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The Watchlist – Ashley Young

30 January 2011 1210 comments
johnfinlay johnfinlay
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With the bulk of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Manager’s line-ups exuding a certain familiarity – the likes of Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez occupying the forward positions and Gareth Bale, Nani, Rafael Van der Vaart and Samir Nasri all midfield staples – it is this time of the season, with around 14 Gameweeks remaining, that Managers are crying out for a key ‘differential’ to give them the edge over their rivals.

Having understandably been neglected by the FPL masses so far this season, Villa have had a change in fortunes having just recorded their first back-to-back Premier League victories of the season with convincing wins over Manchester City and Wigan. Ashley Young, also the subject of last week’s Technical Area, has played a pivotal role in this. With a current FPL ownership of 4.1% compared to the likes of Van der Vaart (36.9%) and Nani (42.5%), Young could be that key differential.

Gerard Houllier’s recent tactics seems to be paying dividends for the side. The Manchester City victory saw Darren Bent as a lone striker, supported by an attacking midfield three of Gabriel Agbonlahor on the left, Ashley Young in the centre and Albrighton on the right with Stewart Downing dropping back into a deeper central midfield two alongside Stiliyan Petrov. Then, against Wigan, Houllier shifted things around slightly, with Downing moving to the right flank and Nigel Reo-Coker and new signing Jean Makoun taking up the deeper midfield positions.

In the absence of Petrov for the victory over Wigan, Young captained the side and Houllier thinks this boosted his performance:

“He was good. I think he’s proud of being the captain, but when you’re the captain there’s more responsibility. I took him off just because first of all he’s given everything. Ashley is one of the players who covers more ground every game.”

Young’s position just behind Bent therefore seems cemented in Houllier’s plans and it is a role that brings out the best in the player; in his last two outings he has recorded 16 FPL points including a goal, an assist and 3 bonus points. With a current FPL valuation of £8.1 million he is certainly a luxurious asset but after Villa play Manchester United in Gameweek 25, their run of fixtures (FUL, blp, BLA, bol, WOL, eve) are all certainly winnable, especially those at home, and games in which you would expect Young to score highly.

johnfinlay John swears he'll deliver unbiased Fantasy Premier League tips and news...until Leeds get promoted.

1,210 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Switchfoot4
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    Is this team strong enough for this week. 9 home game players?

    Foster
    Djourou, Rafael, Hangeland
    Nani(c), Adam, VDV, Fabs, Dempsey
    Tevez, Berbatov

    Subs, Al Habsi, DJ, Evatt, Coleman.
    Will play DJ if Tevez doesn't play?

    Save for 2 frees next week?

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    1. Braamish
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      strong team, but I don't like Rafael...been really disappointing.

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      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 2 months ago

        That's no indication of future returns.

        Potential wise, Rafael's great.

        Don't like how you have 3 Blackpool players, but since you can field a really good XI, save the transfer.

        Coleman over Evatt in the subs.

        I'd be looking to get rid of Evatt soon. Blackpool defense is ridiculously leaky, and you'd never want to play Evatt even in GW 27.

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        1. Switchfoot4
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 2 months ago

          thanks Camzy, I have over $3m in the bank and was planning to downgrade Dempsey to Barton and upgrade DJ to RVP next GW. May look at the defense instead now

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          1. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 2 months ago

            Nah think you've got your priorities right.

            Your planned transfers are really good ones. Just be wary that RVP is rising fast.

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  2. Braamish
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    Gonna play my wildcard tomorrow. This is what I'm thinking:

    New additions in all caps.

    Foster, Al-Habsi
    KELLY, Coleman, HUTH, Simpson, BARDSLEY
    FABREGAS, Van der Vaart, Dempsey, BRUNT, Adam
    VAN PERSIE, TEVEZ, BERBATOV

    What do you think? It's definitely a forward market at the moment. Don't want to spend too much on defenders.

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    1. uzbeque
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      I think it is better to use it on gw27

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    2. uzbeque
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      because odem, rafael are have good games on this gw

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    3. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      Go Begovic from here on out, Al-Habsi is purely for GW 24 and 26.

      Don't like Bardsley. Get Bramble if you want Sunderland, but I'd just avoid them entirely until their fixtures improve.

      No Nani is crazy. Keep him.

      Dempsey boat has also already sailed. His fixtures get tough right after this week, and he's not on penalties or a particularly bonus hungry player. Doesn't help that he sits right in the mid range bracket either with no readymade replacements up or down.

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  3. Jonah
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    Is it worth a 4-point hit to bring in RVP for Rooney and captain him? Hmmm, would only take a score of two points more for RVP, and I would be up on the deal, with the player that I want to take me forward.

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  4. uzbeque
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    is it good idea Konch-->Kelly to free up cash for Nasri-->SexFab?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      Anyone is better than Konch.

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      1. Bojaninho
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 2 months ago

        you still have konch 🙄

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 2 months ago

          Exactly, going with WC.

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          1. Bojaninho
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 2 months ago

            keeping kolarov or rafael

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      2. uzbeque
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 2 months ago

        am i still alive in your league TM?:)

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 2 months ago

          No, 430 or so left.

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        2. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 2 months ago

          Thought you were asking about me. I am sure you can work out the answer. 😕

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  5. Roger
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    Captaining Odemwingie stupidity or genius?

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    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      Stupid. Definitely.

      If he scores well it's a bolt out of the blue. He's got little form and West Brom are dire.

      Go with someone safe this week. There are better weeks to take punts. This week looks lined up for the big guns to deliver. It's the week when your big guys are playing away that you try something a bit riskier.

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      1. breakballartist
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 2 months ago

        Sound advice; but it is getting like that time when your mini league status dictates transfer policy and (c) picks. A break from the herd is needed to close a gap on a rival the closer you get to the seasons end...

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        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 2 months ago

          Not true.

          There are still 14 weeks left. Make solid choices and you will come out on top.

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          1. Jonah
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 2 months ago

            I think that Gameweek 27 is a week where you need Double Gameweek differentials over your rivals. The potential for swings is so big, that you can't afford to have the same players as them, if you're trying to catch up.

            That one week side, I think you're right.

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            1. Camzy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              15 years, 2 months ago

              Huge swings right?

              Torres over RVP?

              It's not worth sacrificing your team balance for one desperate week of catchup.

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    2. Jonah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      Hmmmmm. May turn out to be a nice idea, I guess. If Mark's prediction about the big players having a tough time of it this week comes true, then that's the kind of move which may pull you through nicely.

      Go with your heart - but of course, you know it's a risk.

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  6. Bojaninho
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    any news on why begovic didnt play?

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  7. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    Hey Camzy (or anyone else), would you save the transfer this week given the below squad?

    Stockdale, (Foster)
    Rafael, Kelly, Djourou, (Bosingwa), (Coleman)
    Nani, VDV, Adam, N'Zog, (Nasri)
    RVP, Tevez, Rooney
    0.4m Bank

    Thanks

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    1. Bojaninho
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      ship nasri out asap since his price will plummet

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      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 2 months ago

        Was thinking that, but wanted to do Nasri & Rooney -> Fabs & Wingie next week, and then N'Zog -> T Cahill after.

        Will be for a 4 point hit if I get Fabs/Wingie in this week, which I'm not a fan of. Any obvious alternatives? Maybe Nasri -> Walcott?

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        1. Bojaninho
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 2 months ago

          your just adding a transfer because long term u will want fab, but it wouldnt be the worst punt ever. Odem could score well v wigan too.

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          1. Jinswick
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah, I want Fabs > Walcott long term so I think my choice is either:

            1) Suck up Nasri's price drop until after tomorrow's games and play N'Zog this week, then do Rooney & Nasri -> Cahill & Wingie next week, and N'Zog -> Fabs for GW27

            or

            2) Do Rooney & Nasri -> Fabs & Wingie this week for a 4 point hit and then N'Zog -> Cahill next week.

            Which you reckon is better?

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        2. breakballartist
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 2 months ago

          You can justify a hit imo if one of the guys you bring in improves your (c) choice significantly. You're pretty stacked with (c) options this GW though, so that kinda snookers you.

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    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      Nope.

      If you were to make a move, you should have done it before Nasri fell in price.

      You have a strong lineup in any case.

      Save the transfer.

      Have some faith in your own choices jinswick. You've got a nice team, you made good choices, you don't always need advice.

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      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 2 months ago

        True, I'm swaying towards saving it this week. Guess I enjoy hearing others' views also, and also to highlight whether I'm being a tool.,, 🙂

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  8. CPG
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    who to play out of
    foster, alhabsi

    evra, kelly, djourou, murphy, coleman?

    i'm thinking of playing

    alhabsi,
    evra, kelly, djourou.

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    1. breakballartist
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      Im thinking of playing 4 at the back this GW; have 5 HOMErs. Jara has to get me points at some stage...

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    2. rabm122
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      Evra, Kelly, Djourou, imo.

      Keepers???? If in doubt I usually play Foster, he'll get saves if nothing else typically.

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  9. John Easten
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    Could anyone give a suggestion on what defender to use this week, i was thinking to put like this:

    Djourou Baird Ivanovic

    Sub Bardsley Spector

    Any suggestion?

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    1. mins26
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      PLAY SPECTOR OVER BAIRD

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  10. breakballartist
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    Uughh; just home from Oz this w/e and am in the jet-lag horrors. Have been staring at the ceiling for the last 3 hours...

    Managed to hold my FPL season together thanks to Ronald McDonald and his free wifi!! I'll miss my midnight McFlurrey as i finalise my team picks pre-deadline 🙂

    Have 10 home team players this GW, so i think i'll just sit tight and allow my brain to reacclimatise before playing my WC.

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  11. rabm122
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    Nolan or Brunt over the next 3-4 GWs?

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    1. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      Surely has to be Brunt over next 3 gweeks. 3/4 at home.

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      1. rabm122
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, looks right on paper. Just haven't seen WB in a bit and wanted to check. Thanks.

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        1. Christina.
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 2 months ago

          I have not watched them a lot either, I know they are not realy in any form but then again NEWC don't have Carrol either.

          im taking a gamble on Brunt.

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  12. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    Berba or Cahill over the rest of the season?

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    1. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      Play the fixtures I would say. At certain periods you will need both IMO.

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  13. Dark_Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    berba.

    anyone got any idea why kyle walker is touted as next best thing but hasnt played last 2? he's in the scout picks again,...

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      I guess no replies tells the story.

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      1. Dark_Mata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 2 months ago

        true enough.

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 2 months ago

          Guess you can't see why you didn't get a proper reply then.

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    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      He's had a back injury last 2 games hence the reason he's not played recently.

      He was at QPR earlier on this season and the guy was a revelation for us. We were sad to see him go. He has a ton of potential.

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  14. skully
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    whos most suitable to replace NASRI??
    a)walcott
    b)rosicky
    c)arshavin
    d)anyone??

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    1. BoobyZ
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      Out of that lot, Walcott

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  15. Mr Sarcastic
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    Hello Camzy

    Just looked your team and noticed that we got 10 same starting players last gw. I was thinking habsi or stockdale and gone for stockdale. Luckyly he got 4 points more, so not too annoying if I'll have to take a point hit to get a goalie for gw 28.

    At the moment I think I'm playing
    Stockdale
    Vidic, Kelly, Djorou
    Fab, VDV, Nani, Adam
    Tevez, Rvp, Berbatron

    Only problem is benching Coleman, hurt me badly when I did it last time...where are you leaning on captain dilemma, Nani, Fab or Rvp?

    Cheers!

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  16. BoobyZ
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    Is anyone at all thinking that maybe its time to get rid of VDV? I havent seen him or Spurs play recently, but Harry's comments do indicate that the players, including VDV, are fatigued and probably that along with recent performances is a sign to let go

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    1. Dark_Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      NO!!!!

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    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. I posted this idea several times yesterday, too.

      His returns lately do not justify the huge price tag. I think Modric, Defoe and Lennon being back has also started eating into his points.

      I reckon Modric or Lennon may be worth a punt instead, if you want Spurs coverage for GW27.

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  17. @FuzzyWarbles
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    good morning, i need some opinions please, WCing, currently looks like this:

    Foster/Begovic

    Rafael/Coleman/Carr/Djourou/Kelly

    Fabregas/Nani/VDV/Adam/Brunt

    Tevez/Berbatov/RVP .2 in bank

    this squad is designed for GW27 and the idea of having 2 saved transfers for GW28. That means I have 1 freebie to use or not until GW 28.

    What you lads think about szczesny? see the wenger quote? was thinking of swapping out foster and djourou for szczesny and r johnson. Doesnt this make more sense or is szczesny's spot not as safe as being named #1 would imply? Seems better to have a nailed on defender with a questionable keeper than the other way round. Plus with begovic, worst case scenario, a 2nd double GW keeper is available for GW 27.
    So with that 1 free transfer was thinking of bringing in a defender for 5.2 or less with a better fixture this GW then make the switch to R Johnson. So far Hughes jumps out as a Fulham option in a GW where I cant see many other CS potential. Wise?

    FINALLY,

    I have to bench one out of that front 8, I currently have brunt as 1st sub. the only other option i feel is VDV, but i hate to do that, however with Bale's absence and spurs offense looking lost yesterday, Im wondering if this is the week to do the unthinkable and bench VDV.

    Cheers and apologies in advance when i inevitably repost this later this morning.

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    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      Keep Foster and Djourou and bench VdV this week would be my advice.

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  18. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    New post.

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  19. Brian C. Lara
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    Hi Guys...

    Just took the lead back in my mini league again, need some help on my side for this week, so if you got sometime, please supply some advice.

    Current team :

    Foster (Carson)

    (Foley) Hangelaand Cashley (Jara) Bardsley

    VDV Nani Dempsey Nasri Adam

    (Carroll) VPersie Rooney

    thinking of a 8 point hit, Torres in for Rooney, Kelly in for Cashley and Fabregas for Nasri.

    thoughts??

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    1. llamaZA
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 2 months ago

      You probably wont make up the 8 points.

      Torres for Rooney also doesn't seem that strong to me.

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  20. llamaZA
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 2 months ago

    Front 7 of Nani, VdV, Cesc, Adam, Tevez, RvP, Berba

    Is captaining Adam a good call?

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