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

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.

Naturally, 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 Gvardiol
• 26.3% – Rico Lewis
• 21.9% – Trent Alexander-Arnold
• 16.9% – William Saliba
• 16.4% – Virgil van Dijk
• 13% – Lucas Digne
• 12.4% – Pedro Porro
• 12.2% – Gabriel
• 10.7% – Noussair Mazraoui
• 10.6% – Marc Guehi

Given 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.

Lewis’ 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.

There 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.

Gameweek 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.