Form: 7.0
We predict Fulham to beat Burnley 2–0, making them the standout one-week target. Iwobi’s form is strong and he should start in an advanced role. Ideal for managers chasing a short-term punt with upside.
Next five: BUR (H), LIV (A), BRE (A), AVL (H), ARS (A)
Harry Wilson (Fulham) — £6.0 — 23.8%
Form: 5.8
Another Fulham attacker worth considering for this specific week. If Fulham deliver as projected, doubling up in midfield could pay off.
Next five: BUR (H), LIV (A), BRE (A), AVL (H), ARS (A)
Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford) — £5.6 — 1.0%
Form: 6.0
We predict Brentford to win at Leeds, and their next two home games (Everton and Fulham) strengthen the case further. Damsgaard should start and offers a strong blend of form and fixtures at a low ownership.
Next five: LEE (A), EVE (H), FUL (H), MUN (A), WHU (H)
Thiago (Brentford) — £7.3 — 36.4%
Form: 4.0
Less explosive in recent form but still heavily backed and should start up front having started hitting the back of the net again. With Leeds, Everton and Fulham next, he has one of the best forward fixture runs.
Next five: LEE (A), EVE (H), FUL (H), MUN (A), WHU (H)
Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) — £7.3 — 6.1%
Form: 5.5
We predict Newcastle to win the derby against Sunderland. Gordon should start and remains their most direct attacking outlet. The next two (CRY, BOU) keep him viable beyond GW31.
Next five: SUN (H), CRY (A), BOU (H), ARS (A), BHA (H)
Morgan Gibbs-White (Nott’m Forest) — £7.4 — 5.1%
Form: 5.5
Not a pure GW31 pick, but one of the best forward-looking differentials. Forest’s fixture run is decent after the relegation clash against Spurs, with Burnley and Sunderland ahead and they’ll be desperate to avoid 18th place this season. Forest also play tonight away in Denmark in their 2nd leg Europa league KO.
Next five: TOT (A), AVL (H), BUR (H), SUN (A), NEW (H)
Casemiro (Man Utd) — £5.7 — 3.2%
Form: 5.8
A second route into a Manchester United side we project to win. He should start and benefits from the same strong fixture run as Fernandes.
Next five: BOU (A), LEE (H), CHE (A), BRE (H), LIV (H)
Strategy Summary
Best teams to target
Manchester United
Liverpool
Brentford
Fulham (short-term)
Newcastle
Best short-term punts (GW31 only)
Iwobi
Wilson
Fulham attackers generally
Best medium-term holds
Fernandes
Ekitiké
Mac Allister
Damsgaard
Final Thought
By limiting selection to players who should start, and combining that with projected results, recent form and fixture strength, the optimal GW31 approach becomes a little clearer:
attack Fulham for one week
build around Manchester United and Liverpool
and position for Brentford’s upcoming run
If you get that balance right, GW31 becomes less about surviving the blank — and more about gaining ground. For further discussions have a look at FISO’s FPL forum where you can also see the FPL mini-leagues and FPL side-games available
FISO Goals is the EPL Predictions game for FISO Forum Members. Below we try to predict the EPL scores for GW31 using a statistical model. FISO was founded over 25 years ago in 2000 and is the longest-running UK fantasy sports online community – Independent, community-driven fantasy football analysis since before FPL existed!
Gameweek 31 offers a moment of clarity in the Premier League season. With the Carabao Cup Final removing Arsenal and Manchester City, and an international break immediately after, we get a round with a little less rotation, fatigue and European prioritisation now that only 2 EPL clubs remain in the UCL.
That means this week leans heavily on:
✅ Last 10 form
✅ Home vs Away strength
✅ Underlying scoring patterns
✅ Scoreline probability matrix (630-match model logic applied)
The result is a tighter cluster of realistic scorelines, with probabilities helping differentiate between close calls like 2–1 vs 2–0.
🔢 GW31 Predictions Table (with Probabilities)
Fixture
Score Prediction
Confidence
Most Likely Score Probability
Bournemouth vs Man United
1–2
Medium–High
22%
Brighton vs Liverpool
1–2
Medium
21%
Fulham vs Burnley
2–0
High
22%
Everton vs Chelsea
1–1
Medium
22%
Leeds vs Brentford
1–2
Medium–High
22%
Newcastle vs Sunderland
2–1
Medium
20%
Aston Villa vs West Ham
1–1
Medium
22%
Tottenham vs Nottm Forest
2–1
Medium
21%
🔍 Match-by-Match Analysis
Bournemouth vs Manchester United
Manchester United remain top of the last-10 form table, and while Bournemouth (who’ve now had 4 draws in a row) are competitive at home, they lack the defensive consistency to contain United over 90 minutes. The model places this firmly in the “slight away edge” band, where 1–2 is the most common outcome (~22%).
👉 Prediction: 1–2
Brighton vs Liverpool
Brighton’s home strength keeps this competitive, but Liverpool’s attacking consistency (demonstrated when putting 4 past Galatasaray in the UCL at Anfield yesterday) and underlying numbers give them the edge. Again this falls into a narrow away-edge band, where 1–2 slightly edges 0–1 due to both sides’ scoring profiles and both doing well in the form table.
👉 Prediction: 1–2
Fulham vs Burnley
One of the clearest mismatches of the week when looking at the Home Form and Away Form tables.
Fulham strong at home
Burnley weak defensively
Low attacking threat from Burnley
This lands in the strong home edge bracket, where 2–0 (~22%) is the most likely scoreline.
👉 Prediction: 2–0
Everton vs Chelsea
A fascinating balance as, whilst Everton and Chelsea have similar overall results in the last 10, most points have been achieved by both clubs Away from home.
Chelsea = high attacking output, high BTTS profile
Everton = strong away side, but less dominant at home
This is a close call between an “even game” and a “close away win” but:
👉 1–1 is the single most common EPL result (~22%)
👉 Prediction: 1–1
Leeds vs Brentford
Brentford’s away form remains one of the strongest signals in our dataset as they sit joint top of the Away form table (whilst Leeds are bottom half of the Home form table)
Leeds:
concede regularly
struggle to control games
This sits firmly in away-edge territory, where 1–2 is the standout scoreline (~22%).
👉 Prediction: 1–2
Newcastle vs Sunderland (Derby)
Pure data from the form tables suggests a comfortable Newcastle win despite their midweek efforts via Barcelona.
But:
Derby dynamics increase variance
These games rarely follow clean statistical patterns
So instead of 2–0 (model default), we shift to 2–1 (~20%), which better reflects derby volatility.
👉 Prediction: 2–1
Aston Villa vs West Ham
Two very similar sides now that Villa have lost their last 3:
Mid-table form
Inconsistent attacking output
Neither dominant defensively
This lands squarely in the even band, making:
👉 1–1 (~22%) the standout probability
👉 Prediction: 1–1
Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest
Tottenham’s home form is surprisingly poor, but their attacking output still gives them an edge although they have only taken 3 points from their last 10 matches. But UCL distraction is now gone (after their 5-7 aggregate loss to Atletico Madrid) and the new manager, after a very uncomfortable start, could be making an impression to ensure Spurs don’t slip into a relegation place.
Forest who sit 2nd bottom of the last 5 form table (Spurs are last – so this match may not be pretty to watch) are:
capable of scoring
unreliable defensively
This pushes the game into a BTTS-influenced home edge, where 2–1 (~21%) becomes the most logical call.
Gameweek 30 arrives in the middle of six (yes 6!) Premier League sides battling to continue in the Champions League knockout stages so don’t be surprised with rotation/rest for some popular players. GW30 also marks the start of Fanteam’s EPL Sprint game covering GW30 to GW38 – a chance to play afresh with a game that lasts just nine gameweeks.
Our GW30 Score Predictions indicate a lot of close games with top sides distracted and tired from European matches. Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 30 is set at 13:30pm (UK time) tomorrow Saturday 14th March 2026. The free to play FPL or pay to play season/weekend/daily games like FanTeam are ideal ways of following the Premier League action. FISO was founded over 25 years ago in 2000 and is the longest-running UK fantasy sports online community – Independent, community-driven fantasy football analysis since before FPL existed!
Gameweek 30 begins with Burnley hosting Bournemouth and concludes with Brentford taking on Wolves on Monday night. With just nine Gameweeks remaining, fixture quality and recent form become increasingly important when identifying the best Fantasy picks.
Using the GW30 fixtures alongside the Premier League home and away form tables, we try to identify which teams are most likely to score goals and which may deliver clean sheets. We then combine those clubs with players who are both expected to start and who rank highly in FPL total points or recent form.
GW30 Fixture List
14 Mar Burnley v Bournemouth Sunderland v Brighton Arsenal v Everton Chelsea v Newcastle West Ham v Man City
15 Mar Crystal Palace v Leeds Man United v Aston Villa Nottingham Forest v Fulham Liverpool v Spurs
16 Mar Brentford v Wolves
Ranked GW30 Teams – Clean Sheet Potential
This ranking combines:
• defensive form • opponent attacking weakness • fixture location
Rank
Team
Opponent
Reason
1
Brentford (H)
Wolves
Wolves bottom of away form table
2
Liverpool (H)
Spurs
Spurs bottom of overall form
3
Arsenal (H)
Everton
Strong defensive home record (although Everton top of Away form table)
4
Man United (H)
Villa
Best home form in league
5
Brighton (A)
Sunderland
Sunderland low scoring
6
Crystal Palace (H)
Leeds
Leeds struggle for away wins
Ranked GW30 Teams – Attacking Potential
Rank
Team
Fixture
Reason
1
Liverpool (H)
Spurs
High scoring attack vs struggling defence
2
Man City (A)
West Ham
City strong away record
3
Brighton (A)
Sunderland
Weak opponent defence
4
Chelsea (H)
Newcastle
Chelsea attack improving
5
Brentford (H)
Wolves
Wolves concede regularly away
6
Man United (H)
Villa
Top home form
Goalkeepers to Consider
Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford)
Brentford host Wolves, who sit bottom of the away form table with the lowest points per game. This is arguably the strongest clean sheet opportunity of the Gameweek.
Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)
Brighton travel to Sunderland. While Brighton’s away form is mixed, Sunderland’s attack has been among the least productive sides in the league.
Defenders to Consider
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Liverpool host Spurs, who currently sit bottom of the league’s recent form table. Van Dijk offers both clean sheet potential and aerial threat from set pieces.
Nathan Collins (Brentford)
Brentford’s fixture against Wolves is the standout defensive matchup this week.
Gabriel (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s home defensive record remains strong and Everton have struggled to score consistently away despite sitting top of the Away form table.
Luke Shaw (Man United)
United top the Home form table and Villa’s away attack has been inconsistent.
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace)
Palace host Leeds, who have one of the weaker away records in the league.
Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton)
Brighton’s centre-back offers a budget route into a fixture against a low-scoring Sunderland side.
Midfielders to Consider
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s talisman faces Spurs at Anfield in what could be one of the most open matches of the weekend.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Palmer remains Chelsea’s primary attacking outlet and penalty taker.
Bruno Fernandes (Man United)
United’s captain is central to their attacking play and consistently ranks highly for chances created.
Phil Foden (Man City)
With City facing West Ham away, Foden provides a high-upside attacking option from Guardiola’s side.
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Rogers has emerged as Villa’s most advanced midfielder and remains heavily involved in their attacking transitions.
Pascal Gross (Brighton)
Rejoined Brighton in January and has helped with set-pieces although if fully fit, Mitoma remains Brighton’s most explosive attacking player.
Forwards to Consider
Erling Haaland (Man City)
City’s striker continues to offer the highest ceiling in Fantasy. Even in tougher fixtures he remains the standout captaincy option.
Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
Expected to lead Liverpool’s line against Spurs in a fixture that could produce several goals.
João Pedro (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s central striker role gives Pedro consistent involvement in the team’s attack.
Danny Welbeck (Brighton)
Brighton’s likely starting forward against Sunderland offers a solid differential option.
Final Thoughts
Gameweek 30 looks particularly favourable for Liverpool, Brentford and Manchester City assets, with Brighton also enjoying a promising fixture. See who the FISO forum think should be their GW30 FPL captain.
The key tactical approach is likely to be:
• Target Liverpool attackers against Spurs • Back Brentford defensively against Wolves • Maintain exposure to Manchester City’s attack • Consider Brighton attackers against Sunderland
Managers who combine these fixture advantages with players already performing well in the FPL points and form tables should be well positioned for Gameweek 30.
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