Marco Asensio’s timely brace tempts Dream Team bosses...

MARCO ASENSIO (£3.2m) was Aston Villa's hero against Chelsea on Saturday. The 29-year-old, signed on loan from PSG in January, scored twice to help the Villains overturn a half-time deficit and take all three points. Asensio's brace yielded 16 Dream Team points, more than enough to catch the eye of a few managers.

Image Credit: The Sun [Aston Villa player celebrating, The Sun Dream Team logo.]

In fact, the Spain international is currently the third-most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 26. A lot can change before Friday's deadline, especially with a full round of Premier League fixtures still to come before Gameweek 25 is complete, but a certain portion of Dream Team bosses have made their intentions clear.

Image Credit: The Sun [Marco Asensio of Aston Villa celebrates scoring a goal.]

At the time of writing, only Alexander Isak (£6m) has scored more points than Asensio this Gameweek. The former Real Madrid midfielder has impressed since his switch to the midlands but, prior to Saturday, he wasn't rewarded with points to show for his efforts.

Image Credit: The Sun [Marcus Rashford of Aston Villa running with the ball during a soccer match.]

But a decisive 16-point return from his first full 90 minutes in Villa colours has changed the outlook. Asensio's heroic performance is rather timely too as Unai Emery's side are one of just two teams set to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 26. Rotation is to be expected against Cardiff in the FA Cup fifth round on Friday night but next Tuesday's trip to Club Brugge in the Champions League has to be considered one of the more favourable European match-ups in Gameweek 26.

Image Credit: The Sun [Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers playing soccer.]

Granted, the Belgian side did beat Villa 1-0 back in November but they also finished 24th in the league phase, scraping through to the play-offs by the skin of their teeth. Asensio's minutes are a slight concern but a match-winning brace will surely stand him in good stead for the Gameweek to come - it will be interesting to see whether he gets the full 90 minutes again at Selhurst Park on Tuesday.

Marcus Rashford (£3.4m) set up both goals against Chelsea having come off the bench at half time. The 27 year-old England international has flexed his creative muscles since his loan move with three assists in four outings at an average of one every 45.3 minutes.

Having been frozen out at Manchester United, Rashford has notched 23 points in three Gameweeks since his much-needed change of scenery. Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) and Morgan Rogers (£3.8m) have been Villa's two best performers in Dream Team this season and both are among the most selected players in their respective positions right now.