IVAN TONEY (£5m) has thrived in the world of Dream Team ever since Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League.
Gaffers have not been able to call upon the 27-year-old for eight months due to his suspension for gambling offences but he is set to return to action in Gameweek 20.
The Bees’ FA Cup third round replay against Wolves on Tuesday comes one day too soon but Toney will surely feature at home to Nottingham Forest the following Saturday.
PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON VOUCHER!
The Bullish striker boasts an impressive top flight record having scored 32 goals and provided nine assists in 68 appearances.
That boils down further to a goal involvement every 143.2 minutes.
Needless to say, Toney’s effectiveness has translated to plentiful Dream Team points across the last two seasons and so his return is bound to pique the interest of more than a few Dream Team bosses, especially at a time when popular goalscorers such as Erling Haaland (£7.9m) and Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) are flagged as unavailable.
Thomas Frank will be desperate to call upon his prolific target man as he has overseen a miserable run of results of late.
Brentford have lost five league games in a row and their only win in their last nine fixtures was the 3-1 victory over Luton at the start of December.
Consequently, the Bees find themselves just four points above the relegation zone in 16th – they have a game in hand over most other bottom-half clubs but it’s against Manchester City…
Toney’s return should improve the outlook but still the form guide will perturb Dream Team gaffers.
Toney would be a far more inviting option if he were about to take his place in a free-flowing, top-half outfit as the West Londoners earlier in the campaign.
And yet the fact remains he scored more league goals than Salah last season – only Harry Kane and Haaland scored more among all players.
For added spice, he scored a hat-trick in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the weekend.
Of course, it’s also possible Toney will don different colours soon.
Both Chelsea and Arsenal have been linked with a move for the England international in recent times.
Certainly, a transfer to the Gunners (who have looked in desperate need of such a striker lately) would be something of a game-changer for Dream Team bosses.
At the very least, Toney’s return is something to keep an eye on.
talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
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. Begambleaware.org