Gameweek 31
FotMob’s Best XI from Premier League Gameweek 31
FotMob’s Gameweek 31 selections: key performances from Everton, Fulham, Brighton and Forest. Weekend
The Carabao Cup final dominated attention this weekend, but the Premier League still delivered eight compelling matches. Several high-profile sides endured a difficult round, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea among those who paid a price. Tottenham Hotspur suffered most, their recent mini-resurgence undone by a 3–0 loss to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.
FotMob’s ratings identify the standout performers from Gameweek 31.
Rating: 8.3 — Bruno Fernandes produced another strong display in Manchester United’s 2–2 draw with Bournemouth, opening the scoring from the penalty spot and creating three chances for his teammates. It meant little, however, as a hugely controversial afternoon ended in frustration and added tension in the race to qualify for the Champions League.
Rating: 8.3 — Diego Gómez was one of Brighton & Hove Albion’s bright spots in the 2–1 win over Liverpool. The 22-year-old Paraguay international has transitioned from a central midfielder into a right winger in recent months. His assist on Saturday was his first of the season and his third goal contribution in his past five games.
Rating: 8.3 — Harry Wilson continues in sensational form. His strike in Fulham’s 3–1 win over Burnley took his Premier League tally to 10 this season. With his contract due to expire at the end of the campaign, Wilson can expect interest this summer.
Rating: 8.3 — Iliman Ndiaye scored Everton’s third in their win over Chelsea. The tricky winger registered 10 defensive contributions, third-highest among Everton players, and capped a selfless performance with a delightful goal.
Rating: 8.5 — Josh King finally opened his Premier League account in a starring performance as Fulham fought back against Burnley. Seven months after being denied a first goal against Chelsea, King’s goal and assist were central to the comeback.
Rating: 8.5 — Jordan Pickford produced an extraordinary save to deny Enzo Fernández at point-blank range, preserving Everton’s momentum en route to a convincing victory over Chelsea.
Rating: 8.5 — Matz Sels kept a clean sheet in what may have been Nottingham Forest’s biggest game of the season, making three saves including several crucial interventions late on.
Rating: 8.6 — Idrissa Gana Gueye dominated the midfield against Chelsea with seven recoveries, five interceptions and three tackles, and also provided the assist for Everton’s second goal.
Rating: 8.8 — Neco Williams was instrumental in Nottingham Forest’s 3–0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, supplying two assists from excellent crosses and coming close with a second-half header that required a smart save from Guglielmo Vicario.
Gameweek 31
Gameweek 31 Preview: Stakes, Form and Weekend Predictions
Key Premier League matches this weekend carry relegation and Champions League implications. Round-up.
Sunday’s Carabao Cup final will dominate conversation, but a decisive run of Premier League fixtures leaves little room for the top flight to play second fiddle. The action this weekend carries crucial consequences at both ends of the table, and several title-chasing clubs head out on the road looking to strengthen their Champions League bids.
The weekend opens with Manchester United travelling to Bournemouth, a side unbeaten in the league since Jan. 3 but held to four straight draws. Bournemouth sit 10th, with seventh-place Brentford only four points better off, so a win here would significantly enhance their outside European hopes. Only Newcastle United have beaten Manchester United since Michael Carrick retook the reins, and United responded to their defeat on Tyneside with a 3–1 win over Aston Villa last weekend. Prediction: Bournemouth 1–2 Man Utd.
Liverpool arrived off a needed 4–0 victory midweek that followed criticism after another late concession at Tottenham Hotspur. Arne Slot’s side used Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai in advanced roles and moved Mohamed Salah closer to goal with positive effect. Brighton visit having won three of their previous four and have avoided defeat in each of their last three league outings against Liverpool at the AMEX. Prediction: Brighton 1–1 Liverpool.
The 3 p.m. blackout fixture sees Fulham host Burnley. Burnley remain nine points adrift of safety with eight games to play, while Fulham have collected only one point from recent outings against Nottingham Forest and West Ham United. Fulham should be confident here. Prediction: Fulham 2–1 Burnley.
Chelsea have had a difficult few days, including being hit with a record fine for ‘secret payments’ made under the previous regime and learning Enzo Fernández is considering a summer exit. Everton have struggled to settle in their new ground but beat Burnley 2–0 on their previous Merseyside outing. Both sides will seek to return to winning ways. Prediction: Everton 1–1 Chelsea.
Leeds, Brentford, Newcastle, Sunderland, Aston Villa, West Ham, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest all face matches that carry relegation or European implications. Of note: Tottenham’s home game against Nottingham Forest has been cast as a potentially season-defining fixture. Final predictions: Leeds 2–1 Brentford; Newcastle 2–0 Sunderland; Aston Villa 2–2 West Ham; Tottenham 3–1 Nott’m Forest.
