Fantasy Premier League

FDR Analysis: Aston Villa offer festive solution

By The Scout 10 Dec 2021

The Scout on why Villa have the schedule to continue strong start under Steven Gerrard

A favourable run of upcoming opponents can lift Aston Villa’s prospects in defence and attack in Fantasy Premier League.

Villa have started strongly under Steven Gerrard, winning three of the new head coach’s four matches in charge.

After this weekend’s trip to Liverpool, his side can maintain that momentum over the winter period.

According to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), four of their next five matches score only two.

Villa's matches after GW16

GW	Opp	FDR	GW	Opp	FDR
17	NOR (A)	2	20	LEE (A)	2
18	BUR (H)	2	21	BRE (A)	2
19	CHE (H)	4

Although Villa have managed only one clean sheet under Gerrard, the underlying numbers suggest their defence has been among the strongest in Fantasy.

They have conceded only 43 shots in the last four Gameweeks, the fifth-best record in the league.

Defenders have played a major part in Villa's attacking output for Gerrard, combining for four of their seven goals.

Ezri Konsa (£4.9m) scored twice to claim 17 points against Leicester City in the previous Gameweek, while Tyrone Mings (£4.9m) and Matt Targett (£4.7m) have provided a goal apiece.

Indeed, centre-backs Konsa and Mings are among the top four Villa players for shots in the box since Gerrard’s arrival, along with right-back Matty Cash (£5.0m) and forward Ollie Watkins (£7.5m).

Consider Watkins and McGinn

Watkins has scored two of his four goals this season under Gerrard, totalling 21 points.

John McGinn (£5.8m) could prove a handy budget option in midfield. The Scot has a goal, an assist and 19 points in the last three Gameweeks. He is Villa’s leading creator for the new head coach, supplying seven key passes.