FPL Blank Gameweeks can disrupt even the most carefully planned Fantasy squads. Knowing why they happen — and how to manage them — can give you a big advantage over your mini-league rivals.
Here’s everything you need to know about Blank Gameweek 31 and the best ways to prepare for it.
What Is a Blank Gameweek?
A Blank Gameweek happens when one or more Premier League teams do not play a league match during a specific round.
Why this matters for managers:
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Players from teams without fixtures score zero points
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Your available starting XI may be reduced
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Squad planning becomes more important
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Strategic chip usage can make a major difference
Why Blank Gameweeks happen
Most blanks occur when league fixtures are postponed, usually due to scheduling clashes with domestic cup competitions such as the EFL Cup or FA Cup.
These postponed matches are often moved to later dates, which can also create Double Gameweeks later in the season.
Why FPL Gameweek 31 Is a Blank Gameweek
Gameweek 31 coincides with the EFL Cup final involving Arsenal and Manchester City.
Because of this scheduling conflict:
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Arsenal cannot play their league fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers
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Manchester City cannot play Crystal Palace
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All four clubs are currently without a Gameweek 31 fixture
Why this creates a challenge
Many highly owned Fantasy players come from these teams. If you own multiple assets from them, your squad could be heavily reduced for the week.
However, this affects most managers — so good preparation can help you gain rank.
Note: Fixture rescheduling remains possible depending on other competition results.
How to Prepare for FPL Blank Gameweek 31
Your best strategy depends on:
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How many blanking players you own
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Your available chips
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The number of free transfers you have saved
Below are three main approaches to consider.
1. Use Your Free Hit Chip
The Free Hit allows unlimited transfers for one Gameweek only. Your squad then reverts back to its original state the following week.
Advantages
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Replace all blanking players temporarily
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No long-term impact on your squad
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No need for extensive planning
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Keep premium players without selling them permanently
Drawbacks
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Uses a powerful chip that may be more valuable later
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Future Gameweeks could feature larger blanks
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Limits flexibility later in the season
This option is strongest if your team would otherwise struggle to field a competitive XI.
2. Accept Fewer Than 11 Players
Some managers choose to field nine or 10 players while keeping their strongest long-term assets.
Why this can work
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Keeps premium players for future fixtures
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Allows transfers to target upcoming favourable schedules
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Maintains squad structure for later Gameweeks
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Avoids unnecessary chip usage
This approach balances short-term damage with long-term planning, especially if your blanking players have strong fixtures before or after Gameweek 31.
3. Sell Players Who Blank
Another strategy is to transfer out players without a Gameweek 31 fixture to guarantee a full starting lineup.
Benefits
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Field 11 active players
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Redistribute funds across the squad
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Target players with strong short-term fixtures
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Can combine well with a later Wildcard
Key considerations
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Selling players means losing team value gained from price rises
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You may need to pay more to buy them back later
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Plan transfers carefully to avoid points deductions
Some managers also “dead-end” their squad into the Blank Gameweek — focusing only on short-term gains — before rebuilding with a Wildcard in the following Gameweek.
Choosing the Right Strategy
There is no single correct approach. Your decision should depend on:
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Number of blanking players in your squad
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Available chips
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Free transfers saved
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Long-term squad plans
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Upcoming fixture difficulty
Blank Gameweeks reward managers who plan ahead. With the right preparation, Gameweek 31 could be an opportunity to climb the rankings rather than fall behind.
