Dugout Discussion
12 December 2020 1193 comments
Colm Hayes Colm Hayes
Share:

Fresh off an overnight price rise, Jack Grealish (£7.8m) starts in an attacking left-sided role for Aston Villa at Molineux.

The England midfielder flanks Ollie Watkins (£6.1m) on one side, with Bertrand Traoré (£5.9m) handed a start on the opposite wing.

There is no place in Dean Smith’s matchday squad for Trezeguet (£5.3m). The midfielder did sustain a cut to his head in Gameweek 10.

Emi Martinez (£4.8m) is between the goalposts for Villa behind a settled back four. Matt Targett (£4.5m) is the cheapest FPL option in that defence.

Smith has also handed a start to £4.5m midfielder Jacob Ramsey, with the 19-year-old taking the place of Ireland’s Conor Hourihane (£6.0m). The Villa chief said of his selection decision:

[Jacob] has really impressed. He’s played a number of cup games for us and excelled in them.

It’s harsh on Conor Hourihane but I just felt that the way Jacob has trained in the last few weeks has really impressed me. His energy levels have enabled him to start today.

On the injured Ross Barkley (£5.9m), Smith explained on Wednesday:

No [he’s not in the squad for Wolves]. He’s still carrying an injury. He’s rehabbing at the moment, he’s back running. It shouldn’t be too long before he’s back.

Fabio Silva (£5.2m) is tasked with wiping out the Villa backline’s clean sheet, as Nuno Espirito Santo hands the young striker his full Premier League debut.

Silva will operate in front an attacking midfield trio containing Pedro Neto (£5.7m), Daniel Podence (£5.4m) and Adama Traoré (£6.2m).

“He has to stick to his tasks. He has talent to exploit the situations that can happen.” – Nuno Espirito Santo on Fabio Silva

The Wolves manager is also sticking with a back four, which sees the surprising inclusion of Romain Saiss (£5.1m) ahead of the benched Willy Boly (£5.5m). Budget option Max Kilman (£4.3m) is also a substitute.

Boly has been demoted by Wolves manager Nuno

Aston Villa have not played since Gameweek 10, after their GW11 clash with Newcastle was postponed due to the Magpies’ Covid-19 outbreak.

The Villans lost 2-1 away to West Ham in GW10 as Watkins missed a penalty. Asked if the striker would have taken a second spot-kick on the night, Smith responded on Friday:

It’s not something I’ve discussed at the moment but we will before the Wolves game. He was disappointed with the penalty miss, an opportunity to score from 12 yards.

He just wants to keep getting better, he’ll keep working hard. He is itching to get playing again. Missing a penalty is not nice. I have missed one myself. It is part and parcel of the game and it is always how you bounce back.

Fabio Silva, at 18 years of age, is Wolves’ only available senior striker after Raul Jimenez suffered a serious head injury in GW10.

The Mexico star was pictured visiting the Wolves training ground this week, with Nuno stating on Friday:

He’s OK, it’s the same Raul. He’s smiling and being positive and it’s so good to have him. We had normal conversations. We already spoke about the team and how we see it.

He has this desire that he wants to return and this is the most important step that he already made. He will take time but he wants to return.

The Wolves boss added on Jonny (£5.4m):

He’s doing very well. He’s a strong player, as you can see, but now he has to have some time. We can’t rush things.

Wolves XI (4-2-3-1): Rui Patricio; Marcal, Saiss, Coady, Semedo; Dendoncker, Moutinho; Neto, Podence, Adama Traoré; Fabio Silva.

Aston Villa XI (4-3-3): Martinez; Targett, Mings, Konsa, Cash; McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Ramsey; Grealish, Watkins, Bertrand Traoré.

  1. Bobby Digital
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Lets go Grealiish and Watkiins!

  2. Doctor Evil
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Grealish Hatty and clean sheet please

    1. Frucke
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Hatty and a goal from wolves:)

      1. Doctor Evil
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        More likely

      2. Salan
        • 16 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Hope so

    2. GoonerSteve
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Grealish hattrick would be class!

  3. Dele
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Jacky boy scoring on and off the pitch, if you know what I mean.

  4. Pep bites Kun
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    If Grealish doesn't have sponsorship for a hair product, he needs a new agent 😉

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Haha. Good comment.

  5. MattysFantasyFooty
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    This GW coming up is time to finally drop Justin as his minutes are going to drop soon enough and fixtures turn no?

    1. BenDavies
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      pereira not back for another 2 weeks imo

  6. aborg
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Any chance Jorginho plays tonight?
    If he does not I have no benchable players coming on for Jota !

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Nothing you can do now so just let it wash over you.

  7. ☈☾
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Villa to win 5-0 with Grealish 5 goals and 2 pen saves for Emi

    Not too much to ask for I reckon

    1. JJeyy
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      never know with a wolves back 4 with Saiss in it

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I'd go for a lucky gw with no Salad. Any chance of a retrospective C with that?

  8. JJeyy
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Jota was always a disaster from the start

    1. ivantys
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Huh? Was the only 6.5+ who was scoring every week.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Oh yes of course.

    3. DGW Sane TC Fail....
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Swapped him for Jrod 20 points. 0.3 price rise. pretty much loved owning him

      1. DGW Sane TC Fail....
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Team Value sorry

    4. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Nope, he did well for me. And getting that knock, it could have happened to Salah or Mane. In which case he would be called a steal atm.

    5. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Depends when 'the start' was. If you got him in GW6, you got 6.3 pts/week from him.

      I got him for 9, 9, 1. 19 points in 3 weeks + 0.5m in team value. I'm happy enough with that.

      1. Nightcrawler
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        .2 rise in sv . The other m3 is irrelevant now that youll have to sell him. Hes also cost 2 transfers in 3 weeks. Not a fail pick but not a success either

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Well considering he replaced Foden I think it's a win.

        2. FourLokoLeipzig
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Why would you have to sell Jota? Going nowhere from my team with Liverpool’s fixture run

          1. Dr Van Nostrand
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            He's out tomorrow they are waiting for his knee to settle to diagnose. He's likely to miss a few games minimum so I'm for sure cashing in on him

            1. FourLokoLeipzig
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Ah, thanks, I missed that. Hmm, tricky decision if he’ll miss more than just the Spurs game...

  9. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Which combo scores higher this week?
    A. Son Kane Fernandes
    B. KDB Vardy Werner

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A

  10. Fudgy
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Watkins is scoring today because I picked Ings over him.

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Nice having Ings

    2. ivantys
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      His finishing is worse than Bamford and can't even score penalties, useless player.

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        If you saw them in the Championship last season you know this isn't true

        1. ivantys
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Can't really use championship to judge as it's not a top level league. With this kind of finishing, I think he could have had lots of tap ins.

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Watkins can easily outpace Saiss & Coady. Both not well know for their speed.

  11. Dickie1898
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Be interesting to see Wolves play with this system. They have only conceded 5 goals in their 5 home games this season 3 of which came against Man City, which is the best home record in the league defensively, I believe. Maybe we're about to see a sacrifice of their 'solidness' in an attempt to be more of a threat offensively. Tough one to call this.

  12. Frucke
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Who is you captain this gw?

    1. Frucke
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Salah here

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Salah

    3. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Vardy

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Nice pick

      2. Party time
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Are you for real?

          Same here but I thought you picked Salah.

          Dammit

      3. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Vardy here!!

      4. DGW Sane TC Fail....
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Kane, let the young lad pick it and he demanded i triple Captained him. he's so wasted one of my chips

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Haha nice one. Could be a gem. Not overthinking it, but also not looking at the big picture 🙂

      5. Pukki Party
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Vardy

      6. Pep bites Kun
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Vardy

    4. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Going to be fun to guess which Wolves player is getting subbed on today.

      Neves looks obvious, but Ait Nouri for Podence/Silva? Maybe Boly/Kilman gets a runabout for the last few minutes?

      1. Andy'81
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Not sure about who's coming on but I'd be shocked if Podence lasts the 90, he's always getting subbed.

      2. fish&chips
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Kilman 1 min cameo no doubt as I foolishly started him over lamptey

    5. JBG
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Let's go 0-0!

    6. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I would love a Villa blowout here

      Grealish 1G 2A
      Watkins 2G 1A
      Martinez CS+Penalty save

      1. Holmes
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        almost zero percent chance of that happening

        1. Holmes
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          more chance of them getting blown away 😉

        2. Ha.
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          So you’re saying there’s a chance?

      2. Old Wulfrunian
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        It's not bad to dream.

      3. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Pray hard

    7. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Neto audition incoming

      1. Holmes
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        tricky fixtures, good price though

      2. Pep bites Kun
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Considered him for Podence, who I benched for Soucek (small brag). He's interesting at the price. GL

    8. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Soucek rise last night is a nice surprise, didn’t expect him to rise so soon in the gameweek!

      Did he rise because people making early transfers buying him last night because he scored or because people buying him prior to the deadline?

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        He already had a high delta before yesterday's match. The goal obviously helped.

        1. Scapegoat Salah
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Thanks for that!

      2. Ze_Austin
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Price changes are faster during fixture congestion, for different reasons that add up

        1. Scapegoat Salah
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Thanks, I can’t believe the deadline is Tuesday!

    9. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      What minute is Saiss fouling Grealish for a penalty?

      How many points for loyal Martinez owners today?

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        79th
        -1

    10. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Sorry for posting this during match day. I got a bit carried away. I can't not post it now. Scroll past please.

      Minimal Arsenal squad plan for 2022/23 season with only 2 transfers. Still think the quality already exists, particularly in the youth. Add a few more transfers in and just need things to gel. Many of these players could fetch a decent fee if sold too. There are also other junior players I've missed out too.

      _______ ARSENAL: Feb 2021 _______

      Leno
      AMN, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney
      Elneny, Lacazette, Partey
      Martinelli, Aubameyang, Saka

      Bench: Runarsson, Mari, Bellerin, Pepe, Smith Rowe, Nelson, Balogun

      Reserves: Luiz, Mustafi, Saliba, Chambers, Cedric, Azeez, Xhaka, Cottrell, Ceballos, Willock, Willian, Nketiah

      On loan: John-Jules

      _______ ARSENAL: Sep 2021 _______

      Leno
      AMN, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney
      Elneny, Auoar*, Partey
      Martinelli, Aubameyang, Saka

      Bench: Runarsson, Saliba*, [New RB]*, Smith Rowe, Pepe, Nelson, Balogun

      Reserve: Luiz, Mari*, Chambers, Cedric, Cottrell/Azeez, Willock, Willian, Nketiah

      Loan: John-Jules, Cottrell/Azeez*
      Released: Bellerin, Xhaka, Ceballos, Willian, Lacazette

      _______ ARSENAL: Feb 2021 _______

      Leno
      [New RB]*, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney
      Auoar, Partey, AMN
      Martinelli, Aubameyang, Saka

      Bench: Runarsson, Mari/Holding*, Smith Rowe, Elneny, Pepe, Nelson, Balogun

      Reserve: Luiz, Mari/Holding, Chambers, Cedric, Willock, Cottrell/Azeez, Nketiah

      Loan: Cottrell/Azeez

      _______ ARSENAL: Sep 2022 _______

      Leno
      [New RB], Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney
      Auoar*, Partey, Smith Rowe*
      Martinelli, Balogun, Saka

      Bench: Runarsson, Mari/Holding, AMN*, Cottrell/Azeez/Willock, Pepe, Nelson, John-Jules

      Reserve: Luiz, Mari/Holding, Chambers, Cedric, Cottrell/Azeez/Willock

      Released: Aubameyang, Bellerin, Elneny, Nketiah, Cottrell/Azeez/Willock

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Why would Arsenal release a Willian in 2021 when he signed a 3 year deal in 2020?

        They haven't even offloaded Ozil.

        1. Deulofail
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          You could look at it as a failed experiment or a way to make profit. He's still a good player.

          Besides, these aren't predictions, so much as what I would do right now if I was a god with the power to pre-programme the squad priorities before fecking off to another part of the universe.

          1. Deulofail
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            And by the end of the season, I think Nelson will have proven himself ready to step up. Willian was also bought during a period of Martinelli injury, and Saka was still freshly integrating. Pepe is maturing, hopefully, too. With creativity potentially coming from Partey, AMN if used in midfield, Smith Rowe, and whoever is signed to be the biggest creator.

          2. Hazz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Fair enough. Boot up the Football Manager save 😀

            1. Deulofail
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Maybe the word 'release' was misguiding. That was just short-hand for contract ending, sold - or loaned if surplus to requirements and can't sell

      2. Sideways Backwards
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I respect the effort, but what on earth is this? 🙂

        1. Deulofail
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Scroll past! Shhhhh.

          1. Sideways Backwards
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            I am, just taking a while 😉

            1. Deulofail
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              😆

      3. have you seen cyan
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        why is Pepe still there lol, no one will buy him? You could loan him out to the Championship or Sheffield maybe

        1. Deulofail
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Probably because he has the potential to become Arsenal's best player. If not, to compete for a spot in the front 3 or 4 and raise his value. Right now, selling him would be a terrible business decision unless there's another Arsenal to flog him to, and I don't see why you wouldn't want him unless his attitudes stinks behind the scenes. I took your comment too seriously.

          1. have you seen cyan
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            idk, I thought this season he would come good tbh, but not looking like it so far. Fans probably lsot faith in him now, it will be hard to come back I feel

            1. Deulofail
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              He's been the main man in Europe so far. Fairly reliable, still promising. PL is a lot of pressure and the team around him aren't lighting it up either.

    11. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      For GW13
      A) Bruno+Bamford-4
      B) Vardy+Jota(if fit)/Coufal

      A also gives me an extra FT for the future

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        A especially if Bruno [C]

        1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Cheers,
          most likely would be KDB(C) with Bruno(VC) but still leaning towards A as well

      2. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Similar conundrum here
        A) Bruno+Bamford-4
        B) Vardy+Barkley(if fit)/Soucek

        Doing my head in. Would love A but would probably just do B (keeping)

        1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah, I think it could all come down to how Vardy looks this week

          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Not necessarily. Vardy vs Pickford next gw is a dream match up

            1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Hahaha true but Ryan has been equally bad so he should get something this week surely...
              Which would make it hard to sell him if he does

    12. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Or otherwise, you can simply enjoy a little bit of Arsenal-related comedy: https://youtu.be/sd-BcBCux80?t=3376

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Why would name you blog & podcast: Arseblog & Arsecast. God...

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          up the ARSE!

    13. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      As Barkley owner, that was a nice read. 🙂

    14. Bob_the_builder
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      After tonight's games, thinking of using 2FTs for KDB and Soucek in for Mahrez and Jota? Had been rotating Jota with Grealish who I have foolishly left on the bench for this game. Should solve the unnecessary hassle of switching between 2 options.

    15. King Kohli
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Best move here so that I can upgrade Kilman next gw?

      A. Son > Grealish
      B. Chilwell > James
      C. Any other

      Meslier Martinez
      Chilwell Konsa Coufal Kilman Mitchell
      Salah KDB Bruno Son Anguissa
      DCL Bamford Adams

      1Ft 0.1 ITB

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        No need to upgrade Kilman too much, just get Lewis/Taylor and you're good

        1. King Kohli
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Only Lewis or Lascelles is an option.
          Can't afford Taylor.

          1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Ah, not ideal I guess as Villa and Newcastle have hard fixtures together, but I don't think those downgrades are worth it tbh, so probably just get Lewis for now i'd say, also will have DGW later

          2. Ze_Austin
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Lewis, then

        2. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          This

    16. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w11DE8MHDXI
      What a game.Robbie Keane the legend.Kightly was a really good player but so unlucky.

    17. seewhyaxe
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      triple Villa here, let's whoop some ass!

    18. have you seen cyan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Lets all get comfortable for our Grealish bumper haul, I could even cap him next week maybe

      1. Holmes
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I got rid of him after looking at that pic, team was looking filthy with him...

    19. tiger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Grealish hat trick all assisted by Martinez will do

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Amen

    20. Egg noodle
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      This one is ending 0-0 lads

      1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Hope so, Matt Targett is my only player in this match

      2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        That's what I was thinking earlier but not anymore after looking at Wolves lineup...

    21. have you seen cyan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Grealish was rubbing his hands like he is going to brace