Pro Pundits - Tom

The Double Gameweek 30+ assets who could excel both for and against Aston Villa

“Football is the most important of the least important things in life” – Arrigo Sacchi

On June 17, the Premier League will return with two postponed fixtures, Aston Villa v Sheffield United and Manchester City v Arsenal – let the countdown begin.

Firstly, it feels good to be writing again. It’s been a challenging few months, but with Project Restart gaining momentum day by day, the buzz is back. So, as focus turns to Fantasy Premier League (FPL), I thought I’d use this piece to discuss several players I’m targeting for the run-in and why I think they can make a difference. I’ll also touch upon their respective teams’ outlooks, along with chip strategy.

It makes sense to start in B6, with my club, Aston Villa. 

The reality is we sit 19th in the table, with the worst defence in the division, having imploded before the break – let’s say I’m realistic about our chances of survival.

But there is a Double Gameweek, and if we’re looking for positives, we sit just two points behind both Watford (17th) and West Ham United (16th) with a game in hand.

We rank 12th for goals scored, and in Jack Grealish (£6.4m) and a fit-again John McGinn (£5.4m), we have a midfield double act who are a level above what most teams around us in the table possess.

We also only have to look to the Bundesliga and Hertha Berlin to see how a team can struggle pre-lockdown and then emerge as one of the form teams following the restart.

For the majority of the season, Dean Smith has used a 4-3-3 / 4-1-4-1 system, designed to try and get Grealish, our talisman, on the ball as often as possible. In an attacking sense, it’s largely worked – Grealish has scored more goals and created more chances than any of his teammates. 

However, our over-reliance on one outlet has often come at a cost – we can sometimes be predictable in possession and lack creativity whenever Grealish isn’t at the top of his game. McGinn’s return to fitness should at least ease the burden on the captain’s shoulders.

This heatmap below illustrates where Villa have created their chances this season, and emphasises just how much we rely on Grealish down our left.


Gameweek 14 Scout Picks includes Spurs triple-up

Looking beyond the double, Son Heung-min (£9.7m) will be in my starting XI in Gameweek 31+ and is a serious captaincy candidate that week when Tottenham Hotspur host West Ham.

Despite missing seven Gameweeks through injury and suspension, the South Korean has racked up five double-digit hauls and 18 goal contributions already this season, and with an ownership of just 4.7%, I feel it’s too good an opportunity to pass up.

Arguably, no team has benefitted from the break more than Spurs, with the likes of Harry Kane (£10.8m) and Moussa Sissoko (£4.8m) now fit for selection, and with some big games to come against teams around them in the table, it’s all to play for.

Having used my Triple Captain chip in Gameweek 24, I’m currently leaning towards activating my Bench Boost chip in Gameweek 30+, with a Wildcard to follow in Gameweek 31+.

The Free Hit chip can then be used as and when it’s needed.

For those still struggling to decide which route to take, check out Zophar’s article, ‘What is the best FPL chip strategy for Double Gameweek 30+ and beyond?’, from earlier this week – it’s well worth a read.

At this stage, I’d usually post my team for the forthcoming Gameweek, but as I’m still debating several selections and the fact that things will no doubt change between now and deadline, there seems little point.

Instead, I’ll jump on the forum early next week and post my final squad, if there is enough interest.

Thanks for reading… until next time. 


Tom Freeman – aka avfc82 – comes onto the team to make most of us feel wildly insecure about our overall rank history. A long-time Fantasy Football Scout user, he has finished inside the top 1,000 a staggering five times since 2009.

Nominated for ‘Best in Fantasy Football – Editorial’ at the Football Content Awards 2020

Which FPL assets are on set-piece duties at their clubs? 1

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Premier League Restart

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947 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    One gameweek only

    A) Sterling, Pukki
    B) Pepe, Jesus

    1. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      a

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

      Pukki going to get a brace V s’ton

    3. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      a

    4. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      a

    5. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks all.

      Pukki party

  2. BOATIES FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    BB 30+ team WC 31+

    Ederson* Leno*
    TAA Doherty Egan* O'Connell* Mings*
    Sterling* KDB* Ozil* Grealish* Fleck*
    Auba* Jimmy Samatta*

    All in for DGW players....

    Thoughts?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I prefer triple Sheff Utd defence and Triple City attack but I can see why you would be against that idea

      Looks great. Not keen on Ozil and I'd rather have Targett over Mings for attacking threat. I'd also rather have Aguero to Sterling.

      1. BOATIES FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Ozil is very punty but not too sure of a better option?

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          El Ghazi, Pepe & McGinn are better DGW options

          Cantwell, Mount are some of the sgw players i prefer

    2. Le Bluff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Sorry but I can't take it seriously without a City attacking triple up.

      Can't believe anyone would go into this DGW with no Aguero.

      1. BOATIES FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I like to spread the risk around really my worry is limited minutes for any City attacker where at least Ederson should get 180 mins

        Sterling Jimmy Doherty could be Kun Bruno and Boly.

    3. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Looks quite decent, although not keen on Ozil, Samatta, Mings.

  3. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    How's this FH team?

    Hendo (Button)
    Stevens Bellerin Doherty (Targett, Simpson)
    KDB Sterling Grealish Mount (D.Luiz)
    Aguero Auba Abraham

    Possible changes: Mount could become McGinn; Bellerin to another Sheff utd defender.

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Really nice. Yes I would prefer McGinn to Mount. And I would definitely change Bellerin to Baldock.

  4. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Appreciate any feedback on draft # 57 of BB gw30 team. WC in 31.

    Leno Reina
    Taa Doherty Stevens lund Lascelles
    Kdb Mahrez grealish mcginn fleck
    Kun Auba Jimmy

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

      Very nice!

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks!

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Brilliant team. Not keen on Lundstram as lack of mins.

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers. Lund can be Egan or baldock closer to time.

    3. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I like it . probably looks better than mine ....

    4. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Really good

    5. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yep, great team. Lund only question mark due to uncertainty over starts/minutes.

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Think he got two goals in yesterday’s practice game. Not sure tho

  5. VinMar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    No WC and going for more long term

    Pope (Button)

    Alonso, Doherty, Lascelles, Egan, Basham,

    Sterling, KDB, Son, Fernandes Cantwell

    Jimenez, Abraham, DCL

    0.1itb
    Next week Sterling --> Mane

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Looks good. I would defo want Salah and Trent though. Pukki over DCL too and a second Utd attacker. Unless used bench boost already upgrade Button

      To raise funds downgrade Sterling to Mahrez and Doherty to Boly. Alonso minutes would worry me as wlel

  6. CONNERS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Tweaked my GW30 BB team and now 100% settled on this barring any issues.

    Krul
    VVD - Doherty - Stevens - O'Connell
    Salah - KDB - Grealish
    Aguero - Rashford - Jiminez

    McCarthy/Cantwell-Fleck-Lascelles

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Are you WCing gw31? Doubt it by looks of it.

      Favourite so far

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Have you got a wc left? I like it

    3. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      looks superb mate, food for thought for me as im currently on BB without WC and possibly have too many DGW players

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

      Thanks.

      No WC left hence the balance of the team.

      Have FH but don't want many DGW players so will save it for later.

  7. Loftus cheeky nandos
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Best option Stevens or baldock?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Not much in it, I prefer Stevens.

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Get both. But Stevens

    3. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Stevens, recent returns

  8. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    When the games restart will they be played behind closed doors?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yes

    2. Loftus cheeky nandos
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Naa they’ll just let loads of fans into the stadium for corona to spread

    3. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      yes

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

      Yes Jafooli
      Let's see if any of PL team's use the truck Bundesliga clubs using. Using posters of fans on sits 😀

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

    Please rate my BB team

    Reina Leno
    Egan, Basham, TAA, Lascelles, Vinagre
    Grealish, Mané, Fleck, KDB, Mahrez
    Aguero, Auba, Nketiah

    Vinagre a risk but can't afford more than 4.2.

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Downgrading Mane would improve this team loads

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

        Yeah but I'm keeping him for value. Same as TAA. And both have a high ceiling in a SGW.

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          OK. Wouldn't bench boost then.

          Can't see Reina, Vinagre, Lascelles and Nketiah getting many points tbh

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

            But no BB is going to have a guaranteed high scoring bench. A DGW is as good a time as any to play it.

            Especially if using WC afterwards.

  10. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Why is Jesus is so few RMTs? I reckon he’ll be 50/50 will Kun over the two games and 2.2m cheaper.

    Also seem to remember him getting plenty of minutes and points before the lockdown?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Agreed. Very good differential if chasing.

      I wouldn't be surprised if they both started against Burnley.

      I think Aguero is essential, but am open to owning both. Only problem with that is, it is likely u will get less minutes between them than Aguero & Sterling for example.

  11. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Tried putting together a bb team that I'm happy with long term, without a wc to fix it. How's it look?

    Henderson krul
    TAA Doherty awb lascelles targett
    Kdb mount grealish fleck cantwell
    Aubameyang Aguero jiminez

    Will gradually get rid of grealish, fleck, Aguero and bring in a man u forward and poss salah/Mané

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      If long term, get rid of Targett and Henderson. Go for McCarthy (cheap and rotates well) and Egan/O'Connell

      Get Sarr for Mount.

      Love it other than that!

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Good ideas on defence, thanks.
        I like mount as a bit of a punt!

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          No problem. Be aware he might not play every game with RLC back!

    2. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      id start with Salah personally but looks solid

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Not got the money you've got below!! Only way would be jota to nketiah

  12. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Would appreciate any thoughts on my team, built with a future bench boost and free hit still to use:

    Leno, McCarthy
    Trent, Baldock, O'Connell, Boly, Taylor
    Mane, KDB, Bruno, Grealish, Fleck
    Auba, Jimenez, Pukki.

    Main dilemma is benching one of Pukki/Fleck!

    Cheers

    1. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      isnt the 1st week the best one to BB anyway?

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Agree. Use BB this GW

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Really nice. Mane to Sterling as a one week punt. Taylor to Watford defender/Lascelles.

      Benching Pukki or Fleck means you will likely leave points on your bench

      1. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers - maybe I will then!

        Thanks!

    3. FPLShaqiri
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Everyone said already, but why no BB this week?
      Nice team though. Interested in why Baldock, O'Connell over Stevens, Basham for same price? I'm not an expert but I thought Stevens seemed to have the best stats, and there doesn't seem to be much difference between the CBs.

  13. PapaWengzz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Got BB and FH left, no WC. Which option do you like better?

    A) FH to
    Henderson
    Targett Baldock Stevens
    Sterling KDB Pepe Ozil Grealish
    Auba Kun

    And in 31 revert back to
    Pope Mccarthy
    TAA Saiss Stephens Lascelles C.Taylor
    Salah Mane Bruno Sarr Hayden
    Auba Vardy Jota

    B) BB to
    Leno Reina
    TAA Stevens Egan Saiss Lascelles
    Salah KDB Grealish Sarr Fleck
    Auba Kun Jota

    Thoughts appreciated 🙂

    1. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Im basically same situation with team and chips mate and no idea what to do either.
      After seeing your post I’m swaying towards FH with his lot

  14. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Pope, Aarons, Lascelles and Saka worth my BB?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      That's a good way of looking at it....I guess it is for a dgw

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      no

  15. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    For 1 game: Jota or Pukki?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Pukki!!!

  16. Mike82
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Any help greatly appreciated.

    I've bo wildcard but have my free hit, bench boost and triple captain, so, what am I best doing;
    A) unlimited transfers and load up on doubles and use my BB or TC?
    B) free hit and load up on doubles bit xant use any other chips.
    C) unlimited transfers but with around 8 doubles and BB or TC and with a squad capable of going thru coming weeks and use FH at another point?

    1. Mike82
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Or even
      D) unlimited with BB or TC then FH next week and manage from there?

  17. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone thinking grealish(c)

    Personally i think hes the ony one of the attacking dgw players guaranteed to start both games

    1. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      auba is guaranteed

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Only him and Auba. But I still prefer Aguero c

    3. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      8 pts

  18. KDB4PREZ
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Jota

  19. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What ya say??? BB....

    Hendo*
    TAA James Doherty
    Mount Mahrez* Henderson Ozil* KDB*
    Aguero(c)* Auba*

    Patricio Baldock* O'Connell* Nketiah*

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Boom!!

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Get rid of Henderson and Ozil. Get Cantwell and Grealish. Upgrade Nketiah to Pukki/Samatta.

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Cantwell over Hendo fair. But can see Hendo thriving in this derby even behind closed doors. Cheap and chips and scoring well

        Also like the Nketiah upgrade shout.

        I'm not interested in Villa sorry

        Dont see any of them doing especially well even Grealish, let alone the likes of Mings, Reina and dross

        Trap with them

        Thanks!

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          OK. no probs

  20. InVinoVeritas1
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    (Repost)

    Thoughts on this squad for the next few GW (bench boosting this GW, no other chips left)

    Leno (Reina)
    TAA, Basham, Saiss, Lascelles, Lundstram
    Salah, KDB, Grealish, Fernandes, Cantwell
    Auba, Abraham, Nketiah

  21. Reacher
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Final WC decision, I think most are going to say B but, I have a feeling a fresh Sterling could get a GW1 type haul

    A, Sterling & Nketiah

    B, Mahrez & Jota

  22. Jimbo74
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A decent FH team, in your opinion? Open to suggestions.

    Leno
    Baldock, Lundstram, Stevens
    Sterling, KDB, Grealish, Mane
    Aubameyang, Aguero, Nketiah

    Thanks

    1. Reacher
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I like it

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Very strong.

    3. Jimbo74
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers. I'll try to resist messing about with then.

  23. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Afternoon all!

    Any thoughts on this FH team?

    Henderson,
    TAA, Stevens, Targett
    Sterling, KDB, Pepe, Grealish, McGinn
    Aguero, Auba

    Bench = nothing: 3.9, 3.9, 3.9, 4.2

  24. Mike82
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Whats the love in for Nkeitah?

    1. Reacher
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      cheap as chips + Arteta seems to be a fan, saying that he's gone GW31

    2. reo19uk
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      he scored hattrick in a friendly!

    3. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      He plays regularly for Arsenal
      Arsenal have a DGW
      He's cheap
      Arteta likes him
      He started yesterday
      They have Brighton on the back end of double
      Freebie bench booster if using 3 5 2

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Nailed it.

        1. Mike82
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Thought he was on loan at Leeds tbh

    4. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      4.4 who will get minutes for sure and yes Arteta seems to really like him and the hat-trick the other day also puts him in the manager's good books? Decent punt for both the double and as a cheap bench option after i reckon?

  25. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    If not using BB but using FH, who is the best DGW goalie to get? Hendo?

    1. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Henderson or Leno. Probably Leno to be honest, it’s easy to fit in a few SHU defenders then.

  26. Champ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on this plan to maximise points from BB & WC?

    BB now for 30
    WC in 33

    - I can get out 7 DGW players for gw30
    - The other 8 players have decent fixtures gw30
    - Field decent team for 31 & 32
    - Have 3 weeks solid info before using WC
    (e.g. spurs, rashford, lineups, form etc)

    Leno
    Doherty TAA Boly
    KDB Martial Mount Grealish
    Auba Jimi Vardy

    BB: Henderson Baldock Lundstram HBarnes

    31 - KDB becomes Son; bench Mount for HBarnes
    32 - Son becomes Fernandes; bench HBarnes for Mount
    33 - WC with decent info

    If things go belly up then I can still WC in 31 or 32

    1. HTL
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I think it makes sense, looking to WC in 32 myself.

      1. Champ
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Good luck

  27. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    BB team, couple of spots up for grabs
    How's this looking?
    Leno ederson
    Baldock Connell TAA Lascelles Stephens/mings
    Mane kdb grealish Fleck cantwell/saka
    Ayew Aguero Aubameyang

  28. HamezMace
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    So no Salah for Liverpool today?

  29. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    For this week only

    A) pukki and mcginn

    B) Samatta and Mount

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

    3. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

  30. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A) Henderson, Doherty, Sterling
    B) Ederson, Baldock, Mane

    1. POLSKA GOLA
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A. But triple up on Sheff utd defence if u hvnt already

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Prefer double defence + Fleck to triple defence.