Dugout Discussion

Man United and Villa audition for Blanks and Doubles at Old Trafford

Fantasy Premier League managers will have eagle eyes on Old Trafford in Gameweek 17 as Manchester United and Aston Villa go under the microscope.

The two teams were recently confirmed as having three matches across Blank Gameweek 18 and Double Gameweek 19 – increasing interest in their key assets.

A large majority of the community are currently in possession of talismanic figures Bruno Fernandes (£11.2m) and Jack Grealish (£7.7m) but this is an opportunity to look beyond the obvious.

Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) features in what looks like a two-man strike-force in front of a midfield diamond, having scored more goals in the last four matches than Fernandes (four to three).

Anthony Martial (£8.7m) holds onto his centre-forward berth as Edinson Cavani (£7.8m) embarks on his three-game ban, although the Uruguayan will only miss one Premier League outing.

Eric Bailly (£4.9m) sits next to Harry Maguire (£5.4m) in defence once again, in light of Victor Lindelöf‘s (£4.8m) most recent injury while Luke Shaw (£4.8m) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.3m) are on the left and right of the back-four.

Fantasy managers are not short on alternative options at Villa either, not least because Anwar El Ghazi (£5.8m) has outscored Grealish by 42 points to 19 over the last four matches.

He features on the left-hand side of Dean Smith’s attacking midfield trio at Old Trafford, joined there by Grealish and Bertrand Traoré (£5.9m), who has three attacking returns since Gameweek 14.

There is still no Ross Barkley (£5.9m) in the matchday squad but the defence has reset to normal, with Tyrone Mings (£5.4m) coming straight back into the team following his Gameweek 16 suspension.

Manchester United XI: De Gea; Shaw, Maguire, Bailly, Wan-Bissaka; McTominay; Pogba, Fred; B Fernandes; Rashford, Martial.

Aston Villa XI: Martínez; Targett, Mings, Konsa, Cash; McGinn, D Luiz; El Ghazi, Grealish, B Traoré; Watkins.

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1,932 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Sou(C)ek an option now?

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

      Soucek > salah

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

      Soucek > KDB

      Buy yourself a proper CDM.

  2. M2.0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Has anyone ever had any luck playing their FH/WC early on in a gameweek then continuously swapping players throughout the week to try and take advantage of price rises?

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

      Everyone.

    2. moment
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes. Although with a Free Hit you lose any profits at the end of the week.

      If you're certain you're Free Hitting no reason not to do it now. Only issue this year is the risk of Covid upending things, but if the game week doesn't go ahead, hopefully they'd give us back the chip.

      1. djman102
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        They didn't last season when the league was suspended. Gameweeks went on as usual with transfer activity until the original GW38 ended.

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

      Won't really work as anyone who double rises this GW is probably someone you want in your team anyway

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

      Worth it unless they decide to have a break in two weeks from now.

  3. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Imagine if Watkins scored. I know ,I know but just imagine.

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

      Lmao. Love this comment

  4. Doctor Evil
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Come on (c)Bruno/Rashy!

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

    SoUcEk CaNt Be A FoUrTh Or FiFtH mId

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

      Has been my fourth since gw1

    2. KickIt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah, not too happy with Soucek and Cresswell on my bench at the moment. 🙁

    3. Bounce
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Lmao I posted the same thing below without even reading the comments first on this new article!

  6. Bram
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    So looking at Mark's bench I guess that confirms it's Cancelo and Dias have covid and the Burnley v Fulham game will be called off!

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

      Must be.

  7. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Soucek is such a tricky player. I always thought he was not as good to be a regular starter but too good (and pricey) to be a bench player so never had him. I assumed he would end up being Capoue 2.0 but he looks more likely to be a Ramsey/Yaya type.. Maybe it is time to change my thoughts on him.

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

      Hes a perfect 5th mid. Allowing 4 premium options, think of him like a gk or def tbh. For 5m, he basically gets a goal or "clean sheet" plus bonus once every 3 games roughly. Thats about what a 5m defender adds and they can be great value. Soucek is better though because he gets 9 or 10pts when he scores with bonus. So like Pope when he gets a clean sheet. Its never too late to get him, even at 6m he's a bargaib

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

        Even if he only hits a goal every six games and gets bonus, with apps and a dozen cleans it's still about 140.

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

          Yeah, which is incredible value for 5m

  8. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    How bad did the Fabianski injury look?

    I could really do with a 4.4m DGW GK!

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

      Looked like he felt something in his quad when he took a goal kick in warmup. Didn’t look that bad, but it is muscular so...probably not worth a risk of bringing him in

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

        But also not worth the risk of buying Randolph

  9. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I got 34 last game week and just noticed I have a Cup Opponent.

    I thought it was 37 to qualify?

    1. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      was it 34 with a hit i.e. 38-4 - hits don't count in qualification

      If you got 34 last gw your profile team link is wrong btw

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

      Where does it show your cup opponent? I scored more than that but don’t see one

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

    At least Coufal didn't fail.

  11. Steager
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is there any chance, Son, Salah, Rafinha, Bamford, Vardy do not play.

    can a midfielder come off the bench if one of your 3 defenders don't play?

    I WANT THOSE SOUCEK POINTS!

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

      What if all those players score a goal?

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

      No. You have to have at least three defenders, if only two of your defenders play, one of your zeros will count.

    3. Davros
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No

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

    How many player short am I from needing to play free hit?

    Or just play FH?

    Martínez
    Stones
    Grealish, Bruno, Son
    Kane, Watkins

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I have a similar team and dilemma. I could possibly get one more without ruining 19. It’s a bit risky with no city attacking assets but not sure it’s quite worth a fh, I’m still on the fence.

      Martinez
      Dias Mitchell*
      Bruno Son Grealish
      Kane DCL

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

        Yes I could but think only Zouma could be moved, have pretty sweet BB19 lined up.

    2. Arn De Gothia
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      i have one more, thinking of playing shorthanded

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

        Yes could do, save FH but still play BB19?

        1. Arn De Gothia
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          might BB 19 yes, possible -4 to field more DGW players, othervice maybe TC. Lets see what 2021 brings

  13. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Do we reckon balbuena has lost his place to Dawson now? Easy switch for dgw19 but missed out on last 2 clean sheets!

  14. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    First game of new year - straight away slap in the face my only GK getting injured in a warm up in an easy cs game.

    Fed up of this constant bad luck.

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Next year will be better.

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks.... 😉

  15. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Surely that Cresswell assist will get removed?
    It was a shot going wide and then took a deflection before getting to Soucek?

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

      Yeah there’s no way that’s an assist.

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

    I’m very happy with Cresswell points and kicking myself at last minute Wilson over Soucek decision.

    The mans a machine!

  17. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Ok. Soucek first on the bench, Coufal second. I love it.

    1. KickIt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I raise you by Soucek and Crewell

  18. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    17 points from 2, just a shame they both on the bench!

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

      You'll get them in the end.

      1. antis0cial
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Small chance of getting coufal points, no chance of getting Soucek points.

    2. Party time
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Lol. My man!! 😆

    3. Bounce
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      BuT bUt SoUcEk Is ToO cHeAp To Be A 4tH mIdFiElDeR

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

      I have this for GW18. Good enough?

      Martinez
      Dias Stones
      KDB Bruno Son Bissouma
      DCL

      1. Eh, just one more thing ...
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I would say no personally

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

          You plan on fielding 11?

      2. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Probably, who else would you want

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

          Kane/Rashford.

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

        I asked this above & got no answer?

        You have one more than me,

        Martínez
        Stones
        Grealish, Bruno, Son
        Kane, Watkins

        Think need more those with a full 11 & bench could do damage?

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

          I think having 8 players should do the trick. You have Kane/Son/Bruno. That is good. Maybe get 1 more player.

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

        Should outscore my overthought free hit team

      5. antis0cial
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I’d say yes!p, there’s only really Kane/Rashford/sterling that you could get in on a fh that could haul.

    5. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Starting the season with Soucek as an enabler is proving a masterstroke. What a touch.

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

        I didn’t start with him. This is my first week owning—enabled me to get Vardy in for DCL. So far so good.

    6. deshawn7
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      RJames to Saiss or Stones? No playing defender next week.. Would like to swap tonight as James is likely dropping value and both Saiss and Stones may rise. (Not sure if Stones is nailed and given City's covid situation.)

    7. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Ho lord. Both soucek and coufal on my bench ... oh woe is me.

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

      If you benched Soucek you dont deserve his points.

      Need Bruno (C) to end my captain fail streak now!

      1. Tango74
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Good luck

        Any other requests ?

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

          Grealish to keep quiet

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

      Anyone holding on activating FH due to potential covid outbreak/league pausing? Or am I overthinking? Of course would like to activate it and jump on price rises etc.

      1. Tango74
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Holding for that reason , I’m screwed as only 5 nailed starters !

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

        Barely anything achieved by activating early, best to wait

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

          Agreed. In order to do anything useful you would need to catch price rises and then sell those players—but if their rising you probably WANT those players!

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

        Don't think you can catch price rises on FH as it goes back to your original team?

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

          You can build a more expensive FH team though. If you start the week at 102 and end it at 102.4

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

          But you can during this week, a lot of those who have a game will rise.

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

        Probably not worth activating yet. At least without having a specific need for more value and I have not made such calculations yet.

        Btw does Fh transfers affect prices? I think it would make sense to have a lesser impact but not sure if true.

    10. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A lot of value in Grealish, but Grealish > Soucek has to be done for the double, right?

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

        Why does that make sense? Grealish also has a double

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

          Fixtures aren’t as appealing and WHam with better fixtures after

      2. CRO KLOPP
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I did it this morning so yes from me

    11. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Would you free hit this:

      No GK
      Stones, Dier, Targett, Taylor (if fit)
      KDB, Son, Fernandes, Riedewald
      DCL

      Not playing
      Mendy, Forster
      Cresswell
      Salah
      Adams, Bamford

      1. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        No

        1. Tango74
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          No

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

        No

    12. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      It really helps to only have 11 players . Can't bench anyone good then.

      1. Tango74
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Screwed if they rested or I’ll.

    13. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      As a Bowen owner I feel very VERY hard done by. Since I brought him in he's got me 1 assist while Soucek has got 4 goals

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

        Got rid of Bowen this week for soucek and his on my bench lol

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

          thats plain silly

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

            Of course you’d say that in hindsight...

            but I’m working towards a dgw team so other players had better fixtures

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

      Gut feeling that cancelo will be benched this GW..Sorry owners..
      ML rival who is always very lucky with auto subs have Cresswell first on bench..
      Dont think any other no show is likely from his team..