FPL 2024/25: Top 5 Aston Villa players to have in your team

Aston Villa‘s fantastic league campaign last time out resulted in an unexpected Champions League qualification. FPL managers also enjoyed the success of their players and will hope for them to replicate it. While the euphoria of their historic campaign lingers, manager Unai Emery is quick to temper expectations. The Spaniard acknowledges the increased competition for top spots and the demanding schedule brought about by European football.

Villa’s summer transfer business has been strategic. The arrivals have been top notch in Amadou Onana, Jaden Philogene, Samuel Iling-Junior, Enzo Barrenechea, Ross Barkley, and Ian Maatsen. The net gains will be crucial in determining Villa’s capacity to compete on multiple fronts.
With the Champions League to contend with, a top-four finish seems a distant ambition. Instead, Villa’s focus will be on consolidating their position as a European contender and securing a place in the top seven.

Their opening Premier League fixtures against West Ham, Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester City, and Arsenal will provide early indications of their readiness for the challenges ahead. While the journey promises to be exhilarating, Villa will need to balance their ambitions with the harsh realities of Premier League football. However, we’re here to talk about your Fantasy Premier League team, so here are five Villa players to have in your team for the 2024/25 season.

#1 Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins has been a central figure for Aston Villa and a lot of FPL managers as well. With 19 goals and 18 assists last season, he was first in the Premier League for goal involvements. No one had more assists than him. He was the third highest scoring player in the game, racking up 228 points. He ranked top among forwards, with only Phil Foden and Cole Palmer ahead of his tally.

This was all achieved without being on penalties duty, something he has a chance of this season, given last season’s regular spot-kick taker Douglas Luiz has left the club. Watkins is one of the biggest reasons why Villa made it to the UCL and while last season’s performances may have been a little bit of an overperformance, expect great things again. His 2023/24 performances have made Watkins a popular early pick, second only to Alexander Isak in 54.6% of teams.

#2 Leon Bailey

Bailey was another Villa player who had an excellent 2023/24 campaign. He scored 10 and assisted 11, more than doubling his returns of the previous season and was the second most involved player in his team’s goals after the aforementioned Watkins.

The Jamaican has grown into an important part of Unai Emery’s attack, making 35 appearances and proving that his injury problems are a thing of the past. A problem, however, is that he rarely plays the whole 90 and with Champions League to contend with now, he might be wrapped up in even more cotton wool.

New signings have arrived, but none in his position, with Moussa Diaby departing and new arrivals Samuel Iling-Junior and Jaden Philogene preferring the left-hand side. He is available for £6.5m in the game.

#3 Ezri Konsa

Under Unai Emery, Villa have had a very solid defence. In FPL terms, Ezri Konsa currently represents the best-value route into the Villa defence. Villa keeper Emi Martinez (£5.0m) is the club’s most popular defensive option in the game.

But Konsa comes in at £0.5m cheaper, funds that could be crucial when fitting in the more premium options. The England international scored one and assisted one last season, but it is comparatively cheaper price and security of minutes which puts him above other options. He is expected to start at the centre of defence most weeks with Pau Torres.

Villa kept eight clean sheets last season, but expect more this season.

Also Read: 5 Best Forwards to buy in GW1 of FPL 24/25 season

#4 Ian Maatsen

While some might consider him a little expensive at £5.0m, Ian Maatsen could well be worth all of that and more in FPL terms. He is almost certainly going to start for Aston Villa sooner rather than later, which is why they paid the big bucks for him. Unai Emery’s left backs have always done well in terms of attacking returns, be it Lucas Digne or Alex Moreno.

He has an quite low ownership of 4.9%. Expect a big season from the former Chelsea man, who went to the Champions League final with Dortmund last season. The Dutchman might feel that he might have a point to prove in the Premier League.

#5 Emi Martinez

Emiliano Martinez is one of the best mid-priced goalkeeper options in FPL at £5.0m. He is Aston Villa’s undisputed number one and he’s one of the best in his position in the world. He offers a regular source of points through saves and clean sheets.

Martinez’s penalty-saving ability and impressive shot-stopping means he is almost a set and forget. Villa’s defensive structure under Unai Emery is very solid too and expect more clean sheets this time around. He averages 3.4 points a game and it is very likely that he will be the most chosen goalkeeper. Martinez picked up 115 points last season.