Scout Notes

Improved Villa defence brings goal difference into relegation battle

Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal

  • Goals: Trézéguet (£5.2m)
  • Assists: Tyrone Mings (£4.4m)
  • Bonus Points: Mings x3, Trézéguet x2, Jack Grealish x1 (£5.9m), Ezri Konsa x1 (£4.3m)

Aston Villa put the club’s Premier League destiny in their own hands with a massive 1-0 win over Arsenal on Tuesday evening.

It was a result that took Dean Smith’s men above Watford, whose goal difference had taken a battering at the hands of Manchester City, setting up a relegation showdown on the final day of the season.

Villa will travel to West Ham knowing that a win will keep them up, as will bettering the results of Watford and Bournemouth.

The Hornets have perhaps drawn the short straw in that they travel to face an Arsenal side that might want to produce a reaction to their Gameweek 37+ defeat at Villa Park, while Bournemouth face an out-of-sorts Everton side.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) is sure to have felt Tuesday’s loss most keenly, especially as it left him three goals short of Jamie Vardy‘s (£9.7m) tally in the Premier League Golden Boot race.

With Watford managerless and conceding a minimum of three goals in four of their last six outings, the Arsenal striker could be a force to be reckoned with on Sunday… We know Aubameyang is capable of man-of-the-match displays, as he showed in the recent FA Cup win over Manchester City.

“We need to transmit this enthusiasm and passion. There’s going to be some ups and downs but it’s good sometimes to see the reality and improve.” – Mikel Arteta

It was their continually improving defence that secured the win for Aston Villa against Arsenal, although they did ride their luck as Eddie Nketiah (£4.3m) struck the inside the post late on. 

Villa have now kept two clean sheets in the last three matches, each one leading to a massive three points for the team. Without the changes Smith made at the back, they would not be in the position they are ahead of the final weekend of the season. 

And now that goal difference is set to play such a key factor in the Premier League relegation battle, the Villans could play conservatively, opting to utilise the pace and guile of Jack Grealish (£5.9m) on the counter-attack as they did on Tuesday evening.

“We have to make sure we win at West Ham. We knew we had to show a lot of courage and work rate. It was a real team performance today. We defended the box very well, I don’t remember Pepe Reina making a save. The players all grew in stature tonight. Jack had his best game since the restart, Ezri has gone onto another level. It was a real team performance and it had to be.” – Dean Smith

If Villa were to execute their Gameweek 37+ gameplan at West Ham on Sunday, it could make life harder for assets such as Michail Antonio (£7.1m) and Jarrod Bowen (£6.4m), who have been in decent form of late.

However, relying on Villa for goals themselves might not be the smartest move for Fantasy managers in Gameweek 38+. After all, they have scored more than one goal just once since the return of Premier League football.

As much as Smith’s men managed the win over Arsenal well, there were few moments of real danger posed by their attackers.

Trézéguet‘s (£5.2m) winning goal was a stunning effort although it might be hard to replicate at the London Stadium.

Outside of that strike, Villa and their Arsenal counterparts were mostly feeding on scraps.

The home side came closest to pressing home their advantage in the 74th minute when Grealish went on a powerful counter-attacking drive. His pass into substitute Keinan Davis (£4.3m) was perfectly weighted to allow the striker to get one-on-one with Emi Martínez (£4.4m), only to pull his effort wide of the far post.

John McGinn (£5.2m) then had a powerful shot saved in the 77th minute, the Arsenal goalkeeper able to stand up to the effort.

Aston Villa XI (4-3-3): Reina; Targett, Mings, Konsa, Elmohamady (Guilbert 25′); Hourihane (Nakamba 73′), D Luiz, McGinn (Lansbury 90+3′); Grealish, Samatta (Davis 72′), Trézéguet.

Arsenal XI (3-4-3): Martínez; Kolasinac, D Luiz (Pépé 60′), Holding; Saka (Tierney 60′), Torreira (Xhaka 46′), Ceballos, Cédric (Willock 79′); Aubameyang, Lacazette, Nketiah.

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FPL Lessons Learned From Gameweek 37+

1,622 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pachi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What about this FH?

    Martinez (stekelenburg)
    Tta / pieters / bardsley / diop (branthwaite)
    Sterling / salah / d.silva / son / mahrez
    Kane (nkeitah / connolly)

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think 3-5-2 is the way to go.

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

      You could play 4 at the back this week I think - TAA to Robertson and upgrade Diop to Aurier?

  2. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which from:

    A) Vardy (MAN)
    B) Pulisic (WOL)
    C) Mahrez (NOR) -4

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C

    3. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Got to be C imo.

      Quite likely there'll be double-digit hauls for several City players against Norwich.

  3. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any ideas for improvement here. 2ft 2.7m Itb. Im 2nd in mini league and leader has Ings Salah Kdb Jesus Antonio. Im thinking of doing Salah and Hayden > Sterling and D.Silva ? Thoughts? I'll TC Sterling too.

    Pope Button
    TAA Doherty Aurier Lascelles Kiko
    KDB Salah Fernandes Hayden Guendouzi
    Rashford Jiminez Greenwood..

    1. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Might as well if you’re trying to get ahead

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      TC Sterling is the play. Those transfers look super easy to me.

    3. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      100%

  4. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH Draft 2, Any suggestions welcome.

    Pope
    TAA Tark Aurier
    Salah Sterling KDB Bruno Dilva
    Kane Greenwood

    Norris Nketiah Thomas Williams

    1.3m to spare.

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I like Mane for the last week over KDB. Other than that, it's very good. Jealous of all these free hit teams.

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        thx will consider...but am pretty bullish on KDB working some magic alongside his partner in crime Dilva to send him off

    2. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Tark to Pieters, Greenwood to Wood.

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        had considered this strongly but thinking is that Tark is a much stronger pick than Pieters, and Lei def has been kak that expecting Man U to rip them up and Greenwood a good chance of being involved in that. Had Wood but a bit uninspiring.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Looks damn good to me. Think I'd hold.

          1. Nabs Kebabs
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Thanks! Any suggestion on how to utilise the spare 1.3m?

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Keep it. Plenty should have spare cash with the likes of Greenwood, Foden, Burnley defenders in our squads.

    3. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If I get Wood instead of Greenwood, have 5.1m to replace Tark.

  5. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Only way of getting Sterling is to bin off Salah for a hit. I got Salah in for a hit this week (for Foden) so it's looking like I'm gonna be considerably down on that transfer. Stick or twist?

    1. Ninjaa
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think I'm going Salah > Sterling, for free though

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ideally Salah bags 5 or 6 goals tonight and picks up a little niggle and is ruled out of Newcastle game to make the hit easier.

  6. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    You can't have them all, but who are your premium must have players going into 38?

    A) Salah
    B) KDB
    C) Sterling
    D) Aubameyang
    E) Kane
    F) Bruno
    G) Martial
    H) Vardy

    Currently in my FH team I have A, B, C, D, E and G.

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Replace Vardy with Ings and you can have all. But

    2. HNI
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      But I think I will go with all except D as Auba was ok vs AVL and next is Watford who will be fighting for life

    3. FPLord
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C, A, I (Mane), E, D, B, G, F, H

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

      C, E, A

    5. Whiskerz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A C D E possibly G

  7. JollyGoodYellows
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    First to 3:

    A) Creswell + Martial + Jesus
    B) Aurier + KDB + Ings

    1. dontyouknowimloko
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Steiger
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yep, A

  8. YoungPretender
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    1.1m left ITB on this FH team, any suggestions?

    Martinez
    Pieters Bardsley Aurier
    Salah Sterling Mahrez Dilva Antonio
    Kane Ings

    Martin Nketiah KWP Thomas

    1. Muller Reus Corner
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Aurier and KWP to VVD and Lamptey?

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

        Thanks!

      2. George Agdgdgwngo
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yes. I like the Lamptey pick

  9. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A. Rashford & Aurier

    B. Ings & Taa

    1. Martial Matas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Steiger
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

  10. Muller Reus Corner
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I have a midfield of: Mane, KDB, Bruno, Pulisic and Antonio, and have my TC and really want Sterling and Mane. Should I get rid of Bruno and Pulisic for Steerling and fodder?

    1. Puncheon Guly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Depends who will start in place of fodder, how much the move is costing and what's happening in mini leagues.

      1. Muller Reus Corner
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        It’s for a -4 hit and no mini leagues, but do want to get into top 10k

  11. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which back 4 would you prefer on a FH

    A:
    Martinez
    TAA Pieters Long

    B:
    Pope
    Aurier Pieters Mendy

    As much as i love TAA, tempted with B as i think watford will be motivated score against arsenal; i like Mendy as a 3rd city player (alongside raz/dilva)

    1. Muller Reus Corner
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Probably B

  12. anish10
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Do we think Foden plays the last game?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Seems to start 1 in 2 and played the full game last night so probably not, but he was really good and it’s Norwich at home in a dead rubber so who knows! I think I’m gonna look to sell him and get Silva in.

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

  13. Danno - Emre Canada
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would you rather have Rashford or Kane this weekend and what if it was part of a -4

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Kane, maybe not for a hit though.

    2. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      both are good options so it depends on the rest of your team

  14. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hoping for your help guys! Gonna be end up being pretty and neck and neck with my rival in ML for £500 this week.

    He currently has KdB, Martial, Bruno, Pullisic, Foden, Jimi, Ings and Rash.
    I currently have Sterling, Martial, Bruno, Pullisic, Foden, Vardy, Jesus, Greenwood.

    He has 2 FTs and I have 1FT

    Best move this week for me? Thinking Vardy and Foden to Kane and Dilva for a -4?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good.

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good. I'd do that if I had the money. I have to settle for Ings + Dilva or Kane + Foden.

    3. Martial Matas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yep, good moves

  15. CostaCoffee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Will Auba start this weekend?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I would think so, already had a rest and decent breaks between games now, Arteta will want him in rhythm n all that.

  16. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Expected # points from Mane this evening?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I’m predicting a 1-1 draw so somewhere between 2 and 10.

    2. CostaCoffee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      2

  17. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best option on FH?

    A. Robertson Salah Ings
    B. Gomez Mane Jesus

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A.

  18. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    This might be one of the most satisfying weeks of FPL I've had. I almost never make captain punts but because I'm chasing decided to roll the dice on Sterling and was hugely rewarded.

    74 points with 4 to play. Up from 54K > 23K and shot up from 8th in my ML to 1st! The only very minor rough is that I have 16 points sitting on my bench that I was thinking about BB'ing but decided against.

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nice

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Quality. Opposite for me, I've been completely detailed. 13(!) points so far. 46k > 86k and noone differential left to play.

    3. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Great work - well done.

      I personally bottled it with captaincy and just got 17 points from Sterling this week.

    4. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Love how 54k is chasing!

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I don't care about OR. Just the mini league and it's stupidly tight at the top. I'm probably not gonna be leading at the end of the week either. Lots of rivals with MUN (C)s coming in.

    5. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Agree, did the same. 64 with 7 to come.

  19. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I can do KDB and Bruno to Silva and Sterling for minus 4, is it worth it?

    Wouldn't still have Martial and Greenwood as United cover.

  20. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    1 FT

    1. Doherty to Robbo
    2. Jesus to Kane

    Patricio
    TAA Dunk Aurier Doherty
    Salah Sterling Dilva Martial Fernandes Jesus

    Bench Greenwood

  21. Kurt Cobain
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Were we can expect early team news for GW 38+?

  22. eamonhegg
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Lad thoughts on this Final FH team!

    Extremely forward heavey but goals galore on the final day.

    Martinez
    Pieter / Lampety / Branthwaite / Thomas / Johnson
    Stirling / Mane / D Silva / Son / Fernandez
    Kane / Auba / Greenwood

    1. Muller Reus Corner
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jesus over Aubu and upgrade some of your defence?

  23. dontyouknowimloko
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I need some help with this FH team please. Really tight in all my cash leagues so need a solid performance

    Pope (button)
    TAA, Cresswell, Pieters, (5.2, Williams)
    Salah, Sterling, Bruno, Dilva (Guendo)
    Kane, Jesus, Ings

    Any changes required? Which defender up to 5.2?

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Your team value must be amazing

      Aurier as the 5.2 defender.

      I’m not a fan of Cresswell. I’d prefer Aurier or Tarkowski as the 3rd defender

      Other consideration is Jesus vs Mahrez. If you went Mahrez, could you upgrade Cresswell to Robbo?

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Creswell > Aurier

      1. dontyouknowimloko
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers guys, had to log out but appreciate your feedback. TV is 106.2 I think - build it up over the season but it costs me points.

  24. Geriatric Unathletic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who to keep Vardy or Rashford? One has to go to accommodate Aubamyang.

    Transfers for a -12
    Willian - Son
    Fernandes - Sterling
    KDB - D Siva

    Pope
    Tark, TAA, Sais - Fernandez, Holgate
    Son, Sterling, D Silva, Martial, - Foden
    Vardy, Aubamyang, Ings

    Any other suggestions welcome? top of money league but second has his Free Hit to play and probably chasing 30 points by end of today.

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Don't get Auba imo. Arsenal focused on cup.

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

      If you've got a 30 point lead the last thing you need to do is take a -12 hit! Get your captain right and you'll be very unlucky to lose a 30 point lead.

  25. DAVESAVES
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    TAA Auirer Egan
    Salah Bruno KDB Mahrez
    Rashford Vardy Greenwood

    Button Saiss Hayden* Robinson

    A. Vardy > Jesus
    B.Hayden & Vardy > Dilva & Ings/Wood -4

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

    Morning everyone. Who is the best striker option for GW38 for 10m and under ( not Jesus ) ???

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The only options as striker are:

      Auba, kane, Jesus, Rashford, Greenwood, Ings, Wood really

      Lacazette if you are feeling crazy

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

        Would you get rid of Jesus to bring in D Silva ?? i have 2 x FT

  27. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is Kane a better pick than Auba seeing as Watford are playing for their lives and Palace on the beach or are Watford just awful and in line for a pumping at the Emirates?

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      That’s what everyone will now be saying yes. Particularly as Kane hauled and Auba blanked this week.

      I’ll be going Kane but would t surprise me if Auba got a huge score

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Could go either way really, Watford are awful.

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

      Kane is definitely a better pick imo.

      Spurs still scrapping for a top 6 spot. Palace on the beach off the back of a 6 game losing streak. Kane looks back to his best with 4 goals in 2 games.

      Arsenal meanwhile have negative motivation. They want to remain uninjured for FA cup as a priority. Any sign of fatigue or injury and all their best players are getting taken off. Auba also fairly anonymous against Villa.

  28. Aaa
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any other ideas how I get Sterling into this bench boost team?

    Pope/Button
    Doherty/Azpi/Mendy/Pieters/Taylor
    Mane/KDB/Fernandes/Pulisic/Saint M
    Vardy/Rashford/Greenwood

    Taylor/Pulisic/Vardy -> Aurier/Sterling/Nketiah ?

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

      Yeah, those look like good moves to me.

  29. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    1 FT and 1.5 ITB. Still have BB but also interested in Dilva and a Jesus replacement. Martial away form not the best so could lose him?

    A Holgate > Pieters
    B Holgate & Martial > Dilva & Auba for a hit
    C Holgate & Martial > Dilva & Kane for a hit
    Other?

    Martinez
    Azpi / Boly / Tark
    KDB / Sterling / Bruno / Martial / Willian
    Jesus / Greenwood

    Patricio / Nketiah / Masina / Holgate

  30. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    On livefpl there is a template rating. What is that?

    Mine on 59%

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      How similar your team is to the top 10k template

    2. POLSKA GOLA
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      How much your team mirrors top 10k. 59% is fairly low, means you have quote a few dofferentials

    3. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Free hits confuse things this week though. That'll all change on Sunday.