Dugout Discussion

Grealish absent through injury as Castagne returns for Leicester’s trip to Villa

Jack Grealish (£7.7m) is absent from the Aston Villa squad for the visit of Leicester City this afternoon.

Rumours had swirled about the midfielder’s potential absence over the last 48 hours and grew louder closer to kick-off, with the Athletic’s Gregg Evans reporting that Grealish will also miss the first part of Villa’s Gameweek 26 double-header against Leeds United, too.

The England international is owned by 37.0% of Fantasy Premier League managers overall and just over 35.0% in the top 10,000, so his absence will be keenly felt and cause a headache or two ahead of next Saturday’s deadline.

Anwar El Ghazi (£5.3m) is the man who benefits from Grealish’s absence and will line up on the left flank of Villa’s attack.

Dean Smith’s other alteration from Gameweek 23 is also enforced, with Matty Cash (£5.0m) ruled out for several weeks due to injury.

Ahmed El Mohamady (£4.3m) makes just his second league start of the campaign in Cash’s place at right-back.

Brendan Rodgers has also made two changes from the side that beat Liverpool last weekend.

The fit-again Timothy Castagne (£5.7m) and Luke Thomas (£4.2m) are recalled, with Daniel Amartey (£3.9m) and Marc Albrighton (£5.2m) dropping to the bench.

LINE-UPS

Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Elmohamady, Konsa, Mings, Targett, Luiz, McGinn, Traore, Barkley, El Ghazi, Watkins.

Leicester City XI: Schmeichel, Pereira, Evans, Soyuncu, Thomas, Ndidi, Tielemans, Castagne, Maddison, Barnes, Vardy.

DOUBLE GAMEWEEK 25 SO FAR…

Grealish absent through injury as Castagne returns for Leicester's trip to Villa 2

West Ham United defeated Tottenham Hotspur in the first Premier League game of the day, with Jesse Lingard (£5.9m) continuing his purple patch of form in east London.

Lingard’s goal was his fourth attacking return in as many appearances for the Hammers and turned out to be the match-winner, which looks set to secure him maximum bonus points and a double-digit haul.

Michail Antonio (£6.6m) was passed fit to play and marked his return with an early goal, although his comeback was ever-so-slightly tainted with a second-half booking.

Grealish absent through injury as Castagne returns for Leicester's trip to Villa 3

Tomas Soucek (£5.3m) also picked up a yellow card en route to a one-pointer, with FPL’s most-owned defender, Aaron Cresswell (£5.8m), losing his clean sheet when Lucas Moura (£6.6m) nodded home Gareth Bale‘s (£9.3m) corner.

Soucek and Vladmir Coufal (£4.7m) were involved in separate collisions but recovered to finish the game.

Son Heung-min (£9.5m) and Harry Kane (£11.1m) both blanked but came within inches of a return: the former striking the woodwork late on with a freak, looping touch, with the latter seeing a potential assist go up in smoke in the process.

Kane had also teed the impressive Bale up for a second-half attempt that clipped the bar.

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1,215 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Salan
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Last chance for Sterling in my team

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

      I got rid for raphinia

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Have to keep him for the doubles

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

      easy swap out for any firing Man C asset though, will be interesting to see how Gundo does now with KDB back in the team...could be Raz to Kevin

  2. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    ARSENAL TEAM NEWS – TIERNEY FIT, HOLDING & MARI START

    Team to play Man City: Leno, Bellerin, Tierney, Holding, Mari, Elneny, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard, Pepe, Aubameyang

    Subs: Ryan, Gabriel, Lacazette, Martinelli, Smith Rowe, Willian, Cedric, Luiz, Ceballos

    MAN CITY TEAM NEWS – DE BRUYNE STARTS

    Team to play Arsenal: Ederson, Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Stones, Zinchenko, Bernardo Silva, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Gundogan, Sterling

    Subs: Steffen, Laporte, Walker, Mendy, Ferran Torres, Aguero, Foden, Jesus, Rodri

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

      Elneny, Xhaka and Bellerin. Feast away, Pep's lads

  3. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Either KDB or Gundo false 9

  4. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    No Rodri so Gundo deep

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Fernandinho is there

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

      Fernandinho in natural position?

    3. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dinho

    4. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundo false 9 more likely.

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

        I don't really read the lineup that way, but it'll probably change throughout the match.

    5. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Fernandinho...

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

    Stones & Cancelo both starting means benching fun in the DGW 😆

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      CL game too, hoping for a rest there

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yep, was expecting a cancelo rest today

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Due next GW then

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Midweek I reckon

  6. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    People getting excited by rockstar tweets when they could've waited for 4 minutes literally. 😆

  7. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    please stay benched Foden, don't do this to me Pep

  8. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    OR 1 has Bernardo first sub with Grealish starting so we know what happens here.

    1. flipmode_1
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thankgod for that! Stones, Cancelo and Gundo starting means I avoid the Soucek 1 pointer from the bench!

      1. flipmode_1
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Oops reply fail

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

    When you needed Pep roulette and he doesnt do it...

    Sold Gundo for Raph and benched Cancelo... need a bigger sofa

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ouch! Both you & Pep are doing the double on you 😉

  10. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Do you think gundogan is a bit deeper with kdb playing? Will be interesting how kdb being back impacts him anyway

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      nah

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No. Same as before.

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

      KDB number 9 position.

      Gundogan left midfield.

      Cancelo right back.

      1. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Not think it could be Mahrez in the 9?

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

          Sterling. KdB. Mahrez.

          1. Here's Tom with the We…
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            What Silva a bit deeper?

    4. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      KDB in QB role will more likely selflessly hold his position playing deep to help the team

    5. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundo will excel in his late arriving role as the defenders focus on the front 3

  11. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    City may as well sell Jesus and Aguero in the summer.

    1. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      They lining up Haaland

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

        May as well bring his father also

        1. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          As 3rd coach? 48 years so too late to play for City again

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

      Would like to see Halland to replace them.

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

        Scored another brace yesterday I think as well.

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

      Aguero out of contract so will be off for free

    4. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      messi

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

    Sterling gundo cancelo !

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

      Yes!

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

      Wanted one of them rested to get my Richarlison 8pts. I now expect 10 off each please

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

    Playing his best team away v Arsenal, what a surprise!

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

      -Rodri

  14. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    90 mins of Cancelo and his no end product

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nice attempted reverse jinx.

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

    4 - 3- 3

    KdB leads the line
    Fernandinho centre midfield

  16. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Wow Gundo TC could be good next week.

  17. Towsor44
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Whoops, sold Sterling after having him for weeks and weeks and kept Foden! Still, if he doesn't come on I've got Antonio first 1st sub.

  18. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who else has Kevin? 😎

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

    Looks like Gundagon false 9 to me

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

      Reads more of a KDB False 9 role to me.

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

      KdB

      Gundogan, Fernandinho, Silva across the middle.

  20. fedolefan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Oh rip, Gundo starts then.

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

    Cancelo overdue a rest, if it happens in midweek, is he captaincy material?

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Definitely

  22. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Kane as essential for this DGW as people make out?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      You know he’s not.

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

        I agree too.

    2. Pukkipartyy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nah

    3. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      yes, looked very sharp today, whisker away on two occasions from scoring

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

      I don’t think so ... so many players could return more on their doubles .... and Spurs are pretty impotent at the moment.

    5. Towsor44
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I don't trust any Spurs (or Liverpool for that matter), but, I would dread not having any of them for next week because it would be carnage if I didn't!

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

      I was planning on bringing him in for DGW26. Not convinced now, especially as I have to sell Salah to get him.

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

      Would expect a gw score of 12+ so depends who you have to cover him

    8. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Think I'm bringing in DCL (TC) instead.

  23. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Dias Sterling Gundo.
    Let’s go boys.

  24. JJO
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    When will i get any od those goals,assist and CSs from my bench?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      When you own Grealish?

      1. JJO
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        If i owned Grealish Richa would get red card in 2nd minute,not goal

  25. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else thinking of using WC now instead of after the blank?

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      no

    2. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      yes, really tempted. To get to the team i want will take -12.

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        BB?

      2. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeh, same thoughts here. A -12 BB is worth saving the WC for 30/31.

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    4. Iwantmorepointsthanks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thought has crossed my mind. But still unlikely.
      How strongly are you leaning towards it?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Given I'd probably change 8 players at least, highly.

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

          Makes sense then.

        2. Iwantmorepointsthanks
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Makes a lot of sense!

    5. sminkypinky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Contemplating it.

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

      Used mine for this GW, for a TC option.

      Think 29 is navigable without it & not worrying too much about 30 onwards yet.

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

      Not really since I can't bb and wc together.

      I'd just aim to get at least 9-10 dgw players

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Need the right ones though.

    8. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

      Kane
      Barnes
      Targett
      DCL

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

      Not at all, 10 decent DGW players already, it'll be an injury and rotation nightmare anyway

    10. Chris_H
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes - BB week after with triple saints and Raphina

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

    Benched Gundo for Barnes and I’m still sh!tting it

    This is going to sting

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      huh

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

      10+ points is a healthy buffer at least.

    3. Ozzy smith
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Eh?

  27. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    The gameweek really starts in 56 minutes

  28. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Need a Bruno no show for Gundogan off the bench, very small chance I assume?

    1. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I mean maybe he gets sick in the warmup?

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yes or Covid-19

  29. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Good grief, Antonio and Gundo out for useless DGWers turning into a nightmare

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

      Oops

    2. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundo hattrick needed.

    3. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundo out?! What were you thinking man?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Was only meant to be for 1 week as thought he wouldnt start

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

      I sold Grealish and DCL for Raphina and Ings -4, Grealish not even playing and still hasn't paid off and it meant I benched Antonio, transfers never work out for me though so I'm used to it.

  30. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Regretting benching Stones. Come on Arsenal!