THOUGHTS have already turned to Gameweek 23 for many Dream Team managers.
All 20 Premier League clubs are set to play twice this coming Gameweek, virtually guaranteeing a high-scoring affair, with gaffers spoiled for choice when it comes to transfer options ahead of Friday’s deadline.
Take Crysencio Summerville (£3.8m) and Jarrod Bowen (£5m) as prime examples.
Instinctively, many gaffers will recoil at the prospect of backing West Ham players given the Hammers are 18th in the table.
However, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have improved in recent weeks and their two wingers are among the most in-form assets in the game at present.
West Ham beat QPR, Tottenham and Sunderland in successive games before Saturday’s defeat at Stamford Bridge but they caused Chelsea enough problems to give their fans hope of avoiding relegation, with both Bowen and Summerville on the scoresheet.
LESSON LEARNED
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SOL TRAIN
Gaffers in need of difference-makers should monitor Dominic Solanke’s progress
The skilful Dutchman has been on a tear of late having amassed 51 points across his last four outings via four goals and one assist — he also earned maximum bonus points in the FA Cup.
The England international has not been able to keep pace with his younger team-mate but a return of 29 points from his last three games means he’s very much in the frame for Gameweek 23.
Bowen was instrumental in his side’s win over the Black Cats with a goal and assist (15 pts) before his early strike against the Blues (11 pts).
The Irons’ captain has been a proven Dream Team performer for a few years now, often defying his team-mates’ malaise in successful pursuit of substantial returns.
Bowen averages 6.3 points-per-game this season, a rate only bettered by two other forwards: Erling Haaland (£7.3m) and Igor Thiago (£3.8m).
He ranks first in his position for tackles, second for bonus points, fourth for big chances created, sixth for assists and tenth for goals.
Stats aside, Summerville and Bowen have passed the eye test this month – they look very threatening in current form.
As luck would have it, Gameweek 23 starts with one of the most favourable match-ups possible in Burnley (a).
The Clarets are bottom of the form table having taken just five points from their last ten league games.
Scott Parker’s troops were particularly poor against Sunderland on Monday night when mustered just 0.06 xG in a 3-0 loss.
West Ham will then host Manchester United on Tuesday night, a tougher test given the positive impact of Michael Carrick.
But Bowen and Summerville may have already filled their boots by the time the midweek fixtures come around as Burnley appear to be sinking without much resistance.
The former features in 4.2% of teams but the ex-Leeds winger is a massive differential with a current ownership of just 0.4%.
Dream Team bosses with 12th Man in the holster might consider activating the Booster to temporarily recruit either Bowen or Summerville, given the inviting nature of Gameweek 23.
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Looking further ahead, West Ham have a favourable fixture in Gameweek 24 when they will travel to Burton Albion in the FA Cup fourth round.
Nuno may opt to rest his key players in the cup but it’s worth noting both Bowen and Summerville played the full 120 minutes against QPR in the previous round.
Needless to say, they could feast against League One opposition if given the chance.
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