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. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Excellent just need a Reguillon no show next please 🙂

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

      At least this upcoming wave of doubles for rest of season should break the salah perma cap

  2. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I'm not an Arsenal fan but I hope they smash Burnley at the weekend.

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      As long as Martinelli scores…

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

      Because only Burnley blagged Covid rules?

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

      Lol. Get a grip

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

      Saka hattie

    5. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Both Arsenal & Burnley with not enough of a squad lately. Surely high odds for another postponement...

    6. Sif
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Why, because it's fun to see teams with fewer resources get smashed.

      Burnley had three teams cancel fixtures on them.
      Now when they are down to just 10 senior players in training everyone turns on them like Burnley and their tiny squad are the problem.
      Burnley probably one of the few clubs using the rules as intended.

  3. james 101
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Which problem would you address first?

    A. Dier.
    B. James.

    The rest of my team is healthy (currently!).

    Is there an argument for leaving either of these two in my squad until they heal?

    (I’m not sure what the estimated return dates are. They seem vague…).

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

      Chelsea not looking good until GW28 even if James heals. Replace.

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

        Since you asked which first, James. Better option is both, dependent on the rest of your squad, of course

    2. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Put it this way, I removed James last gameweek and I still have Hwang

  4. Percy Johnstone
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Dyche's master plan to keep Burnley up, don't play any games so they can't lose!

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      it's getting to a point where they may not even be able to fit all the games in

      1. Percy Johnstone
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Worst thing is even if they had a triple up is there anyone you would actually want?

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

          Precisely. Triple meh is still meh

        2. Better off with a pin and a…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          What do you mean? Jay Rodriguez TC all the way.

          1. Percy Johnstone
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            3 or 4 years ago maybe, Cornet might actually be a shout though.

        3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          don't think I would but i'd imagine somehow i'd end up with triple burnley and regret it

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

            Oh you would indeed regret it

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

    my god Everton actually want martinez to job share with Belgium , Moshiri making them a laughing stock, its pathetic.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      didn't martinez get hounded out of everton previously? makes no sense

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

        yes he was and he's hardly being pulling up trees with belgium

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

          Aren't they world rated No 1 ? !

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

            No trophies for good rating. Done well with Belgium in fairness, can't buy or sell eligible players.

          2. @persecuted_by_mods
              2 years, 2 months ago

              Choked with their golden generation

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

          There's not exactly a long queue of impressive coaches for the job. Wayne Rooney and Duncan Ferguson aren't any better choices than Martinez. The owner wants a puppet in charge but what's needed is a quality coach who makes all the decisions including hiring and firing players and his own backroom staff.

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

        Just proves that having rich owners pumping money doesn't mean success.

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

        I mean he’s the wrong appointment anyway

      4. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Should go for Rooney really. Rooney, Viera, Gerrard, Arteta, add Lampard to another club and it’s like the good old days.

        1. sulldaddy
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Pretty solid FPL roster circa 10ish years ago

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

        OGS will sort them out.

      6. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Anne 'The Governess' Hegerty is what they need. She'll sort them out.

        1. james 101
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          I think I’d go with Lenny The Guv’nor instead!

          1. The Knights Template
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Agree.

      7. Dammit_182
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I really hope it’s not Rooney. If he drags Derby to stay in championship despite the points deduction and all the other issues hell have done something no other manager has ever achieved. I’m sure managing Everton will happen for him but it doesn’t need to be now. Wait till next year when their in the championship and let him be the one to lead them back up…

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

      Another postponement!
      When's it going to end?

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        This season? July 2023 or something like that

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

      my attempts at transfers attacking the DGWs have been miserable ;

      GW21 - (-4 hit)
      Johnson - 0 (45 mins)
      Bowen (c) - 42 - woooooo (180 mins)
      Gray - 2 (90 minutes)

      GW22 - (-4 hit)
      Mount - 1 (9 minutes + ???)
      Dennis (c) - 4 (90 mins)
      (Also already had Reguilon & Ronaldo who lost/missed 1 fixture at least)

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

        Mine

        21 -8

        Son 6 and injured
        Keane 2
        Gray 2
        No Bowen
        22 -8

        Bruno 16
        Lamptey 1
        King 2

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

          ouch on GW21.
          looks like GW22 could turn real good though. you have hope still!

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

            Annoying Cancelo on bench tho

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

              me too! with any luck Reggie will miss out or Spurs will get canceled again - at least I'll get him then.

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

                My only hope is Ronaldo no show

      2. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        That Bowen C makes up for it all

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

          just about true.
          would have hope for better than a 1 out of 6 success rate!

          it's all pretty funny really.

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

        I feel you. Many in the same boat. I'm impressed by those around me who are playing it well and rising up the ranks!

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

      Dropped from 22k in gw 14 to 150k now.

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Wait, need to find mine notebook!

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

      Not surprised there are so many dead FPL teams with this absolute farce of a season.

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

        Lots of opportunity later

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

        Same for every player. The gurus are still doing well, they can adapt and be patient when they need to be.

    6. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Absolute farce

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

      Funny people complaining about chaos now probably same who complained about boring templates and salah perma cap

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Think people just want their players to actually play games tbh

      2. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Why is that “funny”. Perfectly reasonable to hope for things to be mixed up a bit whilst not hoping everything becomes a random crapshoot.

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

        I agree, but then again it's fpl...I find myself getting mildly annoyed at some player scoring that I may have thought about for 3seconds 4 weeks prior...complaints come easily with this game!

    8. estheblessed
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Dennis captain here. Remarkably I'm on 58 points with Bruno, Maddison, DDG Rudiger and Regulion to go.

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

        44 with

        Ronaldo c
        Alonso
        Ddg
        Lamptey
        Bruno

        To go

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

          Not bad... Depends who your VC is u might want Ronny to blank again.

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

            Alonso vc what do you think? Cancelo first bench

      2. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        46 with 10 to go. Maupay capper and TAA/Bowen bencher.

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

          FH?

          1. The Knights Template
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Absolutely!

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

        I'm also doing well, 61 points, but have Dennis (c) so it's slightly bitter sweet.

        I think my rank will drop quite a bit if Ronaldo scores. I basically just need Bruno to outscore Ronnie.

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

      Everton should get the northern pep Sean dyche in

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

        They tried big sam

      2. Dammit_182
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I agree.

    10. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Ah well another blow

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry to hear that, TM.

    11. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Who would you pick rather: Ings or Watkins and why?

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

        Watkins deffo. More nailed before and especially with coutinho joined

        1. DIMITRIS
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          You don't rate Ings that much? Isn't he on penalties now once El Ghazi is gone?

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

            Villa has been awarded 2 penalties all season. With that ratio are you willing to roll the dice on Ings?

            1. DIMITRIS
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              I'm not. But it's not that straightforward to opt for Watkins. One could argue that the presence of Coutinho can enhance the prospects of Ings scoring more ( if he plays regularely ofc).

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

        Watkins. Looks sharper than Ings though Ings is a better finisher. Thinking of shipping soon though if he doesn't get on the goal trail.

        1. DIMITRIS
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          I'm looking for someone as a replacement for Antonio and they seem like an obvious switch. Just don't know whos better. People here favor Watkins I can see. Cheers!

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

            Antonio has nice fixtures coming up, why sell?

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

        Watkins if those are the two options. I’m a Villa supporter and I would be hard-pressed to conjure up a scenario in which I would bring Ings (back) into my team. I like him a lot but not enough to put him in my lineup

        1. DIMITRIS
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          I like them both to be honest. Ings would sway me if he's on penalties. Otherwise, Watkins looks more nailed and I see a lot of people opting for Watkins, hence the question. To me it's a coin toss if they have same minutes. Cheers!

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

        Watkins- far more involved in games than Ings

        1. DIMITRIS
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Watkins is very popular here. I would pick him only if Ings is not on penalties tho. Difficult decision.

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

            You seem to have already decided

            1. DIMITRIS
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              Actually I haven't. Although I'm leaning towards Ings because of penalties.

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

            I think Ings is likely to be the one that misses out for Coutinho, if not vs Everton then subsequently.

            1. DIMITRIS
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              Then it's easy if that's the case. Watkins it is if Ings gets rotated .

      5. rozzo
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Neither.

        Put money in midfield or defence

        1. DIMITRIS
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Cheers.

      6. Fit_to_drop
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        As a current Watkins owner (I only took him as a place holder in selling Son) I can't wait to get rid of him as he is an under achiever in FPL terms but Gerrard is likely to pick him over Ings due to his mobility I suspect. My next move will be to replace him with either Coutinho or Ramsey (in a 2 p!layer transfer). I won't miss him or his lack of points.

        1. DIMITRIS
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          I get where you're coming from. Likewise I can't wait enough to get rid of Alonso and Rudiger. Literally no clean sheets whatsoever. And I bought them because they were supposed to be good defensively.

    12. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I am paying my respects to anyone who played their Free Hit this week.

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

        It just never seemed a good move with so many template pics having a good single game week

        Although the cancelo haul was unexpected

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

          Well I agree I don't think it was the best week for it, but you can't disagree if any poor soul did, they've been absolutely screwed.

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

          Cancelo has been so reliable this season

      2. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Really? It was a foolish call with so much uncertainty. They don’t deserve sympathy any more than I do for benching Cancelo, also foolish.

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

          You didn't get Madisson in on Thursday night and captain him though. My foolishness is greater than your foolishness!

          1. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Some of my foolishness was rewarded handsomely. I went early on Salah to Son, then took a hit for Son to Bruno(c) 😎

            1. Kellz86
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              Did exactly this - went early on Son thinking he was probably safe only to learn injury news later. Took the hit to get Bruno (c) in. But also hit for Dennis knowing the uncertainty, so win some lose some.

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

              Unfortunately I only did part one of that two parter. Salah to Son and too proud to take a hit for Bruno(c)

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

          agree I played FH and it was a mistake...left out KdB and Cancelo and benched Robertson...all a bit harsh luck but should've never played my FH

      3. Fit_to_drop
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Some guy posted earlier that he is heading for 100 with his FH team whilst his previous team would have had him on 20 or so. So not all FHs did badly.

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

          Good grief how you manage 100 FH with no Trent or Cancelo

        2. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          He gets his sh1tshow of a team back next week

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

        Can't be much worse than this?
        https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/1051383/event/22/

        Top 10k
        No idea why you'd bench Bruno over likes of Trossard and King lol

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

      Which Villa defender if get double 23

      A Cash
      B Digne ( or is there still too much of a rotation risk with Targett for one of the games)

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

        A because of what you say for B

      2. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I would have said b but sounds like rotation risk so a

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

        B. More attacking threat. Not great CS potential though.

      4. Fit_to_drop
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        B loves a yellow card

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

          True but Cash has a taste for them also

      5. Hint
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I don't think B is much of a rotation risk

    14. Ninja Škrtel
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Can I start a feck Burnley thread?

      Feck Burnley!

      1. Patron
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Saw someone said they will be playing their PL rearranged games in between Championship games next season haha, great stuff.

      2. Sif
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah screw Burnely.
        With one of the smallest squads.
        Who've had three teams cancel their matches on them.
        Who when they could play had a bench full of under 23s while 34 year old Aaron Lennon starts upfront.
        Who had just 10 senior players fit to train today.

        Give your head a wobble

        1. Dammit_182
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Have to agree.

    15. @persecuted_by_mods
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Do people genuinely want to see a bunch of random kids and reserves play Vs an almost full strength rival? Can't think of anything more boring, obviously I want games to be on but I don't think people are thinking things through

        Is it competitive if one team is ravaged and one isn't? Yes Leicester won against odds Vs Liverpool and Leeds did against West ham, obviously it isn't impossible but the majority of times the team not ravaged with covid and injuries will win

        Think it's another case of people just complaining for the sake of it, can see it flip completely if the premier league starts forcing your favourite teams to play with kids Vs full strength rivals

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

          But take arsenal. Once Covid over. Say they had odegaard out only and ten others out for other reasons. Ok for them to cancel?

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              2 years, 2 months ago

              Context, depends who, what, etc too many variables to just give a yes or no. My general point is that most teams cancelling are having outbreaks combined with injuries and bans and other things, nobody wants to lose points and places or even face relegation without their best team out. I don't blame em

              If covid isn't around and you have injuries and bans to your main team, it's crack on and play. But covid is around so it's too regular of an occurrence to be down too many players

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

            nah - i want to watch football games.
            i love watching young players mixed with old.
            i love watching teams stacked with great players
            i love watching under-matched players doing their best

            i completely understand clubs asking for postponements.
            i also understand the intent of the rule the PL put in place to protect teams against covid outbreaks.

            life is complicated!

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                2 years, 2 months ago

                I like those things too, but mostly what we'd see is a bunch of kids and reserves get absolutely spanked

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

                  that's just not true.
                  there'd be 6-8 first team players and a couple of young guys and maybe 1 or 2 new players.

                  it's not a full u21 team vs the seniors.

                  1. @persecuted_by_mods
                      2 years, 2 months ago

                      How can you say it's unequivocally not true when each team has different scenarios? I didn't say it would be a full u21 team, I'm saying in most of these cases its bit part players and then some youngsters would need to step in, especially in the case of the teams with smaller squads

                      And I think those teams would mainly lose

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

                        i should say that i think you're framing of this as "a bunch of random kids and reserves" is a mischaracterization of what we've seen so far with the current cancellations. that it would be a combination of senior and junior players.

                        i don't really want to argue about this - i just don't think that making the games go ahead with available squad/youth players would be all that big a deal. we can disagree.

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

                  I think the Leeds situation influenced things. They had ten out anyway and added 2 or 3 Covid. So the prem widened rules. Served Liverpool and arsenal well because of afcon

                  1. @persecuted_by_mods
                      2 years, 2 months ago

                      I just think it's too easy to sit here when they get cancelled and think wow this is a farce! When people aren't thinking about what if it's final day relegation decider and one team has 8 starters out, same for champions League spots, or the title. In those circumstances covid playing a part would rankle, it may be that it simply has to be that way to make any sort of progress but I don't know, it wouldn't sit right with me

                3. Ginkapo FPL
                  • 12 Years
                  2 years, 2 months ago

                  Do I want to watch it? No

                  Do I want it to happen with Dennis captain? Absolutely

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

                    This

                  2. @persecuted_by_mods
                      2 years, 2 months ago

                      The menace!

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

                    Football players can get as seriously ill from COVID as we can. Arguably fatigued footballers could be more at risk with a weaker immune system. Of course some clubs are using every loophole to get ames postponed. But that's their livelihoods, a few games postponed makes no difference in the scheme if things to us keyboard warriors.

                  4. Kun Tozser
                    • 8 Years
                    2 years, 2 months ago

                    Season has to end at point and only so many games can be played in a short space of time
                    Managers keep saying

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

                    Its only one game, or maybe two out of 38, so why is it such a big deal to see unlikely players getting a chance? It's not normal circumstances, which generally call for unusual solutions and I do think the PL should have had a second look at how they're handing "more flexible and expansive roster construction and permissive registration rules during an ongoing pandemic".

                4. rozzo
                  • 10 Years
                  2 years, 2 months ago

                  What a joke the last few weeks have been.

                  Keane and Soucek in for a hit. Dennis captain.

                  I know its the same for everyone bar Bruno cappers it seems but my plan for now on is to pretty much ignore the potential double gamesweeks for the so called smaller clubs.

                  My team will be pretty much triple City, Liverpool and Arsenal with two West Ham.

                  Villa have a double gamesweek? Not interested.

                  Everton have a double gamesweek? Not interested

                  Leicester have a....

                  You get the picture.

                  And not because I don't think Cash or Maddison or whoever can score well in a two game period, because they can. But I'm sick of wasting transfers getting doublers in when the rest of my team suffers.

                  Alonso to Laporte this week for me but if Southampton have a double for example everyone will want KWP no doubt

                  Sick of it.

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

                    Jwp or kwp?!

                  2. Wild Rover
                    • 13 Years
                    2 years, 2 months ago

                    Some are doing great in the carnage. There is a strong correlation between whinging and having a bad run.

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

                      Some thrive in the carnage. If it's a regular predictable season with just AFCON and CWC to negotiate around this time of year there's many templating away saving chips til later. But the new variables are great for the FPL MacGyvers.

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

                      I don't know how anyone doing extremely well could find satisfaction from this season. Random postponements and Covid cases every week after the deadline is no fun.

                      1. Ginkapo FPL
                        • 12 Years
                        2 years, 2 months ago

                        Its hardly random, they can be seen a mile off

                        1. Mr. O'Connell
                          • 11 Years
                          2 years, 2 months ago

                          Depends how much of your life you devote to FPL forums

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

                          As Mr Connell says, not everyone has the time to wait around to see if games will be called off or not. Maybe very recently it became more predictable but a month ago, games were being cancelled hours before the matches.

                      2. mox81
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 4 Years
                        2 years, 2 months ago

                        I'm really enjoying it, a welcome twist given this season was looking like it had a strong template, perma-captain for a while there. Now we're being challenged!

                        1. Mr. O'Connell
                          • 11 Years
                          2 years, 2 months ago

                          Have also been enjoying it, but had one Friday off and it all went to s***. It's almost a full time job this season. And it's just a game.

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

                          And as I said, one thing being challenged, another thing having random postponements like there were a month ago. Sure it’s just a fantasy ‘game’, most people don’t lose sleep over it but I completely disagree with those saying things like “this was foreseeable, predictable”, etc. if you’re having a good season, great, but don’t act like there haven’t been such large amounts of luck/bad luck involved this season.

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

                    You'll be grand. Lovely Gabriel Viola grav too.

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

                      Indeed

                  4. Hazz
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 6 Years
                    2 years, 2 months ago

                    To be fair... Keane, Soucek and Dennis (C) were all relatively high risk low reward options.

                    Sucks to be template, and I've found my differentials to be the most disappoint part of my squads this season too - but the first two especially were iffy picks. Dennis was too given the recent injury issues.

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

                      I think Dennis was good chasing the AFCON carrot. His time has passed.

                  5. Nate(U)dog(ie)
                    • 3 Years
                    2 years, 2 months ago

                    I am of much the same opinion. Luckily I haven't been burned too much as I haven't chased DGW players much but having seen how bad it can get, unless I want a player long-term I think I'll stick to normal planning where I can

                  6. Fit_to_drop
                    • 4 Years
                    2 years, 2 months ago

                    If you get in a team like that you can look forward to marginal gains and marginal losses each week. There are points out there. Bowen (c), Double GW Bruno, Gallagher, Raphinha etc are testament to that.

                  7. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 3 Years
                    2 years, 2 months ago

                    Triple Arsenal? Ignoring the double gameweeks to focus on the blanks ones? Shrewd.

                  8. Zimo
                    • 5 Years
                    2 years, 2 months ago

                    I've been kinda enjoying them. Easy rank gains not getting trapped by Double gameweek players just for the sake of it. Only West Ham worth it so far.

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

                    Avoiding DGW players is not the way, they have a higher expected points than SGW players. Past experiences should not justify future decisions. Also, Soucek and Keane are rubbish options compared to others.

                    If Villa have a double I'm all over Watkins and possibly Coutinho.

                  10. Emp
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    2 years, 2 months ago

                    So you hit in Keane and soucek and you captained Dennis knowing the double very likely to be cancelled and we are supposed to feel sorrry for you ?

                    1. Mr. O'Connell
                      • 11 Years
                      2 years, 2 months ago

                      Be nice, Emp.

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

                  Be incredible if Villa get a double next week against everyone’s favorite team Burnley only for Dyche to get that postponed as well.

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

                    Lol

                  2. BERGKOP
                    • 12 Years
                    2 years, 2 months ago

                    I wouldn't be banking on DGWs proceeding as things stand

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

                    Would be very unlikely as there's a whole non-European IB between the fixtures.

                    There's a chance on both sides that Arsenal vs Burnley is postponed.

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

                    I like Burnley more than Arsenal. 😀

                6. Scots Gooner
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  2 years, 2 months ago

                  But I thought Burnley had ordered their pies?!

                7. SKENG
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 2 months ago

                  Assuming Villa get a double next week, any ideas for this team with 1 FT, 1.3m ITB?

                  Ramsdale
                  TAA Cancelo Tierney
                  Foden Jota Bowen Mbeumo SON
                  Ronaldo Antonio

                  Foster Alonso Williams Broja

                  How does Son & Ronaldo > Coutinho & Watkins -4 pts looks like? Gives me more money than enough in the bank to do Mbeumo > Salah for free GW24.

                8. Shark Team
                  • 6 Years
                  2 years, 2 months ago

                  Already own Cash and Watkins, should i sell any of them to add Digne & Ramsey/Coutinho? Or maybe just add Digne for the foreseeable future and see how it goes? I dont think Ramsey will keep returning tbh and i dont have budget issues as long as Salah is away

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

                  For god's sake, Burnley postponed

                  Had Brownhill coming in for White (Arsenal)

                10. FITZ-G
                  • 2 Years
                  2 years, 2 months ago

                  Hey all,
                  Is it too late to sell Salah? Not following AFCON so not sure if Salah likely to be back for GW24.

                  Cheers in advance.

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

                    He’ll almost certainly be back for gw 24

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

                  100% off-topic: today Timo Meier of my San Jose Sharks (NHL) has 5 goals through 2 periods.

                  Oh the atrocities I would commit to have one of my fantasy players net 5 in one game 😎

                12. acidicleo
                  • 7 Years
                  2 years, 2 months ago

                  So Antonio to Dennis for a hit didn't do well..
                  Hope he makes up vs Norwich..

                13. Flynny
                  • 9 Years
                  2 years, 2 months ago

                  Evening....early days, but what to do here with 3.5mitb?

                  Alonso to digne maybe? Thanks

                  Rams (ddg)
                  Taa cancelo alonso diop livra
                  Foden jota bowen raphinha gray
                  Ronaldo Antonio dennis

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

                    Alonso to Robertson?
                    Ronaldo and Jota out when Salah returs?

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

                      Not bad shouts at all....jota might be worth keeping tho

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

                  A Ronaldo no show would be worth 22 points to my GW score, don't think I've ever had so much potential for a no show!
                  (Trent vice, Robbo autosub)

                  1. Mr. O'Connell
                    • 11 Years
                    2 years, 2 months ago

                    He's playing. Imagine he'll get 5-10 mins.

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

                      I'm expecting it lol, that kind of seson!

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

                        Ronaldo is not a Firmino to make a 5-10 min cameo. 30 mins maybe but pretty sure he starts.

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

                    Why would you not play robbo?

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

                      Easy say that now in hindsight but went with a DGW defender over him for the potential upside. Should've never used FH though...an error admittedly

                    2. Mr. O'Connell
                      • 11 Years
                      2 years, 2 months ago

                      Tsimikas lurking. Doesn't matter. We all make decisions. Only the inevitability of fate can reveal whether we were right or wrong. And even then it is never black or white.