GAMEWEEK 1 of the 2023/24 Dream Team season is essentially complete.
The past few action-packed days have given gaffers a taste of the improved nature of our beloved fantasy game and there's a lot to unpack.
One specific element worth mulling over is the distribution of bonus points.
PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR FOR FREE: WEEKLY AND SEASON PRIZES!
It's worth recapping the purpose of bonus points and how they are earned.
The first thing to note is that bonus points are designed to recognise significant contributions to performance aspects not already covered by the traditional core points.
Goals, assists, clean sheets and the like don't impact bonus points because such contributions are already rewarded, hence why Erling Haaland (£8.5m) didn't receive any bonus points against Burnley, for example.
For full transparency, bonus points are determined by the following stats: successful dribbles, accurate crosses, pass completion rate, interceptions, blocks, fouls won and goals scored from outside the area.
Additionally, offsides, fouls conceded and errors leading to goals will hinder a player's chances of earning bonus points.
After a full round of Premier League fixtures, just two individuals came away with five bonus points, the maximum a player can earn from any given match.
Most read in Dream Team
Cops share NEW details on 3 people they want to speak to in Woking 'murder' probe
I can't believe beautiful Sara is dead, says mum of girl murdered at home
Strictly star admits cheating on fiance with ‘soap stars and minor celebs’
Legendary EastEnders character reveals devastating cancer diagnosis
3Eberechi Eze (£3m) was the first man to max out with a brilliant showing against Sheffield United.
No player completed more accurate crosses or won more free-kicks than Crystal Palace's No10 in Gameweek 1.
We tipped the 25-year-old prior to the season getting underway and an eight-point haul at the Blades' expense may cause his ownership to rise beyond 8%.
Saying that, the Eagles welcome Arsenal to Selhurst Park on Monday night, a considerably tougher opponent than Paul Heckingbottom's side.
However, we remain confident that Eze's style of play will produce plenty of points over the course of the season.
Matheus Nunes (£2.5m) was the other player to pocket five bonus points in Gameweek 1.
The Portuguese midfielder was one of several players to impress for Wolves on Monday night, although Gary O'Neil's troops ultimately lost 1-0 to Manchester United.
In a game that featured oceans of space in midfield, Nunes registered five successful dribbles and four interceptions, the joint-most of each among all players in the top flight so far.
The 24-year-old features in just 0.3% of teams at the time of writing but given his eight-point haul and Wolves' spirited performance at Old Trafford, a few more gaffers may feel he's worth a punt, especially at such an affordable price.
Read More on The Sun
Tributes to girl, 10, found dead at home as international hunt continues
X Factor star looks unrecognisable as Fearne Cotton marks his birthday
Keep an eye on which players earn bonus points in Gameweek 2.
talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
Get £40 in free bets when you bet £20 – CLAIM HERE
18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £20 on any football at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 4x £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
Source: Read Full Article