Scout Betting

The Fantasy Flutter: Villa to exploit injury-hits Foxes?


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Every Saturday morning, we combine Fantasy football with a flutter as we put a small wager or two on the weekend fixtures.

Focusing exclusively on the Gameweek 5 matches, we’ll be turning to the vast array of data available in our Premium Members Area to inspire a few sensibly staked bets this weekend.

The odds featured in this piece are all provided by our official sportsbook partner, bet365.

Please gamble responsibly and always remember: when the fun stops, stop.

EVANS ABOVE

Leicester’s plethora of fitness worries and Aston Villa’s purple patch of form suddenly makes Sunday’s match at the King Power Stadium that bit tougher to call.

The Foxes are injury-riddled going into Gameweek 5, particularly at the back with Caglar Soyuncu, Wilfried Ndidi and Daniel Amartey out and Jonny Evans and Wes Morgan doubts.

Villa meanwhile are on a high from their 7-2 (that’s the scoreline, let’s remind ourselves, not the odds) win over Liverpool a fortnight ago.

Jack Grealish is a tempting 9/1 with bet365 to follow up his brace against the Reds with the first goal against Leicester but it’s his new teammate who really catches our eye.

Ross Barkley had twice as many goals attempts as Grealish (six v three) in that demolition of Jurgen Klopp’s side and more than anyone else on show at Villa Park, with the on-loan Chelsea man often getting forward in advance of who Gareth Southgate views as the poor man’s Mason Mount.

Barkley is 14/1 to open the scoring at the King Power and 9/2 to score at any time.

MISERLY MERSEYSIDERS

Without wanting to play doom-monger, five of the last six Merseyside derbies have ended either 0-0 or 1-0.

This is a season like no other, however, as evidenced by the nutty goings-on in Gameweek 4 a fortnight ago.

With bet365’s Bore Draw Money Back offer, there at least is the safety net of a refund on certain bets if Everton v Liverpool ends in a dour goalless draw.

Bore Draw Money Back

Refund for any Soccer game that finishes 0-0 at bet365.

Applies to losing pre-match bets on any Correct Score, Half-Time/Full-Time or Scorecast markets. Bet restrictions and T&Cs apply. New and eligible customers only.

Looking elsewhere in the market, Dominic Calvert-Lewin seems generously priced at 6/1 to be the first goalscorer, given how free-scoring the Toffees have been this season, how porous the Reds are at the back and… well, Adrian.

For those who think goals are overrated and prefer to indulge in the underlying stats, Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison (who are roughly averaging four shots each per 90 minutes) are around even money to register more than 2.5 attempts on goal at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The Fantasy Flutter: 6

THE WEST HAM WAY?

Fantasy managers are moving en masse for Harry Kane and Son Heung-min this week, so we all know what happens next.

West Ham United have transformed from 2002-era Saudi Arabia to 1990s AC Milan over the last month, with David Moyes’ move to a 3-4-3 leading to improved displays and back-to-back clean sheets.

No side has conceded fewer big chances or shots on target than the Hammers this season, while their tally of two shut-outs can’t be beaten, either.

If you’re the bet-hedging type and are backing Kane or Son with the armband in Gameweek 4, then you can get decent odds on West Ham emulating their achievements against Wolves and Leicester.

Moyes’ troops are 9/1 to win to nil in north London, which they did in Gameweeks 3 and 4.

Michail Antonio to score first in a West Ham win of any scoreline is 14/1, meanwhile.


For all the latest Premier League odds, visit bet365 and build your personalised football bet. 


Odds subject to fluctuation. 18+. Gamble responsibly: BeGambleAware.org#ad


1,084 Comments Post a Comment
  1. shiraz
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 29 days ago

    Final touchup for my wc lineup, how does this look?

    Ryan (McCarthy)
    Robbo, PVA, Saiss (Lamptey, Dunne)
    Salah, Son, JRod, Grealish (Anguissa)
    DCL, Maupay, Jim

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      Jimi and PVA not for me

  2. Fernando Torres
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 29 days ago

    Pick one...

    A) Bale
    B) Pulisic
    C) Grealish

    First to 2

    1. zotter
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      D. Havertz

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 28 days ago

        He wants to get a player... not get rid of one 🙂

    2. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      B

    3. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      B

      1. Ohhhhh Gary Macca!
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 28 days ago

        20 but not for long, Liverpool will and have always been the bigger club. 6 times

    4. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      C

  3. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 29 days ago

    Hope we are all well.£1.4m ITB here on wildcard

    Team
    Martinez, McCarthy
    Aurier, Justin, Lewis, Chilwell, Mitchell
    Salah, Zaha, James R, Son, Jorginho
    Kane, DCL, Maupay

    Any thoughts?
    Should I ditch Mitchell.
    Maybe address Justin now too?
    Zaha flagged, fancy him but that yellow bloody flag!
    Upgrade Jorginho?
    Ditch Aurier?

    Ahhhhhh...... thought I was all settled!!!

    1. Poison Apple
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      Certainly wouldnt want to carry mitchell justin after a wc.

    2. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      I don’t like Aurier long-term, rotation with Doherty is too frustrating. (Doherty owner and getting rid soon).
      Personally not a fan of rotating keepers, move McCarthy to Steer so you’re covered if Martinez gets injured.
      Your front 8 is decent, but a benching headache. Downgrade one of Jorginho or Maupay and improve the other one. Brewster is an option too.
      And would probably upgrade Mitchell / Justin - both likely to lose their place in coming weeks.

    3. LegendMoon
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      Upgrade justin and mitchell, zaha to grealish, maupay to watkins, aurier to any one who starts regularly

  4. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 29 days ago

    Ok sorted. Locked & loaded. -4 team G2G?!!! Good luck everyone 🙂

    McCarthy
    TAA, Justin, Saiss, Davies
    Pulisic, Salah, Rodríguez, Son(C)
    DCL, Ings
    (Nyland, Bissouma, Mitchell, Davis)

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      Cool

  5. OverTinker
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 29 days ago

    Defense is
    Semedo Lamptey James* Mitchell Dunne

    3.6 itb and 0 FT
    1. Hope either of James or Mitchell starts
    2. James to TAA/Robo for a hit

  6. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 28 days ago

    a Regulon & Aguero 1.6itb
    b Robbo & Kane 0.0itb no city
    c Reg & Kane 1.5itb

    Have Son too
    On WC

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      B

    2. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      Has to be B right now

  7. davies
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 28 days ago

    Maupay or Watkins?

    1. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      I've gone Maupay on WC

    2. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      Maupay

  8. Sz21
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 28 days ago

    Which one of these would you bench this GW?
    Currently Justin.

    1. Mitchell (BHA).
    2. Ayling. (Wolves).
    3. Adams. (che).
    4. Justin. (AVL).

    1. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      A

    2. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      Adams

      1. Sz21
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 28 days ago

        You do realise Kepa is in goal for Chelsea still + they are down a few defenders. Think I need to start Adams.

        1. brianutd-why always we? 20
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          Why ask about him then? He’s has done nothing yet.

  9. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 28 days ago

    FT used KDB to Son done

    Mccarthy
    TAA Taylor Mitchell
    Salah Son Bruno Rodriguez Neto
    Mitrovic Jiminez

    Nyland KWP Saliba Davis

    2.7m in bank
    A) Stick
    B) Neto to Grealish - 4
    C) Neto to Zaha -4
    D) Jiminez to Kane - 4
    E) Jiminez to Aguero - 4
    F) Neto and Jiminez to Barley and Kane - 8
    G) Neto and Jiminez to Jorginho and Kane

    Cheers

  10. Pukki Blinders
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 28 days ago

    Bench one
    A) Justin (AVL)
    B) Taylor (wba)
    C) Ayling (WOL)

    1. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      C

  11. brianutd-why always we? 20
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 28 days ago

    Zaha groin injury flagged noooo

  12. Saosin
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 28 days ago

    My WC team:

    Martinez - (Forster=

    Chilwell - Reguilion - Robbo - (Lamptey - Ferguson)

    Salah - Grealish - Pulisic - Son - (Soucek)

    Kane - DCL - Brewster

    0.4 itb

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      That’s a lot of cash in defence

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 28 days ago

        agreed, would upgrade Brewster

    2. Michelle Davin
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      No city is risky

  13. The Hunt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 28 days ago

    I'm bringing in Branthwaite as my 5th defender for two reasons.

    1. I need that 0.6m to get the wildcard team I really want.
    2. I'm going to captain him every week just for that extra little thrill.

  14. Gomolon
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 28 days ago

    A) Saiss and Maupay

    B) Chillwell and Watkins

    (Have Grealish)

    1. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      A

  15. Valar(Keith)
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 28 days ago

    Going with Bale.. benching him this week.. and starting Brewster.. if there ever was a week to do this it's now on WC. Had Rashford in as a stop gap but I might as well take the plunge now itself and give Brewster a run out... The second I see bale on that spurs bench this weekend I know that powers I can't control will make me do the swap anyway

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      I recon he plays - I’d just field him

      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 28 days ago

        Yeah.. may do that. Brewster and him both haven't played a minute for their clubs.. so both equally at risk. Will play him. Can't believe I'm getting a chance to double up on son and bale at 18.5

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          I either take a hit or play Brewster - I’m not keen to do so:

          He scored 11 times in the championship - this is shu, who haven’t been great and Fulham will play their life sucking football and frustrate them. He’s not a given to score albeit it’s probably a favourable fixture.

          Really tempted by Bale

          1. Valar(Keith)
            • 15 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            I'd only play Brewster this one week tbh. Perfectly happy playing him of I have an injury elsewhere and need to save a ft. I'm being a bit reckless with son+ bale and rich+ DCL upfront.. so maybe noone should be listening to me lol

  16. pieces
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 28 days ago

    Pulisic or Grealish ?

    1. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      Grealish fr now

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 28 days ago

      Gre

  17. MOZIL
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 28 days ago

    Predicted score for:

    Everton vs Liverpool - 1-1
    Chelsea vs Southampton - 2-0
    Spurs vs Westham 2-2
    Newcastle vs MU 1-3

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        4 years, 28 days ago

        1-2
        3-2
        1-1
        0-2

      • ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 28 days ago

        1-1
        3-1
        2-1
        2-2

      • skodaole2
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 28 days ago

        2-1
        1-2
        4-1
        3-2

      • Meinhoff
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 28 days ago

        Everton vs Liverpool 0-1
        Chelsea vs Southampton 2-1
        Spurs vs Westham 3-1
        Newcastle vs MU 1-1

      • The Hunt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 28 days ago

        Everton vs Liverpool - 2-2
        Chelsea vs Southampton - 1-0
        Spurs vs West ham 3-2
        Newcastle vs MU 2-1

      • nolard
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 28 days ago

        2-2
        3-1
        2-1
        1-1

    2. @persecuted_by_mods
        4 years, 28 days ago

        Damn it what to do with zaha?

        Start him (0 bench cover so if he's injured I only play 10 players)
        Or switch to
        Pulisic
        Grealish
        Barkley

        1. brianutd-why always we? 20
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          If he’s genuinely injured a groin he won’t start. Get Grealish until we see what Pulisic does

          1. Brosstan
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            He's not 'genuinely injured'. Roy said scan revealed no actual injury and it's just about wether Zaha himself feels fit to play

            1. brianutd-why always we? 20
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 28 days ago

              Sore groin means it’s injured

              1. Brosstan
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 28 days ago

                No it doesn't

        2. chriscosta
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          grealish for me

        3. Brosstan
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          With no bench I'd just make the move for Grealish

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              4 years, 28 days ago

              Cheers all

        4. chriscosta
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          final decision to make (on WC)
          For J.Rod (7.8)

          A) Mount/ Ziyech
          B) Foden / B.Silva ( No city attack in my team
          C) Keep
          D) Downgrade Soucek (alzate to 4.5 and a non playing keeper too add havertz or pulisic - will give me a strong 11 but weakish bench
          ( Cheap team players would be brewster, Alzate, Non playing keeper)

          E) other option

          1. Michelle Davin
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            Try to get sterling.

            1. chriscosta
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 28 days ago

              way too expensive,

          2. Gomolon
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            D, you don't need a super strong bench rn

          3. Old Man
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            Keep

            1. Old Man
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 28 days ago

              and keep Soucek

              1. chriscosta
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 28 days ago

                thanks

        5. Michelle Davin
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          Martinez
          Lamptey Justin saiss Robertson
          Trossard son sterling salah
          Kane DCL

          Steer Bissouma Brewster Mitchell
          Good to go?

          1. chriscosta
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            i would play brewster ahead of lamptey

            1. Gomolon
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 28 days ago

              Agreed, but at the very least make him first sub ahead of Bissouma

        6. Jet5605
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          Which three defenders should start and bench order for the last two?

          A - Saiss
          B - Egan
          C - Digne
          D - Mitchell
          E - C Taylor

          1. chriscosta
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            play saiss egan mitchell

            1. Jet5605
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 28 days ago

              I was thinking Digne might be on set pieces if James is benched due to jetlag?

        7. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          One last time..
          KDB to Grealish (-4) or play Bissouma/Mitchell? Already on a -4

          Doing this allows me to do Wilson to Kane next week

        8. Kevin Twine
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          Zouma or Saiss?

          1. LewanGOALski
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            Zouma is rotation risk

          2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            Saiss

          3. brianutd-why always we? 20
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            Saïss

          4. Pukki Blinders
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            Anyone > zouma

        9. LewanGOALski
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          Last WC dilemma

          Martinez
          Robertson - Chilwell - Dallas - ___ - Mitchell
          Salah - Son - Grealish - ___ - ___
          Kane - DCL - Maupay

          Which trio for the missing spots:

          A) Saiss - J.Rodriguez - Soucek
          or
          B) KWP - Pulisic - Soucek
          or
          C) Saiss - Pulisic - Bissouma
          ..?

          1. Davidwrigley
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            A

          2. Kip
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            A

        10. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          Martinez
          TAA Justin Saiss
          Salah (C) Zaha Son Podence
          DLC Jimi Werner
          SUBS Lamptey Mitchell Burke*

          1ft 2.5m itb

          A roll FT
          B Podence to Trossard
          C Werner to Maupay
          D Werner to Wilson
          E Podence to Barkley

          1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            Roll and next week Jimi to Kane maybe

          2. brianutd-why always we? 20
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            C

          3. Scrumper
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            I'd stick. Werner or Podence could come good this week. If not then you have 2FTs to fix week after.

          4. Davidwrigley
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            D

          5. chriscosta
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            roll FT

        11. DantheManinaPan
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          Picking two of Grealish / Jamez / Pulisic is proving very difficult!

          1. pieces
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            Same dilemma, leaning to Grealish and Jamez -proven form and fitness atm. Pulisic's weetabix legs a concern and hasn't played for a while

            1. DantheManinaPan
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 28 days ago

              Same!

          2. Old Man
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            Why not all three?

          3. Boz
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            Wait on puli

          4. chriscosta
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            i gone grealish and pulii

        12. Davidwrigley
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          A) TAA and ASM

          Or

          B) Saiss and Rodriguez

          1. brianutd-why always we? 20
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            Rody might struggle this week so it depends on your medium term plans.

          2. Gomolon
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            B

        13. shady4revr
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          Play one.
          1 Digne
          2 Mitchell
          3 Foden

          1. Amey
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 28 days ago

            Foden

        14. Gomolon
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          Best cheap 5th Defender?

        15. WorldCup82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 28 days ago

          Current team:

          Ryan, Walton
          TAA, Doherty, Davies, Walker-Peters, Mitchell
          Sterling, Mahrez, Willian, Saint-Maximin, Bissouma
          Werner, Ings, Calvert-Lewin

          Looking to wildcard to this team:

          Ryan, Walton
          TAA, Saiss, Ayling, Ferguson, Mitchell
          Salah, Fernandes, Son, Foden, Podence
          Jimenez, Calvert-Lewin, McGoldrick

          Thoughts or suggestions??? Thanks!