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The FPL eye test: Villa players assessed ahead of Double Gameweeks

Stevie of EyeTestFPL casts the spotlight on more Fantasy Premier League (FPL) options that have caught his attention, using ‘eye test’ screenshots and information from our Premium Members Area.

With double-headers in Gameweek 36 and 37 and the visit of bottom-of-the-table Norwich City up next, Aston Villa sit near the top of our Season Ticker for ease of fixture for the run-in.

So it’s with that in mind that Stevie switches his focus to the Villans, whose form has dipped over the last month or so.


Ollie Watkins’ directness

Ever since conceding three goals against Leeds United in Gameweek 24 and suffering two subsequent, successive league defeats, Steven Gerrard had had to rethink his defensive approach and come up with a solution that would tighten things up at the back. 

His answer was a shift to a front-two system with a more rigid midfield base, which subsequently laid the foundations for a more direct playing style.

With two highly technical players such as Philippe Coutinho (£7.0m) or, when he is on the pitch, Danny Ings (£7.4m) behind him, Ollie Watkins’ (£7.4m) pace naturally pushes him towards becoming Villa’s blade tip.

His totals of 18 shots inside the box and six big chances ever since the tactical shift happened in Gameweek 27 are in the top five among all forwards.

The biggest question mark for him, however, is not the number of chances he gets, but whether he can convert them into goals.

Despite getting the majority of the opportunities that Villa have created thus far, Watkins has had a track record of disappointing owners with his wasteful finishing ever since his arrival in the division last season. And frankly, there has not been much improvement this season, either.

Often, anticipating what the former Brentford man is thinking to do when inside dangerous areas usually does not require much invention of the mind. Being a heavily right-footed player, his tendency to shift to his stronger side usually makes the job easier for the opposing defenders to first close off the inside channel before forcing him into his weaker left foot instead.

Finding an opening from the other side has not been easy either as he is often left with two undesirable options of either shooting from the tightest of angles or cutting inside with his weaker left.

His best chance of scoring then would probably come from a situation where he has succeeded in getting behind the last line of defence without receiving much interference from the opposition defenders.

However, despite not being the most clinical of finishers, Watkins still remains Villa’s point of attack where most of the goalscoring opportunities would likely fall. Whether or not he could turn them into goals is less of a certainty.

“I thought Ollie was fantastic in the second half, really selfless running and I thought he made it a real tough 45 minutes for the two centre-backs. That’s what we want from him and I thought the only thing missing from his performance today was a goal.” – Steven Gerrard on Ollie Watkins, after Gameweek 34’s goalless draw with Leicester

Philippe Coutinho’s floating role

293 Comments Post a Comment
  1. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Who to get from City u can pick two ?
    A- Cancelo
    B- Laporte
    C- Jesus
    D- B.Silva

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A and C. Prefer KDB tho

    2. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      AC

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A and B

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Cancelo Laporte then Jesus

    5. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      AC

    6. dabber7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A & B

    7. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A and defo C!

    8. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Cheers

  2. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    2 FT 0 itb

    Schmeichel (Fodder)
    TAA Robbo Cancelo James (Fodder)
    Salah Havertz Maddison Saka (Gordon)
    Ronaldo Weghorst (Fodder)

    Ronaldo + Gordon -> KDB + Fodder ?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      This week would rather have Kane

    2. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Yeah

    3. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Just do Ron to Kane and roll a FT for next week. I'd keep Gordon for the DGWs

  3. AutoFill 2021
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Livramento - Tavares for BB in 36?

    1. Max City
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I was looking Schar >> Tavares

      1. Klip Klopp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        With Tomiyasu back there's a chance Arteta may play Cedric as a left back

    2. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Risky

  4. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Start Watkins or Dennis?

    Feel like I should start Watkins but as a Leeds fan I want Watford to beat Burnley.

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Start Watkins, then it's win-win

    2. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Watkins

  5. C_G
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    is Fofana nailed?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Not with Europe around

    2. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I would have said so due to the rubbishness of their other defenders, but the Europe point is a good one.

  6. Max City
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Possibility of Coutinho haul vs Norwich = ..?

    1. Not again Shirley
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Possible is anything.

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      It’s NOR so possible. But wouldn’t be surprised if he blanks.

      1. Max City
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Yeah true, AST hasn't looked good themselves lately

    3. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Surely

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Similar to Australia winning Eurovision

    5. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Not even sure I want him for the double in GW36 if I'm honest.

    6. Hktrader88
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      If Watkins scores a hat-trick and Coutinho assists all three, the consensus will be ... "well it was obviously really, as Norwich are appalling".

      If you think Coutinho has a chance of hauling in any game ... then this is the one.

  7. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Is Kulu still nailed on?

    1. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Yeah. Who else?

  8. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Odion Ighalo just missed a penalty for Al Hilal..

    1. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Why is this of interest?

  9. In a Rush
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    I don’t usually play more than 3 at the back but looking at playing all 5 this week and rolling my transfer.
    Any thoughts welcome cheers

    Foster
    Taa cancelo cash Alonso royal
    Salah havertz son saka
    Werner

    Schmeichel pukki Ramsey mateta

    1. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Seems wise but Royal? Hmmmm

    2. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      4 is enough. I'd play all your bench players ahead of Royal personally

    3. Max City
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Should be okay

  10. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    On WC ahead of BB36

    A) Mahrez, Gordon, Werner

    B) KDB, Dewsbury Hall, Dennis

    1. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Any thoughts? Have a feeling about Mahrez- despite clear rotation issues!

    2. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Yeah, A probably as all three have DGW

      1. It’s A Joke
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        And a more explosive.

    3. The Reptile
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      B

  11. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Hi....who to start this week please?

    A....ramsey v Norwich

    B....rudiger at Everton

    Thanks

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A

    2. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A as B is knacked

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        I think B will be back for this game....and maybe tomo even

      2. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Sure he's been pictured in training!

  12. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    I can guarantee Az's luck is going to run out, after GW38.

    1. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      How?

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Because there won't be a GW39. 😀

  13. It’s A Joke
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Captain…

    A) Salah
    B) Watkins
    C) Coutinho

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Salah

    2. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Salah

    3. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Not B

      1. NorCal Villan
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        No way he gets within a mile of my team, much less making him captain

  14. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Villa are a trap I'm not happy to fall into twice in one season.

    1. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      …and you’re a Wolves fan

    2. dabber7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      They certainly look and smell like one ... bottom of the table for form over the last 5 game weeks, four losses and one draw, just 1 point from 15 but many people seem to be holding their noses because they've got Norwich and a double, double.

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I agree, I wouldn't even expect a clean sheet from them against Norwich. I may be wrong but they've shown nothing to say that they're going to turn around their atrocious form in one fell swoop

  15. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    I can have this team for GW36 for -4..

    Ramsdale
    Trent Robertson Laporte Alonso
    Salah Saka Foden Mount
    Kane Nketiah

    A. Good 36 team (so FH37)
    B. FH36 you can get better 36 team

    1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A defo

  16. Can’t beat em so&hell…
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Any changes needed this week?

    Ramsdale
    Rudi/ James/ Robbo/ Cancelo
    KDB/ Salah (c)/ Barnes/ Odegaard
    Kane/ Broja

    Dub/ Mateta/ Ramsey

  17. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    These moves still good for -4? Going to bench boost in 36.
    Doherty, Laca -> Alonso, Pukki.

    Anyone better than Pukki for under 7.2?

    1. Garth Marenghi
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Why not Eddie?

      1. DycheDycheBaby
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Yeah might go for him but his doubles are harder fixtures.

    2. dabber7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      If it was me, I'd be going to Laporte and Nketiah.

      1. DycheDycheBaby
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Yeah just thinking of Chelsea double and ML rival has Laporte already (I'm chasing). Might go Eddie though as he is also slightly cheaper.

        1. dabber7
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 11 months ago

          Chelsea don't really have a double though ... surely there will be a lot of rotation for the Leeds game ahead of the Cup Final.

          1. DycheDycheBaby
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 11 months ago

            Indeed so else to go for? 🙁

            1. dabber7
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 3 Years
              1 year, 11 months ago

              As I said earlier, it'd be Nketiah and Laporte for me but if you're chasing and your rival already has Laporte, then it becomes hard to answer, without knowing the rest of your team.

  18. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Would u do this

    Mount + Werner ➡ Foden + Jesus?

    1. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      No

    2. Indpush
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Pondering it for this week or next week. Let's see how Chelsea boys go tomorrow.

  19. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Thinking about swapping my chelsea players (havertz and rudiger) to city (laporte and foden )
    for dgw36

    Chelsea likely to rotate heavily for Leeds before the Cup final in gw36

    Am I merely replacing rotation risks with rotation risks?

    How are others approaching Chelsea and City for dgw36? Thanks

    1. Tic Tacs
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I have Laporte and James, will most likely switch James to Cancelo as think he’s probably the least likely to get rotated… but who knows

    2. dabber7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Wait until after GW35 is completed, so you have more information to base your decision(s) on?

    3. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      See how 35 goes first. I think Rudiger will be good for the season and more nailed than any of the others. (Assuming you already have Cancelo).

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Yeah already got cancelo taa and vvd

  20. Tic Tacs
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    I know I’ve lost the plot, but I’m putting the armband on Zaha for the upcoming gameweek… what could go wrong!

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      i'm not going that far but he's very much on the list of players i'd like for the rest of the season.

      1. Tic Tacs
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        I’ve had him for a couple of weeks and it does feel like a haul could come at any moment

  21. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    For 36 is A better than B enough to play FH in 36?

    A. Pope Rudi Cancelo KDB Coutinho
    B. Ramsdale Alonso Mount Foden Kane

    1. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      no

  22. Norco
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    I got the exact funds to do the following for a -4, pull the trigger?

    Wood + Kulu > Jesus + Dewsbury-Hall (-4)

    Price changes will price me out.

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      No guarantees Jesus starts this week so no

  23. Brewstercat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Broja to Pukki, Dennis or Nketiah for Bench Boost in DGW36?

    Currently:
    Schmeichel Foster
    TAA Robbo Cancelo James Reguillon
    Salah Saka Maddison Kulu Martinelli
    Kane Mateta Broja