Scout Notes

The Ings injury latest after Grealish and Ward-Prowse underscore FPL credentials

ASTON VILLA 3-4 SOUTHAMPTON

  • Goals: Tyrone Mings (£5.2m), Ollie Watkins (£6.0m), Jack Grealish (£7.3m) | Jannik Vestergaard (£4.6m), James Ward-Prowse (£5.8m) x2, Danny Ings (£8.5m)
  • Assists: Grealish x2, Douglas Luiz (£4.9m) | Ward-Prowse, Theo Walcott (£5.8m), Che Adams (£5.8m), Stuart Armstrong (£5.5m)
  • Bonus: Ward-Prowse x3, Grealish x2, Ings x1

A late injury to Danny Ings (£8.5m) accompanied a seven-goal thriller at Villa Park, where the hosts’ late comeback almost overhauled the first-half masterclass from birthday boy James Ward-Prowse (£5.8m).

The 26-year-old set-piece maestro supplied the cross for Jannik Vestergaard’s (£4.6m) opener before two beautifully executed strikes of his own gave Southampton a 3-0 half-time lead. Ings soon made it a 4-0 humbling, until Jack Grealish (£7.3m) delighted his high ownership with a late goal and two assists.

However, the late knee injury to in-form Ings might prove to be the biggest consequence of this Sunday lunchtime clash. In the 83rd minute, the striker went down holding a knee after his leg gave way. Treatment ensued, before the striker was replaced by Shane Long (£5.2m).

Ralph Hasenhuttl said of his in-form forward:

We know his history with his knees and hopefully, this is not too bad to be honest.

It didn’t look good. He overstretched his knee and this is always dangerous.

I hope it’s not too bad. But immediately he shouted ‘my knee!’.

Hopefully, this is not a bad injury. It’s not swollen or something at the moment, but we’ll have to look tomorrow and scan it.

INGS INJURY FEARS

Going into Gameweek 7, only a trio of strikers had amassed more points than Ings. Despite a pre-season price hike, he still provides a reliable option up front and, after notching 22 goals last season, scored his fifth of this campaign by receiving the ball from Stuart Armstrong (£5.5m) and curling a wonderful strike into the top corner past Emiliano Martinez (£4.8m).

Supplemented by the two assists he provided against Everton last weekend, Ings is consistently delivering attacking returns in a team capable of scoring in any match.

His FPL managers will be praying the injury isn’t as bad as first feared.

JWP’S BIRTHDAY PARTY

For a long time, it looked like Southampton would consign Aston Villa to another heavy home defeat following the 3-0 loss to Leeds that ended their 100% winning start. A reality check was on the horizon for Dean Smith’s side and the prospects of Grealish and Martinez started to look grim.

Ward-Prowse could have provided another assist, had the third-minute own goal of Ezri Konsa (£4.7m) not been ruled out for offside. But it wasn’t long until defender Vestergaard rose high to powerfully head home the opener – his second in three games.

Southampton’s captain has always been a steady scorer from midfield – grabbing five, seven, three and four goals in recent seasons – but never an enticing FPL asset. Yet his 33rd and 44th-minute free-kick goals add to his strike against Everton, putting him on two consecutive double-digit hauls.

He might even be back on penalties, should Ings be ruled out for an extended period of time.

“I went in at half-time thinking it was never a 3-0 game – let alone 4-0 when Danny Ings sticks one in the top corner. We found our rhythm in the second half but that’s what we should have had in the first half. Credit to them because they stopped us getting any rhythm.” – Dean Smith

Southampton may have won but Aston Villa had far more goal threat – their 10 attempts on target exceeded the visitors’ overall shots total.

CLEAN SHEET WIPEOUT

Before this seven-goal spectacular, both sides entered proceedings with good defensive records. Their three clean sheets apiece had only been topped by Wolves’ four – made even more impressive because Villa had played two fewer matches and three of Southampton’s had been in the four games that followed the 5-2 collapse against Tottenham Hotspur in Gameweek 2.

At 4-0, owners of Alex McCarthy (£4.5m) and Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.5m) would have been confident of collecting another shut-out. Yet Villa found life in the second half, forcing McCarthy into good saves from Trezeguet (£5.4m) and Grealish as momentum was growing.

The goalkeeper ended up with seven saves but couldn’t prevent Tyrone Mings (£5.2m) heading home a Grealish corner. That is Mings’ third attacking contribution of the season and he had another chance late on, making him a consideration if Villa return to defensive solidity during their upcoming games against Arsenal, Brighton, West Ham and Newcastle.

Behind him, Martinez is FPL’s highest-scoring and most-selected goalkeeper, boosted by his penalty save against Sheffield United. He wasn’t at fault for any goals here but made no saves either.

Grealish was impressive all match, even before the late goals. He had the most goal attempts and penalty area touches, as the above table shows.

GREALISH LIGHTNING

McCarthy seemed to ride out the storm with further saves from Trezeguet (£5.4m) and Douglas Luiz (£4.9m), as the match approached injury time. There, Grealish was fouled in the box and Ollie Watkins (£6.0m) scored the resulting penalty, before the new England international added his own strike minutes later.

It was too late to salvage a remarkable draw but will remind FPL managers that Grealish is his team’s talisman and the epicentre of their attacking play. Even during Villa’s first-half failures, he passed the eye test. Looking bright, Grealish was slipped in by Matt Targett (£4.5m) early on but the shot was deflected wide. He enjoys being the star player of his boyhood team and, in a time of rotation and pandemics, such security of starts is a big appeal.

It’s just a shame he wasn’t on all set pieces. Ross Barkley (£6.0m) provides an interesting cheaper route into the Villans’ midfield. With consistent minutes and free-kick duties, the loanee scored in wins over Leicester and Liverpool but couldn’t add to his tally this time.

There was discussion amongst the FPL community that Barkley might even be taking their penalties, although that doesn’t seem to be the case as he was still on the pitch when Watkins took his spot-kick.

“You cannot play better than what we have done in the first 60 minutes, and in the end, when you concede the first goal, then you start thinking a little bit and it’s normal. The legs are getting heavy and you are struggling, then it’s overtime with another six minutes and you concede the second one and are thinking ‘ooh, hopefully, we win this game.” – Ralph Hasenhuttl

CHEAP STRIKERS

The £33m signing from Brentford is also an interesting route to Aston Villa coverage. For those wanting to pack their midfield with a combination of premium assets, Watkins is a cheap striker with promising fixtures.

His hat-trick during the incredible 7-2 victory over Liverpool put him on people’s radars and, despite having a quiet game here, he still came away with points. If it is time to remove Aleksandar Mitrovic (£5.8m) or downgrade the likes of Raul Jimenez (£8.5m) and the injured Ings, he could be the one.

As could Che Adams (£5.8m). A potential dark horse heading into Gameweek 1 – following his four goals from the final six games of last season – the frustrating Adams had the underlying stats of a successful striker but hadn’t scored in the first four matches.

However, since his goals against Chelsea and Everton, Adams isn’t under-performing anymore. He even fluked an assist for Southampton’s third goal here, as his cross-field pass was bafflingly palmed away by Matty Cash (£5.0m). Ward-Prowse then scored the free kick.

Adams left the match with an assist despite having no shots on goal or touches in the penalty area, as his heatmap above illustrates. Perhaps this balances out the early Gameweeks of underachievement.

This was also the first time that Adams completed all 90 minutes, although he’d have likely had his weekly late substitution had it not been for Ings’ knock. His starts are set to continue, with a home match with Newcastle up next.

In a match of goals and injuries, both Bertrands were hurt – with Ryan (£5.0m) and Traore (£5.9m) picking up hamstring and muscle issues respectively. Jan Bednarek (£4.5m) was replaced at half-time after landing on his head during an aerial challenge.


Aston Villa XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash (El Mohamady 67′), Konsa, Mings, Targett; Douglas Luiz, McGinn; Traore (Trezeguet 29′), Barkley, Grealish; Watkins

Southampton XI (4-4-2): McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Vestergaard, Bednarek (Stephens 46′), Bertrand (Diallo 79′); Armstrong, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Walcott; Adams, Ings (Long 85′).

LESSONS LEARNED FROM FPL GAMEWEEK 7

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

971 Comments Post a Comment
  1. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Maupay - stick or twist? Price likely to fall tonight.

    A) Adams - will Ings injury impact too much?
    B) Antonio - is he still injured?
    C) Wilson/Bamford - too templatey?

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

      If he was starting vs Burnley I would keep personally and then look to move but it would be C out of those for me

  2. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Good to go this week?

    Martínez
    Chilwell Lamptey Cresswell
    Grealish Rashford Salah Son
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Steer Saïss Podence Mitchell

    1. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good to me.

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers Stu

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

      GTG

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers Tony

    3. cruzex
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      cap?

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Kane atm

  3. tc93
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    2FT, A B or C lads?

    A) Ings + Stephen’s —> Brewster + Ziyech/JRod (bench Brewster and move to 3-5-2)
    B) Ings + Trent —> Werner + chillwell
    C) other- suggestions?

    Team:
    Martinez
    TAA* / KWP / Lamptey
    Salah / Son / Zaha / Grealish
    Kane / DCL / Ings*

    Button, Taylor, Michell, Stephens*..

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

      Why trade Ings, when he may only miss 1 game?

      1. tc93
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        IMO he’s gonna be out for a while

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

          Optimistic... 3 weeks until the Wolves fixtures.

          1. tc93
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            What?

  4. St Pauli Walnuts
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    1FT and 4 players (Ings, Puli, Lamptey and Mitch) flagged plus Saiss. Ruddy hell, was hoping to ditch TAA this week.

  5. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC team?

    Martinez

    Chilwell Bellerin Lamptey Justin Kilman

    Salah Son Rashford Grealish Zaha

    Kane Wilson Brewster

    1. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I went Martinez on my WC two weeks ago and am now regretting it. Otherwise looking good.

    2. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Need to rejig your defense.

  6. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How does this sound?

    Puli to Ziyech
    and
    Maupay to C. Wilson

    Two free transfers.

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good moves

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

      If Maupay was starting vs Burnley I wouldn’t

      1. stu92
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        My concern is he drops in price before we find out reason for being left out last night...

  7. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A Stuart Dallas clean sheet tonight would be wonderful

    1. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A 1-0 Leeds win, with no goal involvement from Bamford, would be ideal.

  8. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A few issues beginning to mount up here, thoughts on what to do here with 1FT and 0.3 ITB

    Martinez
    Chilwell Justin Kilman
    Salah Son *Rodriguez Grealish
    Kane Jimenez *Ings

    Button Bissouma *Saiss *Ferguson

    A) Ings and Saiss to Werner and Coufal (-4)
    B) Rodriguez to Ziyech
    C) Ings to Antonio
    D) Saiss to Cresswell
    E) Other ideas welcome

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C

    2. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If Ings is to only miss the Newcastle fixture then I see no reason to trade.

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ings to Wilson?

  9. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Really hope Antonio is available at the weekend so I can do Maupay -> Antonio!

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm hoping for this too but it would be annoying if he is passed fit then aggravates the same injury and comes off early.

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I’m happy to keep Wilson, he was my placeholder, but will now hold

  10. tc93
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who’s on pens for Chelsea?

    1. NETFLIX & CHILWELL
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Jorginho or Werner.

      Jorginho has missed his last two though, so Werner will probably take them in future.

  11. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    GW 8 Team

    McCarthy* ¦
    TAA* Coady* Cresswell*
    Salah Son* Grealish Jorginho
    Kane* Werner Maupay*
    ¦ Taylor Justin* Bissouma*

    GW 9 WC Team

    Martinez ¦
    PvA Coufal Lamptey
    Salah KdB Rashford Grealish Jorginho
    Werner Richarlison
    ¦ Brewster Dallas Taylor

    Good enough reason to activate the WC?

    1. Tambling5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure it's much of an upgrade. Btw Taylor May drop soon, and Jorggy less nailed

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

        Who will replace Taylor & why?

        1. Tambling5
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Just suggesting may be worth moving him out sooner rather than later if you don't immediately wildcard.

  12. Slacker
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Zaha + Ings + 1.4 --> JWP + Kane?

    yay or nay?

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

      Nay

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

        wait on further news regarding Ings.
        no reason to trade Zaha either.

        1. Slacker
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Is Kane not a good enough reason 😛

          Anyway I just figured I can do Saiss to Kilman and do the same

  13. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Relieved for Danny Ings...

  14. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts?

    1FT, 1.1 ITB:

    Martinez, Peacock-Farrell

    TAA, Chilwell, Saiss, Lamptey, Mitchell

    Salah, Son, Rodriguez, Grealish, Alzate

    Kane, Calvert-Lewin, Bamford

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

    To you Saiss owners that are not getting rid this week. Are you going to start him next weekend?

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

      Yep him or Targett for me so risking it

    2. Pinturicchio10
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Have better options so no.

    3. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      2FTs and a whole lot of issues, as I'm sure a few people have. Foden, you take the risk and think I'll stick with ahead of the turn in fixtures.

      Martinez
      Lamptey* Trent James
      Barnes Salah Son Foden
      Ings** DCL Kane

      Steer Mitchell* Saiss* Burke*

      A) Saiss/Barnes -> Cancelo/Grealish
      B) Barnes/Ings -> Grealish/Wilson or Antonio
      C) Saiss/Ings -> Cancelo/ Wilson or Antonio
      D) All three for a -4
      E) Something else to sort the mess out

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

      This is turning out to be a very bad season.. That move I did with Wilson and Son out for Trossard and Vardy (-4) some weeks ago is coming to haunt me..

      What to do next?

      Ramsdale, Steer
      TAA, Webster, Taylor, Davies, KWP
      Salah, Son, Trossard, Soucek, Bissouma
      Kane, Jimenez, DCL

      2FT
      1.8 ITB

      1. JfA
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Ramsdale to Mcarthy for starters

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

      Thoughts?
      A)Bellerin + Martinez (or 4.5 gk)
      B)Creswell + Meslier (or other 4.5gk)
      C)Coufal + Mendy

      1. ElliotJHP
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        C

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

      Thoughts on these moves lads?

      Robertson Dunne Barnes > Chilwell James Grealish (-4)

      Martinez
      Chilwell James Lamptey
      Salah Sterling Son Grealish Soucek
      Kane DCL

      Forster Kilman Mitchell Brewster

      Cheers.

      1. ElliotJHP
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        As a James owner, I wouldn't be bringing him in.

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

          Why?

          More upside than Zouma (can afford him) imo and got enough to cover potential blanks

          1. ElliotJHP
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Other (nailed) options I prefer e.g. Bellerin

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

      TAA out of my team for the first time since early last season.

      Feels kind of scary!

    8. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Keep FT if Hamez is fit?

      1.6 ITB

      Martinez
      Robo/Reguilon/Chilwell
      Salah/Son/Hamez/Grealish
      Kane/DCL/Bamford

      Martin/Kilman/Mitchell/Stephens

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yes

    9. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If Ings is ruled out for this week and is expected to return next week, would you keep him?

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

        Yeah

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

        Yes, but I don't expect him to return anytime soon.. Also his price will double drop

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

          Scan came back and no damage to the knee. I think he could start next week.

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            The game is this Friday which feels a bit close... can't see it being worth the risk for them

          2. KGFC
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Where'd you get this news from? Reliable source?

      3. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Probably would yeah

      4. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thinking one week punt of Ings to Kane as he plays West Brom next otherwise i'd keep.

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

      Mendy
      Robbo chillwell lamptey
      Salah sterling son grealish ziyech
      Dcl Bamford

      Forster kilman Mitchell Brewster
      2ft 0itb I am happy with the team as it is. what transfer to make?

    11. fpork
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Plan for next 2 GW (Got 2 FT):
      GW 8: Robertson->Bellerin
      GW 9: Maupay, Zaha->Brewster, KDB

      Good moves?

      1. Mornar Bar
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Seems pretty good

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

        Don’t think these are really upgrades besides Kdb
        Fair enough if you like Arsenal defence.
        Brewster is cheap enabler but would rather spend 6-6.5m for higher ceiling

    12. Mornar Bar
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      2.8m ITB
      Martinez
      Robbo Chilwell Coufal
      Grealish Son Salah Zaha
      Bamford Jimi DCL
      Bench: Ryan Lamptey Mitchell Hendrick
      GW8: Jimi -> Kane
      Robbo to Zouma in GW9 gets me enough money for Son -> KDB in GW10, assuming Robbo doesn't drop until my move.
      What do you guys think of these moves, would you make any changes?

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

      52 points with dallas bamford to go..decent?

    14. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A) Ings>Martial (or anyone cheaper) and play TAA. (Mci)

      B) TAA> anyone cheaper and
      play Mitro. (Whu)

      Probably WC in week 9.

    15. 1zverGGadeM
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      What to do with this team, lads?
      Martinez Robbo Kilman Justin Mitchell Dunne Salah Sterling Podence Grealish Son Kane DCL Delap
      1ft,0.7itb

      Looks like Sterling > Zyech is the obvious transfer this gw for me, as I'm planning to get KDB once he hit his form back. Thoughts?

    16. UnitednationsXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Defence is a big worry esp if lamptey is out injured. 1FT and 0m itb.

      Martinez
      Taa (mci) Lamptey (injured?) James* -- Mitchell* Saiss*.....*rotation prone
      Salah Son Havertz(SHU) Barnes(WOL) -- Burke
      DCL Kane Watkins

      A: Save FT and hope for the best. 2FT's over intl break very handy
      B: Saiss >> Coufal
      C: James (if he starts midweek meaning benched for weekend) >> Coufal

    17. jose1
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Pickford owners. What a terrible pick... what are we doing? Does he need to go?

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Carlo said he is playing the United game