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      Bruno Fernandes, Kieran Trippier and other Dream Team assets one yellow card away from suspension

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      DREAM TEAM managers have enough on their plate at this time of the year without having to worry about suspensions.Unfortunately, there are a host of Premier League names one yellow card away from a one-game suspension, some of them among the most-popular assets in Dream Team right now.
      It’s not that these players necessarily need to be replaced as soon as possible but gaffers should be aware of which individuals are walking the tightrope as it may influence their strategy.

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      Walking the tightropeCredit: Dream Team
      PLAYERS ONE YELLOW CARD AWAY FROM A DOMESTIC SUSPENSION:

      Kai Havertz (£3m)
      Matty Cash (£3.2m)
      Lucas Digne (£2.8m)
      Douglas Luiz (£3.4m)
      Kristoffer Ajer (£1.9m)
      Christian Norgaard (£2.4m)
      Jordan Beyer (£1.6m)
      Raheem Sterling (£3.9m)
      Jordan Ayew (£3.1m)
      Jarrad Branthwaite (£1.8m)
      Ashley Young (£1.8m)
      Abdoulaye Doucoure (£3m)
      Antonee Robinson (£2.1m)
      Tom Lockyer (£1.5m)
      Issa Kabore (£1.8m)
      Marvelous Nakamba (£1.7m)
      Bruno Fernandes (£5.7m)
      Rodri (£4.1m)
      Kieran Trippier (£5.2m)
      Sean Longstaff (£3m)
      Orel Mangala (£1.7m)
      Ibrahim Sangare (£2.1m)
      Jack Robinson (£1m)
      Oliver Norwood (£2.2m)
      Rayan Ait-Nouri (£2.3m)

      The inclusion of Trippier’s name in this list will have set a few alarm bells off.
      Newcastle’s reliable right-back is Dream Team’s outright best defender having amassed 109 points and he’s the sixth-most popular player in the game with an ownership of 32.4%.
      Cash is the seventh-best asset in his position and the ninth-most selected player in the game.
      Aston Villa’s No2 is among the most transferred-out players ahead of Gameweek 14 having registered a goose egg against Tottenham at the weekend.
      Most read in Football
      Digne is also one yellow card away from an unscheduled rest meaning the Villains’ could conceivably be without both their first-choice full-backs sometime soon.
      Trippier appears in almost a third of teamsCredit: Getty
      Fernandes is comfortably Manchester United’s best performer this season, the Portuguese playmaker has racked up 105 points, and his ownership of 17.6% makes him the sixth-most selected midfielder.
      The 29-year-old would be a huge miss for his owners if he incurred a suspension but at £5.7m there is plenty of cash available for a replacement if gaffers decide to get rid, if only until after his inevitable fifth yellow card.
      Similarly, Rodri’s precarious status is a headache for the 14.5% of Dream Team bosses currently backing him.
      Manchester City’s linchpin is adept at avoiding bookings but he’s also instructed to make tactical fouls when necessary, meaning a yellow card is always a possibility.
      City’s record without Rodri is dismal this seasonCredit: Getty

      There are bound to be plenty of XIs out there containing Trippier, Cash, Fernandes and Rodri – if all four were to be suspended at the same time it would be nothing short of a disaster.
      Many gaffers will feel they have to act as soon as possible to remove even the slightest chance of such a fate.

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      Affordable Anthony Gordon produces 48 points across five Gameweeks to become top-tier Dream Team midfielder

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      NEWCASTLE defied their injury crisis to register an emphatic 4-1 win over Chelsea on Saturday.Anthony Gordon (£3.6m) was the big winner from a Dream Team perspective.
      The 22-year-old assisted his side’s second goal and scored the fourth to bank 12 points when all was said and done, his third double-digit haul of the season.
      Gordon is enjoying a fine seasonCredit: Dream Team
      Having started the campaign sharing his minutes with Harvey Barnes (£3m), Gordon has been one of the first names on the teamsheet since the ex-Leicester winger’s injury.
      And points have flowed easily for him, particularly in recent weeks.
      The Magpies’ No10 has produced 48 points across the last five Gameweeks with another fixture against PSG to come in midweek.
      This surge of prosperous form has elevated Gordon up to joint-fifth in the midfield rankings, alongside Bruno Fernandes (£5.7m) on 105 points.
      With an ownership of 20.4%, he’s currently Dream Team’s fourth-most selected midfielder and he’s also the most-popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 14 among all players, though it’s early days in that regard.
      Newcastle swept Chelsea aside at St James’ ParkCredit: Reuters
      Gordon’s form is not the only reason he’s a popular man in the realm of Dream Team.
      At £3.6m he’s very affordable, the cheapest midfielder among the top 12 performers in terms of total points.
      Most read in Football
      After the weekend’s success, he’s now got five goals and five assists in all competitions but goal involvements only tell half the story.
      He ranks among the top eight in his position for shots on target and big chances created.
      On top that, the hard-working winger has earned 13 points through tackles.
      In fact, he’s made the most tackles among the Newcastle squad.
      Newcastle face some tough fixtures in the next two monthsCredit: Getty
      Gordon is perhaps not at the level where he could be considered fixture-proof but healthy returns against Aston Villa, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal and now Chelsea are proof that he’s certainly no flat-track bully.
      This should encourage gaffers ahead of what is a relatively tough run for Eddie Howe’s side.
      After a trip to Paris this week, they have to face Manchester United, Tottenham, AC Milan, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Villa before the end of January.
      Gaffers should be aware that all but two of Gordon’s goal involvements have come St James’ Park with the exceptions being his goal and assist at Bramall Lane against lowly Sheffield United.

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      Dream Team gaffers should target Arsenal defenders over attackers for plentiful points

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      LAST season, Dream Team managers were spoiled for choice when it came to attack-minded Arsenal assets.Bukayo Saka (£6.5m), Martin Odegaard (£4.9m) and Gabriel Martinelli (£4.5m) were all among the game’s best midfielders while Gabriel Jesus (£5.2m) also provided healthy returns when available.
      There were times when Leandro Trossard (£3.3m) and Eddie Nketiah (£2.7m) were shrewd value-for-money options too.
      This season, however, gaffers would be wise to switch strategy and target the Gunners’ defenders in search of plentiful points.
      It’s like a throwback to the George Graham era!
      A solid partnershipCredit: Dream Team
      Saka continues to satisfy his backers having racked up 136 points, the highest tally among all players in his position right now.
      But the England winger is the only Arsenal representative in the top ten midfielders or top ten strikers.
      In contrast, William Saliba (£3.8m), Ben White (£4.4m) and Gabriel (£4.1m) are all among the top ten defenders at this stage.
      This trend was perfectly illustrated by Saturday’s result at the Gtech Community Stadium.
      Mikel Arteta’s side were not at their fluent best in attack but they beat Brentford courtesy of Kai Havertz’s (£3m) header to go top of the table.
      Most read in Dream Team
      The victory was Arsenal’s sixth clean sheet in the league this campaign, the most in the top flight, and their tally of ten goals conceded is the outright lowest after 13 league fixtures.
      Add in three other clean sheets across the Carabao Cup and the Champions League and it’s no wonder their defenders are among the best performers currently.
      Havertz got the job done but Arsenal’s defence deserve plenty of credit as wellCredit: Alamy
      An eight-point return against the Bees has put Saliba second in his position, behind only Kieran Trippier (£5.2m), with White now fourth and Gabriel ninth.
      The French centre-back is Dream Team’s most-popular defender with an ownership of 40.1%.
      It’s not that Arsenal have been lacking in goals as such, they’ve scored 27 in the league, the sixth-highest tally, but it’s clear their defence is the reason they’re once again competing for the title this time around.
      A closer look at the underlying numbers reinforces this point.
      The Gunners have generated 22.5 xG in the top flight, only the seventh-highest total, but they’ve conceded just 10.3 xG, making them the best defence according to this metric.
      Essentially, they’ve done very well to restrict the quality of their opponents’ chances this season.

      Looking forward, it seems reasonable to expect more points from Arsenal’s defenders in Gameweek 14 against Wolves and Luton.
      And there’s a midweek meeting with Lens to fulfil before this Gameweek is complete.
      Look back, not forward, when weighing up Arsenal’s options.

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      Andre Onana close to becoming Dream Team’s best goalkeeper but is Manchester United’s form a house of cards?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are the most in-form team in the Premier League.Just let that percolate for a moment.
      Erik ten Hag’s side have won five of their last six league games and now find themselves sixth in the table, just two points behind Tottenham.
      Things are looking up, aren’t they?Credit: Getty
      Not even the most partisan supporter would doubt that the Red Devils’ recent performances have not been as encouraging as the results suggest.
      Sunday’s win at Goodison Park being a prime example.
      The visitors took all three points via a 3-0 win over Everton when all was said and done with Alejandro Garnacho (£2.4m) scoring a Goal of the Season contender inside three minutes.
      However, Man United were also reliant on the Toffees’ wastefulness to some degree as the hosts were on top for long passages of the match.
      In fairness, Andre Onana (£3.8m) played his part between the sticks with some notable saves to come away with his seventh clean sheet of the season in all competitions.
      Incredibly, no goalkeeper has more clean sheets in 2023/24, a remarkable statistic given the Cameroon international’s shaky individual form throughout the first two months of the campaign.
      Breathing down Nick Pope’s neckCredit: Dream Team
      Naturally, this steady accumulation of clean sheets has translated to Dream Team success.
      Most read in Football
      Improbably, Onana now has 86 points to his name and is just three behind leading keeper Nick Pope (£4.2m).
      Backing the ex-Inter custodian appeared fraught with danger but gaffers who rolled the dice have been handsomely rewarded of late.
      The question now is whether the points will continue to flow for Onana and company or if United’s current form is build on a house of cards that could tumble any moment?
      Their league results have been superb recently but Ten Hag’s side capitulated against Galatasaray and Copenhagen in the Champions League.
      They were thoroughly beaten by a third-string Newcastle outfit in the Carabao Cup and, in their one league defeat since the start of October, they were comprehensively outclassed by Manchester City.
      Not only that, the nature of their wins have not been entirely convincing.
      Scott McTominay (£2.7m) popped up with an unlikely brace in stoppage time to get the job done at home to Brentford, a rare Diogo Dalot (£3.5m) goal proved to be enough in a sloppy showing at Sheffield United, a drab affair at Fulham was settled by a comedic stoppage-time winner from Bruno Fernandes (£5.7m), and Victor Lindelof (£2.4m) was the surprise hero at home to Luton in a relatively even contest before the international break.
      Take nothing away from the quality of Garnacho’s goalCredit: Getty
      Man United fans are well within their rights to celebrate victories however they come – that’s football – but Dream Team bosses should consider whether this is truly a team destined for extended success.
      In 13 league games, Onana and friends have allowed their opponents 21.2 expected goals (xG) – only six Premier League clubs have conceded more this season.
      This suggests that United have been very fortunate not to have conceded more than 16 goals in the top flight – their Champions League results could be seen as a regression to the mean.

      In terms of xG generated in attack, United fair marginally better but their overall rank of 11th is still hugely underwhelming.
      It’s a tough one for Dream Team gaffers as Onana is currently producing healthy returns – he’s 18 points clear of the game’s third-best keeper, Alisson (£3.8m).
      And yet it wouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone if his side’s underlying numbers caught up with them in the coming weeks.
      United face Newcastle, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Aston Villa before the turn of the year.

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      Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 13: Jarrod Bowen uncertainty, Erling Haaland hopeful

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      DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 13 in one easily digestible dose.David Moyes was unable to provide much certainty around Jarrod Bowen’s (£5.2m) availability ahead of West Ham’s favourable match-up with Burnley this weekend.
      The Hammers’ boss told reporters that he “hopes” his top scorer is available for the trip to Turf Moor but a final decision will be made tomorrow.
      The 20.6%-owned midfielder is among the most-popular players in the game right now so a sizeable chunk of Dream Team bosses have a big decision to make.
      Michail Antonio (£2.6m) will be sidelined for “a couple of weeks” having picked up a knee injury on duty for Jamaica.

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      Dream Team bosses have some big decisions to makeCredit: Dream Team
      Both Erling Haaland (£7.7m) and Ederson (£3.7m) have trained with Manchester City this week having incurred niggles during the international break.
      In regards to the prolific Norwegian poacher, Pep Guardiola said: “He trained yesterday with some niggles but today we have the last training and hopefully he can be part of it.”
      It would be a big surprise if the treble-winners’ No9 didn’t feature against Liverpool this Saturday lunchtime.
      Gabriel Jesus (£5.2m) came through a competitive game for Brazil unharmed and is therefore expected to be involved for Arsenal against Brentford.
      Martin Odegaard (£4.9m) has “progressed well” and should also make the squad while a late decision will be made on Ben White (£4.4m).
      Aaron Ramsdale (£3.4m) will start between the sticks for the Gunners as David Raya (£3.7m) is not permitted to play against his parent club in the league.
      The Spanish goalkeeper is likely to start against Lens in midweek.
      Andre Onana (£3.7m) is ready to face Everton on Sunday and Erik ten Hag may also be able to call upon Luke Shaw (£4.9m) for the first time since mid-August.
      However, Rasmus Hojlund (£3.9m) is scheduled to undergo a late fitness test.
      Odegaard’s return would be a big boost for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Yves Bissouma (£2.6m) is suspended for Aston Villa’s visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium while his midfield partner, Pape Matar Sarr (£2.2m), faces a race against time to recover from an issue that developed while away with Senegal.
      In more positive news for Spurs, Destiny Udogie (£2.6m) is said to be “fine” despite withdrawing from Italy’s squad.
      As for Unai Emery’s side, John McGinn (£3.4m) trained today and, barring any adverse effects, should feature this weekend.
      The Scotland international is Dream Team’s ninth-best midfielder right now.
      Emi Martinez (£3m) returned from Argentina duty with “a little bit of pain” but is expected to pull through without missing any games.
      Taiwo Awoniyi (£2.3m) is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines having undergone groin surgery.
      Steve Cooper could only say that the Nottingham Forest striker would return this season but he’ll certainly be out for at least three months.
      Kaoru Mitoma (£3.9m) was pictured in training on Thursday but Roberto De Zerbi has ruled the Japanese winger out of Brighton’s visit to the City Ground.
      In better news, Lewis Dunk (£2.5m) is available for the Seagulls.
      Mitoma will not feature this weekendCredit: Alamy
      Eddie Howe confirmed Kieran Trippier (£5.4m) is fine ahead of Newcastle’s home game against Chelsea – the reliable right-back is Dream Team’s top defender this season.
      However, the Magpies’ gaffer kept his cards close to his chest in regards to Alexander Isak’s (£4.2m) condition, refusing to give an indication either way in regards to the Swedish striker’s chances.
      Lewis Hall (£2.6m) is not eligible to face his parent club, adding to the Magpies’ long list of absentees (see below).
      Christopher Nkunku (£4m) and Romeo Lavia (£2.5m) are both close to making their Chelsea debuts but this weekend comes to soon – Levi Colwill (£2.6m) is fit and available.

      ARSENAL
      Injuries: Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, Martin Odegaard (doubt), Ben White (doubt)
      Suspensions: Fabio Vieira
      ASTON VILLA
      Injuries: Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia, Diego Carlos (doubt), Jacob Ramsey, John McGinn (doubt)
      Suspensions: None
      BOURNEMOUTH
      Injuries: Ryan Fredericks, Emiliano Marcondes, Tyler Adams, Alex Scott, Max Aarons
      Suspensions: None
      BRENTFORD
      Injuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Rico Henry, Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade, Nathan Collins
      Suspensions: Ivan Toney
      BRIGHTON
      Injuries: Julio Enciso, Pervis Estupinan, Solly March, Danny Welbeck, James Milner, Kaoru Mitoma, Lewis Dunk (doubt), Tariq Lamptey (doubt), Adam Webster (doubt), Igor Julio (doubt)
      Suspensions: Mahmoud Dahoud
      BURNLEY
      Injuries: Hjalmar Ekdal (doubt) Manuel Benson (doubt), Lyle Foster, Jack Cork, Arijanet Muric
      Suspensions: None
      CHELSEA
      Injuries: Trevoh Chalobah, Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Moises Caicedo (doubt), Romeo Lavia, Ben Chilwell
      Suspensions: None
      CRYSTAL PALACE
      Injuries: James Tomkins, Dean Henderson, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
      Suspensions: None
      EVERTON
      Injuries: Seamus Coleman, Dele Alli, Andre Gomes, Amadou Onana (doubt)
      Suspensions: None
      FULHAM
      Injuries: Adama Traore, Issa Diop, Rodrigo Muniz
      Suspensions: Joao Palhinha
      LIVERPOOL
      Injuries: Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones (doubt), Ryan Gravenberch (doubt), Ibrahima Konate (doubt), Joe Gomez (doubt)
      Suspensions: None
      LUTON
      Injuries: Dan Potts, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Amari’i Bell, Mads Andersen, Reece Burke, Cauley Woodrow, Chiedozie Ogbene (doubt), Issa Kabore, Alfie Doughty (doubt)
      Suspensions: None
      MANCHESTER CITY
      Injuries: Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Gomez, Mateo Kovacic (doubt), Ederson (doubt), Erling Haaland (doubt), Matheus Nunes (doubt), Nathan Ake (doubt)
      Suspensions: None
      MANCHESTER UNITED
      Injuries: Amad Diallo, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen, Rasmus Hojlund (doubt)
      Suspensions: None
      NEWCASTLE
      Injuries: Javier Manquillo, Harvey Barnes, Sven Botman, Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak (doubt), Elliot Anderson, Matt Targett, Dan Burn, Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron (doubt), Sean Longstaff (doubt)
      Suspensions: Sandro Tonali
      NOTTINGHAM FOREST
      Injuries: Danilo, Felipe, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Taiwo Awoniyi, Murillo (doubt), Anthony Elanga (doubt)
      Suspensions: None
      SHEFFIELD UNITED
      Injuries: Rhys Norrington-Davies, Daniel Jebbison, John Egan, Chris Basham, Tom Davies, Rhian Brewster
      Suspensions: None
      TOTTENHAM
      Injuries: Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon, Alfie Whiteman, Manor Solomon, James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Pape Matar Sarr (doubt)
      Suspensions: Yves Bissouma, Cristian Romero
      WEST HAM
      Injuries: Jarrod Bowen (doubt), Mohammed Kudus (doubt), Michail Antonio
      Suspensions: None
      WOLVES
      Injuries: Mario Lemina (doubt), Joe Hodge, Pedro Neto, Nathan Fraser, Nelson Semdo (doubt)
      Suspensions: Craig Dawson
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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 13 – Manchester City v Liverpool creates open field

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      CAPTAINCY is likely to be a pivotal factor in Dream Team Gameweek 13.With the game’s two most-popular captains, Erling Haaland (£7.7m) and Mohamed Salah (£6.6m), in direct competition this weekend and the former said to be carrying a minor injury, the field is wide open.

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      Dare you take him on?Credit: Alamy
      Many gaffers will stick by either Manchester City’s No9 or Liverpool’s Egyptian hero as they are the top two points scorers this season and could be seen as fixture-proof – fair enough.
      Pep Guardiola’s side face RB Leipzig in midweek while Jurgen Klopp’s troops host LASK on Thursday night and so Saturday’s mega clash at the Etihad is not the only factor to consider when weighing up Haaland and Salah’s viability.
      Regardless, if ever there was a Gameweek to take on the big two, now feels like the time.
      Let’s run through some alternative options…
      Bukayo Saka (£6.5m)
      Rarely lets Dream team bosses downCredit: Dream Team
      Arsenal’s No7 is just two points behind Salah in the rankings and is the game’s leading midfielder at this stage.
      With six goals, nine assists and 22 bonus points to his name, Saka has picked up where he left off last season and is fully deserving of his status as Dream Team’s third-most popular player.
      Most read in Football
      The Gunners travel to Brentford this weekend which is no simple task but the Bees’ attack is stronger than their defence this season and Saka rarely misses out against bottom-half opposition – although Thomas Frank’s side are only 11th on goal difference.
      Mikel Arteta’s side will then play Lens at home in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
      Arsenal lost to the Ligue 1 side in France but they’ve won all their other European games this term and will be clear favourites to exact revenge.
      Saka may not be 100% fit but he always starts when available and so it may be worth opting to double his points against Brentford and Lens in Gameweek 13.
      James Ward-Prowse (£4.2m)
      Mr ConsistentCredit: Rex
      The majority of Dream Team bosses are eagerly waiting an update on Jarrod Bowen’s (£5.2m) fitness ahead of Gameweek 13.
      West Ham’s top scorer has bagged nine goals in all competitions already this season but a knee issue may force him to miss out favourable match-ups against Burnley and Backa Topola.
      The thing is, Bowen is far from the Hammers’ only successful midfield option.
      Ward-Prowse has 106 points to show for his efforts to date having provided nine assists – no asset in his position has created more big chances.
      And the set-piece specialist’s tally of 25 bonus points is the highest in the game right now.
      The ex-Southampton skipper averages eight points-per-game across his last three outings and so it would reasonable to expect a healthy double-digit haul from him in the coming days.
      On paper, David Moyes’ side have the best fixtures this Gameweek.
      Ollie Watkins (£4.7m)
      108 Dream Team points and countingCredit: Getty
      Aston Villa travel to Tottenham on Sunday in what could certainly be regarded as a tough test.
      Unai Emery’s men are less potent on the road while Spurs remain fourth in the table but, upon closer inspection, this match-up could favour the Villains’ primary goal threat.
      Watkins thrives against high defensive lines which Ange Postecoglou has made clear he will persevere with regardless of the match situation.
      The hosts are also missing several key players, most notably, James Maddison (£4.2m) and Micky van de Ven (£2.9m).
      Villa are the Premier League’s second-highest scorers in 2023/24.
      To sweeten the deal, Watkins may get a decent run out in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night against Legia Warsaw at Villa Park.

      Dream Team gaffers should also consider the possibility of activating their Max Captain Booster this Gameweek.
      This would remove the captaincy headache altogether and guarantee the optimum selection.

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      Booster strategies for Gameweek 13: Max Captain viable amid injury concerns, 12th Man options

      by

      ALL three Boosters are best saved for double Gameweeks and so now is a perfectly good time to activate either Park the Bus, 12th Man or Max Captain.No fewer than eight clubs are set to pull double duty in Gameweek 13 with the European competitions set to resume after a full round of Premier League fixtures.
      With that in mind, lets’s analyse how each of the three Boosters might be best deployed…

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      A spanner in the worksCredit: Dream Team
      Park the Bus
      Dream Team’s most-powerful Booster doubles the points of all your defenders.
      If you’re going to flip the switch this week then you should use your transfers to revert to a formation with five at the back.
      The main reason not to activate Park the Bus ahead of Gameweek 13 is the headline fixture, Manchester City v Liverpool.
      Generally, Park the Bus gaffers would hope to make use of the league’s top two sides but such a plan is scuppered when the clubs in question are in direct competition.
      Arsenal boast the top flight’s joint-best defensive record alongside the Reds at this stage of the campaign but an away trip to Brentford is a match-up for medium difficulty at the vert least.
      Most read in Football
      The Gunners have a home game against Lens in midweek so it’s entirely possible William Saliba (£3.7m) and friends could provide healthy returns but there are likely to be more inviting opportunities to play Park the Bus in the coming weeks/months.
      That being said, there are big returns to be had with some inviting European match-ups in midweek so if you strike upon a back five that feels strong then crack on.
      Max Captain
      Max Captain is always on the cards if Haaland isn’t a sure betCredit: Alamy
      Saturday lunchtime’s mouthwatering clash at the Etihad may hinder the viability of Park the Bus but it increases the likelihood of an effective Max Captain deployment.
      This Booster doubles the points of your XI’s best performer for the duration of the Gameweek, essentially ensuring the optimum choice.
      Erling Haaland (£7.7m) is always the most-selected captain but there are question marks over his availability after he picked up a foot injury while on Norway duty.
      City’s prolific No9 may well pull through but even so, Liverpool represent a tough weekend opponent – he’s got a great record against RB Leipzig though and the treble winners host the Bunesliga club in midweek.
      Mohamed Salah (£6.6m) has scored more than his fair share of goals against Pep Guardiola’s men in the past but a trip to the Etihad can never be considered a truly favourable match-up.
      Activating Max Captain would eliminate this week’s sizeable captaincy headache and act as insurance in case Haaland sits out.
      However, if the prolific poacher is fit enough to play both games and he adds to his goal tally – as he tends to do – then there’s a risk of a Booster going to waste.
      All things considered, the combination of availability issues and the standout options of Haaland and Salah facing tough opposition makes Max Captain a very appealing option.

      12th Man
      WildcardCredit: Dream Team
      This Booster allows you to pick an additional player to score points on top of your usual XI for one Gameweek only.
      So which individuals would fit the bill for the coming days?
      West Ham’s double header of Burnley and Backa Topola seems ripe for points, especially given the Hammers have not one, not two, but three midfielders in Dream Team’s top six right now.
      Jarrod Bowen (£5.2m) is a major injury concern but James Ward-Prowse (£4.2m) and Lucas Paqueta (£3.9m) are more than capable of providing a double-digit haul in Gameweek 13.
      It’s also possible Mohammed Kudus (£4.2m) will step up for David Moyes if Bowen has indeed joined Michail Antonio (£2.6m) on the sidelines.
      Although the Ghana star is something of an injury doubt himself so seek out an update before fully committing.
      Bukayo Saka (£6.5m) feels like too obvious a suggestion for 12th Man as he’s the third-most popular player in the game currently but it may be that some gaffers are unable to afford the Arsenal winger.
      If that’s the case, using 12th Man to recruit Dream Team’s top midfielder for his outings against Brentford and Lens could be a very profitable strategy.
      Bruno Fernandes (£5.7m) is a decent shout too – he plays Everton then Galatasaray.
      Good luck to you if you decide to pull the trigger on a Booster for Gameweek 13 – fingers crossed for a lorry-load of points!

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      Somebody must win £500 Amazon voucher with Score Predictor this weekend – play now!

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      SCORE PREDICTOR will gift one shrewd football fan an early Christmas present this weekend in the form of a £500 Amazon voucher.Simply enter your predictions for five Premier League fixtures and watch on with glee as you earn points for accuracy.
      If your crystal ball proves to be reliable and you earn more points than anyone else, you’ll win a £500 Amazon voucher!

      CLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN A £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!

      How it feels to win Score PredictorCredit: Getty
      Remember, you don’t have to accurately predict the exact outcomes of all five games to land the top prize – that would be asking too much – you simply have to outscore your rivals.
      It takes no time at all to enter your predictions and any football supporter worth their salt has just as much chance of winning as anyone else.
      Some of our previous winners this season landed amazing prizes having submitted their predictions in ten seconds through sheer gut instinct.
      In the spirit of transparency, here are our predictions for Matchweek 15’s fixtures…
      Manchester City v Liverpool
      A modern classicCredit: Dream Team
      The weekend’s main event gets us underway this Saturday lunchtime.
      Most read in Football
      Pep Guardiola’s side are currently top of the table, one point ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s mob, and most of the the recent meetings between these two enterprising sides have been thrilling affairs.
      The treble-winners won this same fixture 4-1 last season but fans of both sides would probably agree the Reds are more functional this this campaign.
      Saying that, City average a shade under two and a half goals per league game against Liverpool at home since the start of 2020.
      The hosts have kept a clean sheet in just one of their last six league games and they shipped four to Chelsea last time out so the likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz will feel confident of some success in the final third.
      Let’s try manifest a brilliant game to celebrate the end of the international break.
      Our Prediction: 3-2 to Man City
      Kieran Trippier made it clear to Newcastle fans that injuries were a factor at BournemouthCredit: Rex
      Newcastle v Chelsea
      Were it not for the clash at the Etihad, this could easily have been the standout fixture of the weekend.
      St James’ Park is a difficult place to go but the Magpies felt the impact of their injury list away to Bournemouth in their most recent encounter, a 2-0 defeat on the south coast saw them drop to seventh.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s men will have taken much heart from their games against Spurs and City – four points from those two match-ups represents something of a turning point.
      There’s nothing between these two in the form guide with both clubs having won two, drawn two and lost one in their last five.
      Injury updates from Eddie Howe’s press conference may change the outlook but for now…
      Our Prediction: 1-1 draw
      Arsenal’s defence has been solid this seasonCredit: Getty
      Brentford v Arsenal
      The Gunners have scored seven more goals than the Bees this season but the underlying numbers suggest the two attacking units are closer than some would expect.
      Thomas Frank’s side have actually generated more expected goals (xG) than Arsenal, meaning they’re marginally ahead from a creative perspective but notably less clinical when it comes to putting the ball in the net.
      There’s a big difference in defence though as Mikel Arteta’s side are statistically the best the top flight has to offer right now, having conceded ten goals from 9.2 expected goals allowed.
      Brentford’s slightly inefficient attack against the league’s tightness defence should favour the visitors but we still fancy the hosts to give their fans something to celebrate.
      All that being said, Arsenal are one point off top spot while Brentford are in the bottom half so we’re inclined to back Bukayo Saka and company to get the job done on the road.
      Our Prediction: 2-1 to Arsenal
      Spurs have several key absenteesCredit: Reuters
      Tottenham v Aston Villa
      Another fascinating match-up on paper.
      Only City have scored more goals than the Villains this season but Unai Emery’s men are nowhere near as potent away from home.
      Ange Postecoglou’s side are equally dynamic in attack at full capacity but, like Newcastle, they’re hindered by a host of absentees with James Maddison and Micky van de Ven being major losses.
      Spurs’ injuries and Villa’s away record suggest both sides may be short of their best on Sunday but this game still has all the makings of another end-to-end thriller.
      The prospect of Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby against a high defensive line is an enticing one but we could just as easily see Son Heung-min running in behind Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres.
      Our Prediction: 2-2 draw

      Everton will be highly motivated in front of their home fans on SundayCredit: Getty
      Everton v Manchester United
      The Toffees’ recent points deduction should give this clash a unique atmosphere.
      Sean Dyche will hope to make use of a siege mentality at Goodison Park to extend his side’s improved form – they’ve lost just one of their last six games in all competitions.
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin has rediscovered something close to his most effective form, backed by an energetic midfield that is capable of upsetting teams prone to capitulations, which has to include this current version of the Red Devils.
      Erik ten Hag’s have actually won four of their last five league games but unconvincing performances against Luton, Fulham and Sheffield United failed to inspire much confidence.
      Recent blow-ups against Copenhagen, Man City, a second-string Newcastle (Carabao Cup) and Galatasaray have put the Dutch tactician under pressure.
      The combination of a highly-motivated Everton at home to a United side with a vulnerable underbelly leads us to a semi-bold prediction.
      Our Prediction: 2-1 to Everton
      Think you know better? You’re almost certainly right.
      Play Score Predictor now and you could win a £500 Amazon voucher come Sunday night!

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