Dugout Discussion

Still no Barkley or Konsa for Villa as Allardyce era gets underway at West Brom

Sam Allardyce takes charge of West Bromwich Albion for the first time this evening.

The Baggies take on Aston Villa in the last of four Premier League matches to take place on Sunday, with kick-off in the Black Country at 19:15 GMT.

The former Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and England head coach has succeeded Slaven Bilic in the hot seat the Hawthorns, with the Croat losing his job following Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at the Etihad.

The impressive showing against Manchester City and limited time with his new charges has persuaded Allardyce to name an unchanged side from Gameweek 13.

As for the visitors, Dean Smith welcomes back two players from suspension today – and both return straight to the starting XI.

Douglas Luiz (£5.0m) and Matty Cash (£5.0m) are newly available after one-match bans and replace Marvelous Nakamba (£4.3m) and Ahmed Elmohamady (£4.3m) in central midfield and at right-back respectively.

There is still no Ross Barkley (£5.9m) for the Villans, as the loanee nears a return from a hamstring injury.

The ill Ezri Konsa (£4.8m) also isn’t part of the 18-man matchday squad.

FPL’s most popular goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez (£4.9m), starts between the posts and will be hoping to continue his fine form on the road.

The Villa custodian has registered clean sheets in four of his side’s five away fixtures this season, averaging 6.6 points per match on his travels.

Jack Grealish (£7.8m) is the most-owned player on show: he sits in 43.2% of Fantasy squads at present, with only Son Heung-min (£9.7m) proving to be a more in-demand purchase among midfielders.

Not one of Albion’s players is owned by more than 2% of FPL managers.


West Bromwich Albion XI: Johnstone, Furlong, Ajayi, O’Shea, Gibbs, Phillips, Sawyers, Livermore, Gallagher, Diangana, Grant.

Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Hause, Mings, Targett, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Traore, Grealish, El Ghazi, Watkins.

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1,454 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    You can even see him forcefully extend his lower leg to hit Grealish on purpose. Moronic

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yep very stupid clear red

  2. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish the biggest waste of space since Ziyech

    1. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Cue Grealish brace against 10 men

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

      Oh shut it, when he scores in the second half you gonna celebrate here like a kiddo

  3. On The Up
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Worst thing about it was the fact it was a WBA foul

  4. Bennyboy1907
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Initial transfer thoughts? 2FT’s 0.4ITB

    Martinez
    Robbo*, Chillwell*, Coufal* (Dallas*, Mitchell)
    KDB, Bruno*, Grealish, Salah* (Bissouma)
    Watkins, DCL, Bamford*

    *= DGW players

  5. TomSaints
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    It’s another clean sheet for Martinez... punishing me so badly for selling

  6. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Selling Martinez when that game was called off has been a massive error for me.

    1. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yep, made the same error. Should have been a season keeper

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I kept snd its been irritating not having a 4.0 keeper

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

      For everyone my friend for everyone

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

    These WBA lads are useless and pathetic

  8. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Its a disgrace how much Grealish is kicked around every week.

    Hopefully he can punish 10 man West Brom.

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      It's amazing how he stays on his feet.

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

      54 fouls commited on him this season before this game. Next on the list 35 or something...

      1. Lazaretti
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        And thats one reason he gets lot of bps. One reason to keep him.

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

          You dont get baps for being fouled

    3. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He makes a meal of it most of the time. (Grealish owner)

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

      If he could stand up in a breeze you’d have a point. Livermore won the ball .. definite yellow card as you can’t come in like that.

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

    Bit harsh imo. Looks to be another one of those protect the golden boys of English football.

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not harsh, stupid uneccessary out of control etc

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

        It was completely in control and purposefully malicious.

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

          To win the ball. Crazy.

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

            Watch it again. After the ball is out of reach he extends his lower leg needlessly into Grealish' shin with intent.

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

              He was targeting Grealish from the start.

        2. WVA
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Yes agree but in the air out of control

    2. Dennis System
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Ok then

    3. BIG TONES
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      High, late, followed through, stood over him afterwards. Lol defo foul play

    4. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      *non-Grealish owner

    5. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Whatever about having an opinion of whether it’s a foul or not, everyone is entitled to that, if you seriously think the refs decided it was red because of who was fouled that’s just ludicrous

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

    red given and rightly so

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

    No martinez haul now at least this week

  12. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    You think if West Brom are gonna get relegated, Sam will quit before it's official so he can keep claiming he hasn't been relegated

    1. BIG TONES
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think he will get some players in January and galvanize the team to play defensively. Big Sam always keeps teams up

  13. Begbie.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    The people saying it's harsh or that he got the ball are trolling, right?

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

      He did win the ball. Can’t come in with a hook like that though, definite yellow.

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Must be

  14. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Big Sam off to a flying start lol, got enough time to be fired and take the reigns at Arsenal after all

    1. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes not really getting that new manager bounce feeling, are we

  15. HonestBlatter
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish (C) could you do something FPL wise also?

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

      Don't hold your breath

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

      Rooting for you.

    3. BIG TONES
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      That was brave. You might get a goal

  16. Don Van Vliet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Correct decision.
    Livermore loves a red.

  17. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    James + KDB + Watkins to Robbo + Raphinha + Kane for a -4:
    a) Yes
    b) No

    1. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      perhaps yes but with a hit and kdb against Newcastle could backfire

  18. tisza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    One podcast (scout or black box) predicted big Sam using Livermore as a hatchet man on Grealish

    1. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Interesting. He certainly leaned into the role for a bit there

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Shock, poor from big Sam, don't really like him

  19. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Reece James does not require knee surgery but the Chelsea defender is expected to be rested on Monday night with Azpilicueta starting at right-back.

    Possibly out for 2 GWs

    https://twitter.com/bendinnery/status/1340729800311369730?s=21

    https://theathletic.com/news/chelsea-reece-james-injury-latest/OZDjI2h8VbcS

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

      Good news. Can bench and keep him for dgw19

      1. Blzbobuk
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        “Chelsea are now planning to rest him for a few games as a result, rather than James going under the knife.“ that could be 3-4 gameweeks

    2. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Thank goodness. I was expecting a benching against west ham anyways. Taylor coming in

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

    Gonna even it up 10 Vs 10

  21. afs2239
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mids
    Torres Mount Grealish Son KDB

    Forwards
    Bamford Adams Vardy

    how to get fernandes and Salah

    1. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      KDB and Jackie boy

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

      Make a new account and add them to the squad

  22. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Allardyce strategy unchanged even with 1 less player

  23. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I admit to not watching a lot of Villa, but if this is going to be the team/formation, I don't know how long I am going to hang on to Grealish.

    I'm a bit behind on the game, so maybe things have changed, but is this an anomaly for him? Doesn't seem terribly attacking or involved as Traore or El Ghazi.

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

      He seems like a team player - very unselfish. Not good for FPL prospects.

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Oh, for sure, and fair play to him. I heard about him handing over the penalty to El Ghazi. But, you're right, not great for FPL points.

    2. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He’s in the Barkley spot at the moment - sitting deeper than when he’s wide. And I agree.

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Ah. Didn't consider his positioning in the absence of Barkley. I've considered dropping Grealish in favor of Son, but someone did mention to see how things change with Barkley back.

    3. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm getting rid after Palace next week as part of plan to get kane

    4. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He's gone for me after this week. Rafinha or Maddison coming in

  24. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Swear if Watkins can nab a goal against WBA with 10 men

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

      If he gets an open goal from 2 yards you’re golden

  25. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Selling Vardy and Targett for Kane and Lewis has been my worst transfer ever. It resulted to C Kane instead off C Bruno and now I have only two defenders (not Targett).

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

    Not quite sure what to do. RJames to Bednarek or Grealish to JWP? Any other thoughts? Will FH18 & TC19

    2ft, 0.0itb

    McCarthy
    James* Robbo Dallas
    Salah KdB Bruno Grealish* Soucek
    DCL Bamford

    Button Targett Balbuena fodderman

  27. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is there even any good Grealish replacements?

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

      Zaha is a good player.

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Struggling ... Maddison?

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

      Mount maybe? Rafinha? Bowen? Pulisic if you have a little extra cash?

    4. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      McTominay

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

      Soucek and spend the cash elsewhere or knee jerk mctominay.

  28. sfsfsfe
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    online way for me to get Bruno is either downgrading robbo and take a hit, take out salah or take out kdb. my team is quite the shitshow this season

  29. 2999 - Lady of Legend
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Surely Grealish and Watkins can do something now?!

    1. Blzbobuk
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Fingers crossed but confidence is low...

  30. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Watkins is Joselu in disguise.