Here’s my fantasy premier league match analysis for Sunday Aston Villa v Spurs
Aston Villa 0 Spurs 2
Lineups and ratings from the Daily Mail
Aston Villa: Guzan 7, Bacuna 6, Vlaar 6, Baker 6, Luna 4; Westwood 6, Delph 8, El Ahmadi 5; (Sylla 72, 6) Weimann 6, Kozak 5, (Benteke 61, 6) Agbonlahor 6. (Tonev 79, 6).
Subs not used: Bennett, Steer, Bowey, Baker.
Booked: Westwood, Agbonlahor, Delph.
Spurs: Lloris 6, Walker 6, Dawson 7, Chiriches 6,Vertonghen 7, Paulinho 7, Sandro 7; Townsend 8, Holtby 7, (Dembele 73, 6) Sigurdsson 6; (Lennon 66 ,6) Soldado 7. (Defoe 87).
Subs not used: Friedel, Naughton, Eriksen, Lamela.
Goals: Townsend 31, Soldado 69. Assists: Paulino Soldado
Booked: Paulinho, Dawson, Lennon.
Lineups
Nothing surprising in the Villa lineup. Benteke only made it to the bench was the major news. AVB’s team was eagerly awaited after the loss to West Ham. In the end Naughton was left out and Vertonghen moved to LB with Chiriches starting as CB with Dawson. Holby also came into the team at the expense of Eriksen and Dembele was dropped for Sandro. Soldado returned at the expense of Defoe
The Match
The first half was a fairly bizarre game of cat and mouse with Villa sitting deep and Dawson and Chiriches playing a game of keep ball between the 2 of them. Spurs didnt have the passing ability or the movement up front to unlock the Villa team and regularly conceded possession. However Villa were surprisingly ineffective on the odd breaking opportunities they had. Spurs scored rather luckily through a Townsend self admitted cross that went straight in. This goal changed the game and after half time Villa came out to attack in a more structured way which did prove partly successful especially when Benteke came on. at this stage Spurs looked at their most dangerous counter attacking through the dangerous Townsend who to use the expression had Luna on toast. The goal came through a neat move between Paulino and Soldado which effectively killed the game at 2-0.
Player comments
Defences
The Spurs defence held firm but still conceded a number of reasonable chances especially to Benteke who came on. The Villa defence was behind that but didn’t perform that badly
Benteke
Didn’t quite have the sharpness to score but had 3 really good chances when coming on and was easily the most dangerous Villa player. $ goals in the 4 games he’s started and he looks like he will take over where he left off. Doesn’t need good fixtures, in fact in some ways the better the opposition the more likely Villa will be focused on the counter attack. Everton, H West Ham A and Cardiff H should hold no fears.
Paulino
Again showed his ability to get into the box and has the best shooting stats of any midfielder. Its still only 1 goal and 2 assists in 8 games though which shows he has a bit of a problem converting those stats. Hull H Everton A and Newcastle H are good fixtures but I’m yet to be convinced they can be translated to consistent returns.
Siggy
No returns in his last 2 and was quiet in this game. Looks vulnerable to Lennon returning to give more width and pace on the counter. Wouldn’t put him in my fantasy premier league team
Townsend
Before this it was 1 assist in his first 6 games but since his England WCQ games looks a threat every time he gets the ball doing his best bale impression. Can cross with his right foot and also cut in and shoot which gives him potential to score and assist. Good value at £5.6m but I still need a bit more convincing for him to join the cheapie club
Soldado
The goals were always going to come eventually. You don’t score 24 goals in Spain by not knowing where the net is and the good shooting and creating chances hinted things would come. He’s just quite a frustrating player as he doesn’t really get that involved in build up play. Its 3 goals and 2 assists at a fantasy premier league point every 15 minutes which is hardly disastrous. its also Hull next Hull next and its only the other alternatives for our fantasy premier league team that make me question having him in my team.
Thats it on to the Monday game
Follow us on twitter @fantasyfoot20 or facebook at www.facebook.com/fantasyfootballgeek.co.uk
Fox Sports EPL fantasy: League name: fantasyfootballgeek League access code: (10513-1773)
