Moving Target
13 August 2025 712 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
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Jack Grealish (£6.5m) hasn’t been an appealing Fantasy Premier League (FPL) option for some time now – but does a loan move put him back on the Fantasy radar?

And, just as importantly, what does his arrival mean for FPL’s most owned Everton player, Iliman Ndiaye (£6.5m), and the budget-friendly Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (£5.0m)?

We weigh everything up in our Moving Target article.

GREALISH: THE FPL HISTORY

Checkered, is probably one way of reflecting on Grealish’s FPL history. There’s been as many so-so seasons as decent ones, not helped of course by being prone to rotation under Pep Guardiola.

Really, at City, there was only one half-season – the second half of 2022/23 – when he was alive as an FPL asset. Eight returns in nine matches was a high point as he steered City to another Premier League title.

So, it’s his time at Villa that perhaps deserves a closer look in this article.

An average of 5.2 points per game (5.9 before his season-interrupting shin injury!) in 2020/21 was better than any current £6.5m-and-under midfielder managed in 2024/25:

IS ‘VILLA GREALISH’ SET TO RETURN?

Grealish

Playing in the half space on the left, given freedom to roam, create and win free-kicks, and on set plays: that summed up Grealish’s time at Aston Villa.

If all turns out well, that’s what we can expect at Everton, too.

Made to adapt to play the Manchester City way under Pep, now Everton may be fitting around Grealish and his natural game.

“Maybe it was my mistake to play him as a winger. But in Aston Villa, he started from, I would say, the left position, the winger position, and after going more inside. Here it’s a more fixed position, more in the places.” – Pep Guardiola on Jack Grealish, speaking in December 2024

“I think we’re getting him at a good time because he’s experienced, he understands the Premier League, and we’re all fully aware of the levels he’s capable of performing to.

“I know Jack’s ambition is to get back into the England squad, so hopefully we can help him achieve that over the course of the season.

“We’re all looking forward to working with him and providing a platform for him to show the best version of himself.” – David Moyes on Jack Grealish

“I think that’s the main thing, to have a fresh start. I just felt it was the right time to move on and try something new.

“When I spoke to the manager, he says he wants me to, in the final third, be creative. And I feel like I want to have that way about me where it’s like I was before, where I had no fear. Sometimes you will lose the ball and miss chances but then also, you want to be able to play that killer pass and have an end product. So that’s the main aim.” – Jack Grealish after signing for Everton

ASSIST POTENTIAL

MIDFIELDERS SORTED BY CHANCES CREATED (CC) IN 2019/20

 

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 1

FPL pre-season: Malen + Watkins again, Xhaka debut, secretive Man City 2
712 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Evasivo
    • 15 Years
    4 months, 3 days ago

    One to watch, alike many other Everton assets!

    1. the FPL Derby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      4 months, 3 days ago

      Agreed. He needs to get his fitness up to speed first.

  2. Meta12345
    • 1 Year
    4 months, 3 days ago

    If both romero and van de ven start today, would they start on saturday?

    1. the FPL Derby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      4 months, 3 days ago

      I don't know, but it was interesting that Ben Crellin has chosen Romero for his GW1 team. He's currently on six straight sub-10k finishes!!

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        4 months, 3 days ago

        Interesting, VDV and Milenkovic or Romero and Williams?

      2. Meta12345
        • 1 Year
        4 months, 3 days ago

        How you know ben crellin’s team?

        1. the FPL Derby
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          Go to You Tube and put 'Crellin team' - it should come out top. I find the interviewer's technique really annoying, but to listen to Ben Crellin - it's worth the pain.

    2. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      4 months, 3 days ago

      Yes unless injured

    3. Dynamic Duos
      • 12 Years
      4 months, 3 days ago

      I thought you was trolling with this yesterday. You don't think they can play 2/3 games a week?

      1. Meta12345
        • 1 Year
        4 months, 3 days ago

        Managers tend to rotate when there is only 2 days of rest

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 12 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          At CB hardly unless your Pep

    4. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      4 months, 3 days ago

      Less than 3 days turnaround between the 2 games and this injury history

      https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/micky-van-de-ven/verletzungen/spieler/557459

  3. the FPL Derby
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    4 months, 3 days ago

    We have a Derby at Epsom, a Kentucky Derby, and a Greyhound Derby... and now we have the inaugural running of the "FPL Derby."

    700+ runners.
    Code xac8c0

    1. Charlie Price
      • 4 Years
      4 months, 3 days ago

      Joined

      1. the FPL Derby
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        4 months, 3 days ago

        Nice one. Welcome aboard Charlie.

  4. LeicesterA
    • 10 Years
    4 months, 3 days ago

    Here we go again! Excited for the season ahead. Been a busy summer so a quick first RMT. Would love any opinions / major flags…

    Verbruggen - Dubravka
    Virgil - Ait-Nouri - Cucurella - AWB - De Cuyper
    Salah - Palmer - Gakpo - Reijnders - Malen
    Watkins - Joao Pedro - Marc Guiu

    Thanks!

    1. the FPL Derby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      4 months, 3 days ago

      I can't see any red flags, but you've spend a lot of money on your back line, some of which could have gone on big hitters in midfield.

      1. LeicesterA
        • 10 Years
        4 months, 3 days ago

        Fair. I’m just minded of having a strong back 3, who I personally think will score more than any sub-6 mids. But I know it’s a bit different.

        1. the FPL Derby
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          Yep, fair play to you... It's growing on me. Having two semi-decent defenders for the bench means you'll be less inclined than many of us to make panic transfers.

          1. LeicesterA
            • 10 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Thanks mate. That’s my thinking. The 3 Premium defenders, Salah, Palmer, Gakpo, Watkins and Pedro would be rigid, with the 5.5 mids rotating based on fixtures… but the added benefit of having decent enough defenders to play if needed.

            Until it all unravels after a gameweek or two 😀

            1. the FPL Derby
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 2 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Sounds good to me. Best of luck.

  5. The Nuttmxn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 months, 3 days ago

    What are people's thought on Johnson at Tottenham?

    1. Flynny
      • 10 Years
      4 months, 3 days ago

      Doubt he is nailed

    2. The Mighty Hippo
      • 9 Years
      4 months, 3 days ago

      I think his time will be impacted by the arrival of Kudus and he's likely to be used as an impact sub in a number of games.

    3. Moon Dog
        4 months, 3 days ago

        I don't see him being great value at 7.0m. And Spurs keep getting linked to wingers, so I'm sure he'll get more competition soon.

    4. King Kun Ta
      • 10 Years
      4 months, 3 days ago

      AWB or Diouf? Ta!

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        4 months, 3 days ago

        Ive gone Diouf, heard mentality/group think, couldn't tell you why so much love tbh

      2. the FPL Derby
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        4 months, 3 days ago

        Of those two, I prefer Diouf; however, I prefer Andersen to him. Same price.

    5. I Member
      • 10 Years
      4 months, 3 days ago

      A) Watkins + Anderson
      B) Mateta + Rogers

      1. CheesyZoot
        • 6 Years
        4 months, 3 days ago

        A for me

        Do we know if Rogers will be fit?

        1. Udogie-style
          • 2 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          He's in training

      2. Under my Cucurella
        • 10 Years
        4 months, 3 days ago

        A

    6. Charlie Price
      • 4 Years
      4 months, 3 days ago

      Superb in depth analysis Neale as ever.

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 8 Years
        4 months, 3 days ago

        Thank you, Charlie!

    7. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 months, 3 days ago

      Is Diouf or De Cuyper a better pick?

      Both average around a goal in 14-15% of games, Diouf is about 4 years younger so less career stats to go at albeit he edges it on goals scored for Slavia Prague.

      Who has better assist potential?

      Cheers

      1. Udogie-style
        • 2 Years
        4 months, 3 days ago

        I've got both

      2. Casp123
        • 10 Years
        4 months, 3 days ago

        Tough choice, I went for De Cuyper purely on the basis that as a football club Brighton are the least likely to have a crisis.

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          Fair

      3. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        4 months, 3 days ago

        Diouf is playing further forward as a wingback if it helps, De Cuyper left back

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          Cheers

    8. CheesyZoot
      • 6 Years
      4 months, 3 days ago

      4-5-1... stupid or could work?

      Sanchez,
      VdV, VVD, Williams, Aina
      Salah, Palmer, Kudus, Anderson, Ndiaye
      Haaland

      Usual fodder bench....

      Thoughts?

      1. Galza
        • 8 Years
        4 months, 3 days ago

        I’m going with it. Haaland up top.
        What can go wrong 🙂

      2. Galza
        • 8 Years
        4 months, 3 days ago

        Looks alright, but I don’t really like the Forest defence double. Could work though. GL

        1. CheesyZoot
          • 6 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          What does your defence look like?

          1. Galza
            • 8 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Pretty cheap…

            Sanchez
            Diouf / VDV / DeCuyper / Dorgu
            Salah / Palmer / BrunoF / Rice / Arias
            Haaland

            1. Galza
              • 8 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Dubravka / Esteve / Guiu / Kroupi

      3. Mr Turnip 1
          4 months, 3 days ago

          Formation = good.
          Salah, Palmer, and Haaland = not good.

      4. Udogie-style
        • 2 Years
        4 months, 3 days ago

        Rogers and Mateta or Wirtz and Fulkrüg?

        1. Under my Cucurella
          • 10 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          W & F

      5. Moxon
        • 11 Years
        4 months, 3 days ago

        What formation are you currently on?

        I like the look of 4-4-2

        1. Udogie-style
          • 2 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          3-4-3

        2. Dynamic Duos
          • 12 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          2553

          1. Moxon
            • 11 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Bench boost, nice!

        3. Moon Dog
            4 months, 3 days ago

            352

          • just a man
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            3-5-2

        4. Jordan.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          first salah draft
          verbruggen
          munoz/konsa/diouf
          rogers/reinjers/salah/bruno
          mateta/strand larsen/haaland

          dubravka/dorgu/rodon/miley

          salah (c) gwk 1,4,5 is very persausive over palmer

          1. Wezzy
            • 1 Year
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Similar to my Salah/Haaland draft….like the Mateta/Strand Larsen picks.

        5. Philosopher's Stones
          • 5 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          A: Salah + Wood + Gakpo
          B: Haaland + Wirtz + Gakpo

          1. Udogie-style
            • 2 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            B purely because Forest attack looks blunt right now. Switch Wood to another forward and it would be a tougher decision.

            1. Under my Cucurella
              • 10 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              This

        6. Casp123
          • 10 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          Where should I save 0.5m to make this team affordable?

          Sanchez (Dubravka)
          Chalobah, N.Williams, Van de Ven (De Cuyper, Esteve)
          Salah, Palmer, Wirtz, Ndiaye (Reijnders)
          Watkins, Mateta, Strand Larsen

          1. Udogie-style
            • 2 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            If you're going to bench Reijnders may as well downgrade him. It's the first fixture that looks great for him.

          2. the FPL Derby
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Because Strikers don't pay as well (in FPL points) as midfielders, I'd stick to only two good ones. You've got three brilliant ones. I'd remove one of them and spend it perhaps mainly on your defence. Don't ask me which one to remove though!!

            1. Casp123
              • 10 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Its a good point. I'm stuggling to find a sub-6.5 striker who I think will play. Not buying the Guiu hype. Muniz maybe?

              1. the FPL Derby
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 2 Years
                4 months, 3 days ago

                I love Muniz and was really hoping he'd go to Leeds, but I think he's heading for Atlanta - on the other side of the pond.

        7. tim_oriordan
          • 10 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          Brothers and sisters, please rate this team for me.

          Sels
          Porro, Murillo, Tosin
          Salah, Palmer, Gakpo, Rogers, Reijnders
          Watkins, Pedro

          Dubravka, Munoz, Guiu, Esteve

          1. Galza
            • 8 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Solid team. GL

        8. Scapegoat Salah
          • 9 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          Final team for GW1!

          Sanchez
          Porro | Neco | Diouf
          Salah | Palmer | Bruno | Rogers | Reijnders
          Watkins | Bowen

          Dubravka | Gundmundsson | Esteve | Guiu

          Good luck all!

          1. Galza
            • 8 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            I like this one… GL

            1. Scapegoat Salah
              • 9 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Thanks mate you too!

        9. kysersosa
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          Defence options

          A)Cucurella, Frimpong and Konsa

          Or

          B) Cucurella, Milenkovic, N. Williams

          Other defenders are Hartman and Rondon.

          Assuming that Bradley wont be fit and spot is Frimpong's to lose.

          1. TekkerDude
            • 1 Year
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Structure wise A but I prefer a different 4.5 like de cuyper , VDV and dorgu

            1. kysersosa
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Good comms. Will look at 4.5's and who rotates best. Dorgu sounds uber attacking and could just be a set and forget.

            2. Under my Cucurella
              • 10 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Agree with this

        10. TekkerDude
          • 1 Year
          4 months, 3 days ago

          Rate my team please! This might be GW2 bench boost

          Sels
          RAN frimpong reinildo
          Palmer Wirtz KDH reijnders
          Haaland (c) gyok Ekitike

          Dubravka Arias Dorgu Esteve

          Let me know your thoughts, I appreciate all suggestions!

          1. Flynny
            • 10 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Nice. Some rarely seen gems here. I like

            1. TekkerDude
              • 1 Year
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Yeah it’s a bit out there but games are there to be fun

        11. Coupes
          • 7 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          “Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has suffered a hamstring injury in training”

          Tark fire sale?

          1. TekkerDude
            • 1 Year
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Maybe - 0.5 more u can get to RAN or frimpong tbf

          2. Flynny
            • 10 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Just removed him. And spent the extra 1m to get Rogers who seems to be training

          3. Valar(Keith)
            • 16 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            More like a keane wagon for us poor folks (I don't even know if he ll start)

          4. The Sociologist
            • 6 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Maybe just double up on Murillo and Milenkovic instead.

        12. RealSocialDads
          • 9 Years
          4 months, 3 days ago

          What do we reckon here?

          A. JSL in 3-4-3
          B. Mateta in 3-4-3
          C. Ndiaye in 3-5-2
          D. Rogers in 3-5-2

          A and C leave some ITB, Mateta maxes the budget

          1. TekkerDude
            • 1 Year
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Who’s JSL?

            1. TekkerDude
              • 1 Year
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Oh strand Larsen in that case
              in order
              A
              D
              B
              C

            2. Scapegoat Salah
              • 9 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Jonas Strand Larsen

          2. Under my Cucurella
            • 10 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            B with D second

          3. Mr Turnip 1
              4 months, 3 days ago

              D
              B
              C
              A

          4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 9 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            A) Bruno Gakpo Watkins Gyökeres
            B) Rogers Reijnders Haaland Bowen

            Kelleher
            Cucurella RAN Frimpong
            Palmer Wirtz xxx xxx
            xxx xxx Pedro

            1. RealSocialDads
              • 9 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              B

            2. TekkerDude
              • 1 Year
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Ooh that’s close I would say B for captaincy but consider Ekitike for Bowen (you can make cucurella Murillo)

            3. Under my Cucurella
              • 10 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              B but it's close

            4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
              • 9 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Cheers guys

          5. Zoostation
            • 11 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Good to go?

            Verbruggen (Dubravka)

            N Williams Tarkowski Konsa (Diouf, Esteve)

            Palmer Wirtz Rogers Ndiaye (King)

            Haaland Gyokeres Bowen

            1. TekkerDude
              • 1 Year
              4 months, 3 days ago

              I don’t like the ndiaye pick at all, love the attack - I would change tarko and Williams to a 6.0 and a 4.5

          6. Flynny
            • 10 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Feeling quite strong on this - especially with Rogers training....any thoughts? Thanks

            Sels dubravka
            Porro murillo Anderson dorgu esteve
            Salah palmer wirtz Rogers reijnders
            Watkins pedro guiu

            1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Love it!!! Haha it’s exactly the same as my team apartment from I have Milenkovic instead of Maurillo

            2. Udogie-style
              • 2 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Very nice indeed

              1. Flynny
                • 10 Years
                4 months, 3 days ago

                Lovely. Let's see how.many times it changes in the next 48 hours!

          7. -GK22-
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Anyone got a recommended draft strategy

            Load up on att or mids first?

            1. TekkerDude
              • 1 Year
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Totally player dependent - this is my tier list

              Salah Haaland
              Palmer Saka gyokores Bruno
              Watkins wirtz marmoush bowen
              7.5 forwards and gakpo
              Rogers JSL evanilson
              6.5 mids

            2. Captain Mal
              • 1 Year
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Yes, I'd probably pick at least 5 attackers before considering any defenders.
              Forwards more rare than midfielders, so pick the former between two equally good picks.

          8. Udogie-style
            • 2 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Posted on an older article by mistake:

            Hi all. Which option is best here please?

            A) Dorgu, Rogers, Bruno, Fulkrüg
            B) Munoz, Wirtz, Sarr, Fulkrüg
            C) Munoz, Rogers, Sarr, Mateta

            Cheers.

            1. TekkerDude
              • 1 Year
              4 months, 3 days ago

              A for sure

          9. Under my Cucurella
            • 10 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Appreciate some votes on which of these drafts and BB strategies looks best

            A - (BB GW1)

            Sels Kelleher
            Cucu De Cuyper Diouf Dorgu VDV
            Salah Bruno Reijnders Saka PMSarr
            Watkins JP Fullkrug

            B - (BB GW2 - will spend extra 1m wherever it looks best after GW1)

            Sels Dub
            Cucu Frimpong Munoz Dorgu Esteve
            Wirtz Bruno Reijnders Saka I.Sarr
            Watkins JP Bowen
            (+1m)

            1. TekkerDude
              • 1 Year
              4 months, 3 days ago

              B

              1. Under my Cucurella
                • 10 Years
                4 months, 3 days ago

                Appreciate it!

          10. Old Man
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            So no Solanke in starting line-up ..... forget him for your GW1 teams then.

          11. Stimps
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Is this a good BB?

            Perri KDH DeCuyper VDV

            1. Under my Cucurella
              • 10 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Looks good. You will be wanting KDH to do well at the expense of Perri though I suppose. Maybe a different 4.5 GK

          12. PScholes18
            • 5 Years
            4 months, 3 days ago

            Anyone wanna RTM and consider option 1 vs 2?

            Option 1:
            Sels - Dubravka
            Munoz - Frimpong - vdv - Murillo - Gudmundsson
            Palmer - Rutter - Gakpo - Wirtz - Reijnders
            Haaland - Watkins - Guiu

            Option 2:
            Out: Gakpo, Wirtz, Guiu
            In: Johnson, KDH, Etikite

            1. the FPL Derby
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 2 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              Don't like your option 2 much. I like KDH but Etikite may have a minutes issue if Isak joins them.

              1. PScholes18
                • 5 Years
                4 months, 3 days ago

                Would never be an option with Isak ready. Then it would be Isak. Thanks for input. Might just stick with 1.

                1. PScholes18
                  • 5 Years
                  4 months, 3 days ago

                  Could leave Rutter for KDH and have some funds available. Question is Grealish into the mix.

                  1. the FPL Derby
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 2 Years
                    4 months, 3 days ago

                    Not for me. Grealish needs to show his fitness before he's pickable.

                    1. PScholes18
                      • 5 Years
                      4 months, 3 days ago

                      Of course, my point was that he could reduce KSHs potential.

                      1. the FPL Derby
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 2 Years
                        4 months, 3 days ago

                        I don't think so.. I think KDH will be in the middle and Grealish on the flank. Put it this way, KDH is in my team. So if I'm wrong we both go under. 🙂

            2. Under my Cucurella
              • 10 Years
              4 months, 3 days ago

              I prefer option 1

              1. PScholes18
                • 5 Years
                4 months, 3 days ago

                Cheers