Dream Team

KIERAN TRIPPIER (£4.8m) has reclaimed top spot among Dream Team defenders following Newcastle’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday night.The experienced right-back provided his ninth assist of the season for the game’s opening goal with a typically threatening corner.
Ollie Watkins (£4m) scored a consolation goal for the hosts midway through the second half to vanquish Trippier and company’s clean sheet but the latter earned three bonus points by way of compensation to bank eight in total from what was a tricky fixture on paper – it was Villa’s first defeat at home in the league for almost a year.

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King of defenders once moreCredit: Dream Team
The former Atletico Madrid defender took Fulham for nine points in the FA Cup on Saturday so his combined haul for Gameweek 21 totalled an impressive 17.
This effort moved him onto 179 points for the season, seven more Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m), Dream Team’s next-best defender at the time of writing.
Trippier also became the first player in his position to reach 40 bonus points.
In fact, only team-mate Bruno Guimaraes (£3.7m) has claimed more bonus points (45) among all players at this stage of the campaign.
This should serve as a timely reminder to Dream Team bosses of the England international’s pedigree.
Trippier recently suffered a significant dip in popularity although his ownership of 26% still makes him the ninth-most selected asset in the game.
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A lean spell of seven points in four games (either side of a one-game suspension) in December prompted plenty of gaffers to ditch him but he’s struck back with 45 points across six fixtures since the start of Gameweek 17.
Alan Shearer, is that you?Credit: Getty
Trippier was far from the only Newcastle defender to come out of Gameweek 21 with their reputation enhanced.
Fabian Schar (£3.2m) catapulted himself into Dream Team’s top ten defenders with a 22-point return, 14 of them coming via a rare brace against the Villains.
The Swiss centre-back exhibited poacher-like instincts to score twice in four minutes for his best haul of the season so far.
Schar is now just above William Saliba (£3.3m) in the rankings which is notable given the Arsenal fan favourite features in 40.6% of teams!

Earlier this week, we flagged Dan Burn’s (£3.3m) impressive returns of late while Sven Botman (£3.5m) also added 14 points to his tally this Gameweek.
All in all, Newcastle’s first-choice back four combined for 72 points in Gameweek 21 and with Luton, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth to come in their next three league games, there’s every chance of more healthy returns.

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ANY Dream Team gaffer worth their salt knows to squeeze the schedule for all it’s worth.Aston Villa, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest are the only teams set to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 22 and so their best assets should be given due consideration.
The Villains will host the Blues next Wednesday (February 7th) in a FA Cup fourth round replay to determine which side will face the winners of Plymouth v Leeds in the next stage of the competition.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are scheduled to meet Bristol City on the same night with the victor due to meet Manchester United in the fifth round.

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Must-have assets for Gameweek 22?Credit: Dream Team
GAMEWEEK 22 DOUBLE FIXTURES:

Aston Villa: vs Sheffield United (a), Chelsea (h)
Chelsea: vs Wolves (h), Aston Villa (a)
Nottingham Forest: vs Bournemouth (a), Bristol City (h)

Forest’s double header is inviting but they may not be in a position to take full advantage.
Results have improved since Steve Cooper was dismissed but defeat to out-of-form Brentford followed by a 0-0 draw to the Robins has come as something of a reality check for the team currently 16th in the Premier League table.
The good news is that Morgan Gibbs-White (£3.1m) returned from injury in the second half against Bristol City – the 24-year-old midfielder is his side’s best Dream Team performer this season having earned 110 points.
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Forest’s No10 would be the man to own for Dream Team gaffers who want to target the club’s Gameweek 22 fixtures but such a ploy would likely be nothing more than a hopeful, short-term punt.
Gibbs-White and company are due to face Newcastle, West Ham, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Brighton between Gameweeks 23 and 27 – a run that includes four of the current top seven.
Forest’s best Dream Team player this seasonCredit: Getty
Backing Chelsea and Villa assets seems to be a wiser strategy.
Gaffers losing patience with Ollie Watkins (£4m) amid a downturn in form would probably do well to retain him for Gameweek 22 – if he fails to deliver the goods across two fixtures then that would surely be the final straw.
Ezri Konsa (£3.2m) is a decent pick as he’s level with Kieran Trippier (£4.8m) on 37 bonus points this season, the joint-most among defenders.
And the midfield options of John McGinn (£3.6m), Douglas Luiz (£3.5m), Leon Bailey (£2.9m) and Moussa Diaby (£3m) all have their merits – all four have 100+ points to their name.
As for Mauricio Pochettino’s troops, Cole Palmer (£4.1m) is evidently the standout candidate.
With 11 goals and nine assists this season, the 21-year-old may also be the optimum captain for Gameweek 22.
151 Dream Team points and countingCredit: Getty

That being said, Wolves are unbeaten in their last seven games while a trip to Villa Park is statistically among the most difficult fixtures this season.
However, Chelsea are in good form themselves having lost just one of their last seven fixtures, scoring 16 goals in that time.
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Doubling up on Chelsea midfielders in Gameweek 22 with Palmer and Raheem Sterling (£4m) is certainly a viable tactic.
Dream Team managers shouldn’t alter their entire strategy because of three FA Cup replays but some representation in the next round of midweek fixtures could go a long way.

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DREAM TEAM managers should be keeping track of which players rank highly for shots on target and big chances created this season.Not only do assets earn one point for each of these acts as defined by stats gurus Opta, these metrics give a good indication of which individuals are likely to be among the most prolific goalscorers and assist providers in the long run.
Not every gaffer has the time or patience to trawl through the Stats Centre so here we’ve collated the top midfielders in regards to shots on target and big chances created.
Surprisingly productiveCredit: Dream Team
Most shots on target and big chances created among Dream Team midfielders 2023/24:

41 – Phil Foden (30 shots, 11 chances)
41 – Bruno Fernandes (26 shots, 15 chances)
39 – Jarrod Bowen (30 shots, 9 chances)
39 – Cole Palmer (29 shots, 10 chances)
36 – Bukayo Saka (23 shots, 13 chances)
32 – Anthony Gordon (21 shots, 11 chances)
30 – Martin Odegaard (22 shots, 8 chances)
28 – Moussa Diaby (21 shots, 7 chances)
27 – Raheem Sterling (17 shots, 10 chances)
26 – Enzo Fernandez (22 shots, 4 chances)

The first thing to note is that, when ranking players with equal combined totals, we’ve prioritised shots on target as goals are worth more points than assists.
Foden leads the way having been among Manchester City’s most-threatening players this season.
Interestingly, the England international has played predominantly as the most-advanced midfielder, the role usually occupied by Kevin De Bruyne (£6.2m).
Now that the Belgian superstar is fit and available again, will Foden’s minutes dip or will he simply revert to a wide forward role?
Surely Pep Guardiola will recognise that the 23-year-old is too good to leave out on current form?
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19 goal involvements and counting this seasonCredit: Getty
It will come as a surprise to many Dream Team bosses that no midfielder has registered more shots on target plus big chances created than Fernandes this season.
In the key creative metric, only Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) boasts a higher tally among all players than Manchester United’s captain.
It may not seem as if the Portuguese midfielder is among the best players in his position this season but the stats don’t lie – his team-mates simply aren’t making the most of his creative output.
For comparison, Fernandes has five assists from 15 big chances created while Pedro Neto (£3m) has ten assists from just five big chances created.
When everything clicks for Fernandes, he truly is a top-tier Dream Team asset.
It’s no surprise to see Bowen rank so highly, particularly for shots on target, as he’s essentially played as a centre-forward more often than not this term.
He’s followed closely by Palmer, who has emerged as an excellent value-for-money option over the last two months or so.
‘Cold Palmer’Credit: Rex
There is a perception among some onlookers that the Chelsea youngster is overly dependant on penalties but 29 shots on target suggests he offers plenty of threat from open play as well.
Looking further down the list, Diaby and Fernandez are intriguing inclusions as they’ve both scored just five goals from 21 and 22 shots on target respectively, indicating their finishing hasn’t been precise enough in key moments.
Compare that to Mohammed Kudus (£4.9m), who has scored nine goals from 13 shots on target this campaign.

Sterling makes it three Chelsea representatives in this list, more than any other club.
The Blues have created more than their fair share of chances this season but for a long while they were blighted by wastefulness.
However, just one defeat in their last seven fixtures and 16 goals scored in that time represents a significant uplift – they’re now just one point off the European places.
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Gaffers certainly shouldn’t underestimate Chelsea assets but it’s clear Palmer is the optimum selection among them.
Keep track of shots on target and big chances created as the season progresses.

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HERE at Dream Team headquarters it’s our duty to flag up thriving players who may be flying under the radar.Dan Burn (£3.3m) very much fits that description.
Fulham fans’ worst nightmareCredit: Dream Team
The gigantic defender, who features in just 3.5% of teams, has produced 48 points across the last six Gameweeks with another fixture to come before the current Gameweek is complete.
Newcastle’s No33 notched 15 points against Fulham on Saturday, his joint-best haul of the season, via a clean sheet, goal and five tackles.
He was on hand to slam home from point-blank range just after the hour-mark to give the Magpies a comfortable lead, which they maintained until the final whistle to book their place in the FA Cup fifth round.
Add in an assist against Manchester City plus a clean sheet against rivals Sunderland and Burn has pocketed 26 points across his last three outings, making him statistically among the most in-form players in his position.
Highest points-per-game average among defender (last three appearances):

Pedro Porro – 11.7
Matty Cash – 9
Dan Burn – 8.7
Alex Moreno – 8.7
Nelson Semedo 8.7

Burn averages five points-per-game this seasonCredit: Getty
Burn seems to particularly enjoy playing against Marco Silva’s side as he started his current prosperous run with a 15-point haul against Fulham back in Gameweek 16, also via a goal and clean sheet.
Eddie Howe’s men have suffered a dip in form of late, losing four consecutive Premier League fixtures, albeit with the two most recent defeats coming against strong opposition in the form of Liverpool and Manchester City.
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However, the first-choice defence of Kieran Trippier (£4.8m), Sven Botman (£3.5m), Fabian Schar (£3.2m) and Burn are all available again ahead of a more favourable run of fixtures.
Newcastle host Luton in Gameweek 22 before meetings with Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.

Additionally, Burn is likely to feature in his side’s upcoming FA Cup game against the winner of tonight’s match between Blackburn and Wrexham.
Trippier remains the premium option among Newcastle’s defenders having registered 171 points so far this season – only Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) has more to his name at the time of writing.
The problem for many Dream Team bosses is that the England international comes at a significant cost – he’s a full £1.5m more expensive than Burn right now.

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WE’VE written about Joao Pedro (£3.8m) a lot in recent weeks but if ever there was a time to underline his name it’s now.Brighton’s No9 was the second-most transferred-in player for Gameweek 21 and we even included him in our captaincy suggestions – those who followed that tip were handsomely rewarded.
Under considerable pressure to deliver, Pedro returned 24 points via a hat-trick against Sheffield United in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Man of the momentCredit: Dream Team
The 22-year-old scored two penalties, his speciality this season, before securing the match ball with a pinpoint finish from the edge of the box.
Incredibly, he’s now scored TEN spot-kicks this season across all competitions.
Add in eight goals from open play and his tally of 18 goals is only bettered by Erling Haaland (£7.9m) among all Premier League players.
While the Manchester City poacher holds a slender lead in that regard, Pedro has leapfrogged the Norway international in the Dream Team rankings.
The ex-Watford forward’s haul at Bramall Lane took him to 200 points for the campaign, five more than Haaland – although of course the latter has been out for a few weeks with a foot injury.
Everything he touches turns to goldCredit: AP
Pedro is just the fourth asset to celebrate his double century in 2023/24, Phil Foden (£5.2m) reached the milestone against Tottenham on Friday night while Bukayo Saka (£5.6m) and Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) achieved the feat earlier this month.
With the Egyptian superstar sidelined, the Brazilian is currently the top scorer in the game among available strikers.
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Pedro also ranks third in position for bonus points this term, having earned 15 of them in total with three coming against the Blades at the weekend.
It took a while but he’s finally a justifiably popular player among gaffers – his ownership of 17.8% makes him the fifth-most selected forward right now.
And he’s almost certain to be among the most-popular recruits again ahead of Gameweek 22 having plundered 69 points across his last five outings!
Before then, Pedro faces Luton in the Premier League on Tuesday night.
Brighton’s fixtures appear relatively favourable in the coming weeksCredit: PA

Looking forward, the Seagulls host rivals Crystal Palace in Gameweek 22 with the Eagles horribly out of form.
A trip to Spurs represents a tougher test in Gameweek 23 but Roberto De Zerbi’s side then have a relatively favourable run in the top flight: Sheffield United, Everton, Fulham, Nottingham Forest.
Plus, Brighton are due to play Wolves in the FA Cup fifth round and it won’t be long before they resume their Europa League campaign either.
Essentially, Pedro is viable option for the foreseeable future.

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DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 21 in one easily digestible dose.Erling Haaland (£7.9m) will not feature against Tottenham this evening but Manchester City’s No9 may get “some minutes” against Burnley in midweek.
Manuel Akanji (£3.6m) remains sidelined but Ederson (£2.9m) and John Stones (£3.5m) are in contention for the defending champions.
In regards to Kevin De Bruyne (£6.4m), Pep Guardiola said: “He is ready [to start]. He was ready at Newcastle as well but always we have the processes.
“Of course, it’s really, really soon to play from the beginning. But the most important thing is he trained really, really well in Abu Dhabi.”
Available for selectionCredit: Getty
As for Spurs, James Maddison (£4.2m) has been deemed available for selection having trained all week.
The creative midfielder averages 7.8 points-per-game in Dream Team this season.
Dejan Kulusevski (£3.3m) has also recovered from an illness, further boosting Ange Postecoglou’s attacking options.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) only returned to team training today but Jurgen Klopp included the defender among those in contention to feature against Norwich on Sunday.
It all depends how Liverpool’s No66 comes through the session but even if he skips this weekend’s FA Cup fixture, a return for Wednesday night’s meeting with Chelsea would be likely.
Andy Robertson (£3.7m) and Dominik Szoboszlai (£3.7m) are “ready for minutes” barring any setbacks prior to the Reds’ double header in Gameweek 21 – both were pictured in training alongside Alexander-Arnold.
Christopher Nkunku (£3.7m) and Malo Gusto (£2.4m) will not be among the Blues’ squad to face Aston Villa tonight but the pair have a chance to be involved at Anfield in midweek.
Expected to return in Gameweek 21 in some capacityCredit: PA

As for Unai Emery’s men, Pau Torres (£3m) has suffered a minor setback in his progression and was forced to remove himself from training, although seemingly only as a precaution.
Lucas Digne (£3.1m) is said to be “another week or so” away from a return and Gameweek 21 probably comes too soon for Jacob Ramsey (£2.2m) as well.
Jhon Duran (£1.6m) has also joined the Villains’ injury list.
Nottingham Forest are expected to be without key players Morgan Gibbs-White (£3.1m), Anthony Elanga (£2.7m), Taiwo Awoniyi (£2.4m), Felipe (£1.8m) and Divock Origi (£1.7m) again this weekend.
Nuno Espirito Santo is not all that hopeful of a better outlook for his side’s Tuesday night game against Arsenal but decisions will made nearer the time in that regard.
The Gunners have some issue of their own to negotiate, most pressingly, uncertainty over Declan Rice (£3.6m).
The England midfielder initially appeared to have incurred a hamstring injury during the 5-0 win over Crystal Palace but Mikel Arteta offered a more positive update, saying: “He was feeling some tightness. I don’t know what muscle it was. But when he says that at three-nil then obviously we don’t want to take any risks.”
At this stage, Rice is expected to travel to the City Ground in midweek.
The same is true for Gabriel (£3.9m) who was also substituted as a precaution against the Eagles – the Brazilian centre-back bagged 16 points last time out.
Rice’s hamstring issue is not thought to be anything significantCredit: Dream Team
ARSENAL
Injuries: Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey (doubt), Fabio Vieira, Declan Rice (doubt), Gabriel (doubt)
Suspensions: None
ASTON VILLA
Injuries: Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia, Lucas Digne, Jhon Duran, Jacob Ramsey (doubt), Pau Torres
Suspensions: None
BOURNEMOUTH
Injuries: Ryan Fredericks, Tyler Adams, James Hill, Max Aarons, Adam Smith
Suspensions: None
BRENTFORD
Injuries: Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Kevin Schade, Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Norgaard (doubt)
Suspensions: None
BRIGHTON
Injuries: Julio Enciso, Solly March, Ansu Fati, Joel Veltman, Igor Julio (doubt)
Suspensions: None
BURNLEY
Injuries: Luka Koleosho, Jordan Beyer (doubt), Charlie Taylor (doubt), Hannes Delcroix (doubt)
Suspensions: None
CHELSEA
Injuries: Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwo, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, Christopher Nkunku (doubt), Malo Gusto (doubt)
Suspensions: None
CRYSTAL PALACE
Injuries: Cheick Doucoure, Joel Ward, Rob Holding, Michael Olise
Suspensions: None
EVERTON
Injuries: Dele Alli, Ashley Young (doubt), Abdoulaye Doucoure, Seamus Coleman, Andre Gomes
Suspensions: None
FULHAM
Injuries: Adama Traore
Suspensions: None
LIVERPOOL
Injuries: Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, Kostas Tsimikas, Joel Matip, Ben Doak, Trent Alexander-Arnold (doubt)
Suspensions: None
LUTON
Injuries: Tom Lockyer, Marvelous Nakamba, Mads Juel Andersen
Suspensions: None
MANCHESTER CITY
Injuries: Erling Haaland (doubt), Manuel Akanji
Suspensions: None
MANCHESTER UNITED
Injuries: Tyrell Malacia (doubt), Mason Mount (doubt), Harry Maguire, (doubt) Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial
Suspensions: None
NEWCASTLE
Injuries: Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy (doubt), Elliot Anderson, Matt Targett, Joe Willock, Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, Joelinton
Suspensions: Sandro Tonali
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Injuries: Taiwo Awoniyi (doubt), Felipe (doubt), Divock Origi (doubt), Anthony Elanga (doubt), Morgan Gibbs-White (doubt)
Suspensions: None
SHEFFIELD UNITED
Injuries: Daniel Jebbison, John Egan (doubt), Chris Basham (doubt), Tom Davies, George Baldock, Max Lowe (doubt)
Suspensions: Rhian Brewster
TOTTENHAM
Injuries: Ryan Sessegnon (doubt), Alfie Whiteman, Manor Solomon, Alejo Veliz, Giovani Lo Celso, Ben Davies (doubt)
Suspensions: None
WEST HAM
Injuries: Lucas Paqueta, Michail Antonio
Suspensions: Vladimir Coufal, Said Benrahma
WOLVES
Injuries: None
Suspensions: None

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