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Aston Villa v Everton team news: Martinez + Buendia start

18 January 2026 371 comments
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The penultimate match of Gameweek 22 sees Aston Villa take on Everton at Villa Park.

Unai Emery’s men have won eight league matches in a row on home turf, and could climb up to second in the table with a point today.  

Kick-off is at 16:30 GMT.

TEAM NEWS

Emery makes four changes from the goalless draw with Crystal Palace in Gameweek 21.

Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen, Lamare Bogarde and Emiliano Buendia come into the starting XI.

Victor Lindelof and Lucas Digne drop to the bench, while Boubacar Kamara is injured and Jadon Sancho misses out due to illness.

Emiliano Martinez starts in goal despite missing last week’s FA Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur with a calf issue.

Michael Keane serves game two of a three-match ban for Everton, with Nathan Patterson his replacement.

Further forward, Merlin Rohl comes in for the injured Tim Iroegbunam.

Elsewhere, Jack Grealish is back in the starting line-up after serving his one-match suspension in the FA Cup.

LINE-UPS

Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Pau, Maatsen, Bogarde, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Buendia, Watkins

Subs: Bizot, Wright, Lindelof, Digne, Garcia, Mings, Hemmings, Guessand, Jimoh-Aloba

Everton XI: Pickford, Patterson, Tarkowski, O’Brien, Mykolenko, Garner, Rohl, McNeil, Armstrong, Grealish, Barry

Subs: Travers, King, Beto, Dibling, Coleman, Aznou, Welch, Campbell

LIVE GAMEWEEK PAGE!

New to Fantasy Football Scout this season is the Live Gameweek page, which you can see on the side menu.

Here you can follow the scores, watch the defensive contribution (DefCon) points roll in, see who the leading players are for xG and more as the games play out, as seen below:

Introducing The Eye Test 2
371 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. g40steve
    • 7 Years
    2 hours, 30 mins ago

    Rogers just how?

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  2. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 12 Years
    2 hours, 29 mins ago

    After Wolves game which transfers make most sense?

    O’Reilly > Chalobah, Thiaw or Cash

    Foden > Semenyo, Enzo or Wilson

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    1. FantasyTony
      • 8 Years
      1 hour, 38 mins ago

      Chalobah and Enzo

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      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 12 Years
        1 hour, 35 mins ago

        Completely agree on Chalobah however torn between Semenyo and Enzo. Do you expect Enzo to produce greater returns based on the fixtures over Semenyo who is more attacking?

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        1. FantasyTony
          • 8 Years
          1 hour, 8 mins ago

          Not sure how Semenyo will work out at City in the short term. If he was guaranteed starts I’d go with him but I think Enzo is a steady eddy.

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  3. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    2 hours, 29 mins ago

    Ffs Rogers ffs

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  4. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    2 hours, 29 mins ago

    What the h is that finish.... garbage

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  5. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    2 hours, 28 mins ago

    Ffs Rogers ffs 2

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  6. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    2 hours, 28 mins ago

    People calling this game boring because it’s 0 - 0 🙄

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    1. Captain Mal
      • 1 Year
      2 hours, 25 mins ago

      You expect too much from them. It's the same people that decide on how good a player is by checking how many points he got last week.

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      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        2 hours, 22 mins ago

        Exhibit A and B below

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  7. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 hours, 27 mins ago

    All out this GW ...

    GK for next week, play:
    A. Raya (MUN)
    B. Dubravka (TOT)

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    1. SalahFingers
      • 8 Years
      1 hour, 46 mins ago

      Raya since he's the only one actually getting clean sheets these days.

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  8. jacob1989
    • 3 Years
    2 hours, 27 mins ago

    Thats never offside! Terrible decision

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    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 8 Years
      2 hours, 26 mins ago

      agreed

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  9. Gudjohnsen
    • 8 Years
    2 hours, 27 mins ago

    Can anyone explain to me why the goal was ruled offside?

    O'Brien was far from offside

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    1. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      2 hours, 26 mins ago

      The people in the VAR bus get a bonus every time they find a reason to chalk off a goal.

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    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      2 hours, 25 mins ago

      I’m guessing that was for the push by Armstrong, who was offside.

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    3. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 hours, 24 mins ago

      The player who came from offside position kept on playing and jumped, tried to score a header.

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  10. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    2 hours, 25 mins ago

    Garner is an FPL gem

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    1. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      1 hour, 35 mins ago

      Not really. Theres no space for him in midfield.

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  11. tbos83
    • 5 Years
    2 hours, 24 mins ago

    Prem is becoming a yawnfest

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    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      2 hours, 23 mins ago

      🙄

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      1. g40steve
        • 7 Years
        1 hour, 32 mins ago

        FLOL

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  12. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 9 Years
    2 hours, 24 mins ago

    Has this become the most boring league in the world?

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    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 8 Years
      2 hours, 23 mins ago

      yes

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    2. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      2 hours, 17 mins ago

      For about 3 years at least

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      1. Mom, Butters just gave me a…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 hours, 9 mins ago

        Started during covid...

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    3. socho
      • 8 Years
      2 hours, 7 mins ago

      I'm afraid it has and noone is really talking about it, but how it went from the best league to worst in a decade needs to be studied

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  13. F4L
    • 11 Years
    2 hours, 23 mins ago

    could really do with bruno not rising in price again this gw, fingers crossed

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    1. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 hours, 21 mins ago

      Just buy him.

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      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        2 hours, 20 mins ago

        not this gw. will take the risk and buy early straight after arsenal match if necessary if close to a rise

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    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      2 hours, 19 mins ago

      I’ve got £4.4m itb, so I’d rather save the transfer and lose a bit of money, than risk buying him for Foden this week.

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  14. Mom, Butters just gave me a…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 hours, 20 mins ago

    Maatsen's.pass looked like from the 49ers' kicker.

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  15. Mighty Duck
    • 1 Year
    2 hours, 20 mins ago

    Wipe that Villa CS ffs. Having one big troll show in FPL cups this season featuring me and dead teams.

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  16. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    2 hours, 20 mins ago

    Every time some team gets within 6 points of Arsenal its like theres a force field turning them to utter shite.

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  17. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 12 Years
    2 hours, 19 mins ago

    Was preparing to sell Guehi because Palace are effectively done however with him now at City is he a solid pick or you prefer others at his price?

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    1. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 hours, 18 mins ago

      Wait and see imo. I was thinking about buying him now.

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    2. Mom, Butters just gave me a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 hours, 15 mins ago

      A Man City defense with Rico Lewis, etc. is and will be everything but solid.

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    3. Bobkat
      • 3 Years
      1 hour, 57 mins ago

      You’d expect him to get minutes with their injuries and the fact he can’t play in the CL yet, but like others said it’s the other defenders around him that are worrying

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  18. Baps Hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 hours, 19 mins ago

    Tarkowski deserves Emmy.

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  19. Mom, Butters just gave me a…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 hours, 18 mins ago

    Anybody still awake?

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    1. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 hours, 17 mins ago

      This hasn't been a bore fest like the first game.

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      1. Mom, Butters just gave me a…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 hours, 14 mins ago

        Which first game?

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        1. Baps Hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 hours, 13 mins ago

          Of the day? There was only one.

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          1. Mom, Butters just gave me a…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            2 hours, 4 mins ago

            I cannot feel a difference.

            No speed,
            Both teams.not risking anything,
            No athmosphere,
            ...

            A few clumsy slapstick moments, but that's it from the entertaining point of view

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  20. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    2 hours, 16 mins ago

    Most boring game ever

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    1. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 hours, 14 mins ago

      You didn't watch Wol -New?!?

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      1. Kaneyonero
        • 9 Years
        2 hours, 12 mins ago

        When you have players in it, it amplifies the effect

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    2. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 hours, 13 mins ago

      Total xG > 1 already, post hitten twice.

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  21. tiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 hours, 15 mins ago

    Super Sunday!

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  22. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    2 hours, 13 mins ago

    Every single game these days is just every team sitting in their "shape" with a few midfielders pressing. Even though its not necessary a low block it makes the games play the same. Very passive attacking, passing it around and just waiting for a hole in the shape. No risk taking.

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  23. FOREST FOREVER 2
    • 1 Year
    2 hours, 13 mins ago

    Though its 0-0, on the basis of the first half these two are two of the more entertaining teams in the PL. I think early on Bou played some good attacking football. Ars may win the title, but they just rely on set pieces. Lack of creativity in midfield means oppoents can easily double up on Saka.

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  24. F4L
    • 11 Years
    2 hours, 8 mins ago

    Bayern have already scored over 100 goals in all comps this season, wtf

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    1. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      2 hours, 7 mins ago

      Rubbish league

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      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        2 hours, 3 mins ago

        if one of the top 5 league in europe is rubbish, what can be said about the rest of the world...

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        1. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          2 hours ago

          How many other leagues start the season with a predetermined winner?

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          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 11 Years
            1 hour, 56 mins ago

            city have won 6 of last 8 titles in england(had to google 🙂 ) so bit of muchness wouldnt you say?

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            1. x.jim.x
              • 11 Years
              1 hour, 54 mins ago

              Yet people have always predicted Liverpool, Arsenal, even Chelsea to win it.

              How many people predict anyone else but Bayern to win the BuLi? German PSG.

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          2. jacob1989
            • 3 Years
            1 hour, 55 mins ago

            Italian league is the best. Most competitive. 5 times fighting for title. Though i don't have time to watch live games

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            1. Ajax Hamsterdam
              • 11 Years
              1 hour, 49 mins ago

              Couldnt agree more 🙂

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      2. jacob1989
        • 3 Years
        1 hour, 58 mins ago

        More like uneven league. Its all about position 2-18 in Bundesliga.

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  25. Vazza
    • 5 Years
    2 hours, 5 mins ago

    Wildcarded yesterday and brought in Cole Palmer only to find out he is either not happy / still carrying an injury..

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  26. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    2 hours, 3 mins ago

    Is it worth to get Gibbs White?

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    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      1 hour, 11 mins ago

      i think there are better options than him .

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  27. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    2 hours, 3 mins ago

    Literally fell asleep 3 times today. Twice during the wolves and Newcastle game and again today

    This is a complete borefest. From the “best league in the world” am I not allowed some entertainment at least?

    This is a pattern in many games over the last year or more. The quality of the teams, managers, players has declined and the entertainment has disappeared. Every team and player play the same way, pass pass go forwards, pass back pass sideways.

    No flair players anymore, nobody is really allowed to express themselves, give me a jay jay okocha, taarabt, ben arfa, van de vaart or berbatov over these modern day robots any day. At least I was entertained and got my moneys worth and made spending time watching this league worthwhile. They weren’t even the best players of their time but they gave something different and were allowed to express their talent

    Not sure how much more I want to watch this garbage any longer. Apologies a long rant but I used to love this league and the entertainment and I’m paying ridiculous money to see a joke of a product.

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    1. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 12 Years
      1 hour, 9 mins ago

      I recommend not paying for this product, it’s not value for money.

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      1. Brosstan
        • 11 Years
        1 hour, 8 mins ago

        Who pays to watch these days?

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        1. Count of Monte Hristo
          • 12 Years
          1 hour, 7 mins ago

          Not me, barely watch football these days, prefer highlights on YouTube and listening to some games on the radio while checking FPL. Struggle to sit through 90 minutes of football anymore.

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    2. Mom, Butters just gave me a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      1 hour, 9 mins ago

      In all fairness. The weather is a borefest as well.

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    3. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      1 hour, 8 mins ago

      100% spot on.

      Even when there is a flair player these days, one of the top clubs will buy him only to shoehorn him into their own garbage anti football system.

      Grealish the obvious example. Then Arsenal bought Eze only to keep him on the bench because he doesnt fit into Arteta's "wingers arent allowed to make low % plays" philosophy. Semenyo will go down the same route. LOL @ anyone who believes he will be allowed the freedom and goal scoring opportunities at City that he got at Bournemouth.

      If there were no FPL there would be 0 reason to watch this borefest league.

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      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 12 Years
        31 mins ago

        Agreed, Pep is already misusing Semenyo by playing him on the right when he clearly excels coming in from the left and has such clean finishing from there. I blame Pep in some aspects and blame everyone else for wanting to mimic Pep’s philosophy. Football doesn’t have a personality anymore.

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        1. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          4 mins ago

          Semenyo has 3 goals in 3 games

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      2. jacob1989
        • 3 Years
        30 mins ago

        They selected the wrong goals on a Sunday. There have been several 3-3s, 4-4, even a 5-4 this season.

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        1. jacob1989
          • 3 Years
          29 mins ago

          *wrong games

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  28. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 hours ago

    Only 3 defcons from Tarko?!

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    1. Vazza
      • 5 Years
      1 hour, 58 mins ago

      FPL Towers will top it up to 10 to keep everyone happy.

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    2. Mom, Butters just gave me a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      1 hour, 54 mins ago

      It is difficult to contribute anything with Villa driving their Ferrari like an Aston Martin.

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  29. g40steve
    • 7 Years
    1 hour, 57 mins ago

    Wally fewest touches so far

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  30. Supersonic_
    • 4 Years
    1 hour, 57 mins ago

    Up to Verbruggen then... I hope Rogers does something

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