Fantasy Premier League 2017/18: Picks for Gameweek 32 onwards

Gameweek 31 witnessed just four matches in total. This was due to the fact that six fixtures got postponed owing to the FA Cup quarterfinals. A lot of managers chose to employ the free hit chip, while others instead opted to field a team by taking a hit in points.

Either way, the week was all about one man - Mo Salah. With Kane injured for up to a month, it looks like Salah has one hand on the golden boot already. The Egyptian found the back of the net four times in Liverpool's 5-0 rout over Watford and even assisted the fifth goal.

With just four fixtures in the week, the average score was expected to be at an all-time low. However, Mo Salah's return of an unbelievable 29 points coupled with the fact that over 60% FPL managers own him ensured that the average points this week was a respectable 46.

With an international break up ahead, and many of us opting to use our wildcards, here are some picks that could give your team a push as we approach the finish line:

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Goalkeepers

Petr Cech silenced his critics with a clean sheet and penalty save against Watford last gameweek

Petr Cech - Arsenal (5.3)

Arsenal have been notorious for their leaky defence for quite some time now. However, their defence has kept seven clean sheets at home this season. With the Gunners hosting Stoke City and Southampton in their next two fixtures, Arsenal and Petr Cech will be hoping that the ball doesn't find the back of their net.

Arsenal were impressive at the back in their 3-0 win at home against Watford last gameweek. Petr Cech was especially brilliant, spectacularly saving Troy Deeney's effort from the penalty spot.

In fantasy terms, Cech got 15 points last week, which included a three-point bonus. With Arsenal being among the few teams to have two fixtures in gameweek 34 and then a fixture in gameweek 35, it would make sense to invest on the popular goalkeeper now.

Notable mention: Lukasz Fabianski - Swansea (4.7)

Among the teams battling against relegation, Swansea have done particularly well defensively. Fabianski has been fantastic for the Swans, having racked up 106 saves and 10 bonus points over the season. Fabianski will be particularly handy in double gameweek 34 where the Swansea have two favourable home fixtures against Everton and Southampton.

Defenders

Youngster Christensen has been impressive at the heart of the defence for the Blues this season

Andreas Christensen - Chelsea (5.3)

Chelsea's title defence has been rather underwhelming. They are now at fifth place and their Champions League berth for next year is in jeopardy. In their immense success over the last 15 years, Chelsea have always had a rock solid defence.

This year, the Blues recalled youngster Andreas Christensen from Borussia Monchengladbach. The Danish centre-back has been impressive at the centre of the five-man defence for Chelsea.

Chelsea face Spurs in gameweek 32, but their fixtures lighten up soon after as they face West Ham, Southampton, Burnley and Swansea. At 5.3, Christensen is Chelsea's cheapest option into your fantasy team.

Notable mention: Matthew Lowton - Burnley (4.4)

Burnley's organised defending this season has been sensational. They have conceded a mere 26 goals so far this season, which is lesser than even defending champions Chelsea! Lowton was a part of the solid Burnley defence that pleasantly surprised all of us at the beginning of the season.

Lowton, unfortunately, succumbed to injury and missed a third of the season. He recently made his return to the first team and has been impressive since. With West Brom and Watford in their next two, Burnley will be hoping to continue their impressive performance at the back. Lowton at a measly 4.4 could be a great fantasy asset.

Midfielders

After a forgettable 2016/17 season, Mahrez is back in the goals and assists this season for Leicester City

Riyad Mahrez - Leicester City (8.8)

We are assuming that you have a certain Mo Salah in your squad already. If you don't, what are you waiting for? Bring him in already!

If yes, Riyad Mahrez is an excellent option. After his fallout with Leicester City over the issue of his failed dream transfer to soon-to-be champions Manchester City, it looked like Mahrez would be cut out from the squad. However, the Algerian is back in the squad and is in surreal form.

He has scored two goals and registered one assist in his last two games. The Foxes go up against Brighton, Newcastle, Burnley, Arsenal, Crystal Palace and West Ham next, and Riyad could explode in some, if not all, of these fixtures. Be wary though - Leicester do not have a fixture in gameweek 35.

Notable mention: Willain - Chelsea (7.0)

Willian is in the form of his life of late. He has been among the goals and assists for Chelsea every time he has started recently. He was the standout performer for Chelsea in their first leg against Barcelona where he hit the woodwork twice before finally finding the back of the net in spectacular fashion.

Owing to his fine form and Chelsea's struggle for a Champions League berth in the premier league, Willian should find himself in the starting eleven consistently from here on. At just 7.0, Willian could be an absolute steal in the long run. Though Chelsea have a blank gameweek 35, they do have two double gameweeks scheduled around it.

Strikers

Aubameyang will be looking to increase his goal tally in Arsenal's upcoming favourable fixtures

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Arsenal (10.6)

Aubameyang has scored three goals and assisted one in his five appearances in Arsenal colours in the Premier League. It could have been one more had his penalty not been saved by Ederson. Arsenal, arguably, have the best fixtures going forward and Aubameyang is likely to find his name on the scorecard pretty regularly in the upcoming fixtures.

Arsenal go up against Stoke City and Southampton at home in their next two fixtures, and Aubameyang will be looking to increase his tally considerably in these fixtures. Arsenal then have a double gameweek followed by a non-blank gameweek 35, which makes Aubameyang a must-have for the upcoming gameweeks.

Notable mention: Romelu Lukaku - Manchester United (11.4)

After a long, dry run for Manchester United, Lukaku seems to have found his old form again. He has not assisted or scored in only two games in his last eight in the premier league. He has scored twice and assisted as many times in Manchester United's last three games, which included tough opposition in the form of Chelsea and Liverpool.

With Swansea and West Brom at home as two of their next three fixtures, expect Red Rom to be at his best and score many goals. We wouldn't be surprised if he gets his long due debut hat-trick for Manchester United in one of these fixtures!