Gameweek 31 Transfer Trends: Salah IN, Son OUT

As we gear up for Gameweek 31, savvy Fantasy Premier League managers are making strategic moves to optimise their squads. Here are the top 5 transfer combinations made by top managers for this crucial week:

1. Darwin Núñez (IN) / Ollie Watkins (OUT) - Darwin Núñez has been transferred in by managers looking to capitalise on his upcoming fixtures against Sheffield Utd (H), Man Utd (A), and Crystal Palace (H). Despite playing only 189 minutes over the last three matches, Darwin has managed to score once and create a big chance, indicating potential for more returns. With an xFPL of 9.43, slightly under his actual points tally of 12, he's shown a solid performance level. - Ollie Watkins is on the way out for many, possibly due to his hamstring injury concern and a tough upcoming fixture against Man City (A). His last three appearances have yielded a mere 5 points, underperforming his xFPL of 9.43. With Aston Villa facing Brentford (H) and Arsenal (A) next, managers are likely looking for more reliable options.

2. Mohamed Salah (IN) / Phil Foden (OUT) - Mohamed Salah is being brought back into many teams, with Liverpool's fixtures against Sheffield Utd (H), Man Utd (A), and Crystal Palace (H) on the horizon. Salah has an impressive xFPL of 14.68 over the last three games, however only returning 8 actual points, suggesting he may have been unlucky not to score more. His reduced minutes (119) haven't dampened managers' confidence in his ability to deliver. - Phil Foden is making way despite having a decent run of fixtures with Man City. His xFPL of 19.67 is in line with his actual points of 20, indicating he's performing as expected. However, with competition for places at City and rotation risk, managers might be looking for more guaranteed starters.

3. Erling Haaland (IN) / Ollie Watkins (OUT) - Erling Haaland remains a popular choice, especially with a home fixture against Aston Villa up next. Scoring once and with an xFPL of 13.4 in his last three games, Haaland's actual points of 10 suggest he's slightly underperformed, but his high effective ownership means he's a risk to go without. - Ollie Watkins is being transferred out, as mentioned earlier, due to injury concerns and difficult fixtures.

4. Alexander Isak (IN) / Ollie Watkins (OUT) - Alexander Isak has caught the eye of top managers, with Newcastle's upcoming fixtures against Everton (H), Fulham (A), and Spurs (H). Isak has scored four goals in his last three games, amassing 29 points, significantly outperforming his xFPL of 22.43. His form and Newcastle's attacking potential make him an attractive option. - Ollie Watkins is again being moved out for the reasons previously discussed.

5. Mohamed Salah (IN) / Heung-Min Son (OUT) - Mohamed Salah is a popular transfer in, as covered earlier, with Liverpool's favorable fixtures and his potential for high returns. - Heung-Min Son, despite scoring three goals and providing two assists in his last three games, is being transferred out by some managers. With an xFPL of 31.88 and actual points of 36, Son is performing impressively, but Spurs have a blank in Gameweek 34, which could be a factor in managers' decisions.

In summary, top managers are targeting players with favourable fixtures and form, while moving away from those with injury concerns or less promising schedules. As always, these moves are strategic gambles based on current data and expected performances.

You can keep up to date with all the 'ins and outs' with the Transfer Analytics tool.

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