34 points across four games makes Ivan Toney tempting differential striker ahead of double Gameweek

WE have a soft spot for Ivan Toney (£4.9m) here at Dream Team HQ.

Ever since Brentford were promoted to the Premier League, their combative target man has punched above his weight and mixed it with the game’s top strikers despite his comparatively relaxed schedule (no European commitments).

And so when Toney became available again after his eight-month suspension for gambling offences, we promised we’d review his comeback performances soon after.

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Dream TeamBack with a bang[/caption]

The 27-year-old has hit the ground running since his return in Gameweek 20, banking 34 points across four outings to remind Dream Team managers everywhere of his pedigree.

A three-point haul against treble winners Manchester City is his only blemish so far with goals against Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and Wolves making him one of Dream Team’s most in-form forwards.

In fact, among assets in his position, only Erling Haaland (£7.3m) averages more points-per-game than Toney in 2023/24 – although of course the latter’s figure of 8.5 comes from a much smaller sample size.

What’s undeniable is that the Bees’ talisman is worthy of due consideration.

And a quick look at the schedule suggests he might be an interesting differential option in Gameweek 24.

That’s mainly because Thomas Frank’s side are one of just five teams with two fixtures to fulfil this coming Gameweek.

RexBrentford’s new double act[/caption]

However, it should be noted that Brentford’s double header is comfortably the most challenging on paper – they host Liverpool on Saturday before travelling to Manchester City on Tuesday night.

Those testing match-ups reduce the viability of every other Brentford player but Toney’s record sets him apart from his team-mates.

Remember, he scored 20 goals from 33 league games last season, even outscoring Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) in the top flight.

And three goals from his first four appearances this term suggests the lengthy suspension has not had a negative impact on his playing ability.

Admittedly, stocking up on Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool players in Gameweek 24 appears the wisest strategy as the three title contenders also have two fixtures each.

But Toney deserves to be shortlisted among the potential recruits this week.

His ownership of 1.8% makes him a huge differential, one that may appeal to gaffers who feel the need to think outside the box in order to gain ground in their Mini Leagues.