Fantasy Football

DREAM TEAM is up and running for the 2023/24 season!If you haven’t yet selected an XI, what are you waiting for?
You can make as many changes as you like before Gameweek 1 gets underway so there’s no reason to delay in picking a team, even if it’s just a first draft.

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Marc GuehiCredit: DREAM TEAM
This season’s edition features an improved scoring system, one that recognises individual performance in more detail than ever before.
Click here to get the full lowdown on 2023/24’s scoring system if you’re not already familiar.
A change in how points are distributed means even experienced Dream Team gaffers will need to think carefully about which players to select for the campaign ahead.
In hope of providing a helping hand, we’ve listed the ten defenders whose points tally would have increased the most last season had the new scoring system been implemented – we’ll cover all the positions before the action starts.
This should give you an idea of which individuals are likely to benefit from the new methodology.
HIGHEST POINTS INCREASES AMONG DREAM TEAM DEFENDERS

Adam Smith (£2m) -10 points to 85 points
Rico Henry (£2.5m) 61 pts to 149 pts
Vladimir Coufal (£2.5m) 44 pts to 126 pts
Marc Guehi (£2.5m) 63 pts to 141 pts
Tyrick Mitchell (£2.5m) 53 pts to 130 pts
Nelson Semedo (£2.5m) 43 pts to 120 pts
Tyrell Malacia (£3m) 87 pts to 162 pts
Joel Veltman (£2.5m) 61 pts to 134 pts
Antonee Robinson (£2m) 53 pts to 125 pts
Ezri Konsa (£2.5m) 52 pts to 124 pts

At first glance, Bournemouth’s Adam Smith may be an underwhelming name to top this list (no offence, Adam!) but the 32-year-old is actually the perfect man to highlight the fundamental change in how points will be earned this coming season.
In reality, the Cherries’ long-serving defender finished 2022/23 on minus ten points, a reflection of his club’s poor defensive record as a whole – Bournemouth conceded 71 league goals last term, only Southampton and Leeds leaked more.
Smith would have been 90 points better off last season had the new scoring system been implementedCredit: GETTY
However, our new scoring system would have rewarded him with 85 points – a modest score, granted, but one that reflects his individual efforts more accurately.
Smith featured in all but one of Bournemouth’s league fixtures last season (34 starts) and he ranked relatively highly for the metrics that will matter going forward (blocks, tackles, clearances, etc) among his team-mates. 
Even if the new scoring system had been applied, Smith wouldn’t have been a smart selection but it’s worth noting the significant difference between relatively inactive players and those who are near ever-present for their team and actually contribute to how the games unfold.
Rico Henry is another defender possibly set to benefit from Dream Team’s new scoring system.
The Brentford faithful would probably agree that his individual performances were worthy of more than 61 points last season – only Mathias Jensen (£2.5m) made more tackles in the top flight for the Bees last season and the marauding left-back also ranked highly for chances created and dribbles.
Full-backs who offer plenty going forward have always thrived in Dream Team but gaffers would do well to note that individuals who noticeably impact their side’s fortunes in a positive manner will now receive just rewards even if they don’t end up with bucket-loads of goal contributions and clean sheets.
Crystal Palace’s best defenders could be viable in 2023/24Credit: GETTY
Could Selhurst Park be a haven of value-for-money points this season?
Tyrick Mitchell and Marc Guehi registered underwhelming points tallies of 53 and 63 respectively last term but again that was a reflection of the fact Crystal Palace mustered just nine clean sheets in the league.
Their respective revised totals of 130 and 141 paint a more accurate picture of their individual performances, which aligns with the pair’s deserved statuses as England internationals.
A quick look at the stats reveals that Guehi and Mitchell played the most minutes for the Eagles in 2022/23 – the latter ranked first for tackles won and blocks.
If you take nothing else away from this article when selecting your XI, make sure you’re fully aware that individual performance will be more of a factor in determining the success of defenders this coming season.

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DREAM TEAM promises to be more rewarding this season.First and foremost, The Sun’s beloved fantasy game is available to play right now ahead of the 2023/24 campaign with more prize winners than ever before guaranteed!

CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM 2023/24 NOW – FREE TO PLAY, MORE WINNERS THAN EVER BEFORE!

Points make prizes!Credit: DREAM TEAM
What is XP?
Upon registering to play Dream Team, you will notice you have the opportunity to earn experience points (XP).
The more XP you earn, the higher the XP Level you’ll achieve in our Loyalty Programme, which in turn puts you in contention to win bigger and better prizes!
Every month there will be prize draws with superior prizes allocated to those belonging to the higher XP Levels:

Level 1 prize – Nike Premier League academy football
Level 2 prize – Premier League or EFL football shirt of winner’s choice
Level 3 prize – £150 Amazon voucher
Level 4 prize – Nintendo Switch
Level 5 prize – PlayStation 5
Level 6 prize – iPhone 14 (or newer)

For example, if you are among 10,000 users in Level 3 then you have a one in 10,000 chance of winning a £150 Amazon voucher come monthly draw time.
Equally, if you are one of 50 users in Level 6 then you’ve got a 50/1 chance of claiming a brand new iPhone!
XP and your current XP Level are displayed on the the Hub Page on Dream Team’s website and app.
You can earn XP in two ways: either through performance in Dream Team’s games (Fantasy, Score Predictor, Higher or Lower?) or through Badges – more on those later.
Users who reach Level 5 will enter the draw for a PlayStation 5Credit: ALAMY
XP points earned by playing Dream Team’s games are awarded in the following ways: 
Fantasy Game – you will earn 1 XP for every point that your team gains. For example, if your team gains 70 points in a Gameweek, you will receive 70 XP.
Score Predictor – you will earn 1 XP for every Score Predictor Point gained. For example, if you gain 30 points in a matchweek, you will receive 30 XP.
Higher or Lower? – You will earn one, three or five XP for five, ten or fifteen correct answers in a row, respectively.
Essentially, the more engaged you are with Dream Team’s classic fantasy game and the new free-to-play offerings (Score Predictor, Higher or Lower?) the more XP you’ll accumulate, putting you in a more favourable position come the monthly prize draw.
What are Badges?
Badges will be awarded based on specified actions and achievements within Dream Team’s games – XP points will be awarded for every Badge collected.
It’s easy enough to claim your first Badge, all you have to do is enter your team in Dream Team’s beloved fantasy game – that will earn you 10 XP.
However, some of the Badges require greater skill (and luck): for example, the Creative Force Badge (+50 XP) is only acquired if all your midfielders provide an assist in the same Gameweek.
You can view the requirements for each Badge via the Games Hub.
But don’t restrict yourself to just Dream Team’s improved fantasy game, there are Badges to be won playing Score Predictor and Higher or Lower too!
Dream Team gaffers can now build a trophy collection to rival Pep GuardiolaCredit: THE TIMES
What are Trophies?
Trophies are virtual rewards given for achievements such as winning a Weekly Leaderboard, topping a Mini League, etc.
While no additional XPs are awarded for trophies, they act as proof of your accomplishments and represent the privilege of bragging rights over your rivals.
Trophies will remain in your profile for future Game Years, even after XP and Levels have been reset, allowing loyal users to rack up an honours list that would make even Pep Guardiola blush.

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DREAM TEAM is back for the 2023/24 season and better than ever!Transfers are the most important element of the game once the action gets underway as they allow you to make changes to your XI as the drama unfolds.
Football is inherently unpredictable and every season features breakout stars, expensive flops, and everything in between. 
If one of your players fails to live up to expectations, simply use a transfer to substitute them for a replacement in better form.
This season, we’ve revolutionised the transfer system so whether you’re a new manager or an experienced gaffer, pay attention.

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Dream Team’s new transfer process allows for greater flexibilityCredit: DREAM TEAM
In 2022/23, there will be TWO transfers available to you per Gameweek.
If you choose not to make any transfers, which will often be a logical strategy, then one of the transfers will carry over, giving you three the following Gameweek.
If you decide to only use one of your two transfers then you’ll have two transfers available again the following Gameweek. 
To clarify, using zero transfers in a Gameweek is the only way to ensure one carries over.
You have the option to carry over transfers until you have four in the bank but that’s the maximum. 
No matter how many times you carry over, the most transfers you’ll ever have available at one time is four.
And remember, if you use a transfer at any time, you’ll have two available the following Gameweek because using zero is the only way to ensure a carry over – this can’t be stressed enough.
For example, if you have three or four transfers in the bank and you only use one, you’ll have two available to you the following Gameweek.
More prize winners than every before guaranteed with Dream Team this seasonCredit: DREAM TEAM
All players will be locked out one hour before the first fixture of the Gameweek so make sure you confirm your transfers before the deadline. 
Once lockout commences, any transfers made will go through the following Gameweek, regardless of whether or not the players have featured for their respective teams in that Gameweek.
For example, say the first fixture of the Gameweek is Everton v Brighton at 12:30pm on the Saturday – all players will be locked out from 11:30am and any transfers submitted after that deadline won’t go through until the following Gameweek.
You will be able to reverse any transfers made while lockout is in effect.
This means that if you transfer Alexis Mac Allister (£4m) into your team on Monday morning based on an impressive showing from at the weekend, you’ll be able to reverse the transfer if news breaks that the Liverpool midfielder is injured.
In this scenario, reversing the transfer essentially means you get it back and so you’ll still have two available to you for the Gameweek.
Mac Allister’s stock is higher than ever after a fantastic campaign for club and countryCredit: GETTY
When making transfers you will have to work within your budgetary constraints – you won’t be able to swap Callum Wilson (£4.5m) for Erling Haaland (£8.5m) unless you make other transfers that free up the necessary extra cash.
But remember, once variable pricing commences the total value of your team may increase beyond the initial £50million budget – that’s okay, in fact it’s a good thing!
If you’re able to work the Dream Team stock market to your advantage – buying in-form players while they’re cheap and selling out-of-sorts assets before their price plummets – then you’ll have more cash at your disposal to make improvements.
Finally, please be aware that is no limit to the number of transfers you can make before Gameweek 1 gets underway one hour before Burnley v Man City kicks off on August 11th.

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2023/24 promises to be the most captivating season of Dream Team in years.The Sun’s much-loved fantasy game has been revamped for maximum satisfaction and the most exciting new feature is the introduction of Boosters.
The special effect of the three Boosters, which can only be played once each per season, will last for the duration of one Gameweek and, if played wisely, will provide BIG points and may even change the outlook of your entire season.
Here’s what each Booster does and when might be the optimal time to activate them.

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It’s crucial Dream Team bosses play their Boosters at the best possible momentCredit: DREAM TEAM
Park the Bus: Every defender in your team earns double points
This Booster has a very high ceiling as clean sheets across the board (plus some goal involvements and bonus points) would result in massive returns. 
However, there’s a risk it could backfire if you play it at the wrong time as minus points (incurred for goals conceded, bookings, missed penalties, own goals) will also be doubled. 
Switching to a formation with five at the back seems like a wise thing to do prior to activating the Park the Bus Booster and it may be worth block-picking defenders from the same club to target a favourable double Gameweek.
Park the Bus doubles all your defenders’ points for the GameweekCredit: PA
12th Man: Select an additional player on top of your regular XI
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Fans are often described as the “12th man” but we’ve gone for a far more literal approach.
For one Gameweek only, you will be able to select an additional player (from any position) to score points for your team.
The 12th man is temporarily recruited for free so you don’t have to worry about budgetary constraints. 
Picture this, you’ve been trying to figure out a way to get Phil Foden in your team but for one reason or another you haven’t managed it.
A glance at the fixture list reveals that the England international has two favourable match-ups next and it seems likely he’ll start both games.
Play your 12th Man Booster to scoop up the Manchester City starlet’s returns at the opportune time without compromising the essence of your team.
(Please note that you will not be able to captain your 12th man.)
Phil Foden: strong 12th Man candidateCredit: GETTY
Max Captain: Player who scores the most points automatically selected as captain
This Booster offers peace of mind for one Gameweek at least.
Say you’ve got three or four strong candidates for the captain’s armband and can’t decide between them.
Activate the Max Captain Booster and whichever one of your players scores the most points will ultimately be selected as captain, therefore doubling their points for the Gameweek. 
When Max Captain is activated, the armband will automatically be assigned to whichever one of your players has the highest current Gameweek score.
It’s likely the armband will be assigned to several players over the course of the Gameweek but rest assured your best performer will have their points doubled once the last relevant fixture is complete.
Max Captain all but guarantees a prosperous GameweekCredit: GETTY
Lastly, be aware Boosters can’t be used them in conjunction with each other, only one at a time.
Dream Team insiders will be on hand throughout the season to highlight opportune moments to play your Boosters so stay on top of our articles, push notifications and weekly Coach newsletter, which will bless your email inbox with tips, tricks, stats and facts to help you gain an advantage.
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AS the first few eager gaffers dive headfirst into Dream Team’s much-improved fantasy game for 2023/24, it’s worth recapping some of the important lessons from last season.The first thing to note is that this coming season’s game has been revolutionised and with a new scoring system, transfer process, and the introduction of game-changing Boosters, Dream Team bosses should expect a fresh feel.
However, the tried-and-tested essence of the game remains the same and it would be wise to take the prominent themes of the 2022/23 campaign into consideration when selecting a team.

CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM 2023/24 NOW – FREE TO PLAY, MORE WINNERS THAN EVER BEFORE!

School’s IN for summer, Dream Team gaffers!Credit: DREAM TEAM
Newcastle’s watertight defence
The success of Eddie Howe’s first-choice back four, and Nick Pope, was a key narrative last season.
Kieran Trippier reigned supreme among defenders but at one stage he was joined in the top four by Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn.
The Toon’s clean sheets dried up at the back end of the season but Newcastle’s top four defenders combined for 630 points when all was said and done – for comparison, Manchester City’s four-best defenders registered 561 points between them.
David de Gea pipped Pope at the post but the England custodian’s final tally of 147 meant he outperformed the likes of Alisson, Ederson and Aaron Ramsdale.
What’s truly remarkable about Newcastle’s defensive might last term is that they didn’t have European fixtures to bolster their schedule.
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What could they achieve this coming season with at least six Champions League games on top of their regular domestic commitments?
Dream Team’s reigning king of defendersCredit: GETTY
Hated, adored, but never ignored
Man City may have dominated midfield from a collective perspective but it was Bruno Fernandes who finished as the top asset in his position with 283 points, 31 more than Kevin De Bruyne.
One of the main reasons for the divisive Portuguese playmaker’s supremacy was his unmatched tally of 12 Star Man awards but, as you should know by now, this aspect has been removed from the game for the upcoming season.
However, the improved scoring system should suit Fernandes’ playstyle just as well.
Throughout 2023/24, players will receive a point for every big chance created (as defined by OPTA) and no player registered more in the Premier League than Manchester United’s No18 last season.
Similarly, players will be rewarded with a point per shot on target and while that metric was predictably led by forwards, Fernandes ranked highest among midfielders.
Try your luck at Pep Roulette
Ready for another season of unpredictable starting line-ups?Credit: PA
It goes without saying that last season’s top gaffers made extensive use of Man City’s treble winners.
However, it’s not as simple as locking in three or four Etihad assets from Gameweek 1 until the end of the campaign, arguably only Haaland and De Bruyne fit that description in 2022/23.
Juggling Pep Guardiola’s troops requires an observant eye, sharp instincts and a dose of luck.
Take Jack Grealish as an example, he had just one goal involvement to his name by the end of Gameweek 14 and was therefore an ineffective use of a midfield slot.
Not long after, he produced ten goal involvements in the space of nine Gameweeks and was very much worthy of his place in a competitive XI.
A similar thing could be said of Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva who suffered fallow spells while out favour in between blistering periods of plentiful returns.
Gaffers shouldn’t be afraid to rotate City assets freely.
The myth of the ‘big six’
Can Mauricio Pochettino fix Chelsea’s problems?Credit: GETTY
Plenty of Dream Team gaffers will want to stack their team full of players from the Premier League’s so-called ‘big six’ and while that can be a profitable tactic, last season proved it can also cause serious problems.
2022/23 was an underwhelming campaign for Liverpool, a bitterly disappointing one for Spurs, and a horrendous one for Chelsea.
Dream Team bosses with Reds’ defenders, Blues’ attackers and any Spurs asset not named Harry Kane would have been much better off cherry-picking value-for-money gems from the likes of Brentford, Brighton and Newcastle.
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They’ll always be lorry-loads of points within the ‘big six’ but don’t put your faith in them blindly – it’s usually the case that at least two of the members are performing below par at any one time.

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