Dugout Discussion

Fantasy interest minimal as relegation-threatened Villa face crucial Palace clash

It’s not quite last-chance saloon territory for Aston Villa but, seven points adrift of safety and with only four matches remaining, a victory over Crystal Palace is surely a must this afternoon if they want to keep their slim chances of avoiding relegation alive.

Kick-off at Villa Park is at 14:15 BST.

Both managers originally made one change apiece from the sides they sent out in Gameweek 34+ but an injury to Kortney Hause (£4.4m) in the warm-up has seen Ahmed Elmohamady (£4.1m) replace him.

Dean Smith has also recalled Conor Hourihane (£5.7m) to the Villa midfield, with Anwar El Ghazi (£5.3m) dropping to the bench.

That should see Jack Grealish (£6.0m) move to a more advanced position down the left of the hosts’ attack.

Keinan Davis (£4.3m) is only among the substitutes, as is the fit-again Matt Targett (£4.3m).

Pepe Reina (£4.2m) recovers from a hamstring strain to start.

Roy Hodgson’s one alteration is an enforced one.

Gary Cahill (£4.4m) looks set to miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, so Mamadou Sakho (£5.0m) gets the nod to replace him at centre-half.

Budget FPL defender Martin Kelly (£4.1m) is back on the bench after recovering from a calf problem.

It’s fair to say interest is limited in this one from a Fantasy perspective.

Grealish is the only player in either starting XI who has a double-digit ownership in Fantasy Premier League.

‘Ghost teams’ will account for some of that ownership and, if we instead look at the top 10,000 in FPL, not a single player from either Villa or Palace is owned by more than 3%.

Grealish’s ownership within this elite group is only at 2.13%.

Nine of Palace’s ten clean sheets this season have come against sides in the bottom half.

The Villans have scored just twice in their last eight Premier League matches.


Aston Villa XI: Reina, Elmohamady, Konsa, Mings, Taylor, McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Hourihane, Trezeguet, Samatta, Grealish.

Crystal Palace XI: Guaita, Ward, Dann, Sakho, van Aanholt, Zaha, Kouyate, Milivojevic, McArthur, Ayew, Benteke.

840 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Train Driver
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Could people post their FH team here so we can start a discussion about the picks.

    Here's mine

    Pope (Henderson)
    Awb Mendy Azpi (Bertrand, Egan)
    KDB Antonio Willian Bruno (Martial)
    Giroud Ings Jesus (C)

    Depending on Man Utd game I might start Martial ahead of Bruno but we'll see.

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Don’t even dare bench him

    2. mr messi
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Never bench Bruno!

    3. Rainer
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Doesn’t look like one United vs Palace will be enough.

      1. The Train Driver
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        This is my issue, but can't bench any Chelsea, Norwich have literally stopped playing and Che want to bounce back. Man City vs BOU, can't bench there either. Antonio obvious reasons. Ings vs Brighton that concede for fun. Wish I could play 2 defenders only.

    4. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Team is too good if benching Bruno.

    5. Coys96
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Start Bruno

      Mendy wont start. Prefer Pulisic to Willian and I would go for Dilva or Foden.

      Jesus (c) risky as may only come on for 30 mins

      1. The Train Driver
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Jesus KDB and Mendy all got subbed at 60 therefore I think they start. If Mendy doesn't play I have a good bench.

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Pep said he is making 6 changes.

          So good luck with your approach.

    6. BENOIT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Get Pulisic

    7. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Would argue starting martial and Bruno over Antonio given how bad palace are defensively.

    8. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No way have you actually posted benching Martial/Bruno. Doesn’t deserve help would rather you see for yourself

    9. JIMMY TUGGINS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      That's FH? Why such a strong bench, too much money to spend?

      1. The Train Driver
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Yes

    10. Shankly611
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ederson
      TAA Azpi Digne
      Willian (C) Pulisic DSilva Foden Bruno
      Ings Greenwood

      1. The Train Driver
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Dilva and Foden look like starting, you think they will perform?

        1. Shankly611
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Well yeah. I'm pretty sure KDB won't start, and I think one of Sterling/Jesus will. Hope we'll find out who.

    11. fr3d
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I would play FH chip if that is your current team, yes

    12. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Gotta have Foden imo.

      3-5-2.

      McCarthy
      Azpi AWB ???
      Sterling, KDB, Foden, Fernandes, Pulisic
      Ings, Greenwood

      Something like this.

    13. QUEN
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Kepa
      Azp aurier Digne
      Kdb Sterling Willian Bruno richarlison
      Jesus Ings

      That’s me atm

    14. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Here's mine:

      Pope
      Azpi, AWB, Digne
      Sterling, KDB, Dilva, Fernandes, Willian
      Ings, Giroud/Tammy (whoever Rockstar says is starting)

    15. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I see Sterling in a few these teams, isnt he thought to ve benched?

    16. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ederson
      Azpili Digne TAA
      Martial Willian Antonio Sterling Pulisic
      Ings Jesus

  2. BENOIT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Best option here?

    A) Mane & DCL ---> Foden & Giroud (assuming he starts)
    B) Mane & DCL ----> Willian & Jesus

    I've already got KDB and Mendy.

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B looks much better.

    2. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B if you think Jesus starts

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

      B

  3. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Gabriel Jesus or Danny Ings for the last 3?

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Jesus surely? Would want ings for 37 though.

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I feel like Sterling will get a game as number 9 ahead of Jesus in one of those.

    3. KunDogan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ings

    4. Shankly611
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ings

  4. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Yay, Jimmy got 2 BAPS.. 😀

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Jaminez

    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Shipped him for Vardy

      1. Chucky
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        shipped Deeney for vardy....

    3. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Chucky in heaven...

      1. Chucky
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        not until Vardy bangs in a hattie....

    4. Rainer
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Season saved!

      1. Chucky
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        will be over if vardy blanks... 😛

        1. Rainer
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          On and off like a light 😉

    5. Pies Have Come
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      If only...

  5. mr messi
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Sterling or Jesus for next week? Already have KDB and Mahrez. Or is D Silva more likely to start?

    1. Shankly611
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      My prediction is

      DSilva Fernandinho Gundogan
      BSilva Jesus Foden

      but really could be either of Jesus and Sterling...

      1. Karan14
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Very unlikely both Gundo/Dinho start together.

        Could be Bilva or KDB in mid and Mahrez/Sterling on the wing.

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Dilva more likely to start

  6. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    How did Villa not score

  7. 20 Timess
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    do you think D.Silva will start the last 2 games?

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I think he starts remaining three.

    2. yakirh
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I think he starts the last game, his last match for City
      Not sure about the Watford game
      I'm getting him in my GW37 WC

  8. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Some people just have innate punchable faces.
    Its totally irrational and I'm not sure why but every time I see grealish....

    1. BeaversWithAttitude
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Lol, for me this is Richarlison.

      1. Duke Silver ☑
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Richarlison always looks like someone has just pissed in his cornflakes.

    2. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Vardy for me 😀

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

    Who isn't looking for a hattrick this weekend?

    1. diesel001
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Mo Salah

    2. JIMMY TUGGINS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Anyone in my team.

    3. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Vardy

  10. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Norwich have nothing to play for so probably just go all out attack so surely Pusilic/Willian (c)

    1. Eze Really?
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Will they play? A hard one. Surely limited minutes if they are winning anyway?

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        5 day rest before the semi.

        Abramovich bribe.

      2. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Well yes I guess so but City and UTD will also be limited or benched. Roulette hell with FA cup fixtures.

    2. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Captain a United player based on this from palace I think.

    3. El-Kloppico
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      i'm getting Pulisic in for this match.. more nailed to start having been jooled at the hour mark last match

  11. SAUCY SALAH
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    El Mohamady on my bench....sigh

  12. b91jh
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    You know the world is going strange when Trezeguet, Antonio and Deeney are in the dream team.

    Oh Jesus.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      and Sterling

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      All fighting for their lives. Dunno how I forgot this was a thing...

      1. SAUCY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        They’ve all been shite since it has restarted though, too little too late

  13. yakirh
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who scores more this GW?

    A. Giroud vs Norwich
    B. Ings vs Brighton

    (Wildcarding in GW37 anyway)

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Giroud

    2. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B I think. Saints fan fully expecting Danny to be rested on Monday.

      1. yakirh
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        And if he's not rested on Monday? might be rested vs Brighton?

    3. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Probably B

    4. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      A if starting

  14. El-Kloppico
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Does Sterling start next?
    Hitting my head for not doing KdB > Sterling this week.. i aanted to do it so much but pep roulette scared me taking -4

    1. yakirh
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Keep KDB

      1. El-Kloppico
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        yep but am afraid he'll play as CB again. Was playing behind Walker yestrday

    2. antis0cial
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      He played full 90 so could well be rested. Kdb more likely to start.

  15. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Is this -8 worth or stupid?

    Mahrez Salah DCL to Foden Pullisic Ings?
    Leave plenty of money for Pullisic to Sterling and Vardy to Auba week after?

    Pope Martinez
    TAA Aurier Diop Fernandez Doherty
    KDB Mahrez Martial Bruno Salah
    DCL Vardy Greenwood

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      or Dilva instead of Foden?

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling loves playing B'mouth fwiw.

      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Good point TM. If you think he starts would pick him all day long over Foden and Dilva

      2. THAT'S LIFE
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Captain all day long

    3. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      If you're taking a -8 I just don't see why anticipating taking another -4 immediately after makes any sense?

      If you take a big hit at this point surely needs to set you up to not take anymore after.

      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I have no idea what to do mate. Had a horrible week and probably blown my ML!

  16. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Need a big game from Son today.

    1. Dash444
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      ...and me.

  17. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Chances of Vardy doing bits tonight I need it or is it gunna be another massive anti climax

    1. diesel001
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Anti-climax. Not often two big hitters go big in the same GW. Sterling already delivered this GW as one of those big hitters.

    2. Eze Really?
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Teams I really don't want to entertain in FPL atm.
      Everton Palace Chelsea Leicester Spurs (Aurier excluded) Norwich Brighton Bournemouth.

    3. tiger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      we can only hope...I need him to score big too

      1. Oggle22
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I feel for you hopeyl me bringing him in and my bad fpl luck doesn't get you

    4. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      probably a goal at best.

  18. Eze Really?
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Love to know why excuses made for Saha attitude due to racist tweets?
    Why did Mings get booked?
    I think racism is abhorrent and one of the reasons Facebook and Twitter should not exist.
    It is still people who "shoot the gun"

    1. Eze Really?
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      It was watching Sky at half time. Mings being coloured too?

    2. Tinkermania
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      'you lost me there.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        In South Africa. Pundits were going on about Saha being angry and bringing it on the pitch. No politics; don't understand it myself!

        1. Tinkermania
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          SAHA?

          1. Eze Really?
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Yeah. Not me? Commenting on pundits.

    3. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Don't think we can blame social media for racism mate, goes back a tiny bit farther than that.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah I get that; hence humans "shoot the gun" It just multiplies all that is bad with the human race; denigrating others at every opportunity. Gossip multiplied by a million.

      2. JabariParkersEyelid
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Taking back the mate part given subsequent comments from yourself. You're an idiot.

        1. Eze Really?
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          What? What have I said to hurt you? Tell me the comment so I can understand. Serious.

          1. JabariParkersEyelid
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            'Mings being coloured too'

            Not a fan.

            1. Eze Really?
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Ah I see. The way it was expressed on Sky, Saha was showing his anger at Ings because some white idiot sent crap to him. Jeez, I spent 3 months i jail because I would not tow the white racist line in this country.

              1. JabariParkersEyelid
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Okay, I respect that and can't imagine what this sort of thing is like in your country given it's recent history.

                Just the way you've worded it is pretty rough, that's not something that I like.

                1. Eze Really?
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 3 months ago

                  It has always been crap here. The younger generation are getting a little better but everyone is suffering now.

              2. Tinkermania
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                @FALSE PROFIT, that term is only used in S.Africa. In other countries, they use Black/Mixed race. You understand?

                1. Eze Really?
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 3 months ago

                  Ah. Get that. Coloured is not derogatory here for sure. Sorry, my bad. Clearly education not abuse.

                  1. Tinkermania
                    • 5 Years
                    4 years, 3 months ago

                    I know you didn't mean to be derogatory but I understand some people might think you did. At least you have learned something. And his name is Zaha! Not Saha, who happens to be a retired footballer.

                    1. Eze Really?
                      • 10 Years
                      4 years, 3 months ago

                      Whoops. Zaha. A very stupid mix of names comment too. (smile) Think of getting rid of Salah 5 minutes before. Saha a good player too. (A while ago)

            2. Eze Really?
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Anyway, no offense meant. We are definitely talking from opposite poles here.

              1. JabariParkersEyelid
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Yeah 100% I get that.

    4. Threat Level Midnight
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      You need to read a book

      1. Eze Really?
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Guys, seriously, what are you on abou?. have I said something racist?

    5. JIMMY TUGGINS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Mings pushed someone and grabbed two different players didn't he?

      1. Eze Really?
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        As far as I could see only when he was attacked

  19. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Villa just delaying the inevitable 😉

  20. THAT'S LIFE
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Everton Palace and Brighton on beach. Southampton also but seems they enjoy being so and still look competitive.

  21. JJO
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Ben red

  22. dark91
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Benteke rc after the game ended

  23. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Did Benteke get sent off? 😆

  24. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Benteke RC

  25. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Bentley red

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Benteke

  26. diesel001
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Benteke RC after the final whistle. Must have done something to the ref.

  27. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Benteke red card after final whistle

  28. Rainer
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Bad news for United defender owners.

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

    Benteke did something 😯

  30. dansmusen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Played Mings over Egan and pretty relieved