The Promoted

What to expect from Aston Villa’s attack in FPL as Smith forced to recruit

Aston Villa’s attacking options could provide value for Fantasy Premier League managers in 2019/20.

The Villans arrive back in the top-flight off the back of a late surge for the top-six and a play-off final win over Derby.

They achieved that through Dean Smith’s preference for attacking football and, looking at what they have to offer, that style of play should continue in FPL next season.

However, as was the case with their defence, we have to remember that the make-up of their squad does hang in the balance over the summer.

Villa have already signed Jota from local rivals Birmingham City, so we’ll cover his potential in a Scout Report later in the week.

What is Aston Villa’s goal-scoring potential?

Dean Smith likes to play attacking football

Aston Villa will fancy their chances of troubling Premier League defences as they were one of the most attacking teams in the Championship in 2018/19.

Operating in a 4-3-3, the 82 goals they scored was the third-best in the division last season, with only West Bromwich Albion (87) and Norwich (93) finding the net more often.

Crucially, that goal total was the exact same number as Wolves managed in their promotion-winning campaign of 2017/18 and, as we all know, they were a constant threat upon arriving in the top-flight.

Villa’s 2018/19 was largely split into two halves, as at the turn of the year they were ninth and not really in the promotion picture.

However, even at this stage, they had found the net 47 times (after 25 matches), which was the same number as eventual champions Norwich.

Of further encouragement is the way in which Villa finished the campaign. During their record-breaking 10-match winning run in the spring, which propelled them into the play-off picture, they scored 23 goals, at an average of 2.3 per game.

Not surprisingly, Villa Park was where the majority of the goals came for Smith’s men. Their total of 50 in home matches was the joint-third best in the Championship last season, behind only Norwich (51) and West Brom (53).

Naturally, the Villans weren’t as prolific on their travels but a total of 32 away goals was still the joint-fifth best in the second tier of English football in 2018/19.

Villa’s impressive goal tallies were well backed up by the underlying statistics too. Across the whole campaign, only Leeds (825) and Norwich (709) had more total shots than the Villans’ 701.

When filtered by location, Smith’s men still performed well, ranking fourth for their 343 efforts in the box and third for the 70 shots recorded inside the six-yard box.

Set pieces were also a key weapon in Villa’s arsenal over the last 12 months. They scored 25 goals from dead-ball situations in 2018/19, more than any other Championship or Premier League side.

The Villa View‘s Dan Bardell certainly believes that his team have what it takes to find their shooting boots even when the opposition increase in quality. Although he freely admits that Smith has a lot of transfer work to do over the summer first…

“Under Dean Smith yes (they can score in the Premier League). He prides himself on attacking football, it’s just difficult at the moment to tell you who will be scoring them because we will be waiting on Tammy Abraham who has obviously ripped up the Championship this season. Jack Grealish, John McGinn and Conor Hourihane have all got impressive numbers for goals and assists this season. They all compliment each other and I’d back them all to hit at least five or six goals in the Premier League. I’d imagine a couple of strikers will be coming in, as well as a few wide players so it will be interesting to see who Smith wants.” – Dan Bardell

Key Players

John McGinn

Central midfield

Starts: 42 | Substitute appearances: 1 | Goals: 7 | Assists: 9

McGinn was virtually an ever-present for Villa in 2018/19 – and was most effective in the season run-in

No player started more games for Aston Villa in their promotion-winning campaign than central midfielder John McGinn, and he certainly looks like an interesting asset for Fantasy in 2019/20.

The Scottish international, traditionally deployed on the right side of the central midfield trio, was one of the stand-out stars as Villa made a late surge for the play-offs.

Five of McGinn’s seven goals were scored in the last 12 matches of the season (including play-offs), while he was the most threatening midfield option at Villa throughout the entire campaign.

The 40 shots inside the box he recorded was the most of any midfield colleague, only two forwards besting him in that department. No Villa midfielder managed more shots on target either.

Crucially, McGinn is capable of offering multiple points avenues considering his assist potential.

The central midfielder was second for chances created among Aston Villa players in 2018/19 (75) and joint-top for big chances created (11).

“Sometimes people had the perception I was just a runner, just a hard-working player. I think I am that, but I think I’ve got a lot more to my game. I can always improve, I’ve still got a lot to learn – playing against the best players in the world is going to enhance that. I feel I’m different to everyone, so hopefully, I can put that on show in the Premier League.” – John McGinn

“I just want to say this guy (McGinn), since he’s been here, he’s been unbelievable. He’s such a popular figure in the dressing room, off the pitch. He gets so much credit from the fans and we can see why.” – Jack Grealish

However, Fantasy managers should at least be aware of McGinn’s disciplinary record.

He was booked 14 times in 2018/19, the second highest in the Championship last season.

If that streak follows him into the Premier League then his Fantasy potential will be dented somewhat as yellow cards trigger one-point deductions and cause penalties in the Bonus Points System (BPS) too.

However, the BPS could still reward McGinn as he posted truly incredible defensive numbers in 2018/19.

No player in the Villa squad managed more interceptions, tackles, tackles won or recoveries last season than him.

With 13 goal involvements in 2018/19, either a £5.0m or £5.5m price-tag beckons for McGinn.

Wolves midfielder Ivan Cavaleiro was priced at the latter upon arriving in the top-flight, after scoring nine goals and assisting another 12 in the Championship.

By that logic, there is a decent chance that we could see McGinn come in at £5.0m, which would certainly present great value if he hits the ground running.

Conor Hourihane

Central midfield

Starts: 35 | Substitute appearances: 11 | Goals: 8 | Assists: 11

Hourihane is one of the most important players in the Villa squad

While Jack Grealish and Tammy Abraham are often seen as the poster boys for Aston Villa, Conor Hourihane is arguably their most important attacking asset – even though he plays at the base of the central midfield trio.

The former Plymouth Argyle and Barnsley man was the only player to be involved in 46 matches for the Villans in 2018/19, and only Abraham was involved in more goals than him (19).

When it comes to scoring, Hourihane is a specialist from range. He ranked fourth for total shots among Villa players in 2018/19, but seven of his colleagues registered more inside the box.

However, Hourihane clearly knew how to find the net with only McGinn and Abraham ahead of him for shots on target, and the latter one of just two Villa players to score more than his eight league goals in 2018/19.

On top of that, Hourihane provided more assists than any of colleagues during the promotion-winning campaign (11).

It was his delivery that helped Villa do so well from set pieces in 2018/19, as Hourihane created more chances from dead ball situations than any of his team-mates and more than double that of Grealish.

Factoring in his creativity from open play, two Villa players were ahead for key passes, but Hourihane was still joint-top for big chances created, alongside McGinn.

However, just as we’ve seen the Scottish international may have a constant battle with the BPS, Hourihane should have slightly fewer problems.

Firstly, he was booked half as many times as McGinn was in 2018/19, but the Republic of Ireland international’s role as an all-action box-to-box midfielder should see him perform well for baseline bonus.

In Villa’s promotion-winning season, Hourihane came second for tackles won and third for recoveries – so without the worry of yellow cards he could end up performing better than McGinn here.

Hourihane does feel more likely to start 2019/20 in the £5.5m bracket considering his 19 goal involvements, two short of Cavaleiro in 2017/18.

However, given his importance to Villa, and his ability to do well for goals, assists and bonus, that price could still see him provide value.

Jack Grealish

Central midfield

Starts: 34 | Substitute appearances: 0 | Goals: 6 | Assists: 7

Grealish is now the club captain of Aston Villa

While Hourihane and McGinn look the more effective options in midfield, that’s not to say that Grealish doesn’t also carry some appeal. He was one of Villa’s best players in 2018/19.

Given he was missing from December to March with a shin injury, the fact that he was involved in fewer goals than his aforementioned central midfield colleagues seems inevitable.

However, he averaged a goal involvement every 230.4 minutes, just marginally better than McGinn’s 235.5, although still some way behind Hourihane’s 174.5.

Grealish’s true worth to the Villa side is the fact that, despite his limited game-time, he finished the season top for chances created among his colleagues.

The majority of these were from open play, as Hourihane largely dominated set pieces, although Grealish still played a part in dead-ball situations.

Even though Hourihane finished the season with the most assists, Grealish fashioned an opportunity every 38.4 minutes compared to his colleague’s 47.4.

As the Villa captain, Grealish looks a nailed-on option to start every match in the Premier League, provided he can stay fit.

As already mentioned, he missed three months of 2018/19 with a shin related injury. Perhaps then, it was no coincidence that he sustained damage to that part of his body considering his unorthodox shin pad policy.

Even after coming back from that injury, the 23-year-old insists on wearing his socks low down on his legs for “superstitious” reasons, opting for smaller ‘teenage fit’ shin pads instead of adult ones.

With large portions of his shins not protected in the Premier League in 2019/20, he could be more likely to suffer than every other player in the division.

“Obviously, your socks are supposed to go above your calves. But one year when I was here, the socks once shrunk in the wash. So they wouldn’t go higher. That season, I ended up playing really well. So it became a superstitious thing for me. I thought ‘I’m going to keep doing this because I’ve done well’. (The shin pads are) a superstition that I’ve done all my life and I’m going to keep it that way. A few referees have tried telling me but I’ve got to keep it like that.” – Jack Grealish

Anwar El Ghazi

Left / right attacking midfield

Starts: 28 | Substitute appearances: 6 | Goals: 6 | Assists: 6

El Ghazi scored Villa’s second goal in their play-off final win over Derby

Versatile attacker Anwar El Ghazi is one of the key players that Smith will have to work on keeping at Aston Villa ahead of their Premier League return.

The Dutch international spent the 2018/19 season on loan in the Midlands from Ligue 1 outfit Lille, operating in a number of positions, but predominantly on the flanks of attacking midfield (left or right).

In just 2,448 minutes he managed six goals and six assists, including a strike in the Championship play-off final. It was also his shot that was deflected into the path of McGinn for the second goal in that game.

El Ghazi’s future does remain uncertain at this point but reports in the local media suggest Smith is confident he can tie the player to a permanent deal. The loan agreement with Lille contained an option to buy, and El Ghazi himself has already expressed a wish to stay at the club.

“I have really enjoyed it and I love the club and the fans. I have to talk with my agent now. This club is amazing and I will be very happy if I can stay here. But we have to figure it out first with Lille and I hope everything goes well so that I can stay here.” – Anwar El Ghazi

If he sticks around, there is plenty of potential for El Ghazi both types of attacking returns in the Premier League.

He averaged a goal involvement every 204 minutes in the Championship, more often than McGinn and Grealish, who admittedly registered more game-time.

El Ghazi also managed a shot every 37.7 minutes, which was better than both Hourihane and Grealish.

Tammy Abraham

Centre-forward

Starts: 40 | Substitute appearances: 0 | Goals: 26 | Assists: 3

The future of Abraham currently hangs in the balance

Perhaps the biggest and most influential unknown ahead of Aston Villa’s return to the Premier League is the future of Tammy Abraham.

The centre-forward scored 26 goals to fire the Villans to promotion in 2018/19, adding three assists along the way.

However, his loan deal from Chelsea has now expired and as things stand he will be turning out for the Blues in 2019/20.

Convincing Abraham to return to Villa Park will obviously be a big priority for Smith over the summer, but the circumstances at Stamford Bridge could get in the way.

Chelsea are currently under a transfer ban for the next two windows and may require Abraham’s services.

There have already been rumours circulating that Olivier Giroud would like to leave the club while Gonzalo Higuaín has hardly been in formidable form.

Abraham could not be quite as forward as El Ghazi was with his intentions for the new season when interviewed after the play-off final.

“You can never say never (about coming back to Aston Villa). First of all, I’ve got to enjoy it with the boys tonight, you know. But you can never say never. We’ll see what God has planned for me.” – Tammy Abraham

If Villa can keep hold of Abraham then their attack in 2019/20 will certainly be better for it.

Not only does the forward already have Premier League experience from his time at Swansea, five goals and one assist in the 2017/18 season, but he was also Villa’s top-scorer over the last 12 months.

Including the play-offs, Abraham scored 26 league goals and added a further three assists.

Not surprisingly, he was top among his colleagues for shots, shots in the box, shots on target and big chances in the 2018/19 campaign.

Compared to the rest of the league, only Teemu Pukki and Brentford’s Neal Maupay recorded more shots in the box, and he actually registered more on target than Norwich’s prolific Golden Boot winner.

However, with just three assists, it should be no surprise that in terms of chance creation, Abraham was a little behind what Pukki looks likely to offer in 2019/20.

Abraham’s future is also important for the penalty situation at Villa. He was the primary taker in 2018/19 and would need to be replaced if he remains at Chelsea.

Jonathan Kodjia

Centre-forward

Starts: 22 | Substitute appearances: 19 | Goals: 9 | Assists: 2

Kodjia is currently Villa’s number-one striker if Abraham does not come back to the club

As things stand, Jonathan Kodjia is the only senior forward at Aston Villa in contention for Premier League game-time in 2019/20.

Fantasy managers should certainly track how the Villans recruit for the striker position over the summer because if they aren’t able to bring Abraham back to the Midlands or sign another big-name, Kodjia will be their number one option.

There are certainly worse options to lead the line for Villa, as Kodjia scored nine goals on the way to promotion, behind only Abraham in that respect.

Largely acting as an impact sub in 2018/19, the Ivory Coast international, is naturally not too high-up the charts for raw goal threat among Villa players.

However, he still managed a shot every 33.4 minutes, not too far off Abraham’s 29.5.

Again, Kodjia was not too far behind Abraham’s shot in the box every 34.1 minutes as he averaged one every 38.5.

Other options

Jedinak will not be on the books for Villa in the Premier League

Of the players who helped Villa to promotion in 2018/19, very few others are suggesting they can appeal to Fantasy managers at this stage.

Firstly, Mile Jedinak, Glenn Whelan, Albert Adomah have all been released, despite playing important roles in earning promotion.

The departure of the latter, plus the limbo state that El Ghazi current resides in, means that Andre Green is the only recognised senior attacking winger at the club – although the signing of versatile Jota has already provided some relief.

The 20-year-old made just seven starts last season although he still managed to add one goal and assist in that time.

Versatile midfielder Birkir Bjarnason started 11 times and appeared as a substitute in six matches, although it seems unlikely he will feature too heavily in 2019/20.

He provided just two goals and no assists in 2018/19 and is probably going to provide nothing more than cover for summer signings in the Premier League.

Central midfielder Henri Lansbury is even more on the periphery after he made just one start and two substitute appearances last season.

Also, forward Scott Hogan has now returned from his loan at Sheffield United, but it seems unlikely that he will remain at Villa Park.

Before leaving for Bramall Lane in January, he made just six appearances for Villa off the bench and, as we mentioned earlier this summer, there are rumours he may sign permanently for Chris Wilder’s side.

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213 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Evil Genius
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Are we nearly there yet?

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Miles away thank goodness.

  2. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Popular players in Fantasy Cricket World Cup today:

    IND: Kohli (49%), Bumrah (40%), Pandya (35%), Dhoni (28%), Sharma (19%), Rahul (14%)
    AUS: Warner (43%), Smith (17%), Starc (14%)

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      India won the toss and will bat first

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      India 352-5 in their 50 overs. Australia require 353 to win.

      Would be the highest successful run chase in World Cup history if achieved. Basically good luck Australia because this game has probably already gone from you.

      1. Vobinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Only hope is Warner smashing it early on and Smith then anchoring the innings until the end.

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Warner gone now. They need to get to 180 by over 30. Then they would be ahead of India at the same stage.

          1. diesel001
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Smith out. It is all but over for Australia now.

            1. Vobinho
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              They're just about matching India at the same stage, need a huge over somewhere

              1. diesel001
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                Difficult to see where those big overs are coming from with Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar bowling.

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Starc's bowling cost Australia today. To be the strike bowler and go for more than 7 an over is unacceptable. In the same way that Archer got smacked by Pakistan when England lost.

      1. Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Those late bumrah wickets somewhat ruining what would have been a decent day.

        After that newz bowling chip debacle will happily take starc zampa cummins yadav chahal getting just 4 wickets.

      2. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        No it didn't. India put pressure on the Aussies by keeping wickets in hand. Only Cummins kept some element of control.

  3. Another Hoops
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Potential Abraham and Pukki owner here.

    Admittedly I don't watch much Championship football but I did watch the play offs and I was happy Villa came up.

    This is just an observation from watching only 3 games so make of it what you will but it looked like Grealish (who I will consider) often liked to come deep to collect the ball. He was excellent at controlling the game and his passing was great but I think next year he could be the assister of the assister.

    1. Homer21
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Agreed

  4. Gnu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Rule No1 for new season :-
    I'm not going to let the Pukki hype get to me.
    Pukki will not be in my starting 15.

    Disclaimer - unless they start with 6 easy peasy games- all at home 🙂

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Lol he’s in my early wish list - him Sterling, Salah, Vardy

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      5.5m would tempt me if I needed to afford key players, and had no other position to take cash from. All dependent on
      fixtures and prices!

      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        5.5 million may just be enough to break my rule but I'm reckoning 6 or more likely 6.5 which me no likey.

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah, no chance at that price. Batshuayi will probably stay 6.5m and would be a better pick. Looked pretty good toward the end of the season.

          1. Gnu
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            If he stays at Palace.......

            1. Piggs Boson
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              Hopefully. He'd be wasted at Chelsea.

  5. FPL Muzzy
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    In 18/19, 4 of the top 5 scorers on the fpl BPS system were defenders (van Dijk, Robertson, Azpi, Luiz).

    The one other in the top 5 (Hazard) has now left the league.

    Furthering the argument for investing more in premium defenders next season...

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      No doubt about defenders value.

      The actual issue that complicates this is that 4 and 4.5 mill defenders also offer amazing value when you compare them to budget strikers and mids.

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      TAA, Robbo, Digne, Mendy plus Laporte/VVD would be the most attacking back 5 in history

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Bale Kolarov Riise Delap

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Was Riise at Roma when Bale broke through?

          And Bale only played a few games as an FPL def IIRC (albeit he was great as only 4.5 and scored a FK)

          Kola always flattered to deceive, though set pieces were nice

          Delap... Stoke... long thowins ins... *vomits*

          I think TAA alone would take them, let alone pairing with Robbo, Digne & (a fit) Mendy - then there’s VVD & Laporte

      2. Jaws
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        If Thomas Meunier joins a PL club, he has to be in there. Most attacking full back in Europe.

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Is that the guy who hasn’t been able to win a starting berth in the biggest team of bottlers Europe has ever seen?

          He has 3 goals & 3 assists this season in Ligue 1

          8 goals in 66 Ligue 1 games in the last 3 seasons

          Would fit in well somewhere like Arsenal - an overrated bottler with a big reputation, big wage bill and big price tag

  6. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Potential whipping boys. I'll be marking those AVL fixtures bright blue...

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Norwich too . They concede for fun.

  7. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    I’ll keep tabs on Anwar El-Ghazi. He could be the next Mahrez. Attacking player from North Africa. That’s how it works right?

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I've only watched him play twice and he was very quick and hard-working - always looked dangerous. But I'm not convinced he has the quality to make it in the Premier League to be honest. If you watch players like Mahrez and Deulofeu right afterwards, the difference in technical quality and decision-making isn't even comparable. But I've only seen him play twice...

  8. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Name a more overrated player than Dele Alli, I’ll wait.

    1. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Rashford

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

        Certainly up there, will become Welbeck Mark II

    2. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Jack Wilshere, John Stones, Ross Barkley, Jesse Lingard, Keiran Trippier all vastly overrated.

      1. Supersonic Marv'
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Jack Wilshere is the most overrated player in the history of the universe. I will take that opinion to my grave.

      2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Nah they’re all just pretty s**t, some people seem to be believe Alli is a worldbeater, he’s been putting in 5/10 performances for 2 seasons now

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Lo Celso
      Neombele
      Meunier

      Generally anyone from the continent gets such smoke blown up their arses when in reality they are slightly above average and/or just went through a patch of good form

      FWIW, Alli was a victim of his own success statistically from the 2016/17 season when he scored 18 (!) and setup 11 from an attacking central midfield role at just 21

      Maybe I’ve just missed it, but I also don’t think I’ve seen anything but criticism of him for about 2 years now - Poch has been playing him in a more withdrawn role the last couple seasons and he is still very young for a central mid

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Agreed on both fronts.

        That single season alone was sensational and not a bar he was going to hit again in a hurry. From memory he had a decent World Cup. And you’re right he’s now no longer part of s front 3 as he was pretty much then.

        Bakayoko?

    4. Saxe-Gotha
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Lord Bendtner

  9. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    So if Jota comes straight into the XI, he'll be the creative player on the right of the front 3, making El Ghazi the attacking IF on the left?
    But if Kodjia plays over Jota, Kodjia will be the attacking IF on the left, and El Ghazi the creative player on the right?

    Is that correct?

    Jota looks a talent, so I fancy him to start over Kodija, making El Ghazi more of an interesting option. Whoever plays on the left of the front 3 will be the offensive target as Graelish pushes up on the left side of central-midfield.

    (This is all assuming El Ghazi and Abraham stay)

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      This might be clearer: https://i.imgur.com/pzDBgLk.png?1

      Don't judge.

  10. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    I think they will actually play two forwards who are BOTH creative & attacking either side of an inverted attacking inside goal striker

    *mind-blown.gif

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      *lol reply fail to ^^^^^^^^

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Jota isn't that kind of player though. He's a traditional winger. Lots of crosses and through balls.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Would you not consider an early cross or a good through ball creative?

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah, very. I mean he won't be in the box scoring goals like the left-sided wide player. More creating chances.

          Just trying to understand the way they play. Probably talking bullcrap as usual 😀

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        He'd be working with Elmo down the right to get crosses in for Abraham and El Ghazi in the box - maybe Graelish arriving late too.

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          The sentiment from Birmingham doesn’t seem to be too negative about him leaving, but then again he didn’t seem to have the same output for them as he did at Brighton

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            *BRENTFORD

          2. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            3 goals, 11 assists in 40 apps for Birmingham last season.

            Just had a look, and yeah Birmingham fans felt he never cared about the club enough, and didn't do enough defensively. Interesting, maybe he'll be a rotation player then, and El Ghazi will switch from left to right a lot.

            Guess Abraham is the only one worth considering, if they can tie him down...

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              It’ll be interesting to see - the prices of Abrhaham & Pukki could make them very useful players next year in FPL although this xfer ban at Chelsea could scupper things

  11. Richd
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    VAR makes me sad.

    We’ve always had disallowed goals .. but the way it slows down the game and ruins the “limbs” is horrible. Man City in the semi final and now England have had it twice in the space of a few days. Brutal.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Probably more about getting all the goals correct.

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        I fully get that.

        It’s just the passion and last minute winners at games/in the pub are what made me fall in love with football, and for the correct decisions we could lose some of that instant passion for a last minute goal etc.

        I’m also starting to think games will be lower scoring as in slow motion so much stuff looks like a foul.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          I hate when offside goals are given more.

          1. Richd
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            What did you think about England’s offside goal v Netherlands ?

            I feel those kind of goals are just too marginal to say they are offside !

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              Didn't watch, just turned it on now.

            2. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              Marginal = offside though.

              1. GREEN IS GOOD
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                Not necessarily, if you look at the Dutch right back.

                1. TorresMagic™
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 9 months ago

                  Not a factor.

  12. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    England XI: Bardsley, Bronze, Houghton, Bright, Greenwood, Scott, Walsh, Parris, Kirby, Mead, White.

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Looking forward to see how good Bronze is. Apparently the best RB in the world!

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        She is really good, has to balance this formation.

  13. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Scotland XI: Alexander, Howard, Corsie, Beattie, Docherty, Evans, Little, Weir, Emslie, Murray, Cuthbert.

  14. Yer Dad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Agony aunt advice needed. I won a league this season $150 Canadian but the guy has now gone underground and not paid/ not answering emails although when i first contacted him he congratulated me and gave me prize breakdown. I am more annoyed that he posted on here who posted the league entry details on here. What i am asking is ? Does anyone live in Canada who can go knock on his door for me,. I will give you half. Or anymore advice.
    Like i say i am more annoyed that he was a poster on here and did it to one of his own although i will now have to go cold this winter because of his scam.

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Name and shame

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Ooop, my original reply got modded.

        Anyway. I agree with this.

        Name the bar steward.

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Did it to one of his own? What does that mean?

      1. Yer Dad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        I meant all that fantasy football scout brotherly and sisterly love, 1 team, 1 group we are in it together malarky..
        I am sure Ben Appiah from Canada team name El Choupo was part of the it when he took my money last season.

        1. Richd
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Any idea what city this guy may reside in ?

          1. Yer Dad
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Ha no. I was thinking as Canada it is only a small country people might know him from down the pub. Pity he doesnt live in the Tuvalu Islands as we might have had a chance.
            I will post again when the season starts so people are aware.

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              Any idea on the username or if you replied to the post?

              1. Yer Dad
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                It was a while ago. Can you look at past history from 10 months ago. I have his email but don't want to post it. Its more that i would like people to be aware for upcoming season in case he asks people to join a league.

            2. Ginkapo FPL
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              We did warn everyone who joined these anonymous unprotected money leagues last year. It didnt stop you.

              1. Yer Dad
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                I cam't remember having a chat with you about that but i will slap myself in face and not do it again. Where was you when i bought that bathroom suite with shower from ebay and it turned out to be for a Barbie house.

            3. Epic Fail
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              Stop beating about the bush and post their details.

              1. Mysterion
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                No need to bring the bush into it...

                1. Epic Fail
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  4 years, 9 months ago

                  Nothing wrong with a bit of bush.

              2. Ginkapo FPL
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                He seems to have sent money without knowing anything about them. Inspired.

                1. Yer Dad
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 9 months ago

                  I wish you was my next door neighbour. I bet you would tell me every week that i have put the wrong bin out or even better tell all the neighbours what a pratt i am.

                  1. Epic Fail
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    4 years, 9 months ago

                    How about posting the first part of his email, the bit before the @?

                    I'm pretty sure he will be easy to track down with just some tiny bit of information. Although I'm not sure why you want to protect him.

                    1. Yer Dad
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 14 Years
                      4 years, 9 months ago

                      ben_appiah and the rest is quite simple.

                      Keep up the good work moderators.

                      1. Epic Fail
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        4 years, 9 months ago

                        I saw it before it was deleted anyway 😉

                        I'll see if I can dig anything up.

                      2. TorresMagic™
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • Has Moderation Rights
                        • 14 Years
                        4 years, 9 months ago

                        Use HoF.

                      3. Epic Fail
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        4 years, 9 months ago

                        Yeah that Ben wasn't even Canadian. Must be this one.

                        https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/team/1940200/event/38

                      4. Yer Dad
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        4 years, 9 months ago

                        Thats the one. Very clever. I am the winner in the 416 Pitchaz

                      5. Supersonic Marv'
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 9 months ago

                        I know a guy who can bite his ears off if you'd like. Let me know.

                      6. Gnu
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        4 years, 9 months ago

                        I'm not doing it for free.

                      7. George Sillett
                        • 8 Years
                        4 years, 9 months ago

                        You've always been pricey darling.

                      8. Gnu
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        4 years, 9 months ago

                        When it comes to biting or kissing I know my worth. 😉

  15. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Which English player misses their penalty?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Pickford took a good penalty. Love it when a GK takes a penalty.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        He did, probably should have saved that one.

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Pickford the hero!

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      None of them.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Practice makes perfect.

  16. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Pickford wins.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      3rd place isn’t exactly something to brag about

  17. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    The Auld Enemy are about to kick off

    Things could get ugly

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      No need to bring looks into it. There is more to the women's game.

  18. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Looks like Nadal wins another French Open.

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I didn't even realise the French Open was on. Doesn't get much coverage.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        An Aussie won the womens which is quite rare.

  19. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    A different top 500 table to the FFS HoF

    https://fplskill.wixsite.com/ratings/top-500

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      https://t.co/wPbwXMPiW2

      Top 50000

  20. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Weak penalty decision goes Englands way

  21. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Nadal wins his 12th French Open

    93-3 record.

  22. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    What are people’s prediction for Chelsea next year?

    Without Haz, RLC and CHO do you think they will struggle to start with? Or will they play with two strikers?

    So much unknown!

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Sarri said Pedro and Willian's best position is Hazard's position, so I assume one of them will move to the left. RLC and CHO are injured, but no idea what their role will be on their return.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        RLC could replace Kovacic/Barkley at LCM, and CHO could play RW. But whether they'd be nailed is another matter.

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Watching their striker situation with great interest

      A nailed Le Donk with an 8.0 or below price tag would be gold

    3. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      A few years back they came 10th the season after winning the League, feel they’ll drop out the Top 6, that team without Hazard is incredibly average

  23. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Scotland losing 2-0 😯

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Scotland made a World Cup? 😯

  24. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    England 2-1 Scotland

    10 mins to go

  25. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Our LB, Alex Greenwood, played well after making the error which led to the goal. She's got fight.

    Incidentally, her partner, Jack O'Donnell, may be one to watch next season. Overlapping CB for Sheffield United.

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      She wears false eye lashes during games. And they want to be taken seriously?

      1. Supersonic Marv'
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        So does Cristiano Ronaldo.

      2. The EJJ
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Why can you not take a female player seriously just because she wears fake eyelashes? says more about you than her

      3. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Doesn't really matter to me what she wears to be honest, as long as she performs on the pitch.

        I didn't mind Beckham dicking around with his hair when he was whipping in perfect balls.

        But it's a lot more irritating when they don't play well, like Lingard's clothing line...

      4. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        It doesnt impact her play so what does that have to do with anything.

        I agree that Greenwood did well. I was very disappointed with Fran Kirby who played so well a few years ago but was sooo poor tonight.

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          I watched Kirby burst onto the International stage as a kid looking like a female Gazza. She doesn’t seem to have progressed as much as hoped, I expected her to be the worlds best by now

      5. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        That was a nice catch there WR. Excellent bait.

        1. The EJJ
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Saying something sexist just to 'bait' people is low quality banter

          1. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Agreed, sorry to have disturbed your sleep

  26. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    England 2-1 Scotland FT

    Good win for England.

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Luckily they never had a bad win.

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Scrappy win more like.

  27. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Predictions Portugal Holland?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Ronaldo tears

    2. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Just backed Portugal to win, therefore guaranteed victory for the Dutch lol

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        There you go

        1. SAY MY NAME
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          first bet that's actually come off this weekend - had vettel to win the F1 earlier lol

          1. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Oûch

  28. ChadW98
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Is there a Copa America Fantasy?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Sometimes you just have to draw a line 🙂

  29. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Vettel Fail. Well done Hamilton

  30. Poseidon.
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    What sort of level is women’s football at now relative to mens? What division could whoever the best women’s team is these days play in? Championship, league 2, conference? Impossible to say? Genuinely interested.

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Its a different beast entirely. Comparisons are meaningless.

      1. Poseidon.
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks - seems to have a come a long way in it’s own right regardless.

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Similar story in Tennis. The men play a physical game with powerful serves and backline rallys a big part of the game . Womens Tennis has a lot more finesse and is more interesting to watch as a result.

          1. Poseidon.
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            It does kind of feel like we’ve got 2 really good but very different options in terms of entertainment now.

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      They would be thrashed in any of the leagues you mention. You can’t compare the women’s game with the men’s purely for physical reasons no matter how skilful they get. It needs to be looked at on its own merits and enjoyed as such

      1. Poseidon.
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks - yeah, just too difficult to remove that physical aspect I guess. Seems to be improving at a crazy rate anyway!

          1. Poseidon.
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Christ, imagine Ronaldo scores that

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Even without the physical aspect they will never be at the same level as men.

          Take Snooker and darts as examples. No physical skill required at all yet the women are nowhere near the men.

          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Is this a fish?

            The best male snoomer players spend a lot of time managing their fitness... and the women are not very far away anymore despite many snooker halls still banning females from entering.

            1. Epic Fail
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              Nah, it's simple numbers. Generally speaking and relative to men, women just aren't interested in sports. Go to any school and you won't see the girls playing sports anywhere near as much as the boys, even though the opportunity is there.

              1. Ginkapo FPL
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                Stop it. You know better.

                People believe this nonsense.

                1. Epic Fail
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  4 years, 9 months ago

                  That's because it's true.

                  1. Ginkapo FPL
                    • 12 Years
                    4 years, 9 months ago

                    A lack of role models has a massive influence on bias throughout society from parents, teachers and also children. Increasing opportunity is only half the battle.

                    1. Epic Fail
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      4 years, 9 months ago

                      All that is true, but it doesn't affect what I said being true though. Regardless of the reasons for it, women simply do not choose to play sports relative to the men, therefore the numbers are less, therefore the chances of reaching the talent of the men is lowered.

                      1. Ginkapo FPL
                        • 12 Years
                        4 years, 9 months ago

                        Its only the determined ones who matter anyway, otherwise we'd all be professional sportsman.

                      2. Epic Fail
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        4 years, 9 months ago

                        Aye true that. The problem is there will be 100 determined men from a pool of 1000 compared to 1 determined woman from a pool of 100.

                        Obviously those numbers come straight out of my backside, but you get my point.

                        There may well be a female Messi out there somewhere in the world who just isn't interested in taking up football.

    3. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      U14s academy level probably

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      A few years ago the Norwegian national team who were doing pretty well internationally at the time lost to my local 2nd division's team's under 16s side by a double digit score. The difference is enormous.

    5. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Norwegian womens reserves lost 2-1 tothe junior team of Moss FK, 29. May. They was leading 1-0 untill 4 minutes left to play. Later that night, the first team of Norway beat Sprint Jeløy Junior team 2-0. Junior in Norway is U-17.
      Moss is 2. Divition in Norway. 3. Best level. Moss is 5. Level.( 4. Divition.)

      https://www.itromso.no/ntb/spo/2019/05/29/Seier-og-tap-for-fotballjentene-mot-guttelag-19150674.ece

      1. korbendallas82
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Division. Sorry. Bad Spelling.

        1. korbendallas82
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          3. Division spelling.