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

    Greilish owners who are you getting rid for ?

    1. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      pulisic

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

        Was thinking that but really need someone who’s nailed to start and apparently he’s not?

    2. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Solly March

    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      on WC - Foden

      1. Von Lipwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I like this option, bit maverick but could be huge

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Literally anyone

  2. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Settling down now to watch Bamford bang in a hat trick.

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

      You playing Fifa or PES?

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Lol

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

      There’s more chance of Jimenez getting a goal this gameweek (game has finished) than Bamford getting a hattrick

      Can any Leeds fans tell me why Bamford plays for Leeds/ how he is allowed to play professional football. He single handedly ruins Leeds every season with his inability to finish

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

    Doherty not getting into much dangerous positions lately

    Not getting bonuses without attacking returns

    With 2FT and not other fires to put out...does downgrading to Saiss make sense?

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

      Absolutely makes no sense at all imo

      1. Dreaming of glory
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        What this guy said

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

      Frees up a lot of cash.

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Points not pounds game this is.

      2. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        wastes a transfer

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

      He got 12 points 3 games ago?

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

      Doherty is much more dangerous when Traore and Boly play. Same is true of Jimenez.

      When Traore plays, Doherty goes into the box a lot more and gets more space on the right to put in crosses. With Boly behind hom, Doherty is also more confident getting forward as he trusts Boly to cover him.

    5. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      When Dendo scored Doherty was free(ish) waiting for the ball.
      Traore didnt play him late i the game when he made run and he aslo took a shot in 1st half.
      Still threat going forward.

    6. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      None

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

      2nd highest xG within the Wolves team since the restart I think

  4. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    So GW33 WCers are you going to drop Pool players before AVL at home?

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Happy thats not my problem.

      Might be time to get origi.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I have Salah & TAA and I'm just going to hope they start. I think that's better than not owning at all and hoping they don't start.

      2. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Forgot he existed - may not be a bad makeweight punt at 5.1

    2. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      yes, all except minamino

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Imagine getting a red arrow during WC week

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

      I may finally get LIV players

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

      Maybe I'lll get VVD and Origi (who would be used similar to how Lateriser spoke about using Foden)

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

        Ox

  5. The Ejiptian King
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Early thoughts on this please guys...

    Pope Martinez
    TAA Doherty Stevens Taylor Masina
    Salah Son Bruno Martial Saka
    Rashford DCL Jota

    I'm thinking Jota, Stevens > Jesus, Simpson (-4), no longer need a fully playing bench as played BB this week, also don't mind rotating Taylor and Masina for the rest of the season.

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Good moves but I think the City mids are better options than Jesus and cheaper.

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

      I really like the Jesus pick after this week, I’m currently looking at ways to jam him in

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

      Medium on it

      Think DCL is a lightweight really and Saka punty given Arsenal. Looking at Jesus too but I’d want more cover. He’s fantastic as a starter but poor off the bench. He needs to start most every game

    4. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Good ebening! Not mad keen on Jesus if I’m honest. Pep said he’d even consider playing Gundogan up there which doesn’t bode too well. If Kane looks good again this week maybe join me with him if you can? Otherwise just admitting defeat and getting jimmy won’t hurt x

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Good abternoon lovely x Nah, one rival already has Kane, I don't think Gundogan will actually play up front lol, I expect Jesus to score a few against the garbage they're gonna be playing like a true flat track bully, there's not many striking options at the moment, I feel like I'm gonna be stubborn on Jim now until the end of the season but might still go for him, I did have him earlier for his leanest spell of the season.

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I think, in your position, a punt on Jesus could be wild and fun. He is enjoyable when you get to have him so yeah I say let loose and at least try to enjoy the rest of the season x Jota was so nasty to you I don’t like him xx

          1. The Ejiptian King
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            I got him on the ill fated GW29 WC just after his hauls, beautiful. Also, in my position?!?! I'll have you know I'm having a great season*.

            *If I'd never watched football before, didn't know the rules and used autopick for my team.

  6. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Nothing quite like a captaincy fail in the only game of the day

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

      Going to be a long week.

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      same bubz

      on we go, can’t get them all right

      1. Greek Freak
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Can't get any right is more like it for me.

        1. FPL Pillars
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          😆

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yer and everyone constantly reminding you it is going to be a long week.

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

      Feelsbadman, was on the same course but switched to the salah lane right before deadline

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

    Jimenez and Jota blank
    20K OR,
    SEASON OVER!!!!

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Better delete team

      1. JJeyy
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        would never get rid of my top 2000 hall of fame spot

        1. FPL Pillars
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I think if you perma capped Duda you could still get to number 1

          1. JJeyy
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            that wasnt a joke .

    2. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Delete account. I’d probably sell my house and move town as well just to be safe

      1. JJeyy
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        selling my dog too

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          +1 🙂

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

      Hard Luck
      But Villa has improved defensively.

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Adios

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

    If Watford keeps a CS tomorrow, i have a feeling that this will be a great GW for me 😛

    Anyone else Pulisc © here ??

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

      No but I brought him in for a hit

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

        Me too buddy

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

    Wolves double defence seems hard to beat right now

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

      I don't like any Double defense.

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

        Yeah, points are overrated

    2. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      time for wolves triple defence

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Willy and Jonny hard to beat down

    4. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Well if spurs and United are offering the exact same thing, not really since that’s what everyone else has

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Wouldn’t put spurs in the same category quite yet

  10. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A Sarr hattrick tomorrow and a Jimenez captain blank will be nothing at all 🙂

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

    So glad I switched off Jiminez(C) with a minute to go and changed it on to Martial now just got to pray he produces

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

      Great to know. Keep us updated with hindsight reveals about last minute decisions.

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

        Jiminez capper spotted

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

          Nope.

  12. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Not owning Auba vs Norwich scares me a lot

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

      I own Nketiah. I'm so relaxed. Both will blank 😛

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I have Nketiah too but both my rivals have Auba (C)

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

          4 points for them
          2 for us

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

    Thoughts on this WC really targeting the great fixtures of the European place battlers?

    Lloris Gazza
    AWB Doherty Jonny Vinagre 3.9m
    KdB Mahrez Martial Pulisic Doucoure
    Kane Jesus Rashford

    Double Wolves defence looks a good shout now, and this set-up covers rotation in the wingback position as well.

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      That s triple Wolves defence

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

        Yes but Vinagre would be on the bench with Doherty and Jonny in the starting XI. And if there is rotation in the wolves XI, then there will also be in mine.

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Pool vs Villa and no pool

  14. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Do Liverpool have any wingers except Minamino? I doubt they will play some youngsters, or at least start them...

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

      Shaqiri. Or is he still injured?

    2. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Any other wingers except Minamino* I know they have Salah and Mane...

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

      Origi can play from left
      Bobby can shift anywhere with Origi in centre

      Hell, Taa can play RW 😀

      I'm not thinking about it at all tbh. Manr & Taa in my team. Will keep playing them

    4. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Alberto Riera

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

      Minamino is a central player. He doesn't have enough pace to run in behind for Liverpool's 433.

      Shaqiri is still injured. Origi has played LW. And highly rated Harvey Elliott can play either left or right.

      Salah and Mane are starting the remaining games in my opinion. And the likes of Elliott will get enough game time off the bench.

      Minamino and Origi can start start CF here and there.

    6. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      how the ox these days?

  15. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Afternoon guys looking for some advice. Any thoughts on what are the best GWs to play TC chip......currently looking at GW 33 on Salah v Villa but LFC have now won the title..........however this will be the first game back at Anfield as champions ??? Suggest any other week other than the last GW

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

      I have a same dilemma. only TC chip remaining. my OR is 800 so nervous to use it haha

  16. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    There's Bamford s first.

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

    Bamford hatty is on.

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

    Thinking of maybe leaving out Pool attack for rest of season and swapping Mane & DCL out for Martial & Kane but is Man Utd attacking triple up of Bruno, Martial and Rash overkill? Thoughts?

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Not imo with the fixtures and current form. My only question would be Bruno or Pogba? He's not on the score-sheet yet, but we saw his form last December and he can be explosive compared to Bruno

  19. The Ejiptian King
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    When looking for teams and players still with something to play for, it says a lot about Leicester's form that no one seems to be considering their assets. I was thinking earlier, most of us blamed Ndidi's injury for the start of their bad run but Tielemans form really seemed to drop off a cliff at some point, he's been poor for ages now, not talking FPL returns but in general.

  20. New Article Posted
  21. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Kaptain Kane differential on Thursday 😎

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Well the name suggests it 🙂