Dugout Discussion

Benitez provides injury updates on Richarlison, Coleman and Pickford

The most-played fixture in English football history, Aston Villa v Everton, brings Saturday’s Gameweek 5 action to a close.

Kick-off at Villa Park is at 17:30 BST.

Everton were already without the sidelined Dominic Calvert-Lewin for tonight’s match but Rafael Benitez has been hit by a further three injury blows in the run-up to the trip to Villa, with Jordan Pickford, Richarlison and Seamus Coleman all absent.

“With the tackle of Tarkowski, Richarlison was complaining about his knee during the week and he couldn’t do it.

“Pickford has a problem with his shoulder, he couldn’t do it.

“Seamus Coleman. At the end of the training session, he was a little bit tight, he felt his hamstring.

At the moment we think it would be 2/3 weeks minimum [for Richarlison, Pickford and Coleman] and after we will see.” – Rafael Benitez

Asmir Begovic, Alex Iwobi and Salomon Rondon start in place of that absent trio but there have been no other unenforced changes from the win over Burnley on Monday.

Dean Smith makes one alteration from Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Chelsea, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez returning to the starting XI in place of Jed Steer after completing his 10-day quarantine period in Croatia.

Emiliano Buendia is also back but only makes the bench.

GAMEWEEK 5 LINE-UPS

Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Targett, Konsa, Mings, Luiz, McGinn, Watkins, Tuanzebe, Ings, Ramsey

Subs: Steer, Buendia, Traore, Young, Nakamba, El Ghazi, Hause, Bailey, Archer

Everton XI: Begovic, Keane, Allan, Gray, Digne, Mina, Townsend, Doucoure, Iwobi, Godfrey, Rondon

Subs: Lonergan, Kenny, Holgate, Gomes, Gordon, Davies, Branthwaite, Simms

1,380 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    60 (-4) with 5 to go, off to a cracking start this year! 🙂

  2. We Go Again
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How good did Southampton defence look against City? Thinking of benching Tierney for Livramento next GW

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Im benching White for Tino

    2. LiamK17
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Spurs are toothless I’d play Tierney regardless

  3. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Torres replacement:

    A) Sarr
    B) Gallagher (gives me enough in the bank for Tsimikas>Reece James in GW7)

    1. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nobody, get a bench.

  4. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Lukaku vs Benrahma + Shaw + Greenwood

    A scene straight out of Marvel. Me vs my ML rival.

  5. Fish up a tree
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you ditch Torres with Che & Liv both away next it’s nit looking good, lesson learned & move on?

    1. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yep, move on

    2. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Torres to Sarr on my mind

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      nah, probably not, Cities' attack was bad without him today. Chelsea will be tough, but can see him getting chances vs Liverpool with their high line.

    4. SADIO SANÉ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I thought/hoped he'd get rotated every other game, missing CL and CC - but that hasn't happened so I'm getting rid - Cancelo/Dias only from now on - was worth a shot but never mind

  6. BIGREDDOG
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Salah to sarr -16?

    1. JBG
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Worth it.

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah right now. Lucky I've both and don't have to make that decision.

    3. Il Capitano
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Only for -20

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      excellent

    5. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Only if you're triple captaining him

  7. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best keeper 4.8 or under.

    1. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Raya

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Their next four fixtures look awful.

        1. Holmes
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Pretty sure you are picking for more than 4 GWs

          1. DA Minnion (Former great)
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah but 4 weeks is 4 weeks.

      2. FOO FIGHTER
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Raja dead meat with fixtures coming up

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Guaita

    3. Fish up a tree
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ramsdale

    4. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ramsdale

  8. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Ahh, a disastrous GW has come. Torres no show 0 pt and Digne OG -1 pt Traore over Sarr 50/50 toss coin ... need to hold on the knee!

    1. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Tough week. Similar to mine (triple Wolves, Torres, TAA)

      What you doing with Torres? With Chelsea/Pool next, I think I'll find it tough to hold

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        WC GW7 so one week punt for his replacement next week unless Raph is out he stays v CHE or probably -4 pts.

  9. lilmessipran
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Each n every gw more managers are becoming coy about team news and injuries ..they hardly reveal anything ..we should be more incentivized to make early transfers rather than dumb pressers that don't reveal much at all

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah, even though I don't make a lot of early transfers, the game is definitely more boring when no one does. It takes away an interesting contrast of styles.

  10. Khark
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    S.O.S

    23 with 3 to play haha

    1. Khark
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      In my 11 .... Sa 0points, TAA 0 points, Digne -1 points, Torres 0 points.

      First sub Williams 0points haha.

      1. Khark
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I also have Traore and Jota haha

    2. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Swings and roundabouts and 33+ gameweeks left.

      1. Khark
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Aye i do agree to be fair. I wont be kneejerking thats for sure.

    3. Zimo
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Same score here bud. But with 5 to play including captain.

      1. Khark
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah ive got (c)ronaldo to come too

        1. Zimo
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Same. Hopefully a hattrick

    4. Haa-lala-land
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I captained Torres and VC Trent 🙁
      #MOTM

  11. GreennRed
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Was Gilmour very good today?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      From what I’ve read, yes. My scores app rated him equal second best on ground, some good stats but not sure if he’s FPL good

      1. GreennRed
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. He's FPL poor but got one bap. I have himself and Hayden, my enablers with Amartey and Foster.

  12. Lord of Ings
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bin which of the following next week:-
    A)Digne—>Semedo
    B)Torres/Jota—->Raphinha/Gallagher
    C)Bamford—->Antonio (c)

    All using FT.
    I already have marcal and Bamford incase that matters.
    Default captain is Ronaldo right now.

  13. Thomas Magnum
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone see the Watford game? Other than the obvious Sarr, how did the cheaper Dennis & King look?

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      According to Boyd who was watching for Sky, Dennis was excellent. He said the front three, so king also were superb. I’ll be looking forward to the highlights on MOTD

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Excellent to hear, I look forward to seeing the highlights as well when they’re available. I’m a Dennis owner and interested in seeing if he’ll be worth keeping as an enabler on WC, king also seems a nice option but minutes may be a concern

        1. Eh, just one more thing ...
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Yes, I count myself fortunate, as Dennis is coming off my bench for Trent. If you’re planning 352 on wildcard, I think Dennis is a great option, no one better sub 5.5 … certainly at the moment as he’s getting the minutes and performances seem good.

          1. Thomas Magnum
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Nicely done setting up the bench so he comes off it, it’s really between him or Broja for me. Not all that keen on a non playing 4.5 when we need a strong bench this year imo

  14. Gunneryank
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I'm so happy for everyone in the 50's or 60's before the sunday fixtures! No really i am! I swear. Just so pleased. Not jealous or bitter. I wouldn't be so untoward. ;D

  15. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else having a terrible week?

    I’m down to 9 men…

    1. Khark
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      yup.

    2. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      41 points. Trent out. Antonio on the bench. Amartey or Gilmour to sub for Ttent.

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      yeah only 26, only Lukaku can save me now

  16. FOO FIGHTER
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is there anyone who wants to own City assets with the Pep fookery today?

    What on earth will the next starting lineup look like lol

    Too many toys for Pep to play with.

    1. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If only Grealish can start scoring regularly.

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Grealish 5 starts, and looks like Foden is going to be used in the middle.

      So LW and ST is left to Grealish/Sterling/Torres (maybe the odd false 9), and City wanted rid off Sterling in the summer and Sterling is the most out of form from the 3. Grealish and Torres are still worth it, especially considering their price tags.

    3. SADIO SANÉ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      still can't believe Mahrez didn't play the first two and then Torres playing CL instead of today - I know trying to guess Pep is idiotic but with the injuries they had I thought the chances were much better than normal...which is *technically correct*, but how stupid I've been 😀

    4. Gunneryank
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm inclined to think Torres gets another little run of starts after being rested and them not scoring. I also wonder if there was a bit of a psychological effect on the players when their manager comes out and actually says "we are tired." That's odd to me. Human nature might let some of the players think, 'well he knows we're tired, maybe my legs are a bit heavy today.'

      They're still gonna get buckets of goals, just not every week. Maybe i'm wrong though. Pep is an odd one.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        yeah agree with that, once you give people an excuse to slack off they will - even if it's completely subconscious

    5. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      At the start of the season I swore I wouldn't touch City midfielders as it was too much of a minefield.

      Unfortunately, the lure of Torres, a midfielders playing upfront for City, was too much.

      So far I've gained nothing from him and having Chelsea/Pool next two makes me think I should learn my lesson and swap for a more nailed option.

  17. Botman and Robben
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any chance Amartey plays tomorrow?

    1. FPLMACKEM
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm thinking the same. He's my sub if Benrahma doesn't make it. If Brendan plays a back three I think he starts alongside soyuncu and vestergard.

  18. BenDavies
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Very grateful to Pep for not bringing on Torres, allowing my Tsimikas 5 pointer off the bench

  19. Atimis
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Surely keep FT as wanna get Kaku for GW7?

    Sanchez
    TAA/Shaw/Duffy
    Salah/Bruno/Greenwood/Raph/Sarr
    Bam/Antonio

    Steele/Ayling/Tsim/Scarlet

    1. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Why wait? -4 points and avoid price changes.

      1. Atimis
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Can feel 0:0 next GW

  20. Lord of Ings
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which looks better?
    B)Torres/Jota—->Raphinha/Gallagher
    C)Bamford—->Antonio (c)

    All using FT.
    Default captain is Ronaldo right now.
    Ideally would want Bamford back soon.

  21. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    There seems to be a lot of variance in points this week.

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      it's Sarr, last week was Marcal. Always 1 popular-ish enabler hauling causing the variance.

  22. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Surely keep and play Digne (NOR)? Itchy to get rid of on WC GW7 😛

    1. Khark
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Im keeping one more week then hes gone forever, honestly fuming with him

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Kept telling myself the fixtures are good ... but he's out GW7 100%

        1. Khark
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          agreed

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It’s makes sense … but I think years of Digne psychological torture may push many owners over the edge this evening!

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah can't bear the punishment of price drop tbh

  23. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Sarr enters the raph replacement options if need be

    Barnes
    Zaha / Gallagher
    JWP
    Sarr

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Will not score 15/16 pts again next week surely ... but he's the talisman of the team despite it's Watford

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        could have had 4 or 5 goals today.

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Wow did not watch ... will check MOTD later

        2. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Can’t play Norwich every week

    2. n-doggg
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Great fixtures. He’s in my team!

  24. Lord of Ings
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Really tilted right now as digne has spoilt a rather decent gameweek.
    Keep or sell ahead of Norwich? Surely keep right?

    1. Khark
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If he didn't have Norwich at home next i would of already rage transferred him out. He can score a hattrick next week and hes still gone i dont even care

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'll keep but then he's getting the boot.

    3. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hold the vile swine for one more match, then banish him straight to hell!

  25. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Have to repost this from earlier

    Did Cash ➡ Semedo this week

    Contemplated Benrahma ➡ Sarr

    Probably 29 points down on that decision

    🙄

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nothing you can do about it. 33 more GWs to go.

    2. Atimis
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Last week I’ve done Ings Barnes to DCL Sarr -4…so you never now

    3. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sure if FPL was predictable very few would play. Benrahma can still do well for you and you've the rest of your team. Never look at the what might have been look forward and good luck.

    4. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I had Dennis and Pukki in my WC team at various points alongside Lukaku and Ronaldo. I the end went with Jimi and Bamford alongside just Ronaldo.

      Luckily I did go with Sarr instead of Raph or Jota or Torres

  26. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Sorry if it’s been mentioned before, was Bachmann dropped today??

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yup.

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Oooh have him and Foster, Bachmann to Guaita or Ramsdale looking on the cards!!!

        1. potatoace
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Surely keeping Bach and Foster is the best plan for you

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Knee injury.

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Ah was it, have both him and Foster will give it the Newcastle game and look to bring in a keeper from a more reliable team defensively!!

  27. n-doggg
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone watch Watford? Sissoko getting into attacking positions?

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      no he is not

  28. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Transfer headache this week…will ponder
    a) Just played WC so need to rollover to have 2FT for GW7
    b) Bamford > Lukaku have exact money
    c) Bamford or Jimi > Antonio to leave some money itb.

    It’s only because b is exact money that is making me tempted, I know sensible option is stick

    1. LiamK17
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Unless Lukaku goes crazy against Spurs I can’t see him rising as he has City after anyway

    2. Atimis
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Keeping Bam until GW10 and going Bam Antonio Kaku

  29. LiamK17
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What I would do for a Brighton clean sheet tomorrow

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would you bring in Digne and captain him for the rest of the season?

      1. n-doggg
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yes

        1. Eh, just one more thing ...
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          LOL

    2. Gunneryank
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      What i would do for a Klondike bar.

  30. Botman and Robben
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    2FT, 0.1ITB.

    If Raph fit, Jimi or Ayling priority to sell?

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Livramento
    Salah Jota Greenwood Raphinha
    Jimenez CR7 Antonio

    Steele Ayling Amartey Brownhill

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I don’t think either are a priority to be honest. Looking at your bench, I’d use the transfer to get rid of Amartey to a Williams so the bench all play … if not, hold the transfer as your team is solid.

      1. Eh, just one more thing ...
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Balls … sorry … just saw you have 2 transfers … so rolling isn’t an option … oops.

      2. Botman and Robben
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I can't hold the transfer unfortunately and have 3 next week. But thanks for the Williams input.