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What effect will Ross Barkley’s return have on Villa’s attacking assets?

Aston Villa’s first Premier League match back since their first-team squad was forced to isolate due to a COVID outbreak saw Ross Barkley (£5.9m) return to their midfield.

Barkley took the place of Anwar El Ghazi (£5.8m), with Jack Grealish (£7.7m) moving out into a wide position.

After a strong showing against Manchester City in Gameweek 19, the former Chelsea player looks to have slotted back into the side with ease.

But with so many Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers owning Villa assets like Grealish and Ollie Watkins (£6.1m), how will this affect their points potential?

As this article uses extensive data from the Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area, only those with a valid subscription can access it in full.

Boss Barkley

1,068 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Changes required? Happy to take KDB out to release some funds and maybe upgrade a defender or Soucek. May do Bamford to Antonio though

    Martinez (Button)
    Dallas / Dias / Cresswell (Lowton / Mitchell)
    KDB / Bruno / Son / Soucek (ESR)
    Kane / Vardy / Bamford

    Thanks

    1. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I would probably just get Gundog for KDB absmd sit on a pile of cash.

  2. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez
    Saiss cresswell stones
    Salah bruno sterling foden barnes
    Antonio bam

    Subs steer dallas kwp dcl

    Gtg? Also start dallas or saiss better?

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dallas

    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dallas

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

    KDB >

    1. Keep, do Dier > Cancelo
    2. Salah
    3. Maddison

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

      3

  4. Sepp Blattered
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Shaw, Fernandes and Cavani the 3 Utd players to own right now surely?

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      3 United seems excessive

      1. Sepp Blattered
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Attacking the Sheff Utd fixture 😉

    2. marcos11
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Have Bruno and Rashford for the Sheffield game, don’t think Cavani’s nailed despite scoring last week

    3. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes I would say so. Although if Shaw plays against Liverpool then Telles might be preferred against Sheffield United.

      1. Sepp Blattered
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I think Telles will play the FA Cup. Monitoring Rashford but RW is not his position

        1. Evil Greg
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I would totally avoid Rashford right now.

  5. Evil Greg
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bench boosting Soucek, Coufal (cpa) , Smith-Rowe (sot) and Sanchez (FUL) this week. Original plan was to sell Vardy for Kane for the WBA game but to do that I need to downgrade Sanchez to a 4m keeper.

    1. marcos11
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sounds like a decent idea, good fixtures

      1. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I'm conscious that my bench might never be as active as it currently is when DGW's come around, having just played my wildcard. My other starting players are Antonio, Dallas and Bamford around the big boys whom you'd have to say are in with a real chance of points this week.

        1. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I know you have double Liverpool attack, what makes you think they are in with a really good chance of points against a defensive spurs and when barely scoring any goals ?

          1. Evil Greg
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I don't, but class is permanent and what exactly am I going to spend the money on? Auba?

  6. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1FT, 1.2 ITB.

    KDB -> Gundo then Adams -> Kane after GW 20? Y or N?

    Martinez
    Dias Stones Coufal
    KDB Bruno Salah Son
    Bamford Antonio Adams

    Johnstone Bednarek Dallas Bissouma

    1. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I've heard that there is a chance Soton has DGW 23, in which case it would be wise to hold onto Adams

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Kane has west brom in gw 23, will outscore adams even if dgw

      2. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers for the news.

  7. bored by december
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane or Son required for GW20 (LIV)?

    Don't have either and am intending of doing KDB > Maddison, only have the one FT.

    Antonio and Bam bam up top, could go bam bam to Kane if required, not fussed with taking the hit.

    What are your thoughts?

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I fancy Son to do some damage

      1. JfA
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The pundits are saying Barnes has the much better stats.

    2. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have a Salah and Mane double up, I was tempted to grab Son for one of them but seems kinda sideways.

      1. bored by december
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I wouldn't say so, both are players well out of form in a team also out of form. They may well pick up a goal each next week, but does that really make up for the shocking returns in the past 5 GW? Don't think so.

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

      You were presumably going without spurs this week before the injury news

      It can wait if you have the bench. Fwiw I'm doing the same move basically.

  8. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Keep or sell vardy ??

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably keeping - bigger fires to put out, and fixtures are ok.

    2. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm keeping, very frustrating dgw from him but he could easily got double digits on another day. Bad luck

    3. marcos11
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Keep for upcoming fixtures

    4. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Keeping for Now, 3/4 away games is good for Leicester and Vardy.

    5. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      100% hold

    6. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Was planning on moving and getting in Maddison but think I've changed my mind, he supposedly could have had a few against Soton and the next few games might suit him more

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

    Growing increasingly frustrated with Salah and KDB... any thoughts on this lot?

    Martinez Steer
    Chilwell Cancelo Coufal Dallas KWP
    Salah KDB Bruno Son Soucek
    Antonio Bamford Watkins

    1 FT, 0 ITB

    1. Ëð
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd definitely swap out KDB. Probably out until the Liverpool game.

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

        Really? Is his injury that serious? Who would you get instead?
        What about Salah and his form? Keep or sell?

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

      me too, glad I saw the back of Salah a couple of weeks ago even if it was for a hit. I'm likely going to take KDB out as well and sit on the cash

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

        Good call! How did you spend the cash you got from Salah? And who did you get instead?

        1. The Mantis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I think I brought in Son & Martial. I think took out Martial last week for Vardy which didn't really pay off. I now have Kane/Vardy/Bamford upfront. Going to wait until after FA cup game this weekend for City in case Gundo plays and gets injured as I want to bring him in

          1. The Mantis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            the hit was taking DCL out as well

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

    C. Adams -> Kane for a hit? Or hold off until next week?

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hold off. I assume you have all that extra cash since you've sold KDB for a Gundo perhaps?

      1. Ëð
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Correct, thanks for the advice!

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

    With KDB injured and Salah looking like he needs selling, I feel like my team needs a complete re-structure. Really wanted to save that second wildcard though.

    1. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Save it, just take a - 4 and get a Kane or Vardy in.

    2. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      problem is who you gonna go to. theres not much to choose from.

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

        I'd shift funds from midfield to attack which is quite weak at the moment with Bamford, Brewster and Adams. Would get Vardy and Kane. I do have 2 frees but I would like Cancelo as well so it would involve quite a few transfers.

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

        Maybe shift cash from mid to def?

    3. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If you took both out on WC you'd be panicking on how to get at least one of them back in within 2 weeks.

  12. kime67
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    bad times for liverpool but i dont get why klopp priorities the cup more all of a sudden? does salah look like a player who needs rest?

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      he looks like a player out of form, it wasn't a rest.

    2. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      you think playing origi&co was better?

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        well they scored 0 goals with origi and co, and 0 goals with salah and firmino.

    3. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      atleast they didnt losexD

    4. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      The Thiago effect, no longer going from back to front quickly.

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        genuinely didn't realise he was playing last night until he got fouled on 30mins.

  13. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Had been set on Johnstone to Martinez, but...

    Johnstone
    Dias Stones Dallas Coufal
    Salah KDB Fernandes
    Kane Antonio Bamford

    Steer Soucek Mitchell Alzate
    1ft 1.4m

    A) KDB to Gundogan this week
    Alzate to Son next week

    B) both this week for a hit

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son could get something against Pool. He did in the reverse fixture and that would offset the hit.

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        yes he could, that's the dilemma. Equally spurs could go into their ultra defensive mode.

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

      A.

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        feels like the sensible move.

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    4. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      a

  14. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play
    a) Raphinha
    b) Soucek
    c) Dier
    d) Justin

    1. Emre Can Pie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Raphinha - most attacking on the list.

  15. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hello,

    When do we expect DGW26 and BGW29 games to be confirmed? Is it worth planning leading transfers already? I can get 13 DGWers + Fernandes & Antonio for DGW26 with one hit - so would it make sense to save WC for future DGW? Would likely have 6 or 7 players for BGW29 - no FH left and wouldn't want to tear the Team up just for that week.

    Cheers

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Some point after GW23 probably (when the FA Cup 5th round is played).

      Don't get fooled by the lazy assumption that all GW29 postponements will just be shifted into 26 either - teams with games in hand will be very likely to be shoehorned into 26, especially if they are still in Europe.

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers, will bear that in mind.

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

      Not having a FH available means GW29 is going to be a problem as the players you want in 26 won’t have a fixture in 29.

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. It is, but presumably a lot of people will be in the same boat having played FH BGW18?

  16. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Not trying to be a grammar police, as I am a non native speaker of English myself but the affect and effect uses always bothers me. How would the meaning change if the word effect was used in the title of this article?

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Should be effect (I think!)

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

      affect is a verb, effect is a noun

      the effect has an affect

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes, this.

        "How will Barkley's return affect Villa's attacking assets"

        "What effect will Ross Barkley’s return have on Villa’s attacking assets?"

        1. sunzip14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thought so. Thank you!

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Should be "effect".

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just use "impact" - it's far less confusing 🙂

    5. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It's most certainly should be 'effect', nice pick up.

  17. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What are KDB owners doing?

    Moving to Gundogan? Or holding for a week, I've got Emile Smith Rowe who can fill in this week for KDB if he's out, but kinda feel like Gundo would probably be the better option, thoughts?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Moved out for Gundi already

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

      Just waiting until after FA cup game as I want Gundo in but don't want him getting injured this weekend as well

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        With the price differential, you can afford to wait until the last minute. You'll have so much cash itb, you'll never need to rush a transfer again.

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on news but Gundo seems obvious at his price. I will be concentrating on early DGW's and picking tdrs accordingly.

  18. rubberdignerapids
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Was all set on Robbo to Cancelo until the KDB injury...

    Now I'm thinking (awaiting imminent injury confirmation) KDB > Rashford(c) as a big differential move against a porous Sheffield and keep Robbo for another week.

    Am I missing an obvious trick with my squad?

    Would appreciate some thoughts!

    Current Team:

    McCarthy (Johnstone)
    Robbo, Stones, Coufal (Dallas, Pieters)
    KDB*, Salah, Soucek, Bruno (Lookman)
    Antonio, Vardy, Bamford

    0 itb 1FT

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

      The common line is KdB > Gundo. Next week Soucek > Son.

      1. rubberdignerapids
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Camzy, I value how active you are and your useful insights on here- Do you think taking a hit and playing more aggressively with Soucek + KDB > Rashford(c) + Gundo sounds like I'm chasing a pipe dream or do you think there's some sense in it and a potential big upside?

        Also curious as to what's your rank if you don't mind me asking? (Expecting it to be decent in this crazy fpl season)

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

          My team is linked.

          I think the common line is best. Son in GW21 makes a lot of sense.

      2. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No love for Foden

        1. rubberdignerapids
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I don;t really trust Pep Roulette, Gundo feels more secure, but I gaving the eyetest feels lucky to have had both goals in the DGW (Goal from outside the box + pen because KDB not on the pitch)- KDB injury is annoying as I think he is by far the best asset

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I've got Foden (+ 2 defenders). Sorely tempted to switch Phil for Gundo, but Pep's law if I do that, Gun's benched and Foden bags a hattie.

            1. rubberdignerapids
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Yeh, best to hold if you have Foden. With City not free scoring this season (clear lack of a true number 9 such as an in form Kun), city triple defence could even be the way to go- by far the best defence in the league

  19. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    2 Frees: KDB/Wilson -> Gundo/Vardy?

  20. Kudo Warrior
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know when the next FPL wire episode is?

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

      Today. Blackbox live tonight as well.

      1. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Nice one, was hoping Blackbox would be tonight.

      2. Kudo Warrior
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Great. Thanks buddy!

  21. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best football related podcasts?

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      it's very subjective, depends what style you like.

      Lots like the wire, I hate it, too much reading from screen and pretending they are geniuses.

      I like let's talk FPL, relaxed, doesn't talk like he knows the answers and Blackbox.

      1. The Mantis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks I'll give these all a go

    2. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If you mean general football not FPL, I'm a big Guardian Football Weekly fan.

      1. The Mantis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah just in general really, I'll check this out

  22. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB to Rashford for a hit?
    KDB to sb for a hit?

  23. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez
    Robbo Dias Coufal Chilwell
    Salah KDB Bruno Grealish
    Bamford Antonio
    Johnstone Soucek Dallas Rodrigo

    A. Robbo, KDB to Cancelo, Maddison/Barnes (then Rodrigo to Kane in 21)
    B. Same to Cancelo, Son (then Soucek to Maddison, Barnes in 21)
    C. KDB to Gundogan, Rodrigo to Kane (either in 20-21). Leave Cancelo.
    D. Other

    I'd planned on Robbo to Cancelo this week and want Leicester at some point. Immediately after KDB injury option A popped into my head, but am I being stubborn not going for C (Gundogan)?

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

    Thoughts on Rudiger? 4.5m, started last two and 3 out of last 4. Next two at home and good fixture next 5 from defencive point of view.

    1. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I considered it, but I don't trust Chelsea. Too erratic.

    2. wilsonito
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Chelsea been a bit poo so chances are zouma will be back in soon

  25. Evil Greg
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I'm hoping for an FPL Blackbox soon.

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

      9pm tonight

      1. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Great stuff.

  26. wilsonito
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Still can’t get over 21 points total between these 4 in a DGW stinking up my team

    Salah (c)
    Fernandes
    Rashford
    Vardy

    Even stones topped that by himself

    1. TFP
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep, I have all four of those. Took a hit to bring in Vardy for Kane.

      The rest of the team pretty made up for the above, though.

      1. wilsonito
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Must have been nice, I was also stuck with Son, Bamford, Soucek, Johnstone...only coufal getting any decent returns

  27. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pope
    Alioski Coufal Cancelo
    Salah Bruno KDB Raphinha
    Martial Bamford Antonio

    [Johnstone Dier Justin Soucek]
    0.3m itb., 1 ft.
    What to do?

  28. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1FT, 1.9 ITB, thoughts?

    Martinez, Johnstone

    Robertson, Dias, Dallas, Coufal, Mitchell

    Salah, Fernandes, Son, Raphinha, Anguissa

    Kane, Bamford, Antonio

    Raphinha to Gundogan?

    1. dylano21
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Anguissa to Gundo

  29. dylano21
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I can only Play one of

    A) James
    B) Wilson
    C) Soucek
    D) Coufal

    Who to start ?

    1. The Mighty Whites
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wilson

  30. ClassiX
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Fun Fact: the USA has had two presidents since Liverpool last scored a goal.