Dugout Discussion

Watkins leads Villa line as Barkley benched for Leeds trip

Ollie Watkins (£6.5m) leads the Aston Villa attack for their first Double Gameweek 26 match: a trip to Leeds.

Any pre-deadline rumours about an injury for the forward were assuaged as he was named on the team-sheet this afternoon.

Dean Smith has still tweaked his Villa side though, moving to a 4-3-3 which involves a drop to the bench for Ross Barkley (£5.9m), who has failed to impress of late.

Anwar El Ghazi (£5.3m) and Bertrand Traoré (£5.9m) flank Watkins while Jacob Ramsey (£4.5m), Marvelous Nakamba (£4.3m) and John McGinn (£5.5m) comprise the central midfield trio.

Matt Targett (£4.9m) is the most fashionable member of Villa’s back-four with 13.4% ownership while the 0.4%-owned Ahmed El Mohamady (£4.3m) offers a differential route at right-back.

Leeds assets may only have one fixture in Double Gameweek 26 but they do come into the round full of confidence.

Marcelo Bielsa makes just one change from the win over Southampton, affording himself the line-up that won the second half 3-0 on Monday night.

Hélder Costa (£5.0m) comes in for Jack Harrison (£5.5m) on the left-hand side of midfield while Pascal Struijk (£4.0m) continues in the holding role.

Patrick Bamford (£6.9m) remains in 52.7% of Fantasy Premier League teams worldwide, Stuart Dallas (£5.0m) still backed by 21.0%.

Double Gameweek 26 Line-ups

Leeds United XI (4-1-4-1): Meslier; Dallas, Cooper, Llorente, Ayling; Struijk; Costa, Roberts, Klich, Raphinha; Bamford.

Aston Villa XI (4-3-3): Martínez; Targett, Mings, Konsa, Elmohamady; Ramsey, Nakamba, McGinn; El Ghazi, Watkins, B Traoré.

Double Gameweek 26 so far…

West Bromwich Albion recorded a much-needed second clean sheet of the campaign as they beat Brighton 1-0.

Crucially, it makes for back-to-back shutouts for the first time this season, good news for those who invested in either the out-of-position Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.6m) for Double Gameweek 26.

The Arsenal loanee was deployed on the right-hand flank of attacking midfield once again and enjoyed a decent chance to score in the first half.

Still, it was an interesting afternoon for Sam Johnstone (£4.5m) owners. They benefitted from the Baggies’ clean sheet and also secured a raft of extras, two for saves and two bonus (provisional).

However, his Double Gameweek 26 score could have already stood at close to 20 points had Brighton’s penalties gone a different way on Saturday.

Pascal Groß (£5.8m) and Danny Welbeck (£5.5m) both missed spot-kicks but each of them struck the woodwork, denying Johnstone the chance to earn a Fantasy reward in each instance.

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883 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Watkins looking for a YC.

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

    Martinez will concede because I started him this week, sorry guys in advance

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      OK Fudgy

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

        Logged in just to up vote:)

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I think it’s like the FFS version of “OK Boomer”

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

      Hope so. Can’t stand him

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

      whyyyy.

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

        It's what my recent luck entails unfortunately

    4. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No chance

  3. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Ayling in super saiyan mode.

  4. dogtanion
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Why do refs not book play acting like that? I'd actually enjoy dishing out yellows for that nonsense

  5. Burger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone watching, how's B Traore looked this half?

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Crocked

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

      Didn't know he was playing until I saw this post..and I'm watching it

      1. Burger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Gosh, so room for improvement then 😆

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

      Anonymous. Had to cover for Elmo a lot

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

    Disgraceful from Llorente. Should book him

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

      This

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

    Confirmation, Luke Ayling has NOT had a lockdown hair cut.

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He has not had a hair cut his entire adult life

  8. Says
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Watkins should know it's very rude to interrupt a thespian during a performance

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

      😆

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

    Oh, Leeds

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

    People saying Watkins will get a yellow for that don't have a clue, Llorente should be the one getting booked, disgraceful.

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

      Exactly

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

      They both should.

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

        Never a yellow for Watkins that, it's a contact sport

  11. thegaffer82
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Glad I sold Bamford instead of Raph. They are on different planets when it comes to skill and ability... obviously Bamford is a very good FPL option though because he scores goals (hence points). But Raph is pretty good at that FPL points scoring business too thankfully...

    He will be playing for a 'traditional top 6 side' within 2 years. My bet is for Spurs playing LWB/LCB under Maureen

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

      Brave to assume Spurs won't have sacked Mourinho by then...

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

      Moaninho will destroy him!

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

      Cursing myself for selling Raphinha to Pereira for a hit just so I could have XI DGWers.
      I rightly deserve punishment, double gameweek blindness at its finest

    4. HonestBlatter
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Did the same...Raph looks so good and energetic there

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

      Maureen would destroy him.

      I started Raph over Bam, they are worlds apart but I imagine Bam will still outscore Raph.

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

      Mahrez replacement?

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

      My bet is joining the Brazilian gang at Anfield. Possibly a replacement for Salah

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

    I wouldn't be surprised if the answer to who to TC this week was actually Martinez.

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

    Llorente should get a yellow for that

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

    Llorente doing a neymar on the floor and 3 points to the hair bobble. Know which team could be sponsored by head and shoulders.

    Jacob Ramsey seems to be doing alright for a young fella

  15. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Leeds are a second half team anyway

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Villa ain't keeping a cs anyway

  16. Third Eye Vision
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Just thinking out loud.

    I’ve really enjoyed watching Leeds this season. I’ve owned their players in fpl and find myself wanting them to win games.

    It seems that they’re popular with other football fans too.

    Is this a novel situation for Leeds fans - for other people to like your team? It seems different to how I remember Leeds in the 80s, 90s and early 00s (when they were last on my radar).

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Definitely the favorite of the promoted sides. It will get stale in a year or two.

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

      how found myself thinking exactly the same this season

    3. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      They replaced the skin head image for the man bun image

    4. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Absolutely agree. As a Utd fan there's always been some needle with Leeds. But I can't bring myself to dislike them these days.

      Bielsa is bloody brilliant and I just love watching Leeds play. Whether they win or lose, always entertainment to be had.

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        They will always be dirty Leeds

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

      No I agree, I appreciate their no guts no glory approach.
      None of this park the bus boring business, they go for it and play attacking exciting football, very refreshing.
      More of it please.

    6. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      United fan here, so I guess I should be programmed to hate Leeds? No idea, I’ve only been a fan for 25-odd years.

      I like watching their matches as a casual. Like I used to like watching Norwich and Bournemouth.

    7. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Out of the PL so long, their old identity is just a memory.

    8. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Good to hear even Man United fans not hating on them.

      I guess Jarvish is right. They’ve been out of the spotlight so long, that this next generation of fans don’t have any preconceptions.

    9. im1974
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nope. Their fans are scum. Wait until crowds are back - everyone will want them relegated next season

  17. zotter
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Got triple villa. Martinez. Konsa and Watkins. Oh how I need to hear that final whistle ASAP!!

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Too soon too soon

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

      Same here

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

    Go Martinez, let nothing in frm my BB of Raph + Bam... Go on.. Have the game of ur life..

  19. Firminooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Need something from Raphinha and Bamford + save points from Martinez.

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

      Thisss

  20. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    That Gahzi goal was onside?

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

      Elmo assist?? Anything? Something?

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

        He means the first one. There hasn't been another dude.

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

          Thanks

      2. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        You have to just hope for a cs and no yc with Elmo, clearly a step off pace

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

      obv

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Just saw it, looked like an armpit off 😉

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

          var a fcking joke
          I had Dunk earlier

          1. The Suspended One
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Watching that one back now ; wasn’t going to watch but I have to see the goals that weren’t

    3. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Totally onside.

  21. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    If you're bench boosting and have double Leeds attack and double Villa defence, is it better for Leeds to score or Villa keep a clean sheet?

    1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      leeds to score and villa get cs for second game

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

      score if both your players get G/A

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

      If Leeds goal is to happen it must be between your players otherwise Villa CS can be useful. They have SHU as well so can monster haul This GW !

  22. Alonso The Great Midfielder
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Please raphinha stay on right side, you better when playing there

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

      Yeah i think he heard you

      1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        hope so

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

    I have been mentally lolling @ Dallas owners for the past hour, and now looking at my team I realised that I have Struijk! Fml

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

      LoL

  24. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Me: “he-hey, Watkins did something!”
    Also me, after checking the app: “oh, that’s right, I benched him for Lookman in the last minute...”

  25. KAALI_DAAL
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who called him El Mohamady and not ElMo?

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

      His mum?

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        She calls him Elmo too

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

          Does she ask him to tickle her?

          1. The Suspended One
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Let’s hope not

  26. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Did watkins get a yc?

    1. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      no

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

      No

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

      Not yet but plenty of fouls.

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

    Ayling should never play with a headband ever. So much more badass.

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Leeds need a barber

      1. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Don’t we all.

    2. A.J.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      All players should be looking like that by now.

      Far too many fresh haircuts there for my liking while I'm sitting here bordering on wild man of Borneo status.

  28. Hect.OR 98th
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Should have put players other than my 3 Leeds on my BB bench to make me feel my BB was a success...

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

    I used to like Raphina before he started pulling his shorts up for no reason

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

      His idol is Antonio.

  30. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What's this about Jota transferring out Salah?
    I'm worried now....