Unlikely hero of opening weekend might strike gold again in Gameweek 2

WHO would have predicted that Dan Ballard (£2m) would sit atop the Dream Team rankings after Gameweek 1?

The Sunderland centre-back banked 18 points on the opening weekend of the season to outperform every other Premier League player.

Dream TeamTop of the pops![/caption]

Ballard scored the second goal in his side’s 3-0 victory over West Ham on Saturday as the Black Cats marked their return to the top flight in fine style at the Stadium of Light.

The 25-year-old produced a pinpoint header from the penalty spot to double Sunderland’s lead in the 73rd minute.

And that decisive contribution was just one facet of a superb all-round performance.

Ballard registered the most clearances, shots and duels won in the game, not to mention an outstanding goal-saving block when the score was 0-0.

BALLARD BRILLIANCE IN GAMEWEEK 1

Goal +6pts

Clean sheet +5pts

Bonus points +3pts

2 shots on target +2pts

90 minutes played +2pts

Shutterstock EditorialBallard scored as Sunderland swept West Ham aside[/caption]

Just a handful of Dream Team managers benefited from this substantial haul but Ballard’s popularity has risen sharply since the weekend.

Having appeared in less than 1% of teams at the Gameweek 1 deadline, his ownership now stands at 8.8%.

Amazingly, he’s now the ninth-most selected defender in the game.

On the surface, this may seem like a classic case of chasing lost points, a rash overreaction to the opening weekend’s action.

However, there is method to this madness.

GettySunderland have a good chance to extend their winning start[/caption]

Gaffers should endeavour to build their overall budget during the first few months of the campaign by recruiting players just before they increase in value.

Remember, player prices are determined by performances in relation to their current price.

Given Ballard was the joint-cheapest player in the game when he racked up his 18-point return, his price will certainly increase come the Gameweek 2 deadline.

If Sunderland were due to face Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester City this coming weekend then Dream Team bosses would not be so keen on the Northern Ireland international.

But as it happens, Regis Le Bris’s side have a favourable match-up against Burnley.

All things considered, Ballard has a reasonable chance of bagging another clean sheet against the Clarets.

GettyGameweek 2 features nine Carabao Cup fixtures[/caption]

Gameweek 2 also brings a Carabao Cup game against Huddersfield for Sunderland.

Rotation is to be expected in the early rounds of the cup competitions so Ballard may not feature against the League One side but it’s a potential bonus opportunity on top of his favourable trip to Turf Moor.

This popular transfer works from both a financial and fixture perspective.

Sunderland’s fixtures appear more challenging after the first international break but Ballard may have served his purpose by then.

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