Moving Target

Digne’s FPL potential evident in Aston Villa debut

Aston Villa completed the signing of Lucas Digne (£5.0m) last week, in a deal worth a reported £25m plus add-ons.

The attack-minded left-back endured a successful spell at former club Everton, where he produced four Premier League goals and 22 assists across the previous three seasons, but was facing an uncertain future due to a fallout with Rafael Benitez.

Now at Villa Park, Digne’s move could prove fruitful for both attacking and defensive returns in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), which we’ll explore below, in this, our latest Moving Target report.

EVERTON

Digne’s FPL potential evident in Aston Villa debut 2

28-year-old Digne signed for Everton from Barcelona ahead of the 2018/19 campaign and has since been one of the best players in his position in the Premier League.

As one of his team’s main creators, his tally of 22 FPL assists across the last three seasons puts him behind only Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.4m) and Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) amongst all defenders, whilst his 0.14 expected assists (xA) per 90 minutes under Carlo Ancelotti in 2020/21 was the sixth-highest rate.

However, he has failed to produce a single attacking return this term. Benitez’s defensive demands will have to take much of the blame, with Digne’s attacking output suffering as a result.

“The manager asked me to be more of a defender this season, to stay back a bit more and keep a better balance for the team. Then, sometimes, I can drive forwards, but only when it is right for the team. My first job is to defend, I am a left-back. If what you are being asked to do is for the good of the team, that is it, the end of the discussion. You do the job the manager wants.” – Digne on his role under Benitez

ASTON VILLA

Digne’s FPL potential evident in Aston Villa debut

Digne became the second player through the door for Villa in this January transfer window, following the loan signing of Philippe Coutinho (£7.0m) from Barcelona.

And whilst the Brazilian stole the headlines against Manchester United in Double Gameweek 22, with a goalscoring appearance off the bench, Digne also caught the eye on his Villa debut.

DIGNE’S FIRST-MATCH – SCOUT REPORT

Immediately installed at left-back, Digne served up a zero-pointer against Manchester United on Saturday evening, thanks to his concession of two goals and a yellow card.

However, he was very advanced up the Villa left flank, registering 25 final-third touches (the second-most of Villa players), two shots in the box and two chances created, and was also involved at set-piece situations.

It’s also worth noting Digne’s touch heatmap, which further emphasises his prominent role at the business end of the pitch:

Digne’s FPL potential evident in Aston Villa debut 3

Above: Lucas Digne’s touch heatmap v Manchester United in Double Gameweek 22

All-in-all, it was a bright start for Villa’s new full-back, as he crossed well into United’s box and almost got on the scoresheet himself, as he fired a decent effort at David de Gea (£5.2m) in the second half.

He cramped up towards the end but provided a good attacking outlet throughout, which bodes well for his prospects in the coming weeks.

LUCAS DIGNE V MANCHESTER UNITED – DOUBLE GAMEWEEK 22:
MetricTotalRank v Aston Villa team-mates
Shots in the box22nd=
Created chances22nd=
Crosses61st
Penalty-box touches33rd=
Final-third touches252nd=
Passes received in final-third153rd

THE PROSPECTS

Though often portrayed as a 4-3-3 formation, Gerrard’s Villa have really been playing a 4-3-2-1 since his arrival, as the wide forwards are more no. 10s than traditional wingers.

As a result, the full-backs are tasked with offering the width in the final third, which should suit Digne, who specialises in overlapping runs and crosses.

His relationship with those ahead of him down his flank will be key, then, and you can certainly see him thriving with Coutinho, who will look to drift infield and create space, plus Jacob Ramsey (£4.6m), who is more than capable of covering the Frenchman’s attacking forays.

So, Digne carries plenty of threat going forward, but what about his clean sheet potential?

From Gameweek 12 onwards – Gerrard’s first match in charge – Villa have kept two clean sheets across their nine Premier League fixtures, conceding 12 goals, though three of them were penalties. That isn’t anything to write home about, but the strength of opposition should of course be factored in, with the Villans having faced Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Leicester City during that time.

The next run of games, however, gives Villa a real opportunity to build some momentum, as they sit top of our Season Ticker for ease of fixture right through until Gameweek 28. There is also potential for a Double Gameweek to be added into the mix, perhaps as soon as Gameweek 23, with postponed ties against Leeds United (a) and Burnley (h) still to be rearranged.

At this stage, we should highlight the threat posed by Matt Targett (£4.7m), Villa’s ‘other’ left-back, who will offer competition for a starting spot. However, it’s clear Digne is a significant upgrade on the former Southampton man, who has struggled at times this season with several below-par performances.

Meanwhile, we also shouldn’t completely write off right-back Matty Cash (£5.1m) as an FPL option. Set pieces probably swing it in Digne’s favour but it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he kept pace during this next run of games, as the Frenchman settles into his new surroundings. Cash’s expected goal involvement (xGI) delta of -1.46 certainly suggests there is more to come from him, and confirms that he has been unfortunate not to produce more attacking returns in 2021/22 so far.

Normally we preach a ‘wait and see’ policy with new signings to see how they bed in, but with Villa’s next run of fixtures of such an attractive nature, an early move for Digne is appealing. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain full-back will provide an attacking quality that Villa have been lacking this season, and if they are handed a Double Gameweek 23, it’s realistic to think he’ll be subject to huge Fantasy interest in the coming days.

FURTHER READING:

413 Comments Post a Comment
  1. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Ramsdale,
    TAA, Cancelo, Alonso, Bavies
    Jota, Foden, Gray,
    Watkins, Antonio, Dennis

    DDG, Gallagher, Dalot, Salah

    Any suggestions? Or just roll FT

  2. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Not again, this truly is the site for the cult of Digne, 🙂

    1. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      k

    2. NorCal Villan
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      It’s like all those boneheaded Everton performances never happened

    3. Drumandbaines123
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      And after a 0-pointer, jeez. At least wait for him to show some form and see if he's fully nailed with no rotation threat from Targett etc.

    4. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Exactly what many said about the Bruno pick before deadline.

    5. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      "Digne’s FPL potential evident" is like a real estate agent describing a house in need of renovation as having "loads of potential".

    6. stooshermadness
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      4 goals and 22 assists at Everton in 3 seasons and an average of 135 points per season. Yes, he's a legitimate fantasy target with Gerrard taking him off the Benitez leash.

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        "Lies, damned lies, and statistics" 😀

        No goals since the 2018-19 Season. That's 2 and half seasons.

        1. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          I want to give him a chance, but just can't see it. Hope he proves me wrong.

  3. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    He’s in on my WC

  4. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Burnley are playing an U23 game tonight and have a full team out. Shouldn't those players be used tomorrow?

    1. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      It would make sense right?

    2. alastair
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Those won't be qualifying players for the purposes of the Premier League rules.

    3. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Why do that when you can request postponements and play when you want?

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Gives them another two weeks to buy a wood replacement. The Watford game is important too. Suspect they would be less fussed if they had Man City

    4. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      If they're eligible for Premier League games.

  5. NorCal Villan
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    If Lewandowski joined PL today, what would his fantasy price be?

    1. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      12.5

      1. NorCal Villan
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        That is what I was thinking as well

        1. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          13

          Hed have to be the priciest asset in the game.

          1. ilikewud
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            FPL always do something stupid. They give him 12.5 and say he needs to 'adjust' to the prem.

    2. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      12.5 same as when Ronaldo joined.

      1. The Mighty Hippo
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        It would be an absolute steal if he was priced the same as Ronaldo.

      2. NorCal Villan
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        He should be more expensive than Ronaldo, based on
        current form/output, so I amend my previous post

    3. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Obviously it depends on which team he joins though. Leading the line at City he'd be worth 13.5 easily. In terms of output he'd be worth 14, but with the title wrapped up and CL rotation to come, probably not worth 14 any more. If he was at United playing up front with Cavani and getting in each other's way, 8.0 might be worth a punt

    4. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Same as Lukaku imo
      He wouldn’t be the same price as Salah who is a ‘midfielder’

    5. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      13.5m if at City
      11.0m if at United

    6. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      12.5 or 13.0 in my opinion.

  6. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Graham Potter calls Lewis Dunk ... Dunky.
    That's a bit mean. Hes not that bad.

    1. NorCal Villan
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I thought you guys were legally obligated to call him Dunkers or something along those lines 😎

    2. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Junky Dunky

      1. NorCal Villan
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        At least it’s not Duzza

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

    Is the Burnley - Watford game on or not? When can we expect an announcement?

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Suspect they will cancel it tonight or first thing … no reason they won’t. They need another meeting asap to sort these silly rules out

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

      Likely postponed in the next half hour or early tomorrow.

      Do they take the clubs evidence on face value? If so it's a tick box exercise.

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Totally this. They especially wouldn’t want to be seen to listening to Arsenal and not Burnley

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

      It’s off

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Just confirmed

    4. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Just been announced its not on

    5. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      How are they going to finish their games, it’s ridiculous. 5 games behind some teams and that will only grow with such a thin squad

  8. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one from each group

    A. Alonso
    B. Lamptey

    1. King
    2. Antonio
    3. Gray
    4. Martinelli

    1. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      B2

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks that’s what I’m on

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

      B and 3

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

    Rumours that the LeedsxVilla game could be moved into this upcoming gameweek. What are the chances of this? Already own Martinez and Raphina but will look to bring in a Villa attacker if confirmed.

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Should do on FA cup weekend. I have none from each. Would consider Antonio to Watkins

      1. ilikewud
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I'm torn between Watkins and Ings. Prefer Ings as he is furthest forward but might punt on Cout

        1. Meechoo115
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Watkins nailed. Don’t think ings is.

    2. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Looking likely imo
      I have Watkins Raphinha and think that’s enough cover

  10. FPL Brains
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    What would you absolute legends do?

    A) Broja + Ramsey
    B) Non playing striker + Martinelli

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A especially if Villa double. Arsenal have lots of blanks coming up

    2. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A - a strong bench is important this year (IMO)

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A

    4. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Can’t afford non playing and Arsenal blank a few shortly

    5. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks all. Great points.

  11. Danno - Emre Canada
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Ronaldo better play now. Oh Dennis my VC

    1. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Me too

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

      Same.

  12. Burnley v Watford off
    AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Burnley’s rearranged fixture against Watford at Turf Moor, due to be played at 19:30 GMT on Tuesday 18 January, has regrettably been postponed.

    PL official announcement

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      When will this farce end?!

      1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        With the updated rule we are stuck with this farce. It will get worse before it gets worser

        1. circusmonkey
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Maybe because the World Cup isn't in the summer, they think they can just go on and on. It might actually be warm enough in Burnley to take your coat off. The players won't get much break though.

      2. NorCal Villan
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        The road goes on forever and the party never ends

        1. Meechoo115
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Doesn’t the road end mid may ?!

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      this news combined with Ronaldo being back in training is yuck for my FH...Robertson first sub and Trent(VC) (KdB and Cancelo in regular team just to rub it in...this season lol)

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

      Most disappointing double gameweek ever

  13. Snake Juice
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Dennis my VC, own Bruno.

    Please play Ronaldo.

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso my VC. Ronaldo C. Cancelo first bench. I think please don’t play Ronaldo

  14. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    What a joke, Burnley Watford postponed.

  15. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/content/watford-fixture-postponed

    WATFORD FIXTURE POSTPONED

    Burnley Football Club can confirm the application has been approved by the Premier League to postpone Tuesday night’s game against Watford.

  16. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Give us some good news like a bloody Villa DGW.

  17. Gandalf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    A triple Burnley gameweek and Cornet in form would be interesting

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Burnley can play any midweek so won’t triple

  18. Catalan Rangers
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Eriksen at £6.5m?

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      FPL aside would be great to see him back playing football.

  19. CroatianHammer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Well, 2 players down. But, not the worst. Quadruple week?

  20. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Well, i definitely need Ronaldo to play now.. Dennis vice haha

    1. Plyng
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Same

  21. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    cool gameweek! way to go fpl.

    booooooo

  22. Jimmers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    With the Burnley backlog now at 5 games, the Aston Villa v Burnley game must be guaranteed to be scheduled for the FA Cup weekend so it'll be part of GW23

  23. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Be interesting to see if Ronaldo is in training tomorrow

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

      He was at training before the Villa game. Didn't prove a thing.

  24. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    King + Dennis = 😥

  25. boc610
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Emmanuelol Dennis

  26. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Played ESR

    Ah well, Sissoko with a DGW on the bench should get a few points

    Oh?

  27. The White Pele
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    for those who are on WC, what's your Chip strategy?

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Probably no chips until omicron settled or prem changes rules

    2. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I'm on WC this week.
      I have 2x FHs - probably around the big blanks. (30 & 36 I think they are)
      Will get 15 playing players so BB will likely be opportunistic.
      TC likely Salah when Liverpool have their double.

      1. The White Pele
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        cheers. seems like a good plan.

  28. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    If Burnley sign a nailed on PL player he could end up playing 42 games for the season 😉

  29. Firminooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    DGW up in flames. Dennis captainers in harakiri mood.

    1. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Dennis the menace this week

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        TBF I removed the captaincy from Dennis to DDG as there was a good chance this match would be called off so soon after Burnley's previous postponement. I had hoped for more from the Newcastle match.

        1. CroatianHammer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Moved it to Bruno last minute. Poxed.

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Why? They all have VC's.

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Not much use as Dennis already has 2 points. VC doesn't come into it.

  30. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Good result for king only owners?

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Best result for non Watford owners and non free hitters