Dugout Discussion

Son and Grealish absent as Bale is benched for final Blank Gameweek 29 match

Son Heung-min (£9.4m) and Jack Grealish (£7.5m) will both sit out the final match of Blank Gameweek 29, while Gareth Bale (£9.7m) begins this evening’s clash between Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur on the bench.

Kick-off at Villa Park is at 19:30 GMT.

Bale’s demotion from the Spurs starting XI is a blow to the legions of Fantasy Premier League managers who bought the Welshman ahead of Gameweek 29.

The winger was the subject of more transfers in (771,282) than any other player ahead of Friday’s deadline.

The most-sold FPL asset of the round, Son, hasn’t recovered from the muscle injury that forced him off in the north London derby last Sunday.

Son and Bale are among four players in Jose Mourinho’s Gameweek 28 line-up who miss out this afternoon, with the benched Matt Doherty (£5.6m) and the absent Toby Alderweireld (£5.4m) the others to make way.

Spurs confirmed that Alderweireld and Serge Aurier (£5.2m) both miss out through illness today.

In come Carlos Vinicius (£6.9m), Japhet Tanganga (£4.9m), Joe Rodon (£5.0m) and Giovani Lo Celso (£6.9m).

There’s no rest for Harry Kane (£11.5m) after his 120-minute run-out on Thursday: the England striker, captained by over two million FPL bosses tonight, starts.

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has made two changes following his side’s draw with Newcastle United over a week ago.

Matty Cash (£5.0m) and Morgan Sanson (£5.5m) start, with Ahmed El Mohamady (£4.3m) and Jacob Ramsey (£4.5m) dropping out.

Despite the positive noises about Grealish in Smith’s pre-match press conference, the Villa talisman misses his sixth successive league match.


Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett, McGinn, Luiz, Sanson, Traore, Watkins, Trezeguet.

Tottenham Hotspur XI: Lloris, Tanganga, Sanchez, Rodon, Reguilon, Hojbjerg, Lo Celso, Ndombele, Vinicius, Kane, Moura.

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1,164 Comments Post a Comment
  1. michaelington
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    I used to hate IB. Can’t wait these days to have a break from fpl.

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      stop playing
      easy

      1. michaelington
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Haha, easier said than done.

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 days ago

          I know, but dont do it to yourself if its affecting you.

      2. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        I’ve always thought this too, not this guy in particular but many on here sometimes seem to get so engaged to the point it’s like a forceful chore. We are all just playing for fun at the end of the day.

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 days ago

          jip - there is a whole (other) world out there.

        2. michaelington
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 days ago

          This season is different though, game after game, not much to do due to lockdown etc.
          I enjoy planning my team, experiencing the highs and lows of fpl, but saying that, a break is nice.

          1. Bennerman
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 days ago

            I understand exactly what you're saying, mate. I absolutely love football, but I'm ready for a break myself. You really can have too much of a good thing. And it follows for fantasy footy

          2. Qaiss
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 days ago

            That agreed, totally. I watch so many matches when it’s the World Cup and Euros but I never watch this much. Watched so much football this season as there’s very little other pleasures in life at the moment.

            For FPL though, it is and always will be just a game. The rank were all aiming for in May will be completely irrelevant come August unless you are into rank history (which again, does very little for you in life and in anything apart from have the respect of a small bubble of people)

        3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 days ago

          It is as if 'the community' will be analysing their gameweek history or something.
          It is made up computer game about a game.

          The people who play the game are not in fact managers of the players. But players of a computer game. No player actually owns any of these fictional players.
          Phrases like dullard, differential, premium, marivick are simply rehashed buzzwords.

          All it takes is to step back and look at it for what it is.
          If people still cannot do that. People should get someone who has zero interest in it to look at the game. And they will laugh their heads off at the 'manager'.

          1. Qaiss
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 days ago

            Totally agree. The majority of people who play FPL even, would also find it a bit strange how much we all get engaged into it. It’s a nice hobby but it’s not a matter of life or death.

            I tried to say this when an article on here a couple of weeks ago came out about a link between FPL and Mental health, which in my opinion was not right.

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Coming back might be carnage ; wish the international break was just a two week player break so we can get some decent football back

    3. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Agreed. Never thought I'd say it either but the spaced out games and all televised... It's intense.

    4. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      You will without doubt in this game have nightmare weeks. Need to know when they come and that everyone will get them at some point unless they totally luck out

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Yeah I know, I've had 29 consecutive nightmare weeks now...

  2. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    35% rank boost on my FH. Happy over the break 🙂

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      29% myself could had been so much better if I had Bamford 1st sub.

      1. camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Me too if I had Laca 1st sub rather than Reguilon which was 2 mins frm 6 pts at least 🙁

    2. Vamos Los Celeste
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      61.41% 😀

  3. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Worth playing BB in GW30 with the following?

    Martinez

    Rudiger, Maguire, Dallas

    Bruno, Gundogan, Raphinha, Odegaard

    Kane, DCL, Watkins

    Subs: Pope, Stones, Cancelo, Soucek

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      First glance yeah, But will Stones, Cancelo, Gundogan all start?

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        I'm thinking it could be Cancelo and Stones starting in the next game as they didn't play in the cup but the international break could f up that logic.

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 days ago

          The way my team has fallen is very relevant to yours.
          I have used BB already.
          But the team I set up has KDB playing with Pope, Gundogan, Cancelo, Peirera (Leic) on bench.
          I figure that not all the city lads will start and it could be something like 2-1 either way.

      2. rjcv177
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Pep Will go strong for that Leicester game (3rd on PL)

    2. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Yes if you are lucky in Pep roulette.

    3. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Might as well, would be lucky to get 13 starters though

    4. gooberman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      As in my case and i was also considering the BB GW30, the 3 City players could undermine the BB if 1 or more of them get benched. You really need all your 15 players guaranteed to start to maximise the BB.

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Same City players? Possibly worth keeping an eye on minutes played during the international break.

        1. gooberman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 days ago

          yeah I also have Gundogan, Stones and Cancelo.

    5. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Wait to see how many actual fit players you have post IB because if it’s anything like the last one in the Autumn it could be absolute carnage.

  4. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Just how unlucky were we GW 18 Free hitters...
    Im still salty about my -2 from Sterling (c)

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      We knew it that 29 would be the big blank. I was always likely to keep FH for it

    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      I have captained sterling when he missed that pen
      Captained KDB and Gundogan (VC) when both did not play.
      I also captained Soucek when he got sent off.

      So I figure I deserve some joy out of my BB this week 68.

  5. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Looking at jota but could he be rotated and rested ? They only have 2 days rest between league games and Madrid games

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Jota will rotate will Firmino, Mane and Salah ... no question

    2. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      They go out of Europe when Real beat them around middle of April ready for a couple of tasty teams

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Real haven’t been good enough ; anything can happen but what they won’t do is park the bus

  6. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Bale in for Salah went well then.

    Decided against Trossard because the thought of 11m itb felt wrong.

    Yep, I feel stupid 😆

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Ouch.. Unlucky

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Yeh. At least I have WC to play in 31!

    2. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      I decided against Trossard because Man U away was next fixture. Should have just focussed on this week really.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Very annoying right?

        I also went for Dunk over Veltman because “he scores more”

      2. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        No. As a rule you should focus on groups of fixtures rather than one off games. Being mindful of Brightons fixtures was the right call. Unless they have a wildcard, those who loaded up on Brighton may have made some short term gain this week but they will now be lumbered with them over a number of tough fixtures.

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

          Did exactly the same, went Auba and lingard over trossard though I’m wc31

    3. Essan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      61 pts from 7 in the end after Bale's no show.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        That’s a great score well doen

    4. Lets Talk About 19 Baby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      -4 Out Mee Foden Salah In Dallas Bale Lingard. I wanted to pick Trossard but didnt trust Brighton, owning Burn for weeks for this game week for him not to play was final kick in the nuts. Can’t wait to activate my wildcard in the coming weeks, with free hit and triple captain still in hand.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Very well done having all those chips!

        1. Lets Talk About 19 Baby
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 days ago

          Cheers Don Kloppeone, my overall rank currently just under 39,000. Im having a better season than Liverpool thats for sure.

  7. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    So not the drab week everyone was expecting then. 58pts for me. Happy with that. Green arrow. Still moving forward making steady progress. Wildcard and BB left.

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      You got that without BB? Well played only 10 less than my BB.

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Well I cant imagine many people being able to bench boost with so few teams playing. I only had 8 players playing which is around average.

  8. Gross Blank Point
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Paul Merson is starting to turn into Ray Winston.

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Wants a VIP Bet365 account

  9. OLD Rafiki
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    how long is dybala's injury?

  10. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Apologies for smuggery but am enjoying the taste of some Trossard off the bench jam

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Whistles

  11. Free Hat
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    I dont even want to check the points Targett and Watkins got me the moment I brought them couple of weeks ago. Wont be much thats for sure!
    First time Creswell as well. It wasnt a great watch this day 😀

  12. Monya Meow Meow
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Pretty happy with 56 points no FH, rank hanging around 50k

  13. Salan
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Villa without Grealish is having big problem.

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      They were playing like this with Grealish ; West Ham beat them 3-1

      1. Salan
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Liverpool with VVD also lost to Villa 7:2. So Liverpool should not be with VVD?

        Villa with Grealish comes to a mid table team from a relegation team.

  14. Vamos Los Celeste
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    I feel unlucky with Reguilon and Odegaard 3 points but a nice green arrow after all.

    7 points till top 10k.

  15. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    No Bale after all?

    Thank-you fantasy gods juhuuuuu

    Only left to ignore Auba the only one which I reluctantly put in my team instead of Bam Bam.
    How was your FH?

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      82 with Auba (c)

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        I rightly predicted it is going to be FH defining move

        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2021/03/19/the-complete-guide-to-scouts-tips-and-advice-for-blank-gameweek-29/
        Wish we've ignored him.

        Terible pick. Was swayed by the community.

        Never again

        1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 7 days ago

          My own fault for picking a player out of form. Went on a hunch never the best policy

          1. FPL Daniel
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 7 days ago

            Hunch sometimes works but usually is after a close watch of someone's game or so called eye test. When we are swayed by the comments here usually is a bad bet

      2. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Well done on 92. Might be a record on a blank GW

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Never ever posted against the template on these pages.

      #Unreal #NoTeamSpirit #BringBackFFSCommunitySpirit

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Lol good one. Love it Christina

    3. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      80 .... Dallas Cresswell and Martinez the only disappointments.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Thats huge score. Captain?

        1. Eh, just one more thing ...
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 days ago

          Kane (c).

    4. TomSaints
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      97. Dissapointed (lol) not to hit the 100.

      Obviously can’t complain but Tierney was a dreadful shout over a spurs defender. Grealish was also silly.

      Still can’t believe Dallas missed that chance

      1. Vamos Los Celeste
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        I brought Reguilon over Tierney. Same outcome

  16. Free Hat
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Watching Trezeguet and Sanson, I dont get the Traore subs every time. Not that hes playing great, but he sure is better than those 2.

  17. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    The madness is over for two weeks

  18. ZAMUNDA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Just opened to check games to find out double WHU defence wiped after a 3-0 lead, Bale (C) benched and Reguilon sub at 57'. GW went down the roller-coaster at full-speed.

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Ouch. Who was your VC?

      1. ZAMUNDA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Maupay (VC). Ups of the GW having Veltman, Raphinha, Bamford as well. Yesterday was the peak of the roller-coaster, today is the bottom of it. ML rival having Kane, Lingard, and Antonio

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      At least Maupay coming in as captain for you

      1. ZAMUNDA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Was counting on Bale to move back to 10k tbh, ML rival is moving closer.

  19. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    What to do with Bale now? Give him the Newcastle game?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      I think the international break will tell us more

    2. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Pointless though if he spends the whole game on the bench again.

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      I currently have Antonio & Stones on the bench.

      He may stay put.

  20. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Evening all!! Who’s the better Chelsea option out of Rudgier and Christensen folks?? Christensen seems to be a bonus magnet??

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Rudi and Azpi and Mendy. I am going for the triple up.

      In that order

      1. Eh, just one more thing ...
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Yup agree with this ...

      2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Yessssss!!!! I applaud you mate!! I think that’s going to be extremely fruitful!!!

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 days ago

          Well let's have fan. It's the end. I think am gonna have a break next year so let's make it a remember full one

          1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 7 days ago

            Yeah you do right Mate!! I shall double up on their defence for sure!! Oooh that’s brave!!! I’d get itchy fingers after a week without FPL!! Haha but i completely understand why you would want to take a break for sure!! It’s relentless!!

          2. Qaiss
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 days ago

            See you in August

    2. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      I'm betting on Alonso.
      Will double with rudiger for "safety"

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        I like it Mate!!!! I think il end up going for Azpilicueta !!

  21. LewisKitesurf
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    anyone else here struggling to see how that was a stone wall pen. clever forward play. you cannot slide in on the pitch and take people out

  22. bazbestos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Does anyone have free hit left? If so, when would you use it?

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Probably the League cup blank.

    2. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      GW33 is the plan but I have a GW31 WC and so am debating managing my Man City and Spurs players so I could get through GW31 without it.

      The idea that GW36 / 37 could be changed to allow fans to attend a home game for every club intrigues me.

  23. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    I still can’t believe I got a green arrow (smallest one though) with 8 players and -8.If I used my FH, I would get 25 points more though, not sure it will bring that much in GW33 or 35/36..

  24. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Who are your must have players for the run in?

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Bale, Watkins, Auba and Cresswell.

      1. FPL_Hazards
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Watkins? LMAO

      2. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        😉

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Bale looks essential

      1. Chrisitis
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Really. Two times they will play midweek games in the run in
        Son should be a better pick

      2. tbos83
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        I'm too nervous about rotation

    3. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Depends what your ambition is to hold you position or gamble.

      Personally I’m going to be gambling on Wolves & Leicester’s nice fixtures. So Vardy, Maddison and Neto. Also considering Jota and even Calum Wilson.

      1. tbos83
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Good shouts - like your thinking with Wilson, though has some tough fixtures

        1. Patio Kev
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 7 days ago

          He does but at least Newcastle are unlikely to be “on the beach” any time soon plus he is on Pens.

  25. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Hi all, thoughts on BB for next gameweek? Will do McCarthy to Mendy too for free too.

    Martinez
    Konsa Rudiger Dallas
    Son Salah Bruno Raphina
    Watkins Kane Bamford

    McCarthy* Stones Coufal Soucek

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Yeah, may as well, I'm looking to use mine next GW too.

  26. FPL_Hazards
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Decided to have some fun and made 5 transfers for a -12

    Dunk
    Trossard
    Dallas
    Reguilon
    Bale

    Still crying lol

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Trossard made it up for all

    2. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      For next gw?

  27. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    I am ready for a mega hit next week.

    Bale Son Mount Strujk in my squad. I might not get full 11

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Ouch, blame FH!

  28. rjcv177
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    BB30
    Pope, Martinez
    Dallas, Digne, reguilon, cancelo, dias
    Son, raph, lingz, Mount, anguissa
    Kane, bamf, dcl

    Priority in?
    A) rudiger
    B) Alonso
    C) Shaw
    D) Bruno
    E) Southampton?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      D

      1. rjcv177
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 days ago

        Thkx

  29. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    When do we expect the Villa and Everton double to be played ? Any soon ?

    I have Digne and DCL

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Also have thr triple Spurs attack so jts crucial to know for my transfers

  30. FPL_Hazards
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 days ago

    Is Eve/avl the only game to be re-arranged?

    1. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 days ago

      Nope, Spurs vs Soton too carried over from this GW.