Transfer recommendations ahead of Dream Team Gameweek 4 – Gaffers spoiled for choice in midfield
GAMEWEEK 4 promises to divide Dream Team gaffers with several enticing match-ups that feature some of the game's most-popular players in direct competition.
Here we evaluate some of the most tempting transfer options ahead of a mouthwatering set of fixtures.
Raheem Sterling (£3.6m)
Chelsea's No7 has been back to his best at the start of the 2023/24 season, exhibiting his explosive dribbling and unrelenting directness.
The promise he showed against Liverpool and West Ham translated into substantial returns when Luton visited Stamford Bridge in Gameweek 3 - Sterling banked 18 points at the Hatters' expense via two goals and an assist.
And the 28-year-old's backers will be hopeful of more points this weekend with the Blues set to host a Nottingham Forest side who continue to struggle on the road.
No midfielder earned more points than Sterling in Gameweek 3 and only two players have accumulated a greater tally overall - Bukayo Saka (£6.1m) and James Maddison (£4.1m).
Dream Team bosses are spoiled for choice in midfield right now.
Jarrod Bowen (£4.6m)
Yet another ultra attack-minded midfield option in good form.
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West Ham travel to Luton on Friday night and with Bowen averaging nine points-per-game across the first three Gameweeks, the 7.9% of gaffers who own him will be optimistic of another significant haul.
However, this transfer suggestion may be overly short-sighted as the Hammers are due to face Manchester City and Liverpool immediately after the international break.
The Irons' No20 is more than capable of earning quality points against difficult opposition but it's general advisable to target favourable match-ups and with so many viable options in midfield Bowen's ownership may rise this week and then drop again during the break.
Other midfielders deserving of recruitment this week include Moussa Diaby (£3.3m), Eberechi Eze (£3.3m) and Rodri (£4.3m).
Surely a formation with five in the middle is best for the foreseeable future?
Destiny Udogie (£2.6m) and/or Micky van de Ven (£3.1m)
Earlier this week we published an article explaining why Tottenham's clean sheets may not be as sustainable as their impressive attacking record but with Burnley on Saturday and Sheffield United first up after the international break, gaffers could make hay while the sun shines.
The beauty of an asset like Udogie is that he looks set to be a key contributor to Spurs' enterprising forward play this season.
The 20-year-old left-back provided an assist at Bournemouth last weekend en route to a ten-point haul and it's clear Ange Postecoglou is encouraging him to create overloads in the final third - Dream Team managers should always be aware of the most-attacking defenders.
Keep an eye out for updates regarding Udogie's condition as he picked up a knock in the final moments at the Vitality Stadium - he should be available this weekend.
As for Van de Ven, he's more dependant on clean sheets but it's worth noting he's earned bonus points in all four outings this season.
It can take up some time to adjust to the pace of the Premier League but 20 points from three Gameweeks represents a promising start to the Dutcman's Dream Team career.
Julian Alvarez (£4m)
This suggestion comes with the caveat that it wouldn't be all that surprising to see the World Cup winner named on the bench on Saturday.
However, Alvarez has started all three of Manchester City's league games so far and looked threatening enough in the process.
Fulham face the unenviable task of a trip to the Etihad in Gameweek 4 and the stats forecast severe one-way traffic.
Bernd Leno (£3.3m) has been required to make the most saves in the top flight this month with his defence offering minimal protection - his centre-backs keep getting sent off for a start.
City should have mauled Sheffield United and Pep Guardiola's winning machine rarely miss out on opportunities to bolster their goal difference in consecutive weeks, which spells bad news for Marco Silva's troops.
Erling Haaland (£8.4m) is the obvious choice for the captain's armband again but in such a favourable fixture it may be worth doubling up on City strikers with Alvarez in the mix too.
See also: Phil Foden (£4.5m), who should be well enough to start this weekend after a minor bout of illness restricted his minutes at Bramall Lane.
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MOST TRANSFERRED-IN AHEAD OF GAME WEEK 3:
- Raheem Sterling (£3.6m)
- James Maddison (£4.1m)
- Cristain Romero (£3.7m)
- Joachim Andersen (£2.9m)
- Kyle Walker (£3.7m)
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