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      Transfer recommendations for Gameweek 12: Liverpool and Manchester United double headers ripe with potential

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      DREAM TEAM managers should be aware that seven teams are set to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 12.After a full round of Premier League games, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea will be in European action across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Gaffers intent on a points-laden return from the international break should have these double headers in mind when making their transfers ahead of Saturday’s 11:30am deadline.As usual, we’ve collated some recommendations outside the blindingly obvious names.Target the European fixtures for bumper returnsCredit: Dream TeamLuis Diaz (£4.6m)Arne Slot’s side are set to face 20th-placed Southampton this weekend before they welcome Real Madrid to Anfield in midweek.Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) is best placed to take advantage but it’s probably worth doubling up on attacking Liverpool assets, with the Colombia winger a shining light.In fact, only Erling Haaland (£8.6m) and Salah have scored more goals than Diaz in all competitions this season.There may be some concerns about the 27-year-old after a long flight back from South America but he should get his fair share of minutes across the two fixtures.Diaz ranks second among Dream Team midfielders having amassed 112 points across the first 11 Gameweeks.Most read in FootballGaffers worldwide will have one eye on Amorim’s first game in charge of Man UnitedCredit: GettyNoussair Mazraoui (£3.8m)Nobody would put Man United in the same bracket as Liverpool at present but the former’s double header looks mightily appealing on paper.The Red Devils visit Ipswich this weekend and host Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night – a relatively favourable start for Ruben Amorim as Old Trafford boss.Mazraoui has racked up 91 points to date, thanks in no small part to 55 tackles (an unmatched tally among defenders) and a healthy return of 13 bonus points.There’s every chance the Morocco international will be deployed as a wing-back if Amorim implements his preferred 3-4-3 formation, as expected, which would mean more time in the final third.Mazraoui is already well placed to take points off the Tractor Boys and Norwegian Europa League opposition; a more advanced role would only increase his viability.Ahead of Gameweek 11 we recommended Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) and the in-form midfielder repaid our faith with a 17-point return so he’s probably worth repeating this week – it’s not too late!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 NOWLucas Digne (£3.6m)This suggestion comes with risk as Aston Villa have lost four games on the spin but Saturday’s meeting with Crystal Palace has to be considered a favourable one.Only Southampton have scored fewer league goals than the Eagles this season.That being said, one doesn’t pick Digne for clean sheets, it’s his attacking threat that makes him a tempting option.The Frenchman has provided three assists and created eight big chances this term – no defender has registered more at this juncture.He was in great form for Les Bleus during the international break too, if that carries any weight.The Villains’ additional fixture is a home game against Juventus in the Champions League, a tougher test, but Unai Emery’s side have already seen off Bayern Munich in the midlands this term.A creative force from defenceCredit: EPAAlexander Isak (£5.1m)We always finish with an alternative recommendation of sorts.Newcastle’s No14 is hardly a hidden gem but he’s certainly not an obvious option for Gameweek 12 because the Magpies only have one fixture.However, that fixture happens to be against a beleaguered West Ham outfit at St James’ Park.Isak has scored in four consecutive games (for a return of 42 points) in a run that has seen Eddie Howe’s mob knock off Chelsea, Arsenal and high-flying Nottingham Forest – he will fancy his chances of extending his streak against the Hammers on current form.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s worth noting that our last wildcard suggestions, Rayan Ait-Nouri (£3.4m) and Matheus Cunha (£4.5m), combined for 22 points in Gameweek 11.Sometimes it pays to think outside the box.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

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      Top tips for Score Predictor Matchweek 12 – play now and compete for £250 weekly prize!

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      SCORE PREDICTOR returns with Matchweek 12 coming in hot.As usual, it’s free to play with a £250 cash prize for the weekly winner so there’s no reason to shy away.Play Score Predictor now!Credit: Dream TeamSimply submit your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you amass the most points then – cha ching – you’ll pocket the cash!Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture this Matchweek.Arsenal v Nottingham ForestThis was a relatively straightforward match-up to predict in recent seasons but Forest are a different beast this term.Nuno Espirito Santo’s mob are currently fifth in the table, level with the Gunners on 19 points.Only Liverpool have conceded fewer league goals than Forest at this stage while only Erling Haaland is clear of Chris Wood in the Golden Boot race.Mikel Arteta’s troops will certainly be wary of an upset having only won one of their last five outings in all competitions; and that a victory over Championship side Preston in the Carabao Cup.Most read in FootballWhat’s more, Forest boast the second-best away record in the top flight having gone unbeaten on the road since the start of the campaign.There’s a chance Arsenal will have reset during the international break but all signs point to a very competitive game at the Emirates this Saturday.Our Prediction: 1-1 drawForest have already won at Anfield this seasonCredit: GettyManchester City v TottenhamProbably the standout match-up of Matchweek 12.Pep Guardiola suffered a fourth consecutive defeat for the first time in his managerial career when his side fell to Brighton prior to the break.It would be quite something if that run were to extend to five but certainly not inconceivable given the opposition.Spurs have been a bogey team for the decorated tactician in recent years although his woes have generally stemmed from North London – City’s home record remains imperious.Ange Postecoglou’s side are difficult to pin down this season.They’re the league’s top scorers but inconsistent form, typified by their loss to Ipswich last time out, has them tenth in the standings.These sides rank first and second for total shots in the Premier League this season and with vulnerabilities in both defences it could be an entertaining contest – a tough one to predict though.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawScore 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 NOWSouthampton v LiverpoolIf the first two match-ups are tantalisingly poised, this one appears relatively simple.With Saints pinned to the bottom of the table and the Reds leading the way at the top, this is a huge mismatch on paper.Arne Slot may have one eye on Real Madrid in midweek but it’s surely a question of how many for the visitors on Sunday?Our Prediction: 4-0 to LiverpoolSouthampton will be up against it this weekendCredit: GettyIpswich v Manchester UnitedThe Red Devils once beat the Tractor Boys 9-0 under Alex Ferguson’s watch but that was a long time ago.After an underwhelming start to the campaign that proved to be the end of Erik ten Hag, Man United are just four places above Ipswich in the table at present.Although the East Anglians were made to wait until November 10th for their first Premier League since promotion.The primary talking point about this game revolves around Ruben Amorim with the Portuguese tactician set to take charge of his first game as head coach of the 20-time champions.Score Predictors will have to ask themselves how much they believe in the concept of a new manager bounce.Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored fewer league goals than Man United this term but there were signs of an upturn prior to the break.Our Prediction: 3-1 to Manchester UnitedA trip to Portman represents a relatively favourable start for Amorim on paperCredit: GettyNewcastle v West HamOptimism has been restored at St James’ Park this month following back-to-back wins over Arsenal and high-flying Forest.After a somewhat subdued start to the campaign, Alexander Isak is now bang in form having scored in four consecutive games – the Swedish striker will fancy his chances of extending his streak on Monday night.In contrast, patience is running thin among Hammers fans in regards to Julen Lopetegui’s tenure.West Ham failed to score in either of the last two outings (against Forest and Everton) and have been rendered relatively toothless by Mohammed Kudus’ lengthy suspension.Having been 3-1 down in the 76th minute, Harvey Barnes inspired Newcastle to a 4-3 win over West Ham in the corresponding fixture last season but it should be a more straightforward task for the hosts this time around.Our Prediction: 2-0 to NewcastleREAD MORE SUN STORIESThink you know better? You’re almost certainly right!Play Score Predictor now and put yourself in contention for the £250 weekly 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. 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

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      Just 58% of Dream Team managers have used a Booster this season – activate one in Gameweek 12 for bumper returns

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      OVER half of all Dream Team managers are yet to play a single Booster this season.To be precise, 58% of gaffers still have Goal Bonus, 12th Man and Max Captain in the holster.Send your points into orbit by playing a BoosterCredit: Dream TeamWith over two thirds of the campaign remaining, this is perfectly reasonable given each Booster can only be played once per season – there’s certainly no need to be overly eager.However, if you’re included in the aforementioned 58% of bosses, you should at least consider the possibility of activating a Booster ahead of Gameweek 12.Generally speaking, Boosters are best deployed when the vast majority of your players have two fixtures at their disposal for the very simple reason that assets with additional games tend to perform better than counterparts who are essentially limited to league commitments.Seven teams are set to pull double duty in Gameweek 12 with Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa in Champions League action, Tottenham and Manchester United active in the Europa League, and Chelsea resuming their Conference League campaign.What’s more, several of those clubs have favourable league fixtures this weekend.A trip to Ipswich represents a relatively favourable start for Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyGAMEWEEK 12 DOUBLE HEADERS:MANCHESTER CITY vs Tottenham, FeyenoordARSENAL vs Nottingham Forest & Sporting CPLIVERPOOL vs Southampton & Real MadridASTON VILLA vs Crystal Palace & JuventusTOTTENHAM vs Manchester City & RomaMANCHESTER UNITED vs Ipswich & Bodo/GlimtCHELSEA vs Leicester & HeidenheimIf your team features plenty of Liverpool, Man United and Villa players then it might be well suited to a Booster as those three sides are due to face teams currently in the bottom four across Saturday and Sunday.Most read in FootballRemember, the Goal Bonus Booster increases the value of each goal from six points to nine points.For example, if you captain Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) and he bags a brace against Saints and a goal against the La Liga giants in midweek, which is perfectly feasible on current form, you’re looking at a mega haul of 70+ points from the Egyptian superstar alone.It goes without saying that your XI needs to be loaded with goal threats when you activate Goal Bonus – there’s no point hitting the button when you’ve got five defenders.Salah could feast against bottom-of-the-league Southampton on SundayCredit: GettyAlternatively, you might want to consider selecting a 12th Man for Gameweek 12.If you haven’t got Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) in your midfield and can’t afford to recruit the game’s most in-form player via a transfer ahead of Saturday’s deadline then the Portuguese playmaker would make an excellent 12th Man with the Red Devils set to face Ipswich and Bodo/Glimt.Man United’s fixtures look even more appealing if you believe in the power of a New Manager Bounce with Ruben Amorim now firmly in charge at Old Trafford.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 NOWIt should be stressed that Boosters should only be played when it suits your specific team – don’t force it if it’s not the right time.Gameweek 12 looks like an inviting opportunity on paper but with several popular players currently flagged as availability concerns – Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Bryan Mbeumo, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, etc – it may not be the right time for you.But if the stars align there could be bumper points up for grabs this coming Gameweek.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

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      New Last Man Standing Prize League starts this weekend – pick your team now and compete for £2,000 jackpot!

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      WHAT better way to celebrate the end of the international break than a brand new Last Man Standing Prize League?Dream Team’s third Prize League of the season is free to play with a £2,000 jackpot up for grabs.Play Last Man Standing now!Credit: Dream TeamOur first two Prize Leagues are still active with just 18 entrants remaining in the first contest (talk about squeaky-bum time) but that doesn’t affect this latest edition whatsoever – if you’re still alive in either of the first two Prize Leagues you can also enter the third.PLAY LAST MAN STANDING NOW AHEAD OF LATEST PRIZE LEAGUE – £2,000 CASH UP FOR GRABS!Last Man Standing is a simple yet compelling game.Ahead of each Matchweek (MW), you simply have to select one Premier League team to win their upcoming fixture.If your chosen team wins, you progress to the next Matchweek and take another step towards the cash prize.However, if your team draws or loses, you are eliminated.But here’s the thing, you can only select each team ONCE.For example, if you back Liverpool to beat Southampton this coming weekend and they hammer Saints 5-0 you will progress to the next Matchweek but Arne Slot’s side will be unavailable to you for the remainder of the contest.Most read in FootballLiverpool are league leaders ahead of Matchweek 12Credit: PAThe eventual winner, the last entrant active after everyone else has been eliminated, will know when to play it safe and when to roll the dice.Here is the first set of fixtures (Matchweek 12) for you to weigh up:Leicester v ChelseaBournemouth v BrightonArsenal v Nottingham ForestAston Villa v Crystal PalaceEverton v BrentfordFulham v WolvesManchester City v TottenhamSouthampton v LiverpoolIpswich v Manchester UnitedNewcastle v West HamPick a winner from that bunch and you’ll take a step closer to the £2,000 prize.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 NOWNaturally, Liverpool’s trip to the south coast jumps out as a mega mismatch given the two sides are separated by the full length of the Premier League table.But do you want to use up your only chance to back the Reds straight out of the gate? Decisions, decisions…For more information on Last Man Standing please read the Game Rules.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

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      Which Manchester United players will flourish in Dream Team under Ruben Amorim’s watch?

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      THE wait is over.Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game as Manchester United head coach this Sunday when he leads his troops to face Ipswich at Portman Road.Fans of the Red Devils and neutrals alike will be intrigued to see how the Portuguese tactician fares in his first managerial outing on English shores but what should Dream Team managers expect going forward?It’s all eyes on Amorim in Gameweek 12Credit: Dream TeamErik ten Hag’s version of this Man United side was flawed in many ways but several players have thrived in Dream Team across the first eleven Gameweeks of the season.Andre Onana (£4m), Noussair Mazraoui (£3.8m), Diogo Dalot (£4.2m), Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) and Alejandro Garnacho (£4.1m) are all among the top seven assets in their respective positions at the time of writing.But which players will flourish under Amorim’s watch?The former Sporting CP coach is likely to employ his preferred 3-4-3 formation, making use of wing-backs.If Mazraoui is deployed as the right wing-back then there’s every chance that will lead to increased attacking returns for the 27-year-old.Mazraoui has impressed since his transfer to Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe Morocco international has racked up a whopping 91 points already this season via five clean sheets and an unmatched tally (in his position) of 55 tackles, not to mention 13 bonus points.Add in more time in the final third with greater attacking responsibilities and he could go to another level.Most read in FootballMazraoui is seemingly a lock at right wing-back but it will be interesting to see who fulfils the role on the opposite flank in the long run.Dalot will be hopeful of a spot in his compatriot’s starting XI but it will be interesting to see whether Amorim eventually opts to convert one of the squad’s wingers into a wing-back.It’s not unthinkable, for example, that Garnacho might get some minutes in the role in the near future.Many fans are eager to see what role Garnacho will fulfil under AmorimCredit: AlamySuch a move would mean more defensive duties for the Argentine youngster and perhaps a reduced goal threat, which would negatively impact his Dream Team viability.However, if Amorim considers Garnacho worthy of a regular starting spot in his front three there could be plenty of points on offer.Only superstar forwards Erling Haaland (£8.6m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) have registered more shots on target than Garnacho so far this season; Amorim will surely want to maintain that level of threat in the final third throughout his first few weeks as Old Trafford boss at the very least.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 NOWClub captain Fernandes is currently Dream Team’s most in-form player having plundered 61 points across the last three Gameweeks!The Portugal international generally operates best as a central advanced playmaker but such a role doesn’t really exist in Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation.With the wing-backs encouraged to offer width high up the pitch, the two central midfielders are generally more combative types, tasked with recovering the ball and playing through the middle third.The long-term vision probably features Kobbie Mainoo (£3.1m) and Manuel Ugarte (£2.8m) as partners in the middle of the park.This would result in Fernandes being deployed in the front three but in what capacity remains to be seen.It may be that he’s given a partial free role to create in more familiar areas, with a slight preference for the half-space closer to the right flank.Broadly speaking, the 30-year-old should be one of the main beneficiaries if Amorim is able to spark improvements across the board – his individual creative output is up there with the best players in Europe in recent years.Dream Team’s form playerCredit: ReutersOne player Man United fans will desperately be hoping ascends to another level under the new regime is Rasmus Hojlund (£3.9m).Viktor Gyokeres’ widely-heralded form up front was the defining aspect of Amorim’s successful Sporting side.The former Coventry striker has scored 66 goals in 68 games since his transfer to the Portuguese giants, including a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City a few days before the international break.READ MORE SUN STORIESNobody is expecting Hojlund to suddenly morph into one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers but if Amorim is able to mould United into a dynamic attacking force then more and more Dream Team bosses will surely be tempted by the Danish focal point leading the line.Injury problems may scupper some plans in Gameweek 12 but Amorin’s hand will be revealed to some extent and gaffers should pay careful attention.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

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      Stick or twist? Dream Team bosses torn over popular defenders amid Manchester City blip

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      BRIGHTON made history when they beat Manchester City 2-1 before the international break.That result on the south coast was Pep Guardiola’s fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, the first such instance of his managerial career.For a decorated coach who sets such high standards, his side are in the midst of an unprecedented downturn in form.Guardiola has suffered four consecutive defeats for the first time in his managerial careerCredit: ReutersNaturally, this blip has translated to the world of Dream Team, not least in regards to Josko Gvardiol (£4.8m) and Rico Lewis (£3.7m).This pair warrants particular scrutiny because of their immense popularity.At the time of writing, Gvardiol and Lewis are the two most selected defenders in the game.MOST POPULAR DREAM TEAM DEFENDERS (% OWNERSHIP):27.4% – Josko Gvardiol26.3% – Rico Lewis21.9% – Trent Alexander-Arnold16.9% – William Saliba16.4% – Virgil van Dijk13% – Lucas Digne12.4% – Pedro Porro12.2% – Gabriel10.7% – Noussair Mazraoui10.6% – Marc GuehiGiven Man City have conceded ten goals across their last four games, it stands to reason Lewis and Gvardiol’s points have dried up.The latter scored his side’s only goal away to Bournemouth in Gameweek 10 but his return of 12 points from his last four outings is not befitting an asset of his price and popularity.Most read in FootballGvardiol and company received a pasting at the hands of Sporting CPCredit: AlamyLewis’ form is even more alarming as he’s mustered just five points in the same time frame!Gaffers won’t resent the talented teenager too much as he’s already provided far more than what was expected of him this season.Having previously been a bit-part player, the England international has established himself as a regular starter for the defending champions this campaign and his return of 87 points represents incredible value for money – he was very affordable for a long while.However, now that he appears in over a quarter of teams, Lewis has to be held to high standard and his form is a major concern.Lewis has been a Dream Team gem this season but his recent returns are disappointingCredit: GettyThere probably aren’t too many Dream Team managers out there who consider this blip in Man City’s form to be critical.Guardiola’s men usually embark upon a long unbeaten streak in the second half of the season that yields plentiful points.But it’s hard to blame the gaffers seeking replacements for Gvardiol and/or Lewis ahead of Gameweek 12, if only temporary ones.City have the luxury of two home games this coming Gameweek but their opponents, Tottenham and Feyenoord, aren’t exactly favourable for defenders.Spurs are the Premier League’s top scorers while the Dutch outfit are the second top scorers in the Eredivisie at present.READ MORE SUN STORIESScore 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 13 then brings a double header against league leaders Liverpool and high-flying Nottingham Forest.A pivot away from City’s popular defenders appears to be a perfectly logical strategy, with a view to potentially bringing them back in when their schedule levels out from Gameweek 16 onwards.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

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      Dwindling returns a problem for Ollie Watkins owners but favourable weekend fixture promises points

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      OLLIE WATKINS (£5.5m) scored the first of England’s eight unanswered goals during the international break but his domestic form remains a concern.With an ownership of 17.6%, the Aston Villa striker is the fourth-most popular Dream Team asset in his position but his owners have a big decision to make ahead of Gameweek 12.A class act but his points have fallen off a cliff recentlyCredit: Dream TeamWatkins has mustered just six points (all appearance points) from his last three games at a time when the likes of Mohamed Salah (£7.3m), Dominic Solanke (£4.3m), Matheus Cunha (£4.5m) and Alexander Isak (£5.1m) have cashed in.The 28-year-old’s downturn has coincided with a miserable run of results for Unai Emery’s side.Villa’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield before the break was their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions having also lost to Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Club Brugge.In fact, the Villains haven’t won since they beat Bologna 2-0 in Gameweek 8.Emery has issues to address after a downturn in resultsCredit: GettyWatkins has been a top-tier Dream Team asset ever since Emery took charge at Villa Park and his return of 84 points from the first 11 Gameweeks of 2024/25 is perfectly respectable.He’s scored five goals and provided three assists this term, averaging a goal involvement every 135.4 minutes.However, it’s worth noting that Watkins has had to share more of his minutes with super sub Jhon Duran (£3m) this season.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 NOWFew Dream Team bosses would doubt the overall quality of the Three Lions forward but his dwindling returns are a significant concern – he’s not registered a shot on target since Villa drew with Bournemouth in Gameweek 9.Most read in FootballOnly two players were transferred out of more teams ahead of Gameweek 11 and gaffers who remained loyal to Watkins will be tempted to follow suit before Gameweek 12’s deadline (11am on Saturday).But it’s far from an easy decision as Villa are set to host Crystal Palace on Saturday.The Eagles are currently languishing 18th in the table having won just one of their 11 top flight games.Oliver Glasner’s troops drew to fellow struggles Wolves in Gameweek 10 and lost to Fulham just prior to the international break.Watkins scored for England against Greece but could do with a goal at club levelCredit: AFPPlus, Watkins has the benefit of a midweek fixture in Gameweek 12 in the form of Juventus – Villa are one of just seven teams set to pull double duty.Watkins’ form indicates he’s a player to sell but his fixtures suggest he might be worth persevering with for another Gameweek at least.That being said, at £5.5m he’s the third-most expensive forward in the game – only Erling Haaland (£8.6m) and Salah cost more at the time of writing – and his backers may feel the budget is better invested elsewhere.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

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      Hat-trick of double-digit hauls makes tackle-machine Noussair Mazraoui popular among Dream Team gaffers

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      IT’S time for Dream Team managers to snap out of international mode and refocus.Gameweek 12 is fast approaching and one player deservedly in the spotlight is Noussair Mazraoui (£3.8m).A man in demandCredit: Dream TeamThe Manchester United defender is currently the second-most popular recruit ahead of the Gameweek 12 deadline after a fine run of form.Mazraoui banked ten points against Leicester before the break to register a hat-trick of double-digit hauls.The Morocco international also notched ten points against Chelsea and PAOK in Gameweek 10.A spree of 30 points from his last three outings makes him Dream Team’s most in-form defender right now.Clean sheets remain the primary currency for defenders and Mazraoui’s tally of five is only bettered by seven of his rivals but the secret to his success is his unmatched tackle total.Mazraoui has endeared himself to the Old Trafford faithful with his work rateCredit: GettyMOST TACKLES AMONG DREAM TEAM DEFENDERS THIS SEASON55 – Noussair Mazraoui52 – Daniel Munoz38 – Trent Alexander-Arnold37 – Destiny Udogie35 – Tyrick Mitchell33 – Antonee Robinson33 – Diogo Dalot32 – Cristian RomeroMazraoui has earned 23 points through tackles already this campaign but there’s more to his game still.Most read in FootballThe 27-year-old also ranks third among defenders for bonus points with 13 to his name – Pedro Porro (£4.3m) and Kyle Walker-Peters (£3.1m) are first and second with 16 and 15 bonus points respectively.Mazraoui ranks highly in his position for successful dribbles and interceptions.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 NOWThis combination of clean sheets, tackles and bonus points has resulted in an impressive overall total of 91 points.Heavy hitters Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6m), Virgil van Dijk (£5.5m) and Josko Gvardiol (£4.8m) are the only three defenders above him in the rankings.Mazraoui’s form is undoubtedly the decisive force behind his popularity surge but Dream Team bosses will also be encouraged by his schedule.The Red Devils are set to take on Ipswich and Bodo / Glimt in Gameweek 11 for what will be Ruben Amorim’s first two games in charge.It’s all eyes on Amorim in Gameweek 12Credit: GettyThe Tractor Boys upset Tottenham before the international break but, in the grand scheme of things, the Portuguese tactician couldn’t have hoped for a more favourable start.Many gaffers will be hopeful of plentiful points from the likes of Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) and Alejandro Garnacho (£4.1m) this coming Gameweek, as well as Mazraoui.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