Villa have an excellent run of fixtures over the next five Gameweeks and in this blog, their numbers are analysed to determine the best picks in defence and attack

The Fixtures

As the above image from our Fixture Planner shows, Villa are ranked fifth for Attack Difficulty over the next five Gameweeks, the Midlands side will host Burnley and Newcastle at Villa Park over that period and also face Sheff. Utd. at Bramall Lane in Gameweek 23. There is no European football over this period and rotation is expected to be minimal.

The Stats

As the above image from our Stats Sandbox feature shows, over the last eight Gameweeks Watkins is top amongst Villa players for xFPL (39.19) and FPL points (38). He has taken 22 shots over that period, significantly ahead of Bailey (15) and D. Luiz (12). He is also on top for both 'big chances' (BC) (five) and 'Expected Goals' (xG) (3.69).

McGinn was their most creative player over the aforementioned period with 14 attempted assists and four 'big chances' created but he registered no FPL assists. Bailey is top for that metric (three) and for 'Expected Assists' (xA) (2.02). D. Luiz has also notched two assists with two chances created. After a strong start to the season, Diaby's numbers have slumped, the French international has created just nine chances and notched just 0.72 xA.

Digne has been their most creative defender with 10 attempted assists but his spot in the starting XI is now under threat with Moreno back to full fitness. Despite just 135 minutes, Moreno finds himself fourth for shots on target (SoT) (three) and second for BC (two). Konsa has played the most minutes of their defenders (680) except Martinez (720) and looks the most secure for gametime. He has taken only three shots and attempted two assists so attacking returns will be rare. Pau also looks a good pick when he is fit, he has landed four shots and attempted four assists.

What do the Projections Say?

As the above image from our Fix Algorithm shows, Watkins (24.4) and Martinez (22.5) are projected to be amongst the top 10 FPL assets to own for the next five Gameweeks with D. Luiz (21.8) in 11th. Watkins is second amongst all forwards only to Haaland (32.1). D. Luiz is the highest projected scorer in Midfield at £6.0m or under. Konsa (17.6) is the highest projected Villa defender primarily due to Pau's injury doubt.

Based on this analysis, Watkins, D. Luiz and Konsa look like the best Villa picks across all positions. Bailey has also put up some encouraging numbers and is a great differential pick while Martinez looks like the ideal set and forget Goalkeeper option.