Dream Team

DREAM TEAM managers who missed out on Newcastle’s emphatic victory over Sheffield United will probably feel the ship has sailed.However, there’s a chance they may be able to repeat last weekend’s profitable trick in Gameweek 7, to some degree at least.

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Newcastle took full advantage of a poor Sheffield United showingCredit: Getty
Last week, we tipped Kieran Trippier (£5.4m) for plentiful returns because he’s one of the league’s most prominent set-piece takers, an aspect of the game the Blades have struggled to negotiate this season.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side had conceded the most xG and allowed the most headed shots from set pieces prior to the Magpies visit to Bramall Lane.
Combine this vulnerability with the likelihood of a clean sheet for the visitors and all signs pointed to Trippier points.
Lo and behold, the England full-back racked up 17 points thanks to a hat-trick of assists, two of them coming from set pieces.
Alongside team-mate Anthony Gordon (£2.9m), the 33-year-old is currently Gameweek 6’s top performer.
So how can gaffers repeat such success this coming weekend once Gameweek 7 is underway?
Speaking of set pieces…Credit: Dream Team
Sheffield United are due to meet West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday and while it’s unlikely they’ll suffer another 8-0 defeat, it’s a horrible match-up for a team vulnerable at set pieces.
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The Hammers have several potent aerial threats and in James Ward-Prowse (£4m) they have one of the best exponents in world football when it comes to dead-ball deliveries.
The ex-Southampton midfielder has hit the ground running for David Moyes’ side since his summer transfer – he’s produced two goals and five assists in just six outings so far.
Ward-Prowse’s tally of 52 points is only bettered by three midfielders at this stage, an impressive feat given he was still a Saints player in Gameweek 1.

The 28-year-old is a viable option against any opponent on current form – he took Manchester City and Liverpool for a combined 19 points – but the prospect of him being unleashed on a team with severe troubles against set pieces should have Dream Team bosses licking their lips.
What makes this strategy even more appealing is that West Ham are also scheduled to face Freiburg in Gameweek 7.
That Europa League fixture may not be as favourable a match-up but the German outfit are currently ninth in the Bundesliga and, more importantly, it’s simply another chance for Ward-Prowse to build upon his points total (if selected).
At the time of writing, Ward-Prowse is the most-popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 7.

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SO far this season, the average Premier League game features just over three goals.That’s a notable increase compared to the overall average (2.65) since the top flight was re-imagined in 1992.
With more managers embracing open-ended games and the new directive around time management resulting in long stoppage-time periods, clean sheets are proving ever more elusive.

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Top-tier Dream Team defendersCredit: DREAM TEAM
Consequently, there’s plenty to be said for Dream Team managers selecting defenders who provide an additional attacking threat rather than those who primarily earn points through clean sheets.
Take Aston Villa’s full-backs as an example.
Unai Emery’s side have conceded ten league goals this campaign, only the bottom five sides have shipped more at this stage, and they also allowed Legia Warsaw to score three in their first Europa Conference League group game.
The Villains’ high line means they are vulnerable at the back.
And yet Matty Cash (£2.8m) and Lucas Digne (£2.5m) are both among the top five defenders in Dream Team at the time of writing because of what they offer in attack.
The Poland international essentially plays as an auxiliary winger most of the time, as evidenced by the fact he’s produced seven shots on target already this season.
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For comparison, Willy Boly (£2m) is the only other defender to have registered more than three.
Two of Cash’s shots on target have resulted in goals and he can count himself unlucky not to have at least one more to his name, such has been his advanced threat across the first five and a half Gameweeks.

Cash is a ‘defender’ in the loosest possible senseCredit: PA
As for Digne, he’s provided three assists (plus a goal of his own), a tally only matched by Kieran Trippier (£5.4m) and Pervis Estupinan (£3.4m) among defenders.
Alex Moreno (£2.5m) finished last season as Villa’s first-choice left-back but the Spaniard’s injury left the door open for his understudy at the start of this campaign and the Frenchman has largely impressed.
In form reminiscent of early Everton days, Digne has exhibited his crossing ability in the final third at any given opportunity.
In fact, Pedro Neto (£3.2m) and Trippier are the only players to have registered more accurate crosses at this juncture.
No player has enacted more interceptions than the 30-year-old full-back, a statistic that has helped him claim five bonus points – a decent haul for a defender.
Crossing machineCredit: Getty
It should be noted that Cash and Digne have contributed to two clean sheets but when minus points for goals conceded are factored in, it’s clear that the pair’s attacking attributes are reason they’ve thrived in Dream Team to date.
And they’ve offered plentiful returns at affordable prices too.
Both are currently available for under £3m, which represents excellent value considering they’ve combined for 77 points.
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Top dog Trippier (49 pts) is the only defender clear of Cash (40 pts) while Digne (37 pts) is level with Kyle Walker (£3.6m) in joint-fifth.
Aston Villa’s fixtures until the end of October: Everton (Carabao Cup this week), Brighton, Zrinjski Mostar, Wolves, West Ham, AZ Alkmaar, Luton.

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DREAM TEAM managers have a lot on their plate right now.One of the most common debates this week will concern the third striker spot.
With Erling Haaland (£8.3m) and Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) deservedly the two-most popular forwards in the game, many gaffers will have to think carefully about the final place in their front line.
Persuasive cases can be made for Darwin Nunez (£4.1m), Gabriel Jesus (£5.2m), Evan Ferguson (£3.4m) and Odsonne Edouard (£3m) but, right now, Son Heung-min (£4.7m) and Julian Alvarez (£4.4m) are seemingly the two best candidates.
A Dream Team dilemmaCredit: Dream Team
Manchester City’s No19 remains the fourth-best performer overall in Dream Team this season despite taking Nottingham Forest for just three points on Saturday.
The World Cup winner has four goals and five assists to his name having thrived in the No10 role in Pep Guardiola’s system so far in 2023/24.
Haaland is the only player to have registered more shots on target than Alvarez and Jordan Ayew (£2.9m) is the only forward to have earned more bonus points.
The Argentina international’s ginormous return of 29 points in Gameweek 5 sent out a clear message that he is nobody’s understudy this season.
Haaland remains the treble-winner’s primary goal threat but Alvarez has carved out a role of his own in which he’s capable of dictating games, just as he did against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League.
The form of a superheroCredit: Reuters
Prior to the weekend, the 23-year-old was comfortably the optimum choice to partner Haaland and Salah in Dream Team’s perfect front three.
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However, Sunday’s events at the Emirates have prompted a re-evaluation.
Son became Tottenham’s derby day hero when he scored a brace on enemy soil to help his side come from behind twice and share the honours at full time.
Spurs’ captain bagged 15 points when all was said and done in North London to take his grand total to 50 for the season.
The South Korean superstar is yet to register an assist but he’s scored five goals – only Haaland has more at the time of writing.
Many fans suspected that Ange Postecoglou’s attack-focused tactics would restore Son to his formidable best after a subdued 2022/23 and the early signs suggest such thinking was sound.
Picture perfectCredit: Getty
He’s looked particularly threatening since his switch to centre-forward a couple of weeks back, benefiting from James Maddison’s (£4.4m) superb playmaking as the focal point of a dynamic attacking unit.
And that’s arguably an advantage Son has over Alvarez, who will not be his side’s most-advanced threat as long as Haaland is fit.
Both are fantastic options but the Man City man may edge it at this moment in time because of his European fixtures.
In fact, that’s the key difference between the two forwards so far.
Son has produced 49 points from his six league fixtures so far while Alvarez has earned 41 but the latter is 12 points ahead in the rankings overall because of his massive 21-point return in City’s first Champions League game of the campaign.
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If Son can score twice against Arsenal than he’s got every chance of producing the goods again in Gameweek 7 against Liverpool but he’ll have to play out of skin to outscore Alvarez, who is likely to start against Wolves and RB Leipzig in the same time frame.
Son is technically the most in-form player in the game right now having averaged 12.7 points-per-game across his last three outings and he may well be the superior selection down the line but betting against Alvarez’s additional fixtures is asking for trouble at present.

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PEP GUARDIOLA claims he told his players not to lose their heads in the second half against Nottingham Forest.Rodri (£4.4m) was clearly too busy tucking into the half-time oranges to pay attention to his gaffer as the Spanish midfielder was sent off just 27 seconds after the restart for violent conduct.
Manchester City’s linchpin foolishly put his hands around Morgan Gibbs-White’s (£3m) throat following a tangle near the corner flag, leaving Anthony Taylor little choice but to produce the red card.
This moment came as a considerable blow to a sizeable chunk of Dream Team managers as Rodri is the fourth-most popular midfielder in the game at the time of writing.
Mistakes were madeCredit: Dream Team
The 27-year-old’s straight red will see him suspended for three domestic games, leaving over 20% of gaffers in need of a replacement.
Rodri will miss the treble-winner’s midweek Carabao Cup meeting with Newcastle, the trip to Wolves in Gameweek 7, and the highly-anticipated match-up at the Emirates just prior to the international break.
The Spain international will be available for City’s second Champions League fixture of the season against RB Leipzig but Dream Team bosses can’t afford to stick by him while he’s suspended domestically.
So which players make up the most suitable replacements?
Rodri owners may feel it’s best to stick by City by recruiting Phil Foden (£4.4m), who costs the exact same as his team-mate right now.
Against Forest on Saturday, the England international delivered the returns he’s threatened in recent outings in the form of a 12-point haul.
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The 23-year-old opened the scoring with an exemplary first-time finish and also earned three bonus points to finish as the best performer on either side at the Etihad on Saturday.
Foden is fresh off a 12-point haulCredit: EPA
Alternatively, Dream Team bosses may feel now is an opportune moment to back the relatively affordable Matheus Nunes (£2.8m).
The Portuguese midfielder has provided an assist in each of his last two appearances – an effort that has translated to 16 points.
Plus, only five players have earned more bonus points than Nunes’ 12 this season.
With Rodri suspended and other City midfielders sidelined with injury, the summer signing should get his fair share of minutes leading up to the next international break.
Similarly, if a change in formation is possible, Julian Alvarez (£4.4m) is a more than worthy alternative.
The World Cup winner mustered just three points against Steve Cooper’s side but he’s been magnificent this season.

A class actCredit: EPA
Elsewhere, James Maddison (£4.4m) has to be considered a potential replacement – like Foden and Alvarez, his current price matches Rodri’s.
Tottenham’s No10 proved on Sunday that’s essentially fixture-proof as he returned ten points away at Arsenal.
With two goals, four assists, four big chances created and 11 shots on target to his name after six Gameweeks, Spurs’ new talisman is undoubtedly a top-tier asset.
The only drawback with Maddison is the fact he doesn’t have European fixtures to bolster his schedule – Ange Postecoglou’s are already out of the Carabao Cup too.
However, his tally of 63 points speaks for itself.
Hammer time!Credit: Getty
Finally, James Ward-Prowse (£4m) is proving to be a fantastic signing for West Ham and his bright start to life in East London has transferred to Dream Team.
The set-piece specialist is the fourth-best asset in his position having amassed 52 points – a particularly impressive feat given he was still a Southampton player in Gameweek 1.
No player has more assists than Ward-Prowse’s five at this stage of the campaign and he’s scored two goals of his own as well.
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The Hammers’ midfielder is currently the most-popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 7, suggesting quite a few gaffers see him as the most suitable replacement for Rodri.
David Moyes’ side host Sheffield United this coming Saturday…

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WE love it when a plan comes together here at Dream Team HQ.Last week, we tipped Kieran Trippier (£5.4m) as a smart recruit in our weekly transfer recommendations article and even gave him a mention as a captaincy candidate for Gameweek 6.
And how did the 33-year-old repay our faith at the weekend? With an emphatic 17-point haul!

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King among Dream Team defenders once againCredit: Dream Team
The primary reason we singled out the Newcastle right-back as such a promising option for Gameweek 6 was his favourable match-up against Sheffield United.
Prior to Sunday’s fixture at Bramall Lane, Paul Heckingbottom’s side had conceded the most xG from set-pieces having allowed their opponents more headed shots from dead-ball situations than any other team in the Premier League.
This was a strong indication that a player of Trippier’s attributes had a relatively strong chance of notching an assist.
As it turned out, he provided THREE assists as the Magpies racked up an astonishing 8-0 victory.
Sure enough, two of the England full-back’s assists came from set-pieces as Dan Burn (£3.6m) and Sven Botman (£3.9m) each nodded home a set-piece delivery within four minutes of each other.
Newcastle demolished the Blades on SundayCredit: Getty
Trippier’s attacking contribution was the headline news but the Blades’ inability to grab a consolation goal was also a factor in his success.
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Newcastle have now kept three clean sheets in a row to leave many Dream Team managers experiencing deja vu.
Eddie Howe’s troops dominated the defensive rankings for much of last season and Botman, Burn and Trippier now occupy three of the top four spots in their position this term.
The latter is once again the leading defender in the game having outscored all other assets in his position at the weekend – he’s now one point short of a half-century for the season.
Burn is level with Matty Cash (£2.8m) in joint-second on 40 points with Botman one point behind on 39.
One of the reasons Trippier has carved out a bracket of his own is his tally of 11 bonus points – the most among defenders at this stage.
As you would expect, he’s provided more accurate crosses than any other player in his position and he also ranks highly for successful dribbles and blocks.
And only Pervis Estupinan (£3.4m) has created more big chances than Trippier among defenders.

Newcastle will be boosted by their thumping victory at Bramall LaneCredit: Getty
Newcastle face Manchester City on Wednesday night but that fixture isn’t as intimidating in the environment of the Carabao Cup – both teams are likely to rotate to some extent.
Looking further ahead, Trippier and company will feel confident of adding another clean sheet to their collection in their next league game, a meeting with Burnley at St James’ Park.
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Even accounting for PSG’s visit to Tyneside in Gameweek 7, Newcastle defenders look well placed to hold their positions at the top of the rankings until the next international break.
With an ownership of 19.6%, Trippier is currently the fourth-most popular defender in Dream Team but both Botman and Burn, who are considerably more affordable, appear in just 3.9% of teams.

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DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 6 in one easily digestible dose.Liverpool will be able to call upon on Virgil van Dijk (£4.5m) with the Dutchman having served his extended suspension in full.
It’s not known whether Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.4m) will also be involved against West Ham but the right-back was not among the Reds’ Europa League squad against LASK.
As for the Hammers, Jarrod Bowen (£4.9m) will be assessed at the weekend after he skipped his side’s Europa League fixture having picked up a virus.
Mason Mount (£3.3m), Sofyan Amrbat (£3.5m) and Raphael Varane (£3.5m) all returned to Manchester United this week but Erik ten Hag refused to give a clear indication of the trio’s availability for this weekend’s visit to Turf Moor.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£3m) will be sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring injury – the Red Devils’ right-back appears in 7.4% of teams at the time of writing.
Ivan Perisic has suffered a serious ACL injury and will undergo surgeryCredit: Rex
Ivan Perisic (£2.7m) and Rico Henry (£2.8m) are both long-term absentees for Tottenham and Brentford respectively after suffering serious ACL injuries – the Bees have already ruled out their defender for the remainder of the season.
Armando Broja (£2m) has a chance of being among Chelsea’s matchday squad for the first time this campaign while Moises Caicedo (£2.4m) will be assessed on Saturday before a final decision is made.
Noni Madueke (£2.7m) and Marc Cucurella (£2.9m) have returned to training with Reece James (£4.5m) also said to be progressing well but Aston Villa’s visit to Stamford Bridge this Sunday certainly comes too soon for the Blues’ skipper.
Roberto De Zerbi confirmed to journalists that he would make “a lot” of changes to his team following Brighton’s defeat to AEK Athens on Thursday evening.
Late decisions will be made on Lewis Dunk (£2.7m) and Evan Ferguson (£3.3m) ahead of Sunday’s home game against Bournemouth – both players are among the most-selected 15 assets in their respective positions in the realm of Dream Team.
Bernardo Silva joins John Stones, Mateo Kovacic and Kevin De Bruyne on the sidelinesCredit: Dream Team
Bernardo Silva (£3.6m) will be absent for at least a week following his premature substitution against Red Star Belgrade in midweek.
In more encouraging news for Manchester City fans, Pep Guardiola told reporters Jack Grealish (£4.4m) may be able to play “some minutes”.
Mikel Arteta has not yet decided whether Aaron Ramsdale (£3.6m) or David Raya (£3.5m) start in goal against Spurs.
Gabriel Martinelli (£4.2m) is a doubt for Arsenal while Thomas Partey (£2.7m) remains sidelined.
Antonee Robinson (£2.1m) has returned to Fulham training but Marco Silva revealed Adama Traore (£2.3m) has been added to his list of absentees.
Nicolas Jackson (£2.6m) and Anthony Gordon (£2.8m) are both one yellow card away from incurring a suspension.
Who will start in the North London derby?Credit: The Sun

ARSENAL
Injuries: Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Martinelli (doubt)
Suspensions: None
ASTON VILLA
Injuries: Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia, Tim Iroegbunam, Diego Carlos, Bertrand Traore (doubt)
Suspensions: None
BOURNEMOUTH
Injuries: Alex Scott, Ryan Fredericks, Emiliano Marcondes, Tyler Adams
Suspensions: None
BRENTFORD
Injuries: Josh Dasilva, Shandon Baptiste, Rico Henry, Mikkel Damsgaard (doubt), Ben Mee (doubt), Kristoffer Ajer (doubt)
Suspensions: Ivan Toney
BRIGHTON
Injuries: Julio Enciso, Evan Ferguson (doubt), Lewis Dunk (doubt)
Suspensions: None
BURNLEY
Injuries: Michael Obafemi, Hjalmar Ekdal, Darko Churlinov
Suspensions: Lyle Foster
CHELSEA
Injuries: Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja (doubt), Christopher Nkunku, Beniot Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Marcus Bettinelli, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia, Noni Madueke (doubt), Moises Caicedo (doubt)
Suspensions: None
CRYSTAL PALACE
Injuries: Michael Olise, Matheus Franca, Naouirou Ahamada, Marc Guehi (doubt), James Tomkins, Jefferson Lerma
Suspensions: None
EVERTON
Injuries: Seamus Coleman, Dele Alli, Jack Harrison
Suspensions: None
FULHAM
Injuries: Sasa Lukic, Tosin Adarabioyo, Adama Traore, Antonee Robinson (doubt)
Suspensions: None
LIVERPOOL
Injuries: Thiago Alcantara, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Suspensions: None
LUTON
Injuries: Dan Potts, Jordan Clark, Gabriel Osho, Ross Barkley (doubt)
Suspensions: None
MANCHESTER CITY
Injuries: Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Jack Grealish (doubt), Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva
Suspensions: None
MANCHESTER UNITED
Injuries: Raphael Varane (doubt), Luke Shaw, Mason Mount (doubt), Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Tyrell Malacia, Sofyan Amrabat (doubt), Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire (doubt)
Suspensions: None
NEWCASTLE
Injuries: Joe Willock, Emil Krath, Joelinton
Suspensions: None
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Injuries: Serge Aurier (doubt), Danilo, Anthony Elanga (doubt), Willy Boly (doubt)
Suspensions: None
SHEFFIELD UNITED
Injuries: Rhys Norrington-Davies, Daniel Jebbison, Rhian Brewster, John Fleck, Max Lowe, Ben Osborn, Will Osula (doubt), George Baldock, John Egan (doubt)
Suspensions: Oli McBurnie
TOTTENHAM
Injuries: Ivan Perisic, Rodrigo Bentacur, Ryan Sessegnon, Bryan Gil, Giovani Lo Celso (doubt), Alfie Whiteman
Suspensions: None
WEST HAM
Injuries: Aaron Cresswell (doubt), Jarrod Bowen (doubt)
Suspensions: None
WOLVES
Injuries: Joe Hodge (doubt), Rayan Ait-Nouri (doubt)
Suspensions: None

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HAPPY with your performance in Gameweek 5?Just imagine how Chris Davison is feeling having outscored every other Dream Team manager in the world.
Chris’ XI racked up a gigantic tally of 231 points this past week, almost doubling his overall score for the season.
Let’s take a closer look at how he used Dream Team to enhance his bank balance to the tune of £100…

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Gameweek 5’s conquerorsCredit: Dream Team
As expected, Chris made use of the Park the Bus Booster to double all his defenders’ points in Gameweek 5.
It’s advisable to opt for a formation with five at the back when activating the most powerful Booster in the game but it’s hard to criticise Chris given the performance of his XI.
Nick Pope (£3.9m) soared to the top of the goalkeeper rankings with a 19-point haul after back-to-back clean sheets against Brentford and Milan.
The Newcastle custodian was his side’s hero in Italy on Tuesday night as he held firm to register EIGHT saves – a rearguard that earned him four additional points.
Kieran Trippier (£5.2m), Fabian Schar (£3.8m) and Dan Burn (£3.4m) also benefited from the Magpies’ defensive fortitude – the trio combined for 50 points which Chris doubled to a century!
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Milan’s baneCredit: Dream Team
Lucas Digne (£2.2m) was unable to contribute to a clean sheet in either of his Gameweek 5 fixtures but he compensated with attacking returns.
The Aston Villa left-back provided an assist against Crystal Palace at the weekend and scored against Legia Warsaw in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.
However, Chris’ greatest stroke of genius was his decision to strap the captain’s armband to James Ward-Prowse (£3.8m).
West Ham’s set-piece specialist managed to take Manchester City for 12 points on Saturday before a masterful display at home to Backa Topola in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Only five midfielders have more points than Ward-Prowse after five Gameweeks – what a signing he’s proving to be for the Hammers.
Bruno Guimaraes (£2.8m) mustered just five points from his two outings while Eberechi Eze (£3.6m) added six thanks to another three bonus points.
Crystal Palace’s No10 is hoarding bonus points so far this season, mostly thanks to his unmatched dribbling ability.
Hammer blowCredit: Getty
It’s a sign of Bukayo Saka’s (£6.2m) standing among Dream Team gaffers that his return of 17 points in Gameweek 5 was essentially normal service.
Arsenal’s No7 provided the assists for his side’s winning goal at Goodison Park before setting up another against PSV in addition to a goal of his own.
Dream Team’s top midfielder has six goal involvements already this season – no wonder he features in 52.2% of teams.

Naturally, Chris is among the overwhelming majority of Dream Team bosses with Erling Haaland (£8.2m) up front.
Manchester City’s prolific poacher endured one of his more frustrating weeks as he missed FIVE big chances against West Ham before finally bagging his goal.
The ball wouldn’t fall for him at home to Red Star Belgrade in midweek either and yet still he pouched 20 points from the two outings, such is his pedigree.
Chris racked up a massive score in Gameweek 5 despite Isak’s blankCredit: Getty
Chris is probably more interested in his £100 winnings but after he’s enjoyed a celebratory drink he may need to think about replacing Alexander Isak (£3.9m).
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The Sweden international has produced nine points between Gameweeks 2 and 5 – he’s only registered one shot on target in that time!
Excellent work, Chris, good luck to you and all gaffers ahead of Gameweek 6.

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