Fantasy Premier League - Aston Villa players to target

For all budding wannabe managers, Fantasy Premier League makes every single game matter over an action-packed season.

With Dean Smith looking to improve his side's fortunes this season and avoid a relegation scrap, many would-be managers are hopeful they can earn some extra points off Villa's players.

Here, Luke Hatfield details which players you should be eyeing up for your fantasy Premier League team.

Goalkeepers

It's a tricky situation with Villa's current crop of stoppers - that's fair to say.

Tom Heaton (£4.5m) would typically be a solid shout, particularly as a second option - but currently out with an ACL injury, it's not likely he'll be fit for the start of the season.

Orjan Nyland (£4m) was unconvincing following the restart, but looks increasingly likely to start Villa's first games, unless the club bring in another goalkeeper.

Jed Steer (£4) is also coming off his own injury issues, and could be favoured over Nyland. But there's no telling right now.

If you're in a draft league, it might be wise to grab Heaton as your back-up option - but with Villa's situation between the sticks, you'd be a brave man to pick any of them as your main GK.

For now, we'd suggest steering clear (no pun intended) of a Villa man in goal, you can invest in some more likely points elsewhere in your side.

Defenders

It's fair to say that defensively, Villa were not a side racking up the points last time around, but it could be a bit different this year.

Smith's side found some defensive strength following the restart, but the key here is finding full-backs who can lay-on chances to rack up big points.

At £4.5m, Matt Targett offers plenty of value. He enjoys getting forward, creates plenty of chances, and even pops up with a goal or two in a position not known for its exploits in the opposition's box.

Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa seem to have formed a decent central partnership, and neither will set you back too much (£5m and £4.5m respectively). Mings will probably be more likely to score a goal, mind.

The right flank is an interesting position for Villa. Frederic Guilbert (£4.5m) is similar to Targett in his forward-thinking, but he's not always a guaranteed starter. Same goes for Ahmed Elmohamady (£4.5m).

Best of the rest: Bjorn Engels (£4.5m), Kortney Hause (£4.5m), Neil Taylor (£4.5m).

Midfielders

This is where things get interesting for Villa.

Jack Grealish is far and away Villa's most expensive player at £7m, but boy what a great option at that price.

There are still some questions over Grealish's future, but if he stays or goes (as long as he heads to another top flight club), he's well worth that price.

He'll be playing week in, week out - and he's one of the league's best chance creators. On occasion he also handles penalty and free kick duties too for Villa - and he was in the top ten points scorers in his position last season.

Next up in terms of price come three players, Anwar El Ghazi, Conor Hourihane and Jota (all at £6m). The first two players are understandable at that price, but Jota barely played last season, don't waste your capital there.

Neither El Ghazi or Hourihane are guaranteed to be playing each week, especially if Villa do some business in the transfer window. If you're picking one, go for Hourihane, he's probably the most likely to start and is Villa's biggest set piece threat.

Trezeguet, John McGinn (both £5.5m) and Douglas Luiz (£5m) could hold some value - although the latter, despite showing a decent long-range strike, plays deeper so is less likely to rake in points. McGinn could be worth a shout as he'll be a regular starter and is always amongst Villa's best moves.

Trezeguet did find himself among the goals late on last season - at £5.5m he could provide a nice boost now and then, although he's not a nailed on starter.

Best of the rest: Marvelous Nakamba, Henri Lansbury (both £4.5m)

Forwards

An interesting position to talk about, because it's very likely we'll see some additions here which could be worth some investment.

For now, Villa's most likely starters are Mbwana Samatta (£6m) and Keinan Davis (£4.5m) - both of them have huge flaws for fantasy managers - mainly because neither of them score too many goals!

Wesley (£6m) would be a solid bet if he was fit, but like Heaton, isn't expected to be available right away as he comes back from a serious knee injury.

It's best for managers to hold out here and see if they can grab some value as Villa bring in reinforcements.

The club have been heavily linked with Ollie Watkins, and if he does make the move to Villa Park, it would be very interesting to see how he's priced up.

Hold out here for now, See what comes in the transfer window, there could be a steal or two to be had here.

Best of the rest: Indiana Vassilev (£4.5m)