Fantasy Football

CHELSEA are sitting pretty in fourth after ten Premier League games.Only Tottenham and Manchester City have scored more league goals than the Blues in what has generally been viewed as an encouraging start to Enzo Maresca’s reign at Stamford Bridge.Solid startCredit: Dream TeamIt’s only natural that Dream Team managers would be drawn to one of the league’s strongest teams but Chelsea’s bloated squad has caused an unusual problem for gaffers.Much has been made of the excessive strength and depth of the player list caused by Todd Boehly’s recruitment strategy.As a result, Maresca has consolidated a core group of regulars for the Premier League while making extensive use of rotation for the Conference League and the Carabao Cup.This is not totally unique to Chelsea but the extent to which the line-up changes from league fixtures to European outings is noticeably more pronounced when compared to the Champions League clubs.This is partly because the Conference League is not as prestigious (or competitive) as the Champions League and so the ex-Leicester manager feels comfortable resting his top stars.Jackson tends to make way for Nkunku in the Conference LeagueCredit: GettyThe problem is that Dream Team bosses don’t want the likes of Cole Palmer (£6.3m), Nicolas Jackson (£4.4m) and Noni Madueke (£3.1m) to be rotated.More appearances equal more opportunities to score points and so it’s painful for gaffers to see their Chelsea assets miss out against favourable Conference League opposition.Palmer wasn’t even included in the squad for the league phase of the continental competition, with Maresca keen to manage his talisman’s workload.Most read in FootballThe 22-year-old, who features in 61.8% of teams, averages 10.7 points-per-game this season compared to Mohamed Salah’s (£7.3m) average of 9.6.However, while Palmer rests in midweek, Liverpool’s main man has banked 26 points from three European outings to date, hence why the latter is ahead in the rankings despite his inferior average.Palmer boasts an incredible points-per-game average but misses out on midweek fixturesCredit: GettySimilarly, Jackson has scored six goals and provided three assists in just ten league outings but he hasn’t played a single minute outside the top flight – Christopher Nkunku (£4.2m) has led the line in the additional competitions.The Senegal international averages an impressive 7.9 points-per-game, a rate only bettered by four forwards, but his overall tally of 79 points put him just 11th among assets in his position.The fact he sits out on Thursday nights is a huge blow to his viability.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWLast season, Dream Team managers were able to target the Conference League match-ups because many of Aston Villa’s regulars in the competition were also starters in the league.That simply isn’t the case with Chelsea this time around and so gaffers would almost be better off treating the West Londoners as a non-European team.Maresca might see things differently if his side qualify for the knockout stage, which they are well on course to do as current league leaders, but that’s a while away yet.READ MORE SUN STORIESPalmer is the second-most popular player in Dream TeamCredit: GettySuch is Palmer’s quality, his comparatively relaxed schedule hasn’t been an issue so far as he’s racked up 107 points from ten outings via seven goals and five assists – Bukayo Saka (£6.7m) is the only midfielder above him in the rankings.But his backers must be somewhat frustrated he won’t be unleashed upon the likes of FC Noah, Heidenheim, Astana and Shamrock Rovers between now and Christmas.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

DOMINIC SOLANKE (£4m) was the weekend’s biggest winner from a Dream Team perspective.The Tottenham striker scored two goals in the space of four minutes on his way to a massive 21-point haul against Aston Villa on Sunday.On targetCredit: Dream TeamSolanke was also credited with a ‘fantasy assist’ by stats providers Opta as he won the free-kick that was expertly converted by James Maddison (£4.6m) in stoppage time.Gameweek 10 is not done yet but at this stage the 27-year-old is the top performer.This points splurge couldn’t have come at a better time for Solanke’s backers as their patience has been tested in recent weeks.He mustered just 16 points from six outings prior to his brace against the Villains and, for all his neat link-up play and tireless running, his lack of threat in the penalty area was a notable issue.In fact, Solanke didn’t register a single shot on target in the six games leading into Sunday’s performance.Solanke produced a composed finish to end his goal droughtCredit: RexAlmost 10% of Dream Team managers will be hoping his latest showing will kickstart a fruitful spell in front of goal – he bagged 21 in all competitions for Bournemouth last season.Gaffers who replaced Solanke prior to Gameweek 10 will obviously be kicking themselves but it was a perfectly logical decision to move away from a striker without a single shot on target in his last six games.The Dream Team gods can be kind but they can also be cruel.Most read in FootballThe question now is worthy it’s a sensible move to bring the England striker back into the fold?Spurs are due to host 18th-placed Ipswich in Gameweek 11, one of just two top flight sides without a league win in 2024/25.Only Wolves have conceded more goals than the Tractor Boys at the time of writing and so it has to be considered an immensely favourable fixture for Solanke and company next weekend.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWGameweek 12 brings a tougher test in the form of Manchester City and Roma but there’s an international break to endure before then.It’s amazing how quickly things can change in Dream Team; Spurs’ No19 looked to be a sensible sell just a few days ago but now has to be considered a strong option for the upcoming Gameweek.It’s early days but Solanke is currently the most transferred-in player for Gameweek 11.Spurs have won nine of their last 11 gamesCredit: PAMore broadly, Spurs are now top scorers in the Premier League this season.This combined with a perfect start of three wins in three Europa League games indicates there’s certainly value to be had among Ange Postecoglou’s squad.READ MORE SUN STORIESBrennan Johnson (£3.8m), James Maddison (£4.6m) and Dejan Kulusevski (£3.1m) are all among the top 13 Dream Team midfielders while Solanke is up to fourth among strikers.Plus, Son Heung-min (£5.3m) averages eight points-per-game so far this campaign.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

ALL of a sudden Bruno Fernandes (£5.9m) is Dream Team’s most in-form player.Manchester United’s captain scored a penalty in his side’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday as part of an impressive 14-point haul.The Portugal international also created two big chances, made four tackles, and earned a bonus point at Old Trafford to continue his sharp upturn in form.On the upCredit: Dream TeamFernandes notched 23 points in Gameweek 9 at the expense of West Ham and Leicester, with the latter taking the brunt of the damage.A unmatched spree of 37 points across his last three outings has propelled the 30-year-old up the rankings – he’s now joint-ninth among midfielders.Goal involvements largely escaped Fernandes across the first seven Gameweeks of the season but three goals and an assist in his last four appearances have balanced the scales.Experienced Dream Team bosses will know that he always tends to end up among the top performers in his position and so this surge of form should not be overlooked.Fernandes’ numbers are heading in the right directionCredit: GettyThree goals represents a modest return at this stage but Fernandes is a viable selection because he offers multiple avenues to points.Only six midfielders have registered more assists but it could be argued that the Red Devils’ talisman deserves a higher rank in the metric as only Bukayo Saka (£6.7m) and Cole Palmer (£6.3m) have created more big chances for their team-mates.Fernandes has also made 29 tackles in all competitions, an impressive tally for a predominantly attack-minded player.Most read in FootballGameweek 10 isn’t done yet as Man United will host PAOK in the Europa League on Thursday night with the English giants seeking their first win in the competition this campaign.Gameweek 11 then brings a home game against Leicester, which should favour Fernandes and company given they beat the Foxes 5-2 in the Carabao Cup just a few days ago.It will be interesting to see how Amorim uses FernandesCredit: PARuben Amorim will then officially take charge during the international break, ending Ruud van Nistelrooy’s spell as interim manager.It will be very interesting to see how Man United fare from Gameweek 12 onwards as the Portuguese tactician has overseen a spotless record of ten wins from ten league games as Sporting CP boss so far this term.Gaffers will be wary that Erik ten Hag also arrived at Old Trafford with a significant reputation and the Dutchman’s appointment didn’t result in an influx of plentiful points, quite the opposite for the most part.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWHowever, Fernandes did thrive in the world of Dream Team despite the malaise that dogged the Red Devils for the majority of last season.If Amorim is able to get a sweeter tune out of this expensive squad then Fernandes is surely among the most likely beneficiaries?At the time of writing, Fernandes appears in 9.8% of teams – it’s rare that an asset with such a strong historical record features in fewer than 10% of teams.His price tag of £5.9m is a potential blockade as that makes him the fifth-most expensive midfielder in the game but 37 points since the start of Gameweek 9 speaks volumes.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 10 in one easily digestible dose.Dream Team managers should know to take Mikel Arteta’s quotes with a pinch of salt but Arsenal’s head coach told reporters that Gabriel will be included in the matchday squad to face Newcastle if the defender makes it through the final training session without complaint.Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Martin Odegaard remain sidelined while Ben White is also a major doubt having been unable to train.As for the Magpies, Eddie Howe admitted both Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon are carrying “niggling injuries” with the pair to be assessed before confirmation of their availability.Gabriel is the most transferred-out player ahead of Gameweek 10Credit: ReutersPep Guardiola told journalists that he had just 13 senior players fit after Manchester City’s defeat to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.While that may have been an exaggeration from the decorated tactician, the defending champions will be missing several key men again this weekend.Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku are the certainties (plus long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb) while Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol and Savinho were all flagged in midweek – the latter was stretchered off.It might not mean anything but Gvardiol posted a relatively positive update on social media on Thursday: “We keep moving forward with full focus on Saturday!”The Croatian left-back is the most-selected defender in Dream Team right now with an ownership of 28.9%.Elsewhere, Micky van de Ven suffered a hamstring injury in midweek and is expected to be unavailable until after the international break.Most read in FootballCristian Romero and Timo Werner are both doubts but Son Heung-min “should be okay” when Spurs host Aston Villa on Sunday.Unai Emery has nearly a complete squad to choose from – Ross Barkley is the only known absentee.Van de Ven has injured his hamstringCredit: ReutersArne Slot expects Alisson, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa to return after the international break.Lewis Dunk was initially expected to miss the next three or four weeks but Fabian Hurzeler said Brighton’s long-serving centre-back was set to undergo an assessment on Friday – it would still be surprise if he featured at Anfield on Saturday.Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley have returned to training but this weekend may come too soon in regards to competitive action.Dwight McNeil is considered a doubt for Everton’s trip to Southampton on Saturday.The 24-year-old, who ranks joint-sixth among Dream Team midfielders, supposedly “has a chance” of playing some part against Saints but he’s yet to train with the rest of the squad.Abdoulaye Doucoure is also due for an assessment.Eze is unavailable for Palace this weekendCredit: PANuno Espirito Santo kept his cards close to his chest in his press conference on Thursday but Chris Wood, Elliot Anderson, Jota Silva and Morgan Gibbs-White were all named as doubts.Nottingham Forest will definitely be without James Ward-Prowse as he’s ineligible to face his parent club.Crystal Palace will be without key players Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton for their visit to Wolves.The former will miss two league games with a hamstring injury while the latter may be sidelined for a month having had surgery on his troublesome groin.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWARSENALInjuries: Kieran Tierney, Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel (doubt), Ben White (doubt)Suspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Ross BarkleySuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Luis Sinisterra, Alex Scott, Kepa Arrizabalaga (doubt), Dango OuattaraSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Igor Thiago, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Rico Henry, Kristoffer AjerSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: Solly March, Matt O’Riley (doubt), James Milner, Joao Pedro (doubt), Adam Webster, Yankuba Minteh (doubt), Lewis Dunk (doubt), Ferdi Kadioglu (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: NoneSuspensions: NoneCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Matheus Franca, Chris Richards, Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad, Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze, Jefferson Lerma, Joel WardSuspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner, Abdoulaye Doucoure (doubt), Dwight McNeil (doubt)Suspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Sasa Lukic, Carlos Vinicius (doubt)Suspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Axel Tuanzebe, Massimo Luongo, Ben Johnson (doubt), Jacob Greaves, Chiedozie Ogbene, Jack TaylorSuspensions: Harry ClarkeLEICESTERInjuries: Patson Daka, Jakub Stolarczyk, Hamza Choudhury, Issahaku Fatawu, Victor Kristiansen (doubt)Suspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa, Alisson, Diogo JotaSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish, Savinho (doubt), Manuel Akanji (doubt), Josko Gvardiol (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, AntonySuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak (doubt), Anthony Gordon (doubt), Jacob Murphy Suspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Danilo, Ibrahim Sangare, Morgan Gibbs-White (doubt), Chris Wood (doubt), Jota Silva (doubt), Elliot Anderson (doubt)Suspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart, Will Smallbone, Ryan Fraser (doubt), Flynn Downes (doubt), Ryan Manning (doubt)Suspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Son Heung-min (doubt), Djed Spence, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero (doubt), Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Niclas FullkrugSuspensions: Mohammed KudusWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore, Bastien Meupiyou (doubt), Yerson MosqueraSuspensions: NoneBetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. 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DREAM TEAM managers have until 11am on Saturday morning to confirm their transfers for Gameweek 10.Many will wait until Friday’s press conferences for availability updates but allow us to put forward some recommendations for the time being.Last week we tipped Bryan Mbeumo (25 pts), Alejandro Garnacho (20 pts) and Savinho (17 pts) – let’s hope this week’s suggestions work out even half as well!A must-have star?Credit: APBukayo Saka (£6.8m)We usually wouldn’t bother recommending such an obvious name but, given the circumstances, Arsenal’s No7 is worthy of a mention.Dream Team bosses have had to contend with Mikel Arteta’s mind games in relation to Saka’s availability in recent weeks.The Spanish tactician gave an encouraging update prior to Gameweek 8 only for the England winger to miss both of the Gunners’ fixtures.Arteta then switched it up and suggested to reporters that Saka was unlikely to feature in Gameweek 9 before the 23-year-old featured against both Liverpool and Preston.With 113 points to his name, Saka is Dream Team’s top-performing midfielder this season and many gaffers consider him an essential asset when fit – it’s hard to disagree.Unfortunately, Saka’s quality comes at a significant cost, he’s comfortably the most expensive player in his position.Most read in FootballMatheus Nunes (£3.6m)Time to shineCredit: GettyWe had planned to repeat our Savinho recommendation but the lively Brazilian winger was stretchered off in midweek and is likely to be sidelined until the international break at the earliest.Fingers crossed he returns sooner rather than later.For the meantime, how about another Manchester City midfielder on the rise?The defending champions’ injury crisis meant Nunes played almost the full 180 minutes in Gameweek 9 and he capitalised to a great extent.The Portugal international took Southampton and Spurs for a combined 21 points, making him one of the top performers of the Gameweek.Nunes is quietly averaging a goal involvement every 67.3 minutes in all competitions this season.The 0.7%-owned midfielder should get plenty of minutes again in Gameweek 10 with City set to face Bournemouth and Sporting CP.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWDarwin Nunez (£4.2m)Hear us out…Credit: GettySome may see this suggestion as overly outlandish but allow us to make a case for the enigmatic Uruguayan.Firstly, he should be assured minutes in Gameweek 10 while Diogo Jota (£4.5m) continues his rehabilitation from injury.Secondly, Liverpool have the luxury of back-to-back home games with Brighton and Bayer Leverkusen set to visit Anfield in the coming days.The Reds boast such a formidable home record that it might be worth doubling up on their starting forwards – let’s be clear, Mohamed Salah (£7.4m) remains the priority selection but nobody needs to hear that from us.Nunez can be a frustrating Dream Team asset to own as he’s far from the most composed finisher in the world but his chaotic style causes serious problems for Liverpool’s opponents when everything clicks.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe recently banked a combined 16 points from games against RB Leipzig and Arsenal, relatively tough fixtures on paper.Predicting Luis Diaz (£4.3m) and Cody Gakpo’s (£4m) minutes is not all that easy right now and so Nunez might be a smart option to accompany Salah, for the next two Gameweeks at least.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

THIS week’s Score Predictor fixtures will test your football instincts to the limit.But there’s no reason to shy away from playing, seeing as it’s free to enter and takes mere seconds with another £250 up for grabs.Play now!Credit: Dream TeamIt’s the usual procedure, simply submit your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and then sit back as you earn points for the accuracy of your forecast.Earn the most points and – ching ching – you’ll pocket the cash prize!In spirit of generosity, we’ve collated some key stats and facts for each of the Matchweek 10 fixtures…Bournemouth v Manchester CityThe first thing to note about this match-up is that it’s the most one-sided in Premier League history.Pep Guardiola’s side have won all 14 league meetings with the Cherries since the latter were promoted to the top flight in 2015.And City scored at least four goals in half of those games.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWLast season’s corresponding fixture at the Vitality Stadium was a more competitive affair, a narrow 1-0 win for the visitors thanks to Phil Foden’s first-half winner.Most read in FootballThe historical record suggests a comfortable away win but the defending champions are in the midst of an injury crisis.Following Wednesday night’s loss to Spurs, Guardiola told reporters he has just “13 players” available; a situation that could destabilise any team.Although there’s still plenty of talent among those 13 players, including goal machine Erling Haaland and last season’s Player of the Year Phil Foden.Bournemouth upset Arsenal on the south coast two weeks ago and so a giant-killing is feasible for Andoni Iraola’s men but only bravest Score Predictor users bet against City.Our Prediction: 2-1 to Man CityCity have several key injuries to contend with ahead of Matchweek 10Credit: RexWolves v Crystal PalaceThe Eagles got a much-needed league win against Tottenham last weekend while Gary O’Neil’s men are still searching for their first of 2024/25.Wolves have mustered just two points this season and will be desperate to spark an upturn now their schedule appears more favourable – Palace have just six points to their name.The hosts will have been encouraged by their late comeback to salvage a draw at Brighton last time out but there’s no escaping the fact their back line is extremely vulnerable – 25 goals conceded makes for the worst defence in the top flight at present.However, Oliver Glasner’s side have scored just six league goals so far, the joint-lowest tally.It’s hard to predict what will happen when a blunt attack meets a leaky defence but we fancy Wolves to break their duck this weekend.Our Prediction: 2-1 to WolvesWolves are desperate for a winCredit: AFPTottenham v Aston VillaA potentially entertaining match-up between two sides who often adopt high defensive lines.Unai Emery’s troops came away from North London with three points last season but Spurs took their revenge in the form of a 4-0 drubbing at Villa Park in March. It’s not all that easy to gauge where Ange Postecoglou’s side are at heading into the weekend as they were horribly underwhelming against Palace last weekend but a Carabao Cup victory over Man City in midweek is a notable feather in the cap.The Villains are undefeated in their last seven league games but recent draws against Bournemouth, Manchester United and Ipswich revealed room for improvements.Villa have kept just one clean sheet in the league this term.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawDefeat at Palace was offset by a cup win over Man CityCredit: PAManchester United v ChelseaScore Predictor users will have to consider to what extent they believe in the power of a new manager bounce when weighing up this fixture.The Red Devils beat Leicester 5-2 in their first outing since Erik ten Hag’s departure but the Foxes fielded a second-string team in the Carabao Cup; Sunday’s game at Old Trafford will be a sterner test.The Blues haven’t beaten Man United away from home in the league since the 2012/2013 campaign but they did win the most recent meeting at Stamford Bridge, thanks to a Cole Palmer hat-trick back in April.Chelsea are a full nine places above their opponents heading into the weekend having scored more than twice as many league goals at this stage.However, their miserable recent record at Old Trafford is hard to look past.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawRuud van Nistelrooy is in charge for the Red Devils for the time beingCredit: GettyFulham v BrentfordThomas Frank’s side boast the best home record in the Premier League right now but have lost all four of their away games.Monday night’s trip is a short one with Craven Cottage just a few miles away but it’s simply true that the Bees have faltered when denied home comforts this season.Generally speaking, Brentford pack more of a punch in attack, led by the in-form Bryan Mbeumo, but Fulham are tighter at the back.These West London rivals are next to each other in the table, separated by just a point, and so the temptation is to back a draw but Brentford’s away form is a significant red flag.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 2-1 to FulhamEnter your predictions for Matchweek 10 and put yourself in contention for the £250 cash prize!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. 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LUCAS DIGNE (£3.6m) is rolling back the years this season.The 31-year-old has amassed 67 Dream Team points and ranks seventh among defenders at the time of writing.Despite his impressive start to the campaign, the Frenchman is still available for just £3.6m and could well be considered the standout value-for-money asset in his position right now.Digne has offered affordable returns so far this seasonCredit: Dream TeamRico Lewis (£4m), who ranks second among defenders having earned 82 points, was undoubtedly the bargain selection throughout the first few Gameweeks but the Manchester City teenager is no longer in the affordable price bracket.In fact, Digne is the only defender with 60+ points to his name who is currently available for less than £4m.When Aston Villa signed Ian Maatsen (£3m) from Chelsea in a deal worth £37.5million, it seemed that Digne would have to be content with a back-up role.However, the ex-Everton man has established himself as Unai Emery’s first-choice left-back with the Dutchman having been generally limited to substitute appearances.Emery has mostly preferred Digne to Maatsen at left-backCredit: EPADigne ranks second in his position for assists (three) and third for big chances created (five).But it’s not just his attacking attributes that have made him such a savvy selection.Only seven defenders have made more tackles and he’s among the top ten for clean sheets too – although the Villains’ could improve in that department as they’ve kept just one in nine league outings so far.Most read in FootballThe points total is the number that matters most and Digne’s is very healthy indeed.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWVilla are due to host Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup this evening before Gameweek 10 brings a double header against Tottenham and Club Brugge.After that, Emery’s men face the daunting task of a trip to Anfield just before the international break.Villa’s only league clean sheet came against Manchester UnitedCredit: EPADigne may have to wait a little while longer to boost his league clean sheet tally given the testing nature of those match-ups but as long as he keeps posing a creative threat going forward he should tick over nicely.After the break, Villa will play Palace, Chelsea, Brentford and Southampton (alongside Champions League commitments) in what is likely to be a more favourable run of league games.Digne is currently the fifth-most popular defender in Dream Team with an ownership of 14.2%.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More