Scouting The Doubles
18 April 2025 420 comments
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The biggest Double Gameweek of the season so far is here, with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Manchester City all playing twice.

In this Scouting the Doubles, we take a closer look at Unai Emery’s side.

THE FIXTURES

Villa are in a good run of form, winning all of their past four league matches, scoring nine goals and keeping three clean sheets.

The Double Gameweek 33 fixtures are tough on paper, however, with clashes against fourth-placed Newcastle United and fifth-placed Man City.

That said, with victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, Villa extended their unbeaten home run to 18 games across all competitions.

They’ve already beaten Man City this season, too.

xG rank (last six)xGC rank (last six)xG rank (season)xGC rank (season)
Newcastle7th6th5th6th
Man City5th5th4th8th

Villa ‘blank’ in Gameweek 34 due to their involvement in the FA Cup semi-final.

Beyond that, they host Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, with visits to Bournemouth and Manchester United completing the agenda.

On the face of it, it’s a tricky run, but it isn’t the worst time to be facing Spurs and United, who will likely prioritise Europe.


ROTATION RISK?

Villa bowed out of Europe earlier this week, but they are still in the FA Cup.

Notably, they’ll face Palace in their semi-final at Wembley just a few days after the conclusion of Double Gameweek 33, so we could see a bit of rotation, particularly in the attacking spots, given the depth at Emery’s disposal.

However, the Spaniard has challenged his players to secure UEFA Champions League qualification after PSG knocked them out on Tuesday, so it’ll surely remain the priority, given the financial implications.

  • Saturday 19 April: Newcastle United (h), Gameweek 33
  • Tuesday 22 April: Manchester City (a), Gameweek 33
  • Saturday 26 April: Crystal Palace (n), FA Cup
  • Saturday 3 May: Fulham (h), Gameweek 35

VILLA’S UNDERLYING NUMBERS



420 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Salah or Isak? Have to bench one.

    1. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Are you considering benching Saka agianst Leicester?

      1. Royal5
        • 14 Years
        7 months, 21 days ago

        Salah*

    2. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Isak

    3. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Have benched Isak (playing Murphy) at the mo. Just checking.

    4. One_Shot
      • 1 Year
      7 months, 20 days ago

      You can’t bench Salah!

  2. Les Bleus
    • 14 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Do you guys reckon Asensio is a good alternative to Rashford this GW? I’m annoyingly 0.1 off Murphy to Rash. Which do you think is best?

    A) Murphy to Rash and Livra to Konsa 2 FTs
    B) Murphy to Asensio and roll a FT

    I’m BBing so Livra would be in the squad anyway if I go with B

    1. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Keep Murph

      1. Les Bleus
        • 14 Years
        7 months, 21 days ago

        Cheers!

  3. Atwood
    • 15 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Anyone with WC, FH and BB left? What are your plans?

    1. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Yep. FH this week, WC 35 and BB 36

    2. One_Shot
      • 1 Year
      7 months, 20 days ago

      I have BB and FH.

      I think:
      33 - BB
      34 - FH

      You can always WC the last double gw depending on FA cup semi final results or go wild with a gw38 wildcard

  4. Bob B
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Lewis to Saliba or Gvardiol for a hit?

    Y/N

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      S imo

  5. Tmel
    • 14 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    a) Saka & Dias
    b) KDB & Saliba

    1. One_Shot
      • 1 Year
      7 months, 20 days ago

      If no Arsenal defence already I’d say B

  6. Buck The Trent
    • 14 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    For BB, which one?

    A Trippier (avl) + 4
    B Konsa (NEW, mci)

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      B

    2. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      A

    3. Tmel
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      A

    4. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      B

    5. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      A

  7. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    So those are my moves for This GW and I am gonna BB
    Valdimarsson Gabriel Murphy >>
    Areola Bradley KDB
    for -4 and exact Money
    Yaaay
    Nope

    1. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Don’t think it’s worth it for an hit, especially with Trent back soon - Bradley is expensive to bench the rest of the season. Is BB36 not an option?

  8. Udogie-style
    • 2 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Asenscio to Rogers or Rashford too sideways?

    1. estheblessed
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Depends if you've got FT to play with...

    2. In Klopp ITrust
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      I’m in the same boat and decided to bring in Rogers on a FT. Tough choice.

    3. Clintymints
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Probably yes, not or a hit anyways

  9. estheblessed
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    G2G?

    Raya
    Konsa, Gvardiol, Kirkez
    Salah, Bruno, Saka, Sarr
    Mateta, Isak, Marmoush (c)

    Areola, Murphy, Estupinan, Livramento

    1. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      I would move Bruno, even for a hit

  10. jaguar shark
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Start,
    A. Isak
    B. Murphy

    1. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Both

      1. jaguar shark
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        All other attackers at DGWers

        1. jaguar shark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 months, 20 days ago

          And Salah

    2. Atwood
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Isak, despite his form in that DGW

    3. Udogie-style
      • 2 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Murphy

  11. Mooster©️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Bruno to Merino or KdB for free? Or just stick with Bruno?

    1. jaguar shark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      KDB worth a punt imo. If you’re not gonna grab in form Kevin in a great DGW, are you really living?

      1. Mooster©️
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        I’m living! Tnx:)

        1. jaguar shark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 months, 20 days ago

          Let’s go!

    2. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      KDB

  12. Bleh
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Question - If I have 1 FT this week, roll it and play FH34, do I get 2 FTs the following week (GW35)?

    1. jaguar shark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Yes

      1. Bleh
        • 8 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        Cheers

  13. Definitely not sleeping
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    TC Saka Marmoush or Bowen?

    1. Definitely not sleeping
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Gvardiol over Saka

    2. jaguar shark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Marshmallow man.lets go

  14. Norco
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Anything with a hit here for Bench Boost?

    2.3m ITB

    Raya
    Gvardiol Munoz Kiwoi
    Salah Saka KDB Sarr
    Mateta Isak Mamoush
    BB: Areola J.Murphy Konsa Livramento

    1. Definitely not sleeping
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      If you’re chasing worth a punt. If not then no.

  15. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    SAKA BENCHED!!!! 😯

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/team-news

    1. Qaiss
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Is this even updated Virg?

      It still has Ederson ruled out for man city

      1. Qaiss
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        Still has Ederson starting for man city*

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 months, 20 days ago

          Yeah. It's been updated for Arsenal. Still waiting on City.

    2. Fat Frank
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Sounds like it is expected he will be benched vs Ipswich but likely start vs Palace

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        Aye. I think he starts both. 60 + 90.

        1. Fat Frank
          • 8 Years
          7 months, 20 days ago

          I just can’t decide between him and KDB

          1. @ocprodigy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            7 months, 20 days ago

            Same issue here. Saka will be the popular pick so any return will hurt, but KDB is KDB…

  16. Atwood
    • 15 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Burn > Kiwior
    Palmer > KDB

    Having a bad season. Thinking of going for a different BB with triple Arsenal defence. Thoughts?

    Raya
    Saliba - Kiwior - Gvardiol - Konsa
    KDB - Rogers - Salah - Sarr
    Mateta - Marmoush

    Areola - Isak - Murphy - N.Williams

  17. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Who can get more pts ?
    A- Asensio
    B- Bowen

  18. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    RASHFORD BENCHED!!!! 😯

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/team-news

  19. Bruno Commando
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Would you sell Foden for Bowen for a hit it there are leaks that Foden's not starting for the first game?

    1. jaguar shark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      KDB?

      1. Bruno Commando
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        I'm 0.1 short of that unfortunately...

    2. Qaiss
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      I haven't thought for a second to sell Foden

      Bench tomorrow but starts Villa perhaps?

      Then Wolves in 35 and Southampton in 36, with a potential double that week also

      It's not a nice part of the game but there will likely be leaks every week remaining for Man City this season due to how close the deadline is to their kick offs

      1. Bruno Commando
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        Thanks Q! This is the strongest argument to keep Foden in FFS! I almost forgot why I chose him for me WC30...In all honesty if I knew about what's gonna happen from GW30-32, I would not have picked him at all!

        1. Qaiss
          • 9 Years
          7 months, 20 days ago

          The Leicester game was enticing and he would have done well against Palace last week probably

          It was a punt that hasn’t worked yet but could still work. Just need him to start !

          1. Bruno Commando
            • 11 Years
            7 months, 20 days ago

            Fingers crossed it will and all the best to you!

  20. Bleh
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Best move on BB? 1 FT.

    A. Livramento > Bradley (needed this week only)
    B. Murphy > Sarr*
    C. Roll

    Raya*, Areola
    Saliba*, Gvardiol*, Munoz*, N.Williams, Livramento
    Saka*, KDB*, Rogers*, Salah, Murphy
    Marmoush*, Mateta*, Isak

  21. Strike me a Gakpose
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Is KDB captain crazy

    1. Abaddon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      No

    2. jaguar shark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Could hit

    3. F4L
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      not at all

    4. Clintymints
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Considering it myself

      It's the fairy tail goodbye dgw nostalgic romantic vibe I'm feeling

  22. F4L
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    anyone else with no fh/wc left, how many DGW players are you happy with this gw?

  23. Udogie-style
    • 2 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    I can just afford Ascensio to Rogers and Sarr to KDB. I know there is the idea that these are sideways moves but Palace look bad right now, KDB looks like he has found his spark, and Rogers seems more likely to start both. Is it crazy to do these moves?

    1. penguin_patch
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Both look like good moves to me! Although I’d probs go Rashford over Rogers if you can afford him

      1. Udogie-style
        • 2 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        Thanks. I can't do Rash, would only have exact money for Rogers.

        1. penguin_patch
          • 3 Years
          7 months, 20 days ago

          I’d say go for it then in that case

    2. ZimZalabim
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      sounds good to me

  24. penguin_patch
    • 3 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Which is the stronger bench to have for a bench boost?

    A) Semenyo, Burn & Konsa
    B) J. Murphy, Burn & Agbadou
    C) Save the bench boost for another time

    1. Udogie-style
      • 2 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      C would depend on rest of team. GW36 / 37 could be good. If you do BB this week I'd want Murphy for sure.

  25. ahak9
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Thoughts on Saka and Murph > KDB and Merino for a -4? On bb, not really chasing points, just wanna improve OR.

    1. ZimZalabim
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      why sell saka ?

  26. Tribecca
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Will merino start?

    1. NZREDS
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Yes

    2. Clintymints
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Probably

  27. Clintymints
    • 16 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Any KdB cappers?

    Got him in since I've nothing to lose, cap over Marmoush?

    1. Eightball
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Yup, I'm chasing so rolling the dice on kev

  28. NZREDS
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    So torn between starting savinho or using a FT and swap him to rogers - got burnt by savinho last couple of games

    1. Clintymints
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Prob just go Rogers

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Rogers

  29. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    Think I'm gonna captain Mo.

    Moyes is a stubborn SOB. He'll let Man City score 1 goal and no more and I think villa beat city in the second game

    1. Clintymints
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Yea fair option he could easily smash. That assist record is close and Lei are truly awful

    2. ZimZalabim
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      do you not own saka ?

  30. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 20 days ago

    I feel i would punt on Digne instead of Bradley he may get more time to play and get more pts this GW

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 20 days ago

      Nice punt

      1. OptimusBlack
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 20 days ago

        Thxxx