Welcome back to the FPL Lounge! The lads are back to preview GW31.

Another shortened pod this week due to a short-turnaround deadline, but there's still plenty to discuss.

DGW33 is confirmed, with the predicted shape of it previewed on last week's pod. I'm sure it'll mean there's plenty of Arsenal, Villa, Palace and City chat in the coming GWs! Two big injuries to well-owned defenders also dominate FPL news, while European football returns next week with varying potential for rotation and managed minutes, especially among those competing in the Champions League.

Crystal Palace remain popular on the radar, but only one Eagle features on the centre this week, with another being down-graded to the mid-range. That section also features a returning premium asset (no prizes for guessing who), while the Fringe includes some Villa punts with high ceilings but low floors.

No captaincy option holds much appeal this week, with Saka's minutes likely managed, Isak's flag, Marmoush playing a team that tends not to concede many chances from open play, and dreadful underlying numbers for Mo Salah. Where will the lads land?

If you like what you hear, do let the guys know on X (fka Twitter), Insta, Threads or TikTok, @FPL_Lounge, and the lads are now on BlueSky too, but without the underscore: @FPLLounge. Be sure to subscribe wherever you get your pods, so you always get new episodes in advance of the Gameweek deadline!