✍️ Welcome to the Fantasy Football Scout Bulletin - everything you need to know the day before the GW30 FPL deadline!

➡️ This long two-and-a-half-week gap between FPL deadlines should, in theory, have allowed managers to switch off for a bit, spend time with loved ones and relax. But you didn’t do that, right?

Perhaps that was partly our fault for continually putting out thoughtful content, often revolving around international round-ups and the two sides soon with Double Gameweek 32: Newcastle and Crystal Palace. 

✍️ Read the rest of the ‘Scout Report’ further down this email…

🧢 The best players and teams to target in FPL Gameweeks 30-32

🚨 If you’re tinkering with your GW30 team, check out FPL Gameweek 30 tips: Best players, predicted line-ups, team news + more

🚨 Aston Villa and Man City set for a Blank Gameweek 34

❓ Isak, Wood, Kerkez: FPL price change predictions for April 1

🃏 Gameweek 30 v 31 Wildcard: The pros + cons after Haaland injury

🚑 FPL Gameweek 30 team news: Saka, Wood + more live injury updates

🚌 You can see the Scout’s GW30 ‘Bus Team’ below or by clicking here

This long two-and-a-half-week gap between FPL deadlines should, in theory, have allowed managers to switch off for a bit, spend time with loved ones and relax. But you didn’t do that, right?

Perhaps that was partly our fault for continually putting out thoughtful content, often revolving around international round-ups and the two sides soon with Double Gameweek 32: Newcastle and Crystal Palace. 

Alexander Isak stands out but Jacob Murphy is an appealing, cheap alternative to Anthony Gordon, who is suspended and experiencing a hip issue. Defender Kieran Trippier has been one of this season’s FPL letdowns but could be a great differential pick.

As for Palace, they’re posting some brilliant xG numbers. Wing-back Daniel Munoz is an attacking menace, with Eberechi Eze the league leader for shots (23) throughout the last six matches. But Ismaila Sarr betters him in many areas and even beats Jean-Philippe Mateta for overall shots on target. 

While the latter came back from injury in the FA Cup, Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood was too hurt and Erling Haaland left Sunday’s match in a protective boot. Unless Pep Guardiola gives a positive update on the Norwegian, Omar Marmoush will be a popular punt. He’s a unanimous Scout Squad pick.

Haaland’s status will also affect whether managers Wildcard in Gameweek 30 or 31, and we’ve provided some drafts for those activating now. Bench Boost plans play a huge part too, with Zophar discussing the dilemma caused by Assistant Manager eligibility. It’s therefore refreshing to get nostalgic over 2002/03, where the first FPL campaign didn’t involve chips.

Elsewhere, Ruben Amorim and Ruud van Nistelrooy have started poorly at their new clubs but both are eligible for Assistant Manager’s upcoming table bonus. But Man United’s tricky trip to Forest is one of several for Bruno Fernandes.

Five of The Great and the Good sold Mohamed Salah for Gameweek 29 – is he still an essential player to own? Arsenal have 17 fewer goals than at this stage last time, so Bukayo Saka’s return to fitness is much welcomed, as is Nicolas Jackson’s at Chelsea. Statistics suggest that Cole Palmer benefits from having the centre-forward around. Imminent opponents Tottenham have little to play for, focusing on the Europa League.

As well as regular weekly coverage of the Fantasy EFL game, we’ve got Captain Sensible to come before the deadline, plus the latest opinions of Tom Freeman.

As always, check out the FPL Gameweek 30 page to quickly access all recent articles and the standard press conference updates from managers. Visit our Members Area for comparison tools and an in-depth collection of Opta and StatsBomb data.

Over on our YouTube channel, alongside the regular Scoutcast and Burning Questions episodes are Joe’s best Gameweek 30 picks and a Tom Freeman team reveal.