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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. HNI
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Really tempted with
    1) Robbo to Stones this gw to afford Soucek + Dallas --> Son to Mitchell (-4) next gw and have mid of
    Grealish Salah Bruno KDB Son.
    OR
    2) Robbo to Shaw and next week Soucek to Son for free (Manutd look better matches for next 6 compared to 3 for Mcity)

    Current def Dias Coufal Justin Dallas Robbo*
    Help me choose

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      KDB is injured mate

  2. jb1985
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Have KDB, Dias & Stones, anyone thinking of a defence triple up for next few? Cancelo?

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

      It's too many eggs for my liking but I can see why you'd do it!

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Understand the temptation but ... no.

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

      Don't think it's worth it, past the Burnley game will be a few games where they will be tested a lot more defensively so you might end up reverting to just one

  3. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is there another blank gameweek looming or just a couple of doubles?

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

      There will be a BGW29, with some teams that have DGW26 blanking. Depends on FA Cup 1/4s

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. Would prefer a BGW sooner than DGW so could use wildcard to DGW after the blank. Sure can still hold onto it until after GW29.

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

    Might do kevin to gundo which gives the cash to go brewster -》kane.

    Would you do this for a hit this week or just play one of dallas/holding? Leaning towards the patient approach atm

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

      Yeah, over two weeks I'd say, Kane has Pool

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

      Kane can come in next week.

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd hit it but it's personal preference.

      There may be another big issue to fix next week.

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

      Get Kane next week

    5. sandman58
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bank the money
      You will want KDB back once fit
      Gundo will fill the gap until then

  5. bigwig
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    TAA > Shaw a no brainer, right?

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, but wait and see if he starts in the cup match against Pool. Tells might start against SHU.

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

    Who do you prefer over next 4 weeks as a KDB replacement? (Cash will go to Bamford > Kane)

    A) Grealish
    B) Maddison

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. Sho-kun
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. sandman58
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C) Gundogan

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

        Cheers guys.

        Soucek > Gundo will be a separate transfer

    4. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A every time.

    5. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pogba

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

    How can I find out how many hits I've taken this season?
    Apologies if really obvious.

    1. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Game week history.
      It's the TC column.

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      On your game week history page on the TC column tracking this season.

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

      Thanks very much both.

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Transfer Cost under season history

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

    Mat Ryan has joined Arsenal on loan until the end of the season. Can't say I expected that

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

      wow

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

        Got some ML rivals who still have him as their 2nd keeper.

        I like the way Auntie reports it:
        "He was the club’s first choice for almost three and a half seasons, before being overtaken by Rob Sanchez in mid-December." - not 'he was dropped for being utter sh1te'.

    2. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not him exactly, but a veteran back up, yes. That's what we need.

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        We're Gunners not interested in Heaton? An upgrade on Ryan. Nearly sad to see him doing punditry, still a quality keeper.

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

          Heaton would be good - Villa might not let him go though. The obvious unused excellent keeper is Romero of United.

          1. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            United have serious depth in the keeper department alright. Hard to see Henderson sticking round because he has rightful claim to be in England squad at least.

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

              Hendo can pick up a PL champions medal of for another trophy staying at United this season. Ole must have given him some assurance he gets the gloves next season when DDG moves on. Otherwise, I don't see why Hendo would have dipped out this year. Tough on Romero though - he should be Number One at a decent club.

          2. El Presidente
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            He left Villa???

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

              no

        2. aleksaa2
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          It would be short term. Over few transfer windows I heard Raya from Brentford and in this one Woodman from Swansea as a long term solution.

  9. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Better option for this team this gw? 1ft, 0.9m itb. Thanks.

    Martinez
    Robbo zouma stones
    Salah kdb Bruno saka soucek
    Vardy bamford

    Forster Dallas coufal Brewster

    A. Zouma > Dias
    B. Kdb > gundogan
    C. Kdb soucek > son gundo -4
    D. Kdb Brewster > Kane gundo -4

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

      KDB to Gundo this week
      Brewster to Kane next

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

        Thanks

  10. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Almost 8 million in the bank, anything worth a hit?

    Martinez
    Robbo Cancelo Dallas Coufal
    Salah Bruno(c) Grealish Gundog
    Bamford Antonio

    Soucek Watkins Mitchell Forster 0 FT

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

      Kane or Son for instance?

      1. aleksaa2
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        You can do it next week

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

          Yeah, but what if I want them both for GW21 onwards?

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not this GW

    3. sandman58
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son in for Grealish

  11. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    WC draft... can't deny I am tempted - need to catch up fast

    Martinez
    Dias Cancelo Stones Cresswell
    B.Fernandes Son Grealish Zaha
    Kane Vardy

    Button | Lookman | Lowton | Davis

    Maybe next GW as like my team this week tbh... thoughts?

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

      If I was wildcarding now, I'd probably have 20M left over in the bank. No premiums are particularly appealing right now. I'd have a fully functional bench though, not non-playing Button and Davis.

  12. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which option ?
    A. Bamford (3-4-3)
    B. Madisson/Barnes (3-5-2)

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

      B while their ownership is still low

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

    Thoughts on what to do?

    Martinez
    Cancelo • Stones • Coufal
    Salah • Bruno(C) • KDB • Son • Grealish
    Bamford • Antonio
    (Steer / Dallas / Mitchell / Brewster)

    Thinking of KDB to Gundogan and then after Liverpool one of Bamford/Antonio to Kane. WC 25 is the plan

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gundogan or Foden is a good move, so is Madison. Not seeing that Pool defence gonna worry Harry too much.

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

        Liverpool’s attack is the problem. They haven’t conceded 2 goals since GW5 and we all know how Mourinho will set up

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

      GTG side, same plan re KDB see below

    3. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Start Dallas over Coufal. KdB to Sterling (why not)

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Because Sterling ain't even getting shots away and looking like scoring?

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Scored vs Palace 🙂

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

            If your going by goals Sterling has 1 in their last 5 while Gundo has 4

  14. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone thinking about Cavani? His stats are great but on the other hand the sample is quite small too. If he stays nailed I think he can make a mockery of his price tag

    1. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      And the fixtures are great too

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

      "If" is the operative word, though. How many starts or near-90 mins will he get?

      1. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I was thinking that now he should be nailed because he plays very well, but after second thought I forgot there is also Martial. One of them will have to be benched. To be honest I think Cavani suits the team much better since he's much better in link up play and Martial is more of a poacher.

        1. JBG
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          That last description is the other way around. Martial is the one who is good for the linkup play and holding up the ball. While Cavani is the poacher Utd have been missing for a while.

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      His career stats speak for themself. 1 goal in every 2 games.

      Just a question of minutes.

    4. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He's on the way to getting nailed, rashford and martial are misfiring and they need goals, however he can't be fully nailed because he's 33 and there's too many games and utd have too many options

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 2 months ago

            But then again who is totally nailed like that, not even salah

            1. AC/DC AFC
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Kane and KDB and Vardy when fit.

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Very few people though, if cavani can start 7/9 and utd have the fixtures he can score big

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

                I'd want more certainty. Last thing you want is a player who comes on in the 80th minute for 1 point when an alternative is happily scoring.

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    True, and he would often/almost always come off the bench when benched

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

              Problem will always be gametime, each time I've watched him when he's gotten a decent bit of time on the pitch I've thought he's looked excellent, and the interplay and movement between him and Bruno in particular reminds me of how Cavani used to play at Napoli alongside Lavezzi and Hamsik. Always struck me as a very hardworking player and reaps a lot of rewards from that but unfortunately due to Martial despite his poor form you just can't tell when he'll play. If I knew he'd get 2 starts out of every 3 games I'd love to take a chance on him but even at that it's too risky

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

              If Martial didn’t unjustifiably keep on getting picked ahead of him when only one striker selected, no brainer.

              If Ole decides to play 2 strikers, no brainer.

              Such great value for someone you almost always expect to score.

            4. The Train Driver
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              I think the first XI attacking 3 will be Martial Cavani Rashford if all are fit and performing well...

              1. Sgt Frank Drebin
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Rashford on the right? Isn't he right footed? I can't see it to be honest

                1. Sgt Frank Drebin
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  But they played like this vs Bunrley. Hmm so maybe

                  1. The Train Driver
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    They'll be switching positions a lot if so.

            5. El Presidente
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              If he was nailed on he would be a bargain at that price point

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

            Anything else to do here apart from planning KDB* > Gundo this week?
            Kane/Vardy to come in GW21 for Wood and next transfers will be off-loading funds from ex-BB players. Comments appreciated!

            DDG (Martinez)
            Stones Cancelo Cresswell Chilwell (Coufal)
            Son Bruno Rashford KDB* (ESR)
            Antonio Bamford (Wood)

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Not falling into the gundo trap, why now after all these years is he suddenly an option. Purple patch I think, yes his role has been slightly tweaked but a worldie curler and penalty isn't enough for me to invest just yet

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

                  Stats are great. On pens now since KDB is gone. Nobody at that price point operating at his levels. Plus enables you to make serious upgrades elsewhere.

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

                  He's moved into a more typical 8 role of late which has made a big difference, he should have had at least 2 goals against Villa before the penalty too

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

                  He’s taking on David Silva’s role. Passes the eye test too and the stats back it up. On pens to top it off. At 5.5m playing for the best team in the league currently he’s a no brainer for the next 3

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

                  Low risk with 5.5 hence taking the chance, eyeing LEI guys as well although Vardy could be the best option from GW21 and 5.5 will allow that easily. I know what you mean but will not be too stubborn is the lesson for myself this season so far.

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

                  Gundogan wasnt always a holding player. City turned him into that. Early in his career he scored regularly and was much more attacking. The reason I would invest in him now is that City's new found solidity in defence is allowing their midfield to operate more offensively. Even Rodri is benefiting from this. I dont see a downside at 5.5m and assured of starting barring the need for a rest occasionally (which every player will get).

                  1. @persecuted_by_mods
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Good points all, just not for me. Ofc it's tempting as it releases so much money

              • marcos11
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Best player for gw20 only?
                a) Raphinha
                b) Grealish
                c) Maddison

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

                  C

                2. jammie26
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  B

              • Zladan
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                I’m shocked Matt Ryan joined Arsenal on loan. I really thought Sanchez taking his place was only temporary.

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

                  No, Potter puts Steele on the bench and told Ryan he should leave.

              • Sgt Frank Drebin
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Do you think Jota will be back soon? FPL says 3rd of February, but I guess he will be eased after the return?

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

                  Unlikely. I wonder who'll be back soonest out of Jota and VVD. Neither very soon, I'd say.

                  1. Sgt Frank Drebin
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Thanks for the info. I wonder if Jota wouldn't play right now ahead of Salah to be honest. This benching against Burnley was quite strange for me. I don't think he needed rest.

              • makisss99
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Martinez,Johnstone
                Dias,Chilwell,Dallas,Coufal,KWP
                Salah,Bruno,Grealish,Foden,Soucek
                Kane,Bamford,Antonio
                Salah to Son/Maddison or keep ft?

              • KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Trying to pick a Man City mid for the next few games with KDB out.

                a) Foden
                b) Gundogan
                c) Don't both Pep will be a chop

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

                  B. Gundogan has doubters. But as I posted elsewhere earlier, he wasnt always a holding player. City turned him into that. Early in his career he scored regularly and was much more attacking. The reason I would invest in him now is that City's new found solidity in defence is allowing their midfield to operate more offensively. Even Rodri is benefiting from this. I dont see a downside at 5.5m and assured of starting barring the need for a rest occasionally (which every player will get).

                  1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
                    • 9 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Agreed at the 5.5m price point.
                    Wasn't aware what how City had changed his role but a big swing for me is penalties.

                    Think i'll take a punt!
                    Cheers

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

                  B most certain to start.

                  Foden has been better than Sterling, Bilva and Mahrez and still Pep brings him in and out of the team.

              • linkafu
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Foden or Maddison

                1. Neves say Neves
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Foden if you've got a decent bench

              • Rinseboy
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                anyone dropping Salah yet?

                I'm really tempted by Son this week but guess should give Salah yet another week!

                1. Sgt Frank Drebin
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  I am very much. Son is cheaper, has better stats and is in better form.

                  1. Sgt Frank Drebin
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    The problem is that with so many transfers to do I think I'll just wait a week.

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

                  Yes Salah to Son is a real possibility for me.

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

                  Think I will, not enthused by their fixtures and while I'd normally say he's capable of hauling at any time Liverpool as a whole look devoid of much creativity going forward right now and he's looked poor for weeks

                4. Cruyff's Eleven
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Neh, the curse has been lifted....

              • DagheMunegu
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Help needed please guys. 1 ft 0.1 itb

                Martinez
                Robbo Dias Coufal
                Salah Bruno Kdb* Raphina
                Werner* Bamford Watkins

                Button Zouma* Fodder fodder

              • Right In The Stanchion
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Arsenal have signed Mat Ryan.

                YUCK YUCK YUCK

                1. Simon69
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Meh. He won't play a minute.

              • GE
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Kane or Vardy after next GW?

                (will effect decision for this GW)

                1. Karan14
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  I would try to leave the option open for both.

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

                    Thanks, good plan?

                    This GW: KDB -> Gundo
                    Next GW: Brewster -> Kane/Vardy

                    1. Karan14
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Making exactly the same moves so its a yes from me.

              • Simon69
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Morning all, with KDB out I'd likely have to start both Werner + Ziyech (nightmare DGW punt). Anyone know if either is likely to start? Should I just save myself the headache and get rid?

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

                  Difficult to know that, their fixtures are good next 6 bar TOT(A). But 2 CHE attackers seem too much. Think Werner needs to go and give Ziyech a chance 1-2 GWs?

              • vandebeek
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                What do you think about Digne? Everton have improved their defence, attackers are coming back, so possible points in both sides of the pitch...?

                1. LSK
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  One of many potential differentials. Could have a big haul on the horizon for sure.

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

                  I'm bringing either him or Keane in for 2 weeks for the games against Newcastle and Leeds. Was decided on Digne but Keane has great aerial threat and Leeds are terrible at defending setpieces so Keane might edge it but then again Digne takes some of those and whips in crosses regularly from open play so still not sure

              • Tonyawesome69
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Well I didn't see this move coming.

                Matt Ryan on loan to Arsenal until the end of the season

                https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1352571992445235201?s=19

              • LSK
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Not worth bringing in for FPL but I wouldn’t be surprised if Mahrez comes back into the side given the opposition and with KDB out. He can take over from KDB on set pieces and his individuality can unlock the packed West Brom, Sheff Utd and Burnley defences.

                1. aleksaa2
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  This season he is their worst player

                2. Hotdogs for Tea
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  may be with a punt actually

              • DannyDrinkVodka
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                A) Soucek>Son for a -4 (Bench Coufal in GW20)
                B) Start Coufal in GW20