Scout Reports

What can FPL managers expect from Unai Emery at Aston Villa?

Steven Gerrard’s departure from Aston Villa has preceded the appointment of Unai Emery as the club’s new head coach.

The former Arsenal boss, who had been in charge of Spanish club Villarreal since leaving the Premier League in 2019, will take over from November 1st after his work permit formalities are completed.

That means his first Villa match will be the visit of Manchester United in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 15.

Here, we take a look at Emery’s tactics and management style and ask what we can expect from the 50-year-old Spaniard.

THE HISTORY

After a playing career mostly spent in Spain’s second tier, Unai Emery came to prominence as a coach when he guided Almeria to La Liga promotion in 2007. He subsequently moved to Valencia, where he delivered three consecutive third-placed finishes, before a brief spell at Spartak Moscow.

He returned to Spanish football in 2013 with Sevilla, winning the Europa League three times in three seasons. That European success led him to take over at Paris Saint-Germain, where he won Ligue 1 in 2017/18. In two years at PSG, he delivered seven of the 10 available trophies, but was eliminated in the Champions League last-16 by Barcelona, having won the first leg 4-0, and then Real Madrid.

Emery then coached Arsenal between the summer of 2018 and November 2019 following the departure of Arsene Wenger, guiding them to a fifth-place finish before being sacked. The impression many have is that things did not go well for him in north London, yet it’s worth noting that in his first season he went 22 games unbeaten and also took Arsenal to the final of the Europa League, where they lost to Chelsea.

“The first season at Arsenal was very good. We were close to returning to the Champions League coming to the end of the season, but we were playing the Europa League final. We lost our way with all the energy we put into this final. I believe the season would have been perfect if we had qualified for the Champions League.” – Unai Emery

“Five captains left in the first year, there were many changes and patience was needed. It was not an easy process. The fans did not have patience. Xhaka had problems with the fans and in the dressing room where other experienced players did not understand his role as captain. Xhaka was an important player for me — he was a good person, very committed to his coach. The club was happy with me, but the fans were calling for a change, and it had to happen.” – Unai Emery

His time at Arsenal also saw the emergence of young players like Bukayo Saka (£7.9m), Gabriel Martinelli (£6.8m) and Emile Smith Rowe (£5.6m).

“That was the change. Saka and Smith Rowe began to play with me. I gave Saka his Premier League debut against Fulham, on January 1, when he was 17. You had to work with these young players, to replace those who were there before. Gabriel Martinelli, who arrived then too — I knew he was a player who would grow.” – Unai Emery

Since his dismissal by Arsenal, Emery has rebuilt his reputation at Villarreal, beating Manchester United in the 2021 Europa League final and taking them to last season’s Champions League semi-finals, defeating Bayern Munich and Juventus on the way.

MANAGERIAL RECORD
TeamPWDLWin%
Villarreal (2020-22)12965343050.4
Arsenal (2018-19)7843161955.1
PSG (2016-18)11487151276.3
Sevilla (2013-16)205106435651.7
Spartak Moscow (2012)261241046.2
Valencia (2008-12)220107585548.6
Almeria (2006-08)8439202546.4
Lorca Deportiva (2004-06)7034162048.6

FAVOURED TACTICS

“Emery put on so many videos I ran out of popcorn! He’s obsessed with football – it’s practically an illness. He’s one of the best managers I’ve had. I worked with him for three years. I couldn’t handle a fourth!” – former Valencia winger Joaquin

Unai Emery has used a mixture of formations throughout his career, but has generally preferred an organised 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 at Villarreal.

In either system, they attack in a narrow shape with inverted wide midfielders.

One forward often drops a bit deeper in order to link play, while the other looks to get in behind, which could potentially suit Danny Ings (£6.6m) and Ollie Watkins (£7.2m) as a partnership.

“I like to work hard on the details, to know the players well. Difficult games motivate me a lot. You try to surprise the rival coach, for your team to be better than them tactically” – Unai Emery

Further back, the two banks of four players provide good defensive stability. Indeed, Villarreal have conceded just seven goals in 11 La Liga matches this season, also boasting the joint-fourth best defence in 2021/22, despite finishing seventh overall.

Villa, it’s worth noting, beat Brentford 4-0 at the weekend with caretaker manager Aaron Danks opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation, showing the players currently at the club are capable of playing in that system.

Above: Aston Villa’s starting XI v Brentford in Gameweek 13

THE PROSPECTS

Five-time top 1k FPL finisher Tom Freeman on Villa under Gerrard and his Gameweek 13 plans 6

Unai Emery has certainly got his work cut out at Aston Villa after the club’s poor start to the Premier League season.

Ahead of Gameweek 14, they have won just three of their 12 games, sitting mid-table for goals scored (11) and goals conceded (16).

Their underlying numbers, meanwhile, paint a similar picture:

Total (rank v other Premier League sides)
Minutes per xG77 (12th)
Minutes per xGC75.8 (8th)

However, Saturday’s 4-0 win over Brentford has lifted the mood around Villa Park and showed that creative players like Emiliano Buendia (£5.7m) and Leon Bailey (£4.6m) can thrive in the right set-up.

Both players could potentially fit Emery’s style, too. The Spaniard likes quick wide players like Arnaut Danjuma at Villarreal, so Bailey’s pace and ability to carry the ball at speed could be utilised. FPL managers have had a frosty relationship with the Jamaican this season, but when breaking down his actual returns (0.53 attacking returns – be it a goal or assist – per 90 minutes), he could become a viable fourth/fifth midfielder if handed regular starts.

Emery also loves aggressive/hard-working players, but ones who have the technical ability to execute his game plan, attributes Argentinian playmaker Buendia possesses. Further forward, Watkins could potentially benefit, with his physical attributes and pace likely seeing him become a key man alongside the more poacher-like qualities of Ings.

Saying that, the consensus amongst Villarreal fans is that their team weren’t always fun to watch under Emery in La Liga – despite racking up 60 or more goals in each of the last two seasons – so a more balanced approach is probably what to expect, at least in the early stages.

It’s a tough spell for Aston Villa prior to the World Cup, too, with in-form Newcastle United up next in Gameweek 14. That will be caretaker boss Aaron Danks’ final match in charge, with Unai Emery in the dugout for the Manchester United fixture at Villa Park in Gameweek 15. Villa then round off their schedule with a trip to take on Brighton and Hove Albion, at which point we pause for the winter World Cup.

As a result, most FPL managers won’t be looking to invest to begin with, but if Bailey, Buendia, Watkins and Ings are to continue getting the nod in the attacking positions, they could potentially provide value in the budget/mid-price categories.

Emery’s ‘to-do’ list at Villa is extensive, but with his past record, playing style and ability to dip into the transfer market in January with significant funds, Villa could provide several value options in the second half of the season.


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238 Comments Post a Comment
  1. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Which team would you rather have? It comes down to KDB or Foden

    A

    Kepa Ward
    Cancelo Trippier White Dalot Neco
    KDB Saka Martinelli Almiron Andreas
    Haaland Kane Mitrovic

    0.5 itb

    B

    Kepa Ward
    Cancelo Trippier White Dalot Neco
    FODEN Saka MADDISON Martinelli Andreas
    Haaland Kane Mitrovic

    1.7 itb

    We all assume Foden will match KDB for 4 mill less but im not so sure, team A looks better to me and what with the likes of Salah, Son, Sterling, Bowen, Mount etc all being none options at the mo the pool of players i want is quite small

    Thoughts?

    1. Tactical Frank
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Reply fail - A for me

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

    4. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A for me

  2. Tactical Frank
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A

  3. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Trossard to

    A) Martinelli
    B) Almiron

    Have Saka and Wilson/Trippier

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B

    3. Bruin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

  4. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    0.8 ITB. Save FT here?

    Kepa
    Cancelo Trippier Gomez
    Salah Foden Saka Martinelli Odegaard
    Haaland Firmino

    Ward Guehl Neco Greenwood

    1. tensleepslav25
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I would say Odegaard --> Trossard since you already have Saka and Martinelli but maybe worth waiting until GW15 unless you back Trossard to do well against Chelsea

      1. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Would hold for this week, not sure 3 attackers is best way forwards however

    2. Bruin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Stick

  5. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Emerson to White and go with that team or add Zaha/Salah to Saka for a hit?
    About 2mil ITB.

    Guaita
    Cancelo/Trippier/(White)
    Salah/Foden/Zaha/Martinelli
    Haaland/Toney/Mitro

    Iversen/Pereira/Castagne/Neco

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Just emerson to white, Salah can go next week if needed

      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Cheers!

    2. Bluetiger1
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 7 months ago

      GW14 - Emerson to white

      Keep Salah with fixture this week at home to Leeds - GW15 can look to sell possible KDB

      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Sounds good, thanks

      2. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        This

  6. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Nice to see my UCL transfers go tits up also 😆

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      What moves did you make?

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Akanji, Sane and Alvarez to Cancelo, Kvarat and Haaland for -4.

        Not gone bad yet, was just kidding following Cancelo yellow card within the first 15

        1. SirWenger
          • 1 Year
          1 year, 7 months ago

          They did

  7. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Sanchez to kepa? 1FT 2.2itb

    Sanchez
    Cancelo trippier cucu
    Salah foden rashford martinelli
    Haaland toney mitro

    Ward andreas guehi neco

  8. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    1-0 Benfica

    Juve dead team

    1. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      2-1 now

    2. TanN
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      2-1 Benifca

  9. TanN
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Real Madrid losing 2-0

    Hahaha

    1. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Should still win their group though

  10. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Not sure how long Pep will persist with this setup, Alvarez not really in the game and City struggling to get the ball near Haaland, Foden not looking great out on the left either

    1. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Missing Bernardo big time here

    2. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Boring game tbh

  11. Solly The Seagull
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Save ft with this team? 1.2itb

    Kepa
    Cancelo Trippier Gabriel
    Salah Foden Saka Martinelli
    Haaland Toney Mitrovic

    Ward Andreas Cresswell Neco

    1. Bruin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Yes

  12. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    It was easy to figure out they were missing Bernardo in the first half but wow didn't realize he was gonna take off Haaland

    1. SirWenger
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Rested?

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Yeah Cancelo went off at HT too

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Ortega in goal too. Bad Matchday to have Ederson, Cancelo and Haaland 🙂

  13. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    For GW15:

    A. Zaha to Foden
    B. Salah to KDB

    1. putana
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      b

    2. Bluetiger1
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B

  14. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Tottenham fans beware, Allegri is getting sacked.

    Conte escape route

    1. putana
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      he is not getting sacked. Juve are literally broke and cannot afford it

  15. Jimmers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    What's the point of Mahrez?

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Meh-rez

  16. putana
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    nice dive by mahrez

  17. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Mudryk

  18. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Mahrez does miss a fair few penos

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

      Why did he still take pen? Thought Gundo was about to take it.

      1. Stimps
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I'm guessing because he won it... That's him done for penos now I'd say

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Last 3 in a row right? Think he's definitely going to be off vice duties from now on

  19. banskt
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Foden and Cancelo looking poor. Haaland and Cancelo off. Was that an injury for Haaland in first half?

    Another early kick-off disappointment brewing for the weekend FPL, with Leicester improving each passing game. Every FPL team has 3 City assets already. I wish I had the courage to avoid buying Foden this week.

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I'm still to add a third City player. Trying to decide between Foden and KDB. Also interested in either Bowen or Saka.

      1. banskt
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Me too. I am trying to decide between Foden and Cancelo. I was all set to go with triple attack. But, Foden was so poor tonight that I am back to the drawing board. I am now afraid he wouldn't last 60 mins against Leicester with this form.

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Foden's not been great every time I've seen him on the left this season, RW is where he's put his best games in. Leicester have been better, yes, but those last 3 clean sheets have been against poor teams for different reasons (all in bottom half with two in relegation zone). Wolves only scored 5 goals all season, Palace have scored only 3 in their 5 away games with one being an OG, and since Leeds' good start in their first 3 games, they've not won in 8, losing 6. I certainly wouldn't be looking at Leicester as having made any enormous strides, they conceded a lot of shots in their box against Wolves at the weekend.

      1. banskt
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I agree with everything you said. I don't think City will have a problem winning the game.

        I am afraid it would be one of those 2-1 sort of game with not much points from FPL perspective. A couple of goals with Haaland involved (and hence irrelevant) + no clean sheet from Cancelo doesn't sound great for City assets.

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          True, Leicester are the type of team that can hurt City on the break. From what I've seen of them lately though I can't see them only conceding 2, looking way too easy to cut open, if Leeds weren't so ridiculously wasteful I'd have expected them to score 2 or 3 against them. Despite winning that game 2-0 and winning 4-0 against Wolves, they've actually lost the xG battle in both games (conceded 1.8xg against Wolves)

  20. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Haaland sub tactical?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Rested

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

        This

    2. banskt
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Doesn't look like an injury, but he had a knock in the first half.

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Tyson Fury with a kango couldn't injure Erling!

        1. banskt
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          At Dortmund last season, he was more like Wilson.

          https://www.transfermarkt.us/erling-haaland/verletzungen/spieler/418560

  21. banskt
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    City now playing with 4 center-backs. Stones, Dias, Ake and Akanji.

    Pep!

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A draw is enough for them to top the group.

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Sorry. I think it is anyway. Assuming if they end up 11 points each next week that City will top on head to head.

      2. banskt
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Yes, that is true... but just saying that I have rarely seen a team playing with 4 center-backs.

  22. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    If Foden keeps playing until 90 min then he may not start the weekend? Gonna be painful ...

    1. SirWenger
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 7 months ago

      He has to...I just brought him in to the team

    2. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Very likely to start the weekend regardless of mins today imo

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      This was always the risk with owning him

  23. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    KDB and Grealish warming up …

  24. Gandalf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Which to go for for Man City's home games vs Brentford and Fulham?

    A. Cancelo
    B. KDB

    1. SirWenger
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

    2. banskt
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I am going B.

      The way Man City are playing now, Toney and Mitrovic are going to score against them.

  25. CoracAld2831
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Cancelo was subbed at 46th.

    Tactical?

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      On a YC and wasn't having a good game

    2. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Yes, booked in the first half

    3. Bruin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Yes + yellow card

    4. Juza
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Tired

  26. Feanor
    • 15 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Next time Mahrez reaches for the ball to take a penalty his teammates need to escort him off the pitch.

    1. :
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I seem to remember him having an excellent miss record at Leicester as well.

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Will always remember him for his horrid penalty at Anfield every time I see him step up to take one

  27. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Better players in Dortmund v City but Celtic v Shaktar a better game.

    1. ManUtdForLife
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Better players in Coventry vs Rotherham than Celtic vs Shaktar

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Could be, bar Mudryk and Taylor. Ogbene.

  28. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Mahrez penalty record:

    Scored 22
    Missed 9

  29. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Jack fallen asleep on the touch line.

  30. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Jack on
    Foden off

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Jack's on, Phil's off, as Mister Miyagi used to say.