Dugout Discussion

Traoré benched again as Aston Villa start two strikers against Wolves

Adama Traoré (£5.8m) finds himself on the Wolves bench for the second tie in three matches since the Premier League restart.

Nuno Espirito Santo has gone with a 3-5-2 formation for the tip to Aston Villa, the same system used for the last away match at West Ham.

For that Gameweek 30+ encounter, the Wolves manager used Traoré as an impact substitute, to good effect, and it appears that will be his plan again today.

Raúl Jiménez (£8.3m) owners and captainers will be pleased to see the Mexican in the starting line-up although may be a little disappointed by Traoré’s benching.

The two players form the most productive pairing in the Premier League this season, seven of Jiménez’s goals coming from Traoré assists.

Diogo Jota (£6.3m) gets his third successive start since the restart, joining Jiménez in the front-two.

Leander Dendoncker (£4.4m) is the man coming in for Traoré, sitting in a three-man central-midfield unit alongside Ruben Neves (£5.2m) and Joao Moutinho (£5.4m).

Meanwhile, popular Wolves defenders Matt Doherty (£6.4m) and Romain Saïss (£4.6m) both keep their starts once again.

They will have to handle a new-look Aston Villa attack this afternoon, with Dean Smith making the decision to go with a front-pairing of his own.

Rather than choose between Keinan Davis (£4.3m) and Mbwana Samatta (£5.6m), the Villa manager has started them together, supported by Jack Grealish (£6.4m) in what appears to be a central role.

Smith’s decision to go with a more conversative back-four has produced improved defensive showings since the restart, so he hands starts to Matt Targett (£4.4m), Tyrone Mings (£4.4m), Kortney Hause (£4.4m) and Ezri Konsa (£4.3m) once again.

Despite the tweaks to the front-three, Smith keeps faith in a three-man screening for the defence, deploying Marvelous Nakamba (£4.4m), Douglas Luiz (£4.4m) and Conor Hourihane (£5.7m) in central midfield.

Aston Villa XI (4-3-1-2): Nyland; Targett, Hause, Mings, Konsa; Nakamba, D Luiz, Hourihane; Grealish; Davis, Samatta.

Wolves XI (3-5-2): Patrício; Saïss, Coady, Boly; Jonny, Neves, Moutinho, Dendoncker, Doherty; D Jota, Jiménez.

1,481 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Magnus Carlsen is number 4 in the world and with some unusual pics like Kane (C) and Pepe. Well done to him.

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      he has the remnants from the double still, he will wild card soon, just wants to make a more informed decision.

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Why is it well done? Kane might blank.. Jiménez might explode in the second 45

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

        Going with picks like jiminez might keep him there but wont help him rise.

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Targett and Grealish have done him terribly this GW, as will Jota and Ederson

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

            Wrong with Ederson 😀
            He'll save a Mo pen

      2. Murder on Zidane's Flo…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I thought Jiminez was the antithesis of explosive? And now he might explode?

        Which is it?

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

          Yes its laughable at this point jiminez is treated like the 2nd coming of suarez on here

        2. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Two sides to every argument innit? Jiménez certainly isn’t explosive but people shouldn’t be crowning Magnus’ King because he doesn’t own him..

          1. Murder on Zidane's Flo…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Not normally from the same person

      3. Gudjohnsen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I just meant well done for being 4th and that he's not with a template team.

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

      Well he is obviously going for no.1 so needs punts. Good in him

      1. Gudjohnsen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Agreed

    4. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Great minds 😉

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

      exactly how you're meant to play the game, none of this 'I want top 10k' meaningless shite

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        ^^
        This

  2. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Magnus carlsen fpl team link pls?

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

      Geezer is ranked 4th, pretty sure you can find him.

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Just go to overall, jeez

      1. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Didn't know he was rank 4

        1. Egg noodle
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Thanks

    3. Homer21
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Lol

  3. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Hows Jota doing when will we see Traore? Not watching the match

    1. Somar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Jota should be on the scoreboard. Missed a great chance after goalie made a mistake.

    2. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Jota blazed a golden chance over the bar when gifted the ball from Nylon. As my coach always said, low and to the corner over power and glory

    3. Oggle22
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers no surprise there then with my assets missing glorious chances haha see what the second half brings!

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

    After scoring in every game he’s play for 3 months, Jimmy was long overdue a blank.

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      And now we tell the future?

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Trying to jinx it

    3. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Why are you talking like the game is finished?

  5. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Don’t want to tempt fate, but is anyone else struggling to find a transfer to do?

    Not often I have 2 and struggling to find something to do.

    1. Victor6359
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      It’ll all come together towards the end of the GW.

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

      Similar position, people in my ML have taken hits this week to bring in the likes of Martial. Least there’s a full week to see who gets injured

    3. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Absolutely - no idea where to go with my team but considering what I will do with my LIV/MCI players after this gameweek

    4. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      its early days might be a few injuries yet

  6. Victor6359
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Who would you rather have this week, Salah or KDB?

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

      KDB

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Salah 🙂

      1. Victor6359
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers fellas

  7. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Massive Doherty captain fail... not a single attacking contribution

    1. @FPL__Engineer
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Also goalless in the game....

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Why would you captain a Wolves defender? Baines maybe yes in his prime.. TAA maybe yes, but a Wolves defender on no set pieces? Seems a bit silly lad

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

        Jiminez has just as many attacking returns as baines in his prime

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Excuse me? Is Jiménez a defender?

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

            Meant doherty

            1. IRBOX ⚽
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Doherty isn’t fit to shine Baine’s boots. He was on pens and the king!

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

                Avaerage 10-12 attacking returns per season. Doh 11 last season on 10 atm

                Wolves also better defensively

                1. IRBOX ⚽
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  We aren’t talking about Everton/Baines in current season, he is 35 for Christ sake!

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

                    Not including his returns last few seasons.

                2. Party time
                    3 years, 9 months ago

                    Everton during Baines prime were quite impressive defensively. Although I believe Doherty can reach that target of points but it will be difficult

            2. Party time
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Calm your titties billy boy. He meant Doherty

                1. IRBOX ⚽
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  Are you going to Chelsea fam?

                  1. Party time
                      3 years, 9 months ago

                      Yes bro. So I smash Everton hard & sweaty 😆

                      1. IRBOX ⚽
                        • 7 Years
                        3 years, 9 months ago

                        Mad blud. Everton top 4 next season under Ancelotti

          2. Ógie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            He hit the side netting with a shot in the first half.

          3. Murder on Zidane's Flo…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            He had a shot in the box. I remember a similar performance when he got his 12 pointer 2 rounds ago. Pulled out a cross with 10 to go and walked away with the 3 baps. Keep the faith

          4. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Early yet give it time

          5. Sun Jihai
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Dude, he's a defender and it's 0-0
            Are you are a troll or something?

            1. Baps hunter
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              He is, didn't you know?

          6. Homer21
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Premature???

        2. SH1M1
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Think i might just rotate captaincy between Martial/Rashford & KDB for the rest of the season, unless i see that Mane/Salah start every game

          1. Bruce Lee
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            I think you've busted the games... this tactic will surely work

        3. Hybrid.power
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Only having one game today and one game tomorrow is so frustrating

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Delays the pain

          2. Rover
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            FA Cup?

          3. Baps hunter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Yea, this pace is extremely slow.

          4. Auntie Niemi
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            What is more frustrating is seeing your captain fail on the first game of the match day.

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

          Have exact funds for
          Aubameyang DCL Guendouzi
          To
          Rashford Nketiah Martial

          Do it post United's cup match?

        5. Rover
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          On a WC, would you sell Bruno to get Rashford in as 3rd United player alongside Martial and AWB.

          1. Rains of Castamere
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            No

          2. Rains of Castamere
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Get Jesus

          3. Clint Dempsey
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Take that back

          4. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            No

          5. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Yeah Bruno flatters to entice me. Pens with very little upside

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

            Kind of mulling over the same move with 2 FT

            Bruno is different gravy as a footballer and has been the catalyst for utd’s Recent improvements defensively (2 goals conceded/5 cleansheets in his 7 starts) & offensively (12 goals in those 7, despite playing away to Chelsea, Everton, Spurs, and home to Man City & Wolves)

            He’s galvanised the entire team - and dare I say it - will be difficult to hold onto if/when Madrid/Barca eventually come calling

            But Pogba’s presence seems to *possibly* dilute his FPL appeal a little, meanwhile Martial & Rashford look all set to take on the mantle of the new Yorke & Cole

            AWB has also been in stonking form, at both ends of the pitch, in that same time period so that particular Utd triple up looks good

            That being said - I think a couple of Bruno A Maguire G’s are imminent from Corners, and he seems to b on Pens & DFKs and needs no encouragement to shoot from anywhere from play, so he’s also a dangerous sell

            Try wait as close to deadline as possible to see if circumstances can perhaps make the decision for us via injuries, suspensions, acts of god etc

            1. Rover
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Thanks! Yes, his arrival was the spark that transformed United's playing style but yes the circumstances pre-lockdown (with all the injuries) and post are rather different.

              I do think Pogba's presence diminishes Bruno's assist potential. And if I'm not wrong there's also a change in formation from a 3412 to a 4231. Also I expect Bruno to be assisting the assister a lot more often with Rashford or Martial getting the FPL assist.

              Yes, there is always the threat of the Bruno corner Maguire header but that is a risk I'm willing to take on both counts. United's set-piece goals in the recent past have been more indirect than direct. We also don't know for sure that Bruno has a monopoly on DFKs, Rashford was very good on those before.

              I will watch the game tonight and hope that I see something that convinces me to pull the trigger and if so then take advantage of the projected price rises tonight (the Bruno rise wouldn't increase SV).

          7. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            They are the 3 I have and wont be shfiting any of them
            Its the Rash v Mart captain debate though. I keep flitting between the two... didnt get it right last week!

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

              One of the stats that impresses me most about Tony G-Man is that he has now started 21 of the last 22 league games

              The lad has been moving Heaven & Earth to get himself out onto the pitch no matter what the last 6 months, doing his best to leave behind the “injury prone” tag and he’s now reaping the rewards, great to see

          8. Rover
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Thanks all, it is a "controversial" topic and I can't wait for their "auditons" later today

        6. Muller Reus Corner
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Please rate my free hit draft for GW33+ with 0.0m itb:
          Ryan, 3.9m
          TAA, Doherty, Maguire, Lascelles, 3.9m
          Mane, KDB, Son, Bruno, 4.2m
          Maupay, Rashford, Jiminez

          Should I downgrade Lascelles to get Salah from mane?
          Thanks in advance.

        7. Alnair
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Jota is ****

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Good? Real? Fine? Shiz?

          2. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Leave Jota alone 🙁

          3. Sun Jihai
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            4 star skills?

          4. Magic Zico
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Jota is Jota

          5. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            These restart ganes require patience........

          6. The Mandalorian
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Jota is ***** and ******

        8. Hairy Potter
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Shearer!! Adams assist

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

            Internet Explorer?

            1. Hairy Potter
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Netscape Navigator

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

            1996 england germany . . . .

        9. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          If I didnt support Spurs I think I'd support Wolves

          1. Hairy Potter
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Wolverhampton is very North London?

            1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              My old man had a Wolves cup for some reason. We lived in Ireland. We are LIverpool fans. THink it was a family member used to take him as a child so had a soft spot.

              I thinks its fine to have soft spots for clubs!

              My soft spot is probably Norwich. I just remember that awesome kit and that team with Fox, Gunn, etc when I was a child.

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

                I remember watching Fox and Norwich back in the day on RTE2 when they had live games

          2. The Tinkerman
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Dunno what it is about wolves, but I’ve never found them likeable.

          3. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Used to hate Wolves with Steve Bull but I like this team.

        10. Revival
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Jimenez last 9 goals have all come in the 2nd half!

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

          Jiminez having a stinker

          Wont even get baps if he somehow scores this time

          1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Will be a goal for Wolves eventually.....

          2. Kellz86
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            40min left and Jimi has scored consistently in the second half of matches

          3. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Every Wolves game is like this. Only just turned the game on because Wolves go 532 in the first half then open up a bit in the second.

        12. The Tinkerman
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Mad?

          Bruno, Sarr, DCL > Mahrez, Jesus, Saka? (-4)

          1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Yes

          2. Bruce Lee
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Yes

          3. NABIL - FPL otai
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Not really

          4. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Certified

          5. Victor6359
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            I like it

        13. Bruce Lee
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          How is my (c) Nakamba looking?

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Safe

          2. Sun Jihai
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Marvelous

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              That was the Traore-Jimenez of jokes

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

            He nutmegged Boly in the 1st half, so that's something.

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

            Small. Now put if away.

        14. Cak Juris
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          How to enable transfer Barnes 》Martial ?
          A. TAA 》Joe Gomez
          B. Doherty 》Holgate
          C. KdB 》Mahrez

          1. Gregor
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Mahrez.

          2. TRIPOS TOPPER
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            C

          3. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            B has less risk? Not keen on Evertons fixtures but no doubt solid at back

            Who knows who we will put out, youd think Gomez more risky that Trent though
            Who the hell knows what Pep will do!

        15. Sim Simma
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Jimmy Captainers waiting for the Traore sub

        16. Revival
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Adama spotted warming up

        17. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Jimmy’s dispossessions starting to add up.

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

          Just logged in, not been following. How is Jimi looking? Going to get his standard goal today?

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

            Nope.

            1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Yeah.
              Villa need to win.
              Goals will come post 75

        19. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Ok, Im gonna tempt fate.

          Imagine capping the Mexican Jozy Altidore...

        20. super zlatan
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Adama incoming.

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

            Jiminez goal in a moment then...

        21. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Just set bus team for 33 with triple SU defence in a 5-3-2. You never know 🙂

        22. SuperMane Returns
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Adama about to rip Taylor a new one.

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

            I'd be fairly intimidated if I had to defend him

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

          Traore putting his captain armband on.

          1. Party time
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Haha

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

            Is Adama Traore the best game changer to bring off in the PL?

            I think he is. There's no player like him. Makes more of an impact off the bench than any player at Liverpool and City too.

            1. Bruce Lee
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Townsend is a close 2nd

            2. Team Cruel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Currently? Yes. Historically? No chance

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

                Yeah talking about currently

            3. Party time
                3 years, 9 months ago

                He is one of them but so is Lord Bendtner, Oli Giroud, Solskjear etc

                1. Party time
                    3 years, 9 months ago

                    So are* 😆

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

                  The last thing a tired full back wants an hour in is a strong, quick player coming on, adama is possibly the quickest and strongest in the league, it must be a nightmare

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

                  Must be

                  Would have guessed Mahrez but he's done nothing off the bench this season - a bit like Jesus he's great when he starts but file and forget if he comes off then bench