Dugout Discussion

Grealish and Martínez backed heavily for Villa’s trip to Brighton

Jack Grealish (£7.8m) and Emiliano Martínez (£5.2m) are the main focus of Aston Villa’s visit to Brighton.

The mid-priced midfielder is owned by 39.7% of teams going into Double Gameweek 24 and might be back on the left-hand side of the front-three again, based on Villa’s most recent team-sheet.

Bertrand Traoré (£5.9m) starts on the other side of what appears to be a front-three, which also contains the 22.4%-owned Ollie Watkins (£6.4m), who has four goals in his last five Premier League matches.

Ross Barkley (£5.9m) also features in midfield, which keeps Anwar El Ghazi (£5.4m) on the Villa bench.

Unsurprisingly, Dean Smith goes with the usual back-five, which contains Martínez, Matt Targett (£4.8m), Tyrone Mings (£5.4m), Ezri Konsa (£4.6m) and Matty Cash (£5.0m).

As ever, Brighton’s shape is difficult to predict with confidence but Dan Burn (£4.2m), Lewis Dunk (£4.8m) and Ben White (£4.4m) feature, potentially as a back-three.

Leandro Trossard (£5.7m) is out-of-position in the front-two with Neal Maupay (£6.1m), supported by Alexis Mac Allister (£5.3m) in the number 10 role.

Double Gameweek 24 line-ups

Brighton and Hove Albion XI: R Sánchez; Burn, Dunk, White; Alzate, Bissouma, Groß, Veltman; Mac Allister; Trossard, Maupay.

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

Double Gameweek 24 so far…

Ilkay Gündogan (£6.0m) was at the heart of Manchester City’s win over Spurs on Saturday afternoon.

He racked up two goals and one assist in a man-of-the-match performance, helping him to maximum bonus in the process.

The German international remains the Premier League’s top goal-scorer since the start of December, when he started taking up a more advanced role.

Of particularly note today, was the fact that he is increasingly finding those pockets of space in matches which also feature Gabriel Jesus (£9.2m) as a centre-forward.

However, Fantasy managers may be keeping an eye on Pep Guardiola’s next press conference after Gündogan was forced off with a groin complaint in the second half.

And it is worth noting that, even though he won Manchester City’s first-half penalty, Rodri (£5.3m) was handed responsibility for the spot-kick following Gündogan’s miss at Anfield.

Ederson (£6.1m) added his 14th clean sheet of the season while also earning an assist for Gündogan’s second goal.

But Ruben Dias (£6.1m) was unable to capitalise on the shut-out as he was left on the bench following his midweek illness.

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1,195 Comments Post a Comment
  1. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez, Pope
    Cancelo, Stones, Mee, Coufal, Kilman
    Salah, Bruno, Gundo, Grealish, Soucek
    Antonio, DCL, Bamford

    Long way to go yet, but look OK (for now)? 2FTs, 4.2itb

    Pope, Antonio > Forster, Kane

  2. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Why is it so far fetched to consider Martinez as a candidate for Player of the Season?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      GKs will forever be overlooked for such an award my friend. He's definitely a candidate for me alongside Bruno.

    2. Auntie Niemi
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If you can't give it to Ederson this year or Allison last year why give it to martinez?

      1. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I'm just saying that GK's should be considered. So yeah, Ederson/Allison should have been considered too. Although Martinez has a much more rubbish defence in front of him

  3. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Guardiola said Gundogan will be assessed after feeling tightness in his groin but dismissed the idea of resting him at Everton. "If he's fit, he's going to play."

    https://mobile.twitter.com/spbajko/status/1360690500555198467

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

      Holy moly what a legend!

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      need him rested desperately

    3. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I wonder why it's not in the scout tweets.

      1. A. PRISE
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Probably because Pep never said this

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

          Oh FFS

          1. George Sillett
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            I really look forward to your simple posts. You never disappoint.

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

              You've got the wrong guy, buddy.

          2. A. PRISE
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Not saying he won't play but I wouldn't bet on it

    4. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If Pep said that chances of resting are high..

  4. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    On WC, which trio?

    A. Grealish + Maddison + Digne
    B. Salah + Lookman + Konsa/Targett/Cash

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  5. Forgetmeknot
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Am I the only person (fool) on here not to own Martinez?

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

      Nope. Lots of us have Pope

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Or both for BB

    3. Auntie Niemi
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Does he play on Tuesday?that's what matters

  6. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Not owning Gundo has killed me 65% rank change! But I’ll move on hope everyone’s having a good week

    1. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thats nice& fresh to hear. I hope you can finish the gw strong!

  7. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Albeit only 3 players so far but rank 38k to 91k for having no Burnley Leicester or Gundogan....and benching Martinez for Areola

    Frustrationstation

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

      Went from 66k to 110k myself have Martinez tho hopefully he holds on!

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Areola is a decent keepers

  8. Carlton P
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Have Sterling but eventually want Son
    Revert back to 2 city defenders or hold Sterling for upcoming doubles?

    1. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm selling Sterling, UCL starting I don't trust any city player after. Just have Gundo set and forget is enough.

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

      I think long term Dias/cancello and gundo will be most bang for your buck

  9. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pope + Martinez BB 26 can’t wait!!!

    1. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Lol

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

      2 weeks late.

    3. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      This week was the week to do it

    4. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Done it this week!

  10. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I have Martinez more than life itself

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hate* 😆 😆 😆

      Sums up my season that. I certainly don’t have him

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        My goodness what a sad life you have. Please get some professional help. Good luck.

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

          Mr grumpy is back taking everything literally again

          1. George Sillett
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Clearly explain to me then the necessity to post crap like this. It's not even mildly amusing and serves no purpose whatsoever. Understandable if this individual is 12 years old. You must admit yourself that this is pure rubbish . Correct me if necessary but if I post random bo****ks am I then not being " Mr Grumpy" ?

            1. RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Hahahahahaha! I think mr grumpy suits you perfectly. Most of your posts offer no purpose either other than to help try cheer your miserable arse up haha! Get a life mate

    2. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have him too but I also have a life

  11. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Brighton is finally a great (defensive) team, so would you pick Dunk or Burn on WC?
    They both have great aerial threat, one has the security of minutes but the other plays LWB

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not really if you plan on BBing. They don't have a double.

      1. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Great gw 26 29 fixtures though. I will BB 26 but there are no hits left for 29 so I will need 2-3 single GW26 players who also play on 29

        1. Shark Team
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Chips*

    2. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dunk

  12. smash
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How essential is Kane next week? (have Son already) was set on Antonio - Kane now Ings is getting hyped up on here

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

      Not at all, West Ham away is a really tough game for spurs at the moment

    2. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      WHam is a really good team.Son is enough for gw25.

    3. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I’d definitely take an Ings double over Kane away at West Ham, but not much in it, so I’d stick with your plan unless this rumoured triple double materialises

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Guess depends how much spacing between the games cause they’ll have to be rotation anyway. Ings can’t play all the games

        1. smash
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Late replying but yeah I'll probbaly hold off a week tbh, defiantly want the confiremed gameweeks before I set anything in stone

          cheers.

  13. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Just saw jack got a yellow idiot

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hope he gets another

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Why does a YC make a player an idiot ?

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        But he is a grade A idiot

      2. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        It doesn’t, just frustrating.

    3. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Don't be so hard on yourself, plenty of people are a bit slow on the uptake occasionally

      1. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Hahahahaaa

  14. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Predictions for Bri-Villa?

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      0-0 Martinez 11 pointer would be nice

  15. Aster
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling is driving me insane.

    If he does not score 2 against Everton-bye bye

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

      This

    2. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I’m just hoping he starts

  16. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    The average will rise by 40% of Martinez’ points.

    Just accept his 10 pointer and be grateful it only rose by 4.

  17. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Grealish just 1 goal in last 13 games...

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      6 goals 12 assists in 21 games. Phenomenal for just 7m

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He can get 5 point assists though.

  18. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Sorry if this has been asked already, but did pep say anything about gundo's injury?

    1. Aster
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, they will see tomorrow if he is fit.

      1. Von Lipwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Well that's no help lol

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      They’re going to see the severity of it tomorrow.

    3. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Groin injury, will be assessed tomorrow

  19. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What sort of WC team are we thinking?

    Ederson Martinez
    Cancelo Shaw Dallas Vestergaard
    Salah Bruno Maddison JWP Raphina
    Kane Ings Bamford

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      WC’ing for next GW SS? I’m trying to put one together also

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

        Everyone saying they are going to wildcard ready for BB 26

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I Bench Boosted this week to clear it out the way to maximise 11 for WC, so far so good with Pope the first to deliver on bench.

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

            No way is Pope your bench keeper this week.

            1. Salah’s Sonnet
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Certainly is! Martinez always been my main keeper. Brought Pope and Richa in this GE and BB’d the rest

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

                Martinez is also my main keeper, but this week I go with Pope for his double. So would you if not playing your BB.

          2. WVA
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            I wanted to BB this week but DCL and Antonio injuries put pay to that

            1. Salah’s Sonnet
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              I think Antonio will be good to go

    2. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Interesting squad

    3. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      WC25, BB26?

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

        Yes?

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

      No City attack?

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

        Gundo may be injured

  20. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    With FH in tact what’s the best gw26 wildcard?

  21. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Why is everyone Wildcarding?

    1. Aster
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Herd mentality I guess

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Erm, HUGE DGW coming?

      1. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        When does it get confirmed? There is no DGW26 yet.

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Ya kidding right? GW 26 has been talked of being a huge DGW, likely we’ll find out before next GW who had the doubles, hoping so anyway. Go follow Ben Crellin on Twitter

          1. Egg noodle
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            I agree its talked about and very likely to happrn. But it's only a theory until the fixtures actually get scheduled.

            1. Salah’s Sonnet
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Very true, very true

        2. Davros
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Lol

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Professional Pundits have given the go ahead.

    4. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      "Everyone" isn't.

    5. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      BB24 WC25 TC26 here. Want to attack the double gameweeks instead of just ‘covering’ players and saving chips for later when they won’t be much use

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        EXACTLY THIS

    6. Sif
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If you can't get 11 DGW out with 2FTs out what have you been up to?
      WC for 26 then what do you do for 29 and beyond?

  22. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Another Eni save

    1. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Benched him last week. Never again

      1. Gizzachance
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Me to for Pope! Had to play Pope this week, but Martinez will prob match them pts inc last weeks score

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Love to see it!!

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

    Martinez haul is annoying but a Grealish Blank would be nice, forget he’s 40% owned

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      As an owner of both I’d happily take a Martinez haul with a Grealish blank. It’s becoming a regular occurrence

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

        Yeah, they keep ticking for you mate

      2. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I’m selling grealish next week.

      3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I think Grealish has blanked once in his last 5 appearances...

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have benched Martinez for the first time this season and started Grealish so that will happen

  24. MMN
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Those who benched Martinez for Areola, would you swap now if you could?

  25. One Man
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Will Antonio play ?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Should do, was only fatigued

  26. Aster
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    If only I received 1 point for each dribble Sterling made, I'd have had 7 more at least.

    Such a frustrating player.

    Sorry, venting. Had him as a captain.

    1. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Same here, it was his last chance that annoyed me.

      1. Aster
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        When he is supposed to score, he ends up kicking the ball the way my sister would.

        1. Danno - Emre Canada
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          One of my sisters definitely kicks a better ball than Sterling ha

  27. Athletico Underachieving
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I’m going to regret benching Martinez again aren’t I...

  28. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Villa defence baiting opponents into taking silly shots for easy Martinez saves hahaha

  29. Babelcopter
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling cappers, together, strong

    1. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yep I’m here with you, if he starts.....

      1. Aster
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I doubt that now. He played 90 mins, and 47 in the Cup

  30. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Time to prepare for the “I’m selling Grealish he’s gone off the boil” posts

    To be filed away alongside the GW20 “I’m selling Soucek because Antonio has impacted his stats”

    And GW21 “I’m selling Bamford because he’s been crap in his last 3 games”

    1. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      1 goal in 12 games

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Or 4 returns in last 5 either - two sides of the same coin

    2. Sif
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Keeping him and doing Antonio > Watkins
      Double game week and they'll likely play in GW29

      Then fixtures shift and do Grealish & Walkins to Soucek & Antonio as Hammer have an excellent run in.
      Simple.