Scout Notes

Which of Villa’s FPL assets impressed in their win over Vardy-less Leicester?

Leicester City 0-1 Aston Villa

  • Goals: Ross Barkley (£5.9m)
  • Assists: John McGinn (£5.5m)
  • Bonus: Barkley x3, Emiliano Martinez (£4.7m) x2, Tyrone Mings (£5.1m) x1, Matty Cash (£5.0m) x1

A 91st-minute winner from Ross Barkley (£5.9m) maintained Aston Villa’s perfect start to the season as Leicester lost at home for the second straight Gameweek.

The Chelsea loanee took John McGinn‘s (£5.5m) pass and drove towards the Foxes box before hitting a low shot past Kasper Schmeichel (£5.5m) into the bottom corner to make it four wins on the trot for Dean Smith’s side.

In a season of drama, controversy and so many goals, Sunday night’s encounter was of the old school – tight, cagey and, at times, rather dull.

But Villa’s win and Leicester’s woes ensured there was plenty of Fantasy interest.

Choices, Choices…

Last year’s main move by many in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) was a double-up on Liverpool defenders, with a third place in people’s squads for one of the Reds’ exalted front three.

Now, there’s a growing argument that a Villa triple-up is required.

Such is their strength at present, there are Fantasy contenders across the pitch.

Emiliano Martinez (£4.7m), who brought in save and bonus points on Sunday, is the leading FPL points scorer among goalkeepers, while Tyrone Mings (£5.1m) tops the defenders’ chart.

The team also has two midfielders – Jack Grealish (£7.2m) and McGinn – and striker Ollie Watkins (£6.0m) in their respective top tens.

Barkley, with 20 points overall, is close to joining that roll of honour, with 18 of those points having come from his two Villa games, both of which he’s scored in.

The key question is whether Villa’s form is sustainable.

Manager Smith is, as you’d expect, not getting carried away:

To come here, keep a clean sheet and play as well as we did is very pleasing. It’s important we keep our feet firmly on the ground and stay humble.

But with a fine fixture list all the way through to Boxing Day, the prospects of more of the same from Villa look very strong indeed.

McGinn The Groove

How to tap into all this is good stuff is tricky.

Grealish’s 24-point haul against Liverpool meant he went into the Leicester game with double the owners and his blank on Sunday hasn’t dampened managers’ enthusiasm – he’s again in the top five for transfers-in and his price has risen as a result.

The midfielder is all boom and bust so far. Other than his monster haul against Liverpool, he’s managed one eight-pointer and two blanks and he didn’t have a single shot at the King Power Stadium.

In fact, he had a poor game by his standards, with too many wrong choices made in the final third, mostly involving him holding on to the ball for far too long.

But his overall stats for the season – 14 chances created and nine attempts – are strong enough to ensure his 21% ownership will only rise at present.

The same cannot be said of Sunday’s assister, McGinn.

Five Villa players are currently in the top 30 for Gameweek 6 purchases. The 1.5%-owned McGinn is not one of them.

And yet the midfielder has been very consistent, with three straight returns, two of which were for double-digit hauls.

He now has a goal and four assists to his name this season and only Harry Kane (£10.7m) has set up more goals (seven).

Grealish is catching the eye and hoovering up the managers. McGinn remains the differential and currently frees up £1.7m in funds as well.

As for match-winner Barkley, Smith was generous with his praise:

We have seen Ross Barkley do that enough times for Everton and Chelsea so we are pleased he did it for us. It was touch and go whether he started. He had a knock to the knee, but a great goal and a real battling performance by the whole team.

But the midfielder’s previous record of burning brightly and then producing very little has clearly scarred FPL managers as he’s barely out-performing McGinn for purchases at present.

Pick A Defender, Any Defender

As well as being the leading FPL goalkeeper in terms of points, Martinez is also the most popular, with 21.6% ownership (and rising).

But you have to scroll a long way down the defenders list to find Villa names, with Mings (6.7%) and Ezri Konsa (£4.6m and 6.1%) the first to appear, even though the team has kept a league-leading three clean sheets.

The pair also lead the way among Villa’s backline for points – 30 and 28 respectively – with Matty Cash (18 points) and Matt Targett (£4.5m and 17pts) yet to produce attacking returns.

Targett, however, had two shots against the Foxes – no Villa player had more – while Cash has created four chances this season.

In terms of attacking points, the full-backs’ time will come, you feel, and Targett’s price tag could be a key factor for many.

No Vardy, No Party

Leicester out-shot their visitors 11-10, but barely stretched Martinez, a Youri Tielemans (£6.4m) effort the toughest of the five saves he had to make.

Much of the reason for that was down to the absence, with a calf injury, of striker Jamie Vardy (£10.1m).

Leicester started the season by scoring 12 goals in their first three matches, with five of them coming from the forward.

A deep-lying West Ham foiled the Foxes in Gameweek 4, but with no Vardy on Sunday, Villa could keep a higher line and not worry about being hurt in behind by Leicester’s other strikers, Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.7m) and Islam Slimani (£5.0m), who managed just two shots between them.

Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers delivered the latest news on Vardy post-match.

Jamie will probably miss Thursday (Europa League). It’s a recurrence of a problem he’s had for a number of years with his calves. This isn’t serious, so we’re hopeful he’ll be ready for the next league game.

That will be music to the ears of his 22.5% ownership, although a trip to a defensively-improved Arsenal next week is not the fixture for forwards it was last season.

Leicester’s squad is fairly strong, which is just as well with a growing injury list for Rodgers to manage, but they are not the same threat without Vardy to lead the line and stretch defences.

Fofana Impresses

.

Another key man out injured, the 7.5%-owned Caglar Soyuncu (£5.5m), will not be returning any time soon, as Rodgers confirmed:

Caglar is more serious. The muscle has come right off the bone so he could be three months out.

His absence meant a debut for £32m Saint-Etienne signing Wesley Fofana (£5.0m), and the teenager was, generally, immaculate.

Rodgers was certainly a happy manager:

He was outstanding. Supporters will have great joy watching him. He’s got huge potential and he’ll be a big player for our future.

So while Vardy was sorely missed, Fofana ensured Soyuncu’s absence was fully covered – a welcome piece of news for the 20%+ of FPL managers hoping for future clean sheets from full-backs Timothy Castagne (£5.8m) and James Justin (£4.8m).


Leicester City XI (4-5-1): Schmeichel; Justin, Evans, Fofana, Castagne; Tielemans, Mendy (Choudhury 78′), Praet (Maddison 68′), Perez, Barnes, Iheanacho (Slimani 71′).

Aston Villa XI (4-5-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn, Trezeguet (Traore 81′), Barkley, Grealish; Watkins.

PREMIUM MEMBERS ANALYSIS

LESSONS LEARNED FROM FPL GAMEWEEK 5

2,009 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    So, after tonight's matches.. Would you do:

    Trent & Jimmy > Kane & Chilwell?

    Already own Son but scared of not owning Kane & Trent not looking great atm particularly with VVD & Allison out. Thoughts?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No

      1. Kodap
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Wait at least another week? I really want Kane, scary not owning him but also don't want to not own Trent/Jimmy against reespective next matches!

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I'm giving it another week. TAA & Jimenez can easily haul in their respective games.

        2. Scholes Out For Summer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          im waiting until next GW to get kane i think

    2. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Could backfire of course, but long term I think it looks good

    3. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No

    4. Villan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I like the moves.

      Kane more attacking than Jimmy. Will get price rises too.

      L'pool defence overpriced now no Alisson and VVD imo

  2. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    81 all out. Could have been even better if that Saiss goal hadn’t been disallowed but I’ll take it.

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

      I died a little inside when that got disallowed

      1. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Me too

    2. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’m on 90 but with Saiss and podence, that goal cost me 101.

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

    Do anyone else get wrong total score and league positions on livefpl?

    1. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Can you describe the issue more? (developer of livefpl here) Thanks!

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It’s sorted now

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

    So is Kilman nailed now? Could swap VVD for him

    1. pablo discobar
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No

    2. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No he is not

  5. HippY
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Front seven contribution

    3 Assists
    7 Goals

    Clean sheets since GW1...

    2

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      100 points?

      1. HippY
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        90! Proper chuffed, from rank 1mil to top 20k after 2 great weeks

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

      Yeh all got a return from me apart from Reece James. 103 points if bonus is correct tonight...after a terrible first week from my wc

  6. Saka Punch
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who would you take out for Kane:

    A) Ings

    B) Jimmi

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      My exact conundrum! Going to go B I think

      1. Saka Punch
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Leaning towards that myself - southampton look more attacking

    3. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B for me

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

      It's hard. Neither of them looks particularly good value. Jimmy better fixtures

  7. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Looks like Rodriguez will drop in price tonight

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      ?

      1. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Burnley fun

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jay?

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yay Jay.

    3. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jay

  8. LC1
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Another horrid week!

    Any suggestions are much appreciated;

    Martinez
    James TAA Saiss Mitchell Castagne
    KDB Salah Podence Son (4.5)
    Mitrovic Jimenez DCL

    Need to get rid of Mitrovic, Jiminez, KDB, James and Podence lol.

    Will probably do Jimenez and KDB to Kane and Grealish/JRod tonight and Jame sand Podence out for a hit next GW?

    Cheers!

  9. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any chance of Raul max?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Doubt it

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

      Raul will end on 2.

    3. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Winning goal maybe maybe

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

    Final Baps in the Wolves game?

  11. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Huge green arrow from 3m to 1m from Saturday. Son (c), Kane, Jimmy, Saiss, cheers lads!

  12. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Plays shite all game, scores a lucky goal then avoids an obvious red card lmao you can't make it up

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

      Sadio Mane against Arsenal a few weeks ago ^

  13. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    600k rank jump today.. thanks to taylor,saiss and jimmy 😀

  14. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Jimi > DCL for free? I have 2 FTs (FanTeam)

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

    Kilman 3
    Jimenez 2
    Saiss 1

    Final bonus

    1. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nice. Thanks

    2. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bit early still tbc

  16. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Adams or Wilson out for Kane? Is it worth also selling Davies for -4? Lamptey/Reguilon are options
    Mccarthy
    TAA - Justin - Davies - Douglas - Bernardo
    Salah - Son - Bruno - Podence - Bissuma
    DCL - Adams - Wilson

    1FT/4.7itb

  17. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Adams > Kane (FT) tonight before the price rise? Worth waiting til Friday?

    1. Reggie Nainggolan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Do it now

      Kand will be rested on Europa duties imo. Should be ready to start on the weekend

      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        thats a good point about a kane rest

  18. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Have Martinez.
    Double up on Villa defence with Targett or get a Leeds defender?

    Will need to start the defender every week

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

      I am doing Martinez and Konsa

  19. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bonus after updates

    Kilman 3
    Jimi 2
    Saiss 1

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

      Dial up

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers mate thanks for posting it

  20. Futureform
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Replace Bamford with?

    A - Kane (have Son already)
    B - Werner

    Thinking Kane. Pens. Always getting numbers.

    1. Reggie Nainggolan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Kane all day

  21. Reggie Nainggolan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to buy?

    A) James Rodriguez
    B) Grealish or McGinn/Barkley?
    C) Zaha

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

      A

    2. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  22. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Can't get my head around how Jimenez scoring a goal of that nature is the difference between keeping and selling for some owners.

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Kinda funny

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

      I was keeping anyways. No choice when FT has to be spent on VVD

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm keeping because of Newcastle

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

      Agreed

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

      Well that's the same with Werner being given the second penalty against Palace instead of Jorginho. He would have had about 10% more ownership if that happened.

      Wolves aren't in Europe and Jimenez can score against anyone so there's no point getting rid really. He could get 200 points again.

    6. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      For me I’ll be removing Brewster or Jimenez for Kane.

      KDB > Cheapie if it’s Brewster and go 3-4-3
      > 9.4 if Jimenez and 3-5-2

    7. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It wasn't enough for me. That was a lucky deflected goal. Wolves are not gonna pump a bunch past Newcastle and Palace the way they're playing. I needed double digits and a comprehensive Wolves masterclass to consider keeping him and I didn't get that.

      Kane can get 20 points next week.

  23. nibby
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Willian > Mane(C) obvious transfer right? Rest of the team looks good?

    Pickford
    Digne Saiss Lamptey
    Son Bruno Willian Barnes
    Jimi DCL Watkins

    Subs: Podence RJames Dallas

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah if possible, Mane good otherwise

  24. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Jimi owners keeping? or ditching for Kane?

    1. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Can’t get Kane for free. NEW is an ok fixture so plan to move him on after that.

    2. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Can go to Kane on a free so no brainer

    3. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keeping

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Just sold Jimi for Kane. Nice little FT.

  25. Netters2018
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Barkley and Kane
    Or
    B) Grealish and Werner

    1. Reggie Nainggolan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  26. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Have I made an error going for Semedo over Saiss?

    1. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Based on price, probably

  27. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    90 pts all out. Season on the up!

  28. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Can't get past 3 mill. Team isn't bad just not very template.
    Would you
    A) wc to template team
    B) play safe - Jimmy to Kane
    C) try something different - sterling to mane, Jimmy to kun

  29. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A. Podence to Grealish for -4
    B. Jimenez to Kane for -4

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      a

  30. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Big win for Wolves and 91 points in fpl!