Dugout Discussion

Everton v Aston Villa team news: Coutinho makes his first Villa start

Double Gameweek 23 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) continues this Saturday lunchtime, as Everton contest their first match following the sacking of Rafael Benitez.

Duncan Ferguson takes temporary charge of the Toffees, as he did just over two years ago, and his starting XI has a familiar feel as he turns to (what is presumably) a 4-4-2 and pairs Dominic Calvert-Lewin with Richarlison up top.

This is the first time that Everton’s two forwards have made the same line-up since August.

Ferguson has made five changes in all, with Richarlison, Andros Townsend, Yerry Mina, Jonjoe Kenny and Mason Holgate all restored to the team.

Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane, Anthony Gordon and Salomon Rondon drop to the bench, while Vitaliy Mykolenko misses out altogether. Fellow summer signing Nathan Patterson is also absent from the matchday squad but Allan is back on the bench after illness.

The big news from the Villa camp is that Philippe Coutinho makes his first start for the club after scoring off the bench last weekend. The Brazilian replaces Danny Ings in the Villans’ front three.

John McGinn also returns from suspension as Morgan Sanson drops to the bench.

Lucas Digne starts against his former club, meanwhile.

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Everton v Aston Villa team news: Coutinho makes his first Villa start

GAMEWEEK 23 LINE-UPS

Everton XI: Pickford, Kenny, Holgate, Mina, Godfrey, Doucoure, Gomes, Townsend Gray, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin.

Subs: Begovic, Keane, Allan, Coleman, Gordon, Gbamin, Rondon, Dobbin, Onyango.

Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey, Buendia, Coutinho, Watkins.

Subs: Olsen, Targett, Sanson, Young, Ings, Hayden, Hause, Chukwuemeka, Iroegbunam.

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619 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kaneyonero
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    How is Digne getting 12, Everton conceded no? 😉

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

      Haha

    2. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Very good.

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

    Probably going to need something from Ronaldo for a green arrow this week

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

    Everton with 15 attempts in the second half and one on target ffs

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

      At least I benched Gray

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

        I wish I was as smart as you. Benched Digne for him

  4. HD7
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Any idea why Fabianski is missing?

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

    Imagine being an Everton fan. Most depressing club ever

    1. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Watford fans say hiya

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

        That’s nowhere near as depressing. They were promoted last year. Everton just go on and on in an endless cycle of expecting improvement but gradually declining

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

    Ings YC
    Remember he was actually a popular FPL pick in GW1

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

    Gray skies as expected.

    1. Kaneyonero
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      No Son Shining

    2. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Grey and cloudy here too. Cold but not as cold as earlier in the week.

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

      Possible risk of HurriKane

      1. DycheDycheBaby
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        You passed the vibe

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

    Bruno, Raphina and Bowen, I need returns

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

    So DCL to Dennis was the right transfer to do this GW.... Kinda.

  10. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Digne legend!

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

    Could not watch game. How did Coutinho look?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Very quiet. Had one decent header on goal.

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

      Lost

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

      So Watkins best option for DGW? Or was he rubbish too?

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Not happy as an owner tbh. Been awful for me since I bought.

        1. Thanos
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Same same.
          Atrocious tbf.

  12. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Based on today’s match, which Villa players will you get for their DGW?

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

      Buendia TC

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

        And many will probably get Digne too? Not so sure I would pick Watkins and Couthino, though

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

          Not many options over Watkins up top.

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

        This. Buendia passing the eyetest...

  13. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    James to Digne turned out Great!

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

      I did James to Laporte instead of Digne.

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

      Nice move!

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

      Has Matty cash since mid December and I’m over the moon with his 5 points. Had considered going sideways to digne but I might double up when they double

    4. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Livramento to Digne here.

      1. EL tridente
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Way to go!

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

        That’s one hell of an upgrade!

        I did gray to KDB this week too and whatever citeh do later I don’t think I’ll be too upset!

  14. BeWater
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Owning DCL and Gray is not a good experience.

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

      Yeah Grays gone for me. Saw absolutely nothing from him to keep for the fixture run as good as it looks. Gordon best option from Everton.

  15. teneighty
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Is that a third straight start for Elanga? Good for him!

    1. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Because he's showing the right attitude. Good on him!

  16. FantasyClub
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I don’t think I can keep Gray for the fixture run. Played him over Digne sitting pretty 1st on bench. Gray was playing so deep. Couldn’t find him, didn’t do anything.

    1. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Swap for Ramsey if Villa get dgw 24 is my plan

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

        Yeah Ramsey genuine alternative. Frees up funds and his price is very deceiving, easily playable would give a benching headache

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

        Someone said there won’t be a dgw 24?

      3. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        There is no DGW24

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

          Yea, I think they kick in from 25 when United might double too , salah will be back. Going to desperately try to roll a transfer or failing that might be WC time

      4. Gubby-Allen
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        It is impossible to have one. 25 is likely though.

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

      Or bendy Buendi if I can afford

  17. fantasist
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Cavani, Lingard, Rashford, Martial.. on paper Utd have serious attacking options on the bench

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

      Only one of those is a serious attacking option

      1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Lingard?

    2. fantasist
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Would that be Lingard?

  18. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Keane or Alonso to Digne?

    The other FT will be used to transfer out Mount.

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

      Would say Keane but obviously has to be Alonso with three blanks coming

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Thought so.. can't believe I'm stuck with Keane

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

      Too late haha

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Better late than never 😉

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

      Alonso

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

      I have Digne 1st on bench. Played Gray over him, bless my soul. 🙁

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        How unlucky. You may still get Lucas' Points if you get lucky later.

  19. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    4 yellow cards for my 3 players 🙂

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

      No need to gloat

  20. AD2110
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Watkins get any decent chances?

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

      1

  21. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Digne looked the only decent Villa asset to have.

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

      Buendia ?

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

        Naa! Scored but wasn't that involved. Plus too many midfield options.

  22. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I am thinking to change cash to digne??

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

      Have you thought about ways to save cash?

  23. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Pickford + Gray + DCL blanks again,3 GWs in a row now.

    Gray first to go?

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

      Two rules this year.

      Don't trust Everton
      Don't trust United

      Gray first. Yes

    2. Gubby-Allen
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      It is a good time to wildcard. 17 days to tinker, guaranteed no DGW and there will be the week after to allow you to bench boost a WC side.

      1. FFSbet.com
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah but already used WC GW21 to attack Eve x3 + Whu x3 double:)

        FH fail followed by WC fail...

  24. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Score check : 2 (-4) xD

    Dennis(C), Watkins and Grey lol
    Terrible week so far :/

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

      3. From 2 players.

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      2 from 1 (King)

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

      0 from 2

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

      12 from 3

  25. Manumana
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Play
    1. Ramsgate
    2. DDG

    1. Gubby-Allen
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Playing the whole of Ramsgate in goal would be an asset.

      1. Manumana
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        It would

        1. Gubby-Allen
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          If you have no other MAN u defenders then DDG for GW24 and obviously 25.

  26. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    TAA or Cancelo -> Digne?

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

      What?

  27. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Time to Wildcard?

    Currently own;

    Alonso, Mount, Dennis, King, Livramento, ESR, Dawson.

    Cheers.

    1. Thanos
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      When else would you use it then!?

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

        When you snap your finger and there are lesser options to choose from.

    2. Gubby-Allen
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Absolutely. It is a good time to do it, 17 days, no DGW but one in 25, which you will know by the deadline, so could bench boost.

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

        ^^^great tactic

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe

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

    Only got DDG & Bowen playing in the 15.00’s. Just hoping for some decent games and the likes of Raphinia, Antonio, Ronaldo & BRUNO don’t punish me too much for going a wee bit off template.

  29. Esalman
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    No red card from King, Coutinho or Watkins- WC looking like a success already.

  30. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    2 points from Dennis (c) Gray & Watkins.

    Green arrow??