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FPL team guide 2021/22 – Aston Villa: Best players, stats and more

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Our team-by-team guide to the new Fantasy Premier League season continues with this preview of Aston Villa.

Don’t forget that you can find official Opta team and player information on the Villans in our Premium Members Area.

FPL price reveal and launch reaction from three-time top 200 finisher Lateriser 1

2020/21 was a season of progress at Villa as they finished 11th, their highest since 2010/11.

However, the campaign can be split into two distinct parts – with and without Jack Grealish (£8.0m). 

GREALISH THE TALISMAN

The 25-year-old missed 12 games after sustaining a shin injury in February, and with Dean Smith no longer able to call upon his talisman, it was a rough few months until his return.

During his absence, Villa mustered a total of 12 points from 36, scoring just 13 goals:

GamesWinsDrawsLossesPointsGoals scoredGoal conceded
With Grealish261349434229
Without Grealish12336121317

Despite missing a large chunk of the season, Grealish still ranked third amongst all Premier League players for chances created and seventh for expected assists (xA). 

It’s also worth noting that his points-per-match average of 5.2 was the best among Villa assets and the 8th highest among Fantasy midfielders.

Midfielders sorted by chances created 2020/21

Villa with and without Grealish is always going to be a big talking point, but do they rely on him too much?

During 2020/21, there was a real bias to create from the left with 41.2% of their chances created arriving from Grealish’s flank, compared to just 27.3% on the right and 31.5% down the middle.

Aston Villa’s chances created heatmap 2020/21

BUENDIA TO ADD CREATIVITY

However, Villa have at least tried to address that issue early in the transfer window, with the signing of Emiliano Buendía (£6.5m) for a fee in the region of £33m.

The 24-year-old played a starring role in Norwich City’s Championship title success last season as he reached double figures for both goals (15) and assists (16).

His eye for goal is encouraging, but it will be the scoring chances Buendía can create for others that is most exciting, which is where the Argentinian playmaker excelled for Norwich amid their top-flight relegation two years ago.

In fact, amongst all midfielders in 2019/20, only Kevin De Bruyne (£12.5m) and Grealish created more chances:

222 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Do we think Berardi starts for Italy on Sunday? Or would you start any one of Maguire, Shaw or Sterling instead?

    I'm 9 points behind the leader in my ML so have to take a bit of a risk, I've Quadrupled up on Italian Defence and planning on captaining one of them, most likely Emerson?

    Current team is:

    Donna
    Chiellini - Bonucci - Emerson (c)
    Chiesa - Insigne - Berardi - Mount - Sterling
    Kane - Immobile

    Bench: Pickford - Maguire - Shaw - DCL

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    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Tough to say. Any one out of Berardi/Immobile/Belotti could start.

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    2. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I'd be surprised. More likely Chiesa and Immobile start.

      If you're punting on Italy, I'd maybe bring Barella in for Berardi.

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  2. Sepp Blattered
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    First draft - appreciate your thoughts...

    Sanchez - 4.0
    TAA - Digne - Fofana - Lamptey - 4.0
    Salah - Bruno - Havertz - Raphina - Buendia
    DCL - Toney - 4.0

    Havertz would become either Mahrez/Gundogan in GW2..

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    1. mcpoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Pretty good. Why not just save a transfer and have Mahrez from the outset?

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    2. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Presume 3rd striker should be 4.5 not 4? I don't like having a bench with two non playing fodder, asking for trouble. Also it's not worth planning for a transfer ahead in a one week punt, FTs are more valuable than ever at the start of the season with so many unknowns.

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  3. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Excellent article that's full of Members Area stats but available to all.

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  4. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    How does it look, lads?

    _______ / 4.0
    TAA / _______ / Coufal / Lamptey / Ayling
    Salah / Bruno / Raphinha / Buendía / 4.5
    _______ / Watkins / Toney

    A. Martínez, Dias, Wood
    B. Martínez, Fofana, DCL
    C. Sánchez, Dias, DCL

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    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      B

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      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Appreciate it!

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    2. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      B

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      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers!

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    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I like Dias, so A.

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    4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      C

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      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Appreciate it!

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    5. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      c

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    6. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      C

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    7. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      C is best

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  5. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Tierney, Lowton, Fofana, Ritchie or Coleman?

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    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Fofana is a bargain

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      1. mcpoop
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        And Lamptey

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        1. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Him too

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      2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        2.5 points per game

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    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Tierney

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  6. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Iheanacho at risk with Daka?

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    1. mcpoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Nacho will probably start first few gwks but certainly at risk of rotation.

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    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      No. Vardy.

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    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      --------------------Kasper-------------------
      Ferreira Evans Fofana Castagne
      -----------Tielemans Ndidi--------------
      -----------------Maddison------------------
      Barnes---------Nacho-------Vardy-----

      Is roughly how I'd expect leicester to line out

      Justin/Bertrand/Thomas covering fullbacks, Soyboy Central or if they want to play 5 at the back for tougher games

      Choudry, Praet, Amartey, Mendy central midfield cover

      Perez, Saka, Albrighton - cover for wide attackers/up front

      They're looking well balanced

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      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Daka not Saka

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        1. sirmorbach
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Very nice, very nice indeed!

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      2. Coolbean
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Vardy on the wing. Wot. Last time this happened for Leicester was back in the 14/15 season according to Transfermarkt 😆

        One of Barnes, Nacho or Maddison will in any given game regardless of the formation they play, as apparently Nacho can’t play as a lone striker

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        1. Coolbean
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Will miss out*

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        2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Vardy was actually dropping quite wide left during the run allowing Nacho to play centrally - basically a left winger quite a few times and had almost completely made the switch from goalscorer to provider - he’s a natural in the channels

          Teamsheets will still have him & Nacho as a two, but it will be more like Vardy & Barnes either side of Nacho, who himself will also drop deep

          Barnes Nacho Vardy will almost certainly be their front 3 when all are fit - with Maddison, Tielemans, Ndidi behind them - which is a superbly balanced front 6 in fairness, and an absolute nightmare for opposition defences with that much pace, guile, strength, directness etc

          Daka, Perez, Albrighton, etc will be very much supporting cast

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          1. Coolbean
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            Haha sounds like when I play FIFA ultra attacking! But I think drifting towards the wing as a striker is different to playing as the dedicated winger. The lineup you suggested has also never happened, closest being when they played 4-4-2 with Maddison benched

            So I have my doubts - started with Nacho and switched out of him on second thought. Good luck with your team tho 🙂

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  7. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Will Williams start for Sou?

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    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      They signed a LB priced 5.0 at fantasy

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    2. Kielty
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      He will definitely get game time as he’s the only real cover we have for both fullback positions. Probably won’t get many starts though

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  8. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Dias + Manquillo (fodder) or Castagne/Digne + Ayling to rotate with Lamptey and Coufal?

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    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Dias Manq

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  9. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Which combo seems best?

    A) VVD, Targett, Sanchez
    B) Robertson, Lamptey, Sanchez
    C) VVD, Lamptey, Henderson

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    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      B

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    2. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I have B.

      So probably one of the other ones.

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      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Haha thanks. B seems better. Double brighton defence a bit worrying

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    3. Dogs Of War
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      B

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    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      C if Hendo is nailed in my book.

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    5. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      B

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    6. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      B

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    7. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks all

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  10. Dogs Of War
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    So Watford sign Josh King. That makes it harder to predict their forward line. Who will play through the middle?

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    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Nice. Him I like.

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    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Does King play through the middle? His heat map at Bournemouth has him out fairly wide typically. That could be the Wilson competition I suppose.

      My guess is he's a cover option as much as anything else.

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    3. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Assuming Sarr is nailed, they've got / signed:

      Joao Pedro, Dennis, Deeney, Gray, Fletcher, Success, Mebude, Perica, Sema and now King fighting for 2 spots. Obviously a wide range of ability levels there, but crazy stuff. Law of averages I guess, some have to work out.

      Guessing Sarr King Dennis? Could easily be Sarr Deeney JP though.

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      1. Coolbean
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Among all those though, only Pedro is actually any good (apart from King now ofc). Dennis is a 5m signing from Brugge, and Brugge fans rate him extremely poorly. And Deeney is too old and will probably be phased out this year

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  11. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Keane(5m) not in many teams on here.
    Bargain.

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    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Digne only 0.5m more

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    2. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      If you count him as bargain, there are many of them

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    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      How can he be a bargain at 5m?
      He would be overpriced if it was 5.5.

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      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah I don’t see Keane as super value at all

        Seemed to hit the very top of his performance range last season with 3 goals from 1.5XG…

        And still topped out at 127 points

        Hoping Digne has a lot more upside

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        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Agreed. Perhaps they could get more clean sheets this season than the last one;

          But if that is the case, it means more points for all Everton defenders - including Digne.

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          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            Ah - maybe it was TAA

            the table above is midfielders only

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            1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 9 months ago

              Reply fail to my other post but yeah, could be Trent, the number one in my teamsheet!

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  12. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Great read. Villa are defo a team of interest.

    My concern for Villa is what looked like the reliance on Grealish as you point up this affected defence as much as attack. Also interesting point about lack of rotation and squad security. Will that repeat? And what happens if it doesn't.

    Looking at the squad on FPL I'm curious about the balance. There are already 25 names and not a whole heap of cover in defence.

    2 keepers
    8 defenders
    11 mids
    4 forwards

    Looks a tad imbalanced to me with all those mids. Huge step down from Watkins if he misses out. Not sure about cover in defence

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    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Only Villa interest I have atm is Ollie.

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      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Likewise - currently between him and Wilson for that spot for me.

        Bit concerned that they're going all West Ham in their determination to sign every attacking mid in sight.

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        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          What's the concern? That they'll turn into a rotational nightmare like City?

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          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            I'm thinking that. Despite the numbers, many are clear backup. There are only 3 centrebacks, so Mings and Konsa should be nailed. Unless Villa get Tammy, Ollie is nailed. I'm pretty sure Buendia is also nailed, as of course is Jack if he stays. I'm not interested in any others anyway.

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          2. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            More that they'll turn into a different team and not necessarily a better one - if they need to acclimatise both Buendia and another number 10 type they become a quite different unit. That was the point of the WH comparison - the attacking mid signings (pre Moyes mostly) always looked good on paper but rarely turned out to be a team strengthening exercise.

            As a Villa fan I'd be more concerned about lack of cover for Watkins.

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            1. Pep bites Kun
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 9 months ago

              I see your point. With your FPL hat on, and the same point AndyS makes above .. if they do sign Tammy, how much impact will it have on Watkins output? Would Watkins still be a safe starter/short-term pick?

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              1. pingissimus
                • 5 Years
                2 years, 9 months ago

                Tammy could mess Watkins up completely I imagine for FPL.

                As it is Watkins is a converted winger anyway and not a "natural" cf and so if Tammy comes he could well be shifted wider when he does start and be close to oop given how FPL works.

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                1. Pep bites Kun
                  • 7 Years
                  2 years, 9 months ago

                  That's my concern. Thanks for the insight(s).

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        2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Wilson is a standout for me out of those two. Fixtures is the issue. Still, currently on Callum.

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    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      They are fine. Probably get rid of Hourihane and sign a back up for McGinn.

      Martinez
      Cash Konsa Mings Targett
      Luiz Buendia McGinn
      Traore Watkins Grealish

      Steer
      Guilbert Hause Bridge Young
      Nakamba Sanson ?????
      Trezeguet Wesley El-Ghazi

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      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        If they sign ESR, I can see Benny displacing Traore and ESR behind Watkins.

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      2. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        That set up looks rational enough.

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      3. JELLYFISH
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        ????? = Ramsey

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  13. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    How nailed are Stones and Rudiger or is it just guesswork?

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    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Guesswork, I'd say. Laporte and Christensen both had a very good Euro tournament, which has got to aid the chances of featuring in the first team at those players' expense, imo.

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  14. Sanchit
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    5-3-2 with 5 premium defenders. Thoughts on this structure?

    Sanchez 4.0
    TAA Robertson Chilwell Shaw Digne
    Salah Bruno Buendia 4.5 4.5
    DCL Watkins 4.5

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    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Nice team. Rotten bench, unfortunately.

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      1. Sanchit
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        How often do you think you need bench players to come in?
        I think 2 4.5 mids cover atleast 2-3 points for me.

        Another option would be downgrade one of those premium defs for a 4.5 and use the 1.5 to get a 6 mil midfielder and rotate that mid and the 4.5 def

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        1. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Rotate Lamptey and Harrison, say?

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          1. Sanchit
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            Hmm certainly looks better than Chilwell and a 4.5 mid. Will consider for sure.

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        2. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          I think I'd be looking to either convert your non-playing striker to 6.5 Toney, or a 4.5 midf to a decent 6-6.5m prospect. In either case you'd have a first sub you'd be happy to come on. 2nd subs are less commonly called upon and 3rd sub virtually never.

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          1. Sanchit
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            Hmmm correct!
            Can look for a 4 defender structure, might work better

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    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      It's an excellent XI, and you'd hope to play them every GW, but should one or two miss out, you've got nothing on your bench other than 2-point midfielders. It's a risk.

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      1. Sanchit
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        I think 2 point mids are just fine though? Most others would have a 4.5 def which will give them the same ( might be lucky to get a CS and 6 points). I'm thinking its fine to take the risk for potentiaal 10-12 points

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    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Pretty close to my draft. Robbo to AwB and Chilly to Lamptey gives enough money to have Wilson over 4.5. Those are actually only differences.

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  15. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Let's get crazy. I'm going 4-5-1

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    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      There are bargains in defence, midfield and up top. I'd say any formation could pay dividends this season.

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      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Nice thanks!

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    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      343

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    3. Dogs Of War
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      4-4-2 has the best balance IMO

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      1. Drexl Spivey
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        It's almost tempting to do a 4-4-2 with a £6/6.5m backup striker, the amount of bargains on offer. Would mean dropping a premium mid though.

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        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          That's why it's only "almost" 😉

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          1. Drexl Spivey
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            I could live with Son instead Bruno for the extra £2m tbh, should Kane decide to embrace another season of martyrdom.

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        2. Blues for Salah
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          This is what I've settled on right now. Son in for Bruno really opened up some interesting choices. Welbeck my flex forward who will be first off the bench to cover unexpected rotation or to spell a defender with an ugly matchup (Stones week one).

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          1. Drexl Spivey
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            I was thinking maybe rotating Welbeck with Harrison, but if they're in for a new striker it kind of puts the kibosh on that.

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  16. shapply
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    I'm currently on:

    Bachmann (Foster)
    Robertson, Shaw, Fofana (Lamptey, Duffy)
    Salah, Fernandes, Jota, Raphinha (Brownhill)
    Iheanacho, DCL, Watkins

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    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Good squad that - well-balanced.

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  17. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    I didn’t realise Buendia created more chances than everyone in the league bar KDB (including Grealish) during Norwich’s relegation season…

    That’s pretty frightening

    And good for Watkins and Grealish too in terms of dragging defenders away to create that little half a yard of extra space

    Villa looking a good bet to start

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    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Up top, yeh. I'm looking at 2 from Ollie, Jack and Benny. Not the defence though.

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      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Zero interest in their defence either at the minute

        But that first choice back 5 is hard as nails

        Martinez
        Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
        Luiz, McGinn

        That’s a quality defensive unit, with Luiz & McGinn in front of them

        Grealish, Buendia, Watkins pick themselves in the front 4, hen one spare slot, probably Traore as things stand, but rumours of Tammy signing which would push Ollie to a wider role

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        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          ESR talk sounds serious too.

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          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            They’re also big in for JWP apparently

            Villa mean business, they aren’t going away or settling for 10th by any stretch - going to try to keep Grealish & gun for Europe

            Pretty sure I’m starting with Grealish GW1 if he’s still there

            Like Bamford - just mister consistency, a player not to overthink

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            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 9 months ago

              *but those Buendia chances created stats are bonkers

              1.5 is a big saving & he should get a good few assists

              Could sneak penalties too

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    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I thought he was third behind Kev and xxx(can't remember who was second)

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      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Apparently just 4th best behind KdB TAA and Grealish that season

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        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          My bad mate! Memory isn't the best in the world.

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          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            I cheated of course

            Moutinho rather shockingly to me was right up as he was the season before - I had rather forgotten that.

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        2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          They have him above Grealish in the the table in the article

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          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            Didn't read that table

            Stats in members area have the same names but in a slightly different order with much higher numbers of chances

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          2. avfc82
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            My mistake all, sorry, the members area table defaulted and took out the teams who got relegated that year.

            Should be sorted in the article now... 1 De Bruyne... by quite a distance, 2 Grealish, 3 Buendia.

            Still impressive mind.

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    3. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Like Villa if they can hang ; what the article doesn’t highlight is they were falling apart a bit before Grealish got injured. The tide turned as did their luck.

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      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, it's a good point.

        The performance against Brighton prior to Grealish getting injured was shocking, and before that it was all a bit inconsistent for a few weeks.

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    4. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Got both Buendia and Watkins in my draft at the moment. I'm very optimistic as a Villa fan looking forwards.

      Your thoughts before I run it past others. I just met up with an old mate. Norwich fan. Swears by Gilmour who also got man of the match against England in the Euros and on loan from Chelsea. Plays as a #10. Or maybe just someone to keep an eye on? Currently priced as someone not set to play in the first 11.

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      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Gilmour as #10 for Norwich?

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        1. Jarnathan
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          That was what was suggested by a Norwich fan, but I don't know

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        2. Blues for Salah
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          I read one of the interviews with Gilmour where he shared what Farke told him. I think there's a desire to have Gilmour get the ball down on his feet and distribute, but I don't know if I'd go so far as to call him a #10. The Football Manager term that came to mind when I read the interview was "deep lying playmaker".

          It sounded to me like he's clearly the best asset at 4.5 and will likely outperform plenty of 5.0s. I have him as a #5 midfield enabler with some sneaky upside. Can't imagine he'll disappoint.

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  18. Dogs Of War
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Feedback on this team appreciated:

    Sanchez Bachmann
    TAA Fofana Shaw Digne White
    Salah Bruno Raphina Buendia Biss
    Toney DCL Wood

    Thanks

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    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      White at Brighton or Arsenal, there?
      I wouldn't touch Wood - horrible opening fixtures. Rest is perfectly solid.

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      1. Dogs Of War
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        White based on a move somewhere. If he stays at Brighton I’d switch him out. I get your point about Wood too. Tricky filling that third striker spot.

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    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Wood going to Olympics so may not be available to start season otherwise looks good

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      1. Dogs Of War
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Looks like Wood may get the chop then. Considering Pukki as a set and forget at 6.0m (even with opening fixtures). Frees up an extra 1.0m for somewhere else.

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    3. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I don't like your front 3 but they could all prove to be excellent...

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  19. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Fellas! What do you think?

    Sanchez 4
    Trent Digne Cresswell Lamptey Ayling
    Salah Son Mahrez Buendia 4.5
    Wilson Antonio Toney

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    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Coufal over Cresswell for me - even if it means you have 0.5 itb.

      Prefer Watkins over Antonio personally just for consistency - suspect he'll be the big beneficiary if Villa do go big again in the market.

      Mahrez? On one of my little lists. But he and Son leave you a standard captain option short. Haven't looked into that yet but Spurs under Nuno make me doubt Son as a captain choice from week 1

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      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Cresswell - I'm very into set pieces. It just adds a little extra for the players who are on them.

        Antonio - Talisman and on pens. But I hear ya - it's an easy switch.

        Mahrez high ceiling, likely on pens and also very likely to start for Man City.

        'Standard' captaincy option short?
        I just don't want Bruno. I went without him last season for about 34 GWs or so and still did pretty well. He's not for me (though I'm sure he'll be in my team once or twice at some point this season).

        Mahrez and Son are both strong (C) options imo.

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        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          In the immediate draft I made post auto select I missed out Bruno too and could yet hold true to that. Did slot in KdB though.

          Pens at City are an issue - think I back KdB to get them but rate him for another big season this time - seriously underperformed last time out. Would help if City sign someone who is a genuine forward to put those assists away. More generally I'm backing him to get the points Gundo pinched off him 🙂

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  20. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Have you checked wolves fixtures from gw 4 to 14?
    It’s surprisingly great.
    Thinking about getting a villa defender for first 3 tasty matches and then swap to one of wolves defenders based on new manager style

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    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah, just been looking at that myself, one of the full-backs could be useful.

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    2. Moxon
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Jimenez.

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    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Whoah - great spot

      Jim could be popular on early wildcard if he's still Jim. Find it hard to trust that defence but I do have a good relationship with Saiss.

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    4. R.C
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Not as good as United's GW15-27

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    5. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I think we'll know a lot more by GW4

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    6. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Tbh I am planning to have Buendia and Watkins and sell them for bandwagons before gw4. Not certain if Avl is going to keep more one clean sheet in those fixtures and I don't want planned transfer for a defender.

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  21. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Who would you rather have in your team, Grealish or DCL?

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    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Grealish simply because Villa will always revolve around him to a fault. How DCL does with Benitez is a big question mark.

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    2. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Grealish, if stays at Villa

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    3. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Definitely Grealish, even though I picked Buendia. DCL lacked form exiting the previous season and they have a new coach. I'll wait on investment in Everton, although their fixtures are good so perhaps Digne is worthy of investment if he's recovered.

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      1. zes
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        DCL lacked form at the end of the season before last then exploded in last season's opening fixtures so i'm not sure it matters

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    4. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I'll mark down Grealish for now and watch how things go in pre-season.

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  22. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    ‘BA BAAH Black Sheep’ has any come up with this team name yet?? Or can I claim it???? Haha

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  23. Dogs Of War
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Grealish at Villa a great option. Grealish at City a roulette risk. Unless Everton sign another striker DCL will get 15+ goals. Both good options. DCL just pips it for me.

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    1. Dogs Of War
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Reply to earlier post

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    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Grealish isn’t going anywhere IMHO. City are awash with quality in midfield.

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    3. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      DCLs goals at the end of last season were lacking. Grealish was always good. DCL has no form.

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    4. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Grealish it is then!

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  24. Bushwhacker
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Not seeing mucb love for Torres in drafts thus far. Am I wrong to assume Pep is going to revolve around him as the key front man this season? Don’t think Haaland or Kane are arriving.

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    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Let's hope he gets Ings

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    2. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      It might happen, but you're definitely wrong to assume it

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      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Not sure what other option he has looking at the squad. Barring adds of course, Jesus has proven he’s not up to it.

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        1. Blues for Salah
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Sterling in between Mahrez and Foden? The only thing I see as certain in the absence of a striker is a lot of fluidity and unpredictability up top. It's frustrating because if any of these guys was getting certain playing time, he would go straight into my team. As it stands, I feel like I have to start the season avoiding them all.

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          1. St Pauli Walnuts
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            He has played there quite a few times before for City, never convinced for me. His finishing often lets him down to play up front.

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            1. Blues for Salah
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 9 months ago

              The tricky part here is that it's not whether you or I are convinced by Sterling in the middle (I'm not convinced either). The tricky part is that we can't get inside Pep's head and make any kind of credible guess regarding how he's going to distribute three slots worth of minutes among six (seven if Grealish comes in and nobody moves out) candidates.

              If Sterling is truly stuck out on the left side of the attacking three, then there's a Foden v Sterling bet that one would need to make every week. That's a lot of salary for an FPL manager to tie up into that kind of rotation risk.

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              1. St Pauli Walnuts
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                2 years, 9 months ago

                I agree, that's why (a fit) KDB is the only one I'm considering at the moment.

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        2. St Pauli Walnuts
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          That's a bit harsh on Jesus. The man has 82 goals and 32 assists in 195 games for City. I agree that he is not the striker to step into Aguero's shoes but he is still a very good player, I actually think he is more suited on the wing. I expect another striker to be signed though anyway, if not elite level like Kane or Haaland, someone like Ings. Torres could end up as a striker, bags of talent and potential and a real eye for goal. But I don't think it can be assumed that is what is going to happen, Pep played him way more as a winger last season after talking him up as a striker. 3 or 4 other players filled the false 9 position also last season, most successfully KDB.

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    3. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Not enough information at this stage. We'll all have someone from City at some point. Isn't he competing with Mahrez?

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      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Think Mahrez will be on the wing with Torres central. Guess we may see if anyone plays a pre season game!

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    4. Blues for Salah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I don't know how anyone can give you a credible prediction on who among the residents of City's Smurf Village (Foden, Sterling, Bilva, Torres, Mahrez, Jesus) is going to be getting meaningful minutes in league matches. Are they really going to add Grealish to this mix as well?

      KDB will play, but I am going to need to hear more about the torn ankle ligaments he claims to have played the Euro QF on before I make any commitments there.

      There's only so many spots. Assuming three midfielders (KDB, Rodri, Gundy) behind the attack, that leaves three spots up top for 6-7 Smurfs. That's a lot of mouths to feed, and as much as I'm CTID I wouldn't presume to try and read Pep's mind about how the minutes will be distributed.

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    5. zes
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      He is the opposite of nailed.

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      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        I think that’s last year thinking. All murmurimg suggests the spot through the middle is his.

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        1. zes
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Mate if it's murmurs you're relying on, he's not nailed. Would it honestly surprise you if he didn't start any of the first three games?

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          1. Bushwhacker
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            Nope. But I also wouldn’t be surprised if he scored 6 times during that period either!

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  25. Big dog
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Sanchez 4m
    TAA Robbo AWB (Ayling Fofana)
    Salah Raphina Grealish Barnes (Brownhill)
    DCL Watkins Wilson

    Done

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    1. Moxon
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Done? Lol.

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      1. Zilla
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Top 2m guaranteed

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  26. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    So the cup this season will start from GW1?

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    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Yep or maybe GW2 and GW1 used for qualification

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  27. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Good to go?

    Sanchez
    TAA, Creswell, Shaw, Chilwell
    Salah, Bruno, Maddison, Grealish
    Watkins, Toney

    Subs: Foster, Lamptey, Bissouma, Nlundulu

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  28. zes
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    I keep seeing this idea Rafa will be 'defense first' at Everton, but I' not sure I'd agree with that. I'm a Newcastle fan and this kept cropping up a lot when he managed us, but the truth is he always wanted to play a more attacking brand of football but had his hands tied by the situation. The year we were promoted we had a transfer budget of nothing and we had a front three of Gayle, Ayoze Perez and Joselu (Joselu started 32 games that PL season!). Wilson and ASM (and the £45m Joelinton) were signed after he left. The following season, when we brought in Rondon and then someone to stretch the lines in Almiron in the January we were actually quite attacking and I believe we were top 8 for attacking numbers second half of that season. Personally I can see Rafa being more attacking with the quality that Everton squad has and the backing of the owner. Rafa made a net profit in transfer sales at Newcastle... will be very different at Everton.

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    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Real Madrid record?

      He lost the dressing room there for his negative mindset reportedly. Don't suppose that he'll go the full Newcastle with Everton - that was an extreme as you point out - but likewise don't see loosening the shackles either.

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      1. zes
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        47 goals in 18 league games at Madrid. 2.6 goals/game

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    2. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      nice post.
      I remember he used to score and concede in every single match. even in big matches or vs small teams. he always found a way to score and of course to concede!

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    3. Dogs Of War
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      As an Evertonian I can say he has a big job on his hands to revamp an average squad. Very little pace and the hunger disappeared last season. Our midfield is a real worry and as it stands we haven’t got the players to play any kind of expansive football. I am fully behind Rafa and I hope he gets some joy in the transfer market.

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      1. zes
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        You have some great players in that squad compared to his team at Newcastle. Digne vs Dummett, DCL vs Atsu, Rich vs Joselu, Allan vs Shelvey... doesn't even compare!

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        1. Dogs Of War
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          When you compare man for man like that I agree. With Everton it’s always been a mentality thing. Nothing has come close since Moyes was in charge, I just have a feeling Rafa can change that. Definitely need new players though. Your original point was spot on.

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          1. zes
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            I agree, I think Rafa will be fantastic for you. He really understood the fans and the club when he was here.

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  29. Moxon
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    What price would King have to come in at for you to consider him?

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    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      5m

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    2. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      5m, 5.5 and above its a no from me

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  30. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    just reviewed brighton late season highlights. sanchez is a good gk but brighton is attacking and ball-possession type of teams, so few saves...
    he had almost same amount of saves as DDG.
    DDG had 59 saves in 2295 minutes
    sanchez 66 saves in 2430 minutes
    Henderson 40 saves in 1125 minutes
    I don't really feel satisfied with sanchez in my team now.
    may try to get Henderson. same(or more!) saves but higher CS chance

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