Philippa Kaur

BRYAN MBEUMO (£4.5m) is the latest player to reach the 300-point mark in Dream Team this season.Following in the footsteps of Mohamed Salah (£7.2m), Bruno Fernandes (£7m), Erling Haaland (£7.8m) and Alexander Isak (£5.9m), Brentford’s talisman achieved his triple century with a spotlight-hogging performance against Brighton on Saturday.303 points and countingCredit: Dream TeamMbeumo was involved in three goals as Thomas Frank’s side beat the Seagulls 4-2 at the Gtech, supplementing his significant contribution with a maximum haul of five bonus points.When all was said and done, the Cameroon international banked 28 points for his best single-game return of the season.MBEUMO’S 28-POINT MASTERCLASS AGAINST BRIGHTON2 goals (+12 pts)1 assist (+3 pts)5 bonus points (+5 pts)2 shots on target (+2 pts)2 big chances created (+2 pts)4 tackles (+2 pts)90 minutes played (+2 pts)The 25-year-old deserves heaps of praise for his efforts this campaign.Tasked with spearheading the Bees’ attack following the departure of Ivan Toney to Saudi Arabia, Mbeumo has scored 18 league goals from 33 outings.At the time of writing, only Salah, Haaland, Isak and Chris Wood (£3.6m) have scored more goals in the top flight.Mbeumo and Wissa have formed a productive partnershipCredit: GettyMbeumo successfully dovetailed with Toney for years but it could be argued he’s found an even better collaborator in Yoane Wissa (£3.5m) – the latter has scored 16 league goals of his own this term.Most read in FootballThe great thing about Mbeumo is that his success has defied Dream Team logic in many ways.Most gaffers recognise the value of the European competitions in providing extra point-scoring opportunities.A quick look at the Stats Centre reveals that 12 of the top 15 performers have played in either the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League this season.Among the exceptions, Isak played eight times across the two domestic cups, scooping 57 points from those extracurricular outings.Whereas Mbeumo was only on the pitch for a total of 160 minutes in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup before Brentford were eliminated from both competitions – he managed 18 points in that time.Mbeumo has a good chance of scoring 20 league goals this seasonCredit: RexMatheus Cunha (£5.3m) is the other player in the top 15 not to have benefited from European commitments and the Wolves forward is currently 42 points behind Mbeumo.Mbeumo is proof that it’s possible to rub shoulders with the very best assets in the game through exceptional league performances; he has laughed in the face of fixture deficits time and time again.And the fact he’s produced such an impressive campaign while representing a bottom-half team is even more impressive.An ownership of 18.3% makes him the sixth-most selected midfielder in Dream Team right now but his 28-point haul is bound to result in a popularity increase.Mbeumo is currently the top performer of Gameweek 32 by a wide margin.Brentford have scored more league goals than Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and BournemouthCredit: ReutersLooking ahead, Brentford are due to visit the City Ground in Gameweek 33 where Nottingham Forest will provide stiff competition in their quest to secure Champions League qualification.But Mbeumo will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing Manchester United and Ipswich in Gameweeks 34 and 35.Read More on The SunThe Red Devils will be distracted by their Europa League semi-final while the Tractor Boys are likely to have been condemned to relegation by the time they host the Bees in May.Mbeumo has Morgan Rogers (£4.5m) and Cole Palmer (£5m) breathing down his neck in terms of total points but he will finish among Dream Team’s best midfielders whatever happens from this point onwards.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

EX-LIVERPOOL star Thiago Alcantara and his wife Julia Vigas stole the show at the Laureus Awards.The sport award ceremony took place in Madrid and there were some familiar winners on show.Thiago Alcantara and his wife Julia Vigas stunned on the red carpetCredit: GettyThe couple attended the Laureus AwardsCredit: GettyFans heaped praise on the glamorous pairCredit: GettyJulia dazzled in a long black dressCredit: GettyHigh jumper Mondo Duplantis and Simone Biles scooped the top prizes of Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.While Lamine Yamal was named the breakthrough star and Team GB’s Tom Pidcock won Action Sportsperson of the Year after claiming gold in the Mountain Bike at the Paris Olympics.Rafael Nadal was named Laureus Sporting Icon and there were several stars in the audience to see his victory speech.Former Liverpool star Thiago watched on alongside his wife Julia, who stunned on the red carpet.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spaniard wore a long black dress with silver heels and walked hand in hand with her husband.Fans loved the look and heaped praise on Julia.One reacted saying: “Pure class 😍👌🏻”Another added: “How beautiful.”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Glam and beautiful.”And another commented: “Stunning Couple!!”Ex-Liverpool star Thiago’s wife steals show as she goes braless in revealing dress at Laureus Awards More

ARSENAL minds will inevitably be drifting to next week’s Champions League tie but there’s a Premier League job to do first when Crystal Palace visit on Wednesday.And brand new Betfred customers can claim a terrific £50 in free bets and bonuses when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the Emirates contest.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereArsenal vs Crystal Palace: Get £50 free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Get £50 free bets HERE*New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*Betfred. New customers only. Register (excl 05/04/25), deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

ARSENAL return to Premier League action on Wednesday, looking to push back Liverpool’s title celebrations.That is just a matter of time, however. And the Gunners should have more than one eye on next week’s crunch Champions League semi final first leg with PSG.SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the midweek fixture and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesArsenal vs Crystal Palace previewArsenal absolutely battered Ipswich on Sunday, even before Leif Davis’ red card.That obviously wasn’t too big a surprise. What was a surprise perhaps was the strong side Mikel Arteta put out.Having seen the challenge on, and subsequent ice pack applied to, Bukayo Saka, it wouldn’t be at all a shock should the Arsenal boss make changes here.Even with a weekend off incoming before that PSG first leg next Tuesday, Arsenal cannot afford to lose the likes of Declan Rice or Saka, particularly with Thomas Partey suspended for the Emirates leg.Defeat here would hand the title to Liverpool, with the Reds wrapping things up with still five games to play themselves. Most of their supporters would likely be hoping that doesn’t happen, so they can secure it themselves when they return to action at the weekend.So it perhaps benefits them that the Gunners come up against a Palace side who look ready for the season to end.They conceded five goals in successive games before Saturday’s goalless draw with Bournemouth, making it one win from their last five games.The Gunners have won all of the last six meetings between the teams, scoring 20 goals in the process – including 5 goals in two of the last three occasions.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 3-0 at 8/1 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Ethan Nwaneri 6/1 with talkSPORT BET – HEREArsenal vs Crystal Palace oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Arsenal vs Crystal Palace predictions and tipsSome stand-inIt’s unlikely we’ll see Bukayo Saka feature here. 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Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

GARY LINEKER has opened up on his emotional response to Ian Wright’s Match of the Day boycott following his BBC suspension.Lineker, 64, was taken off air in March 2023 after the Beeb claimed that he had “breached their guidelines” regarding social media.Gary Lineker has opened up on his 2023 Match of the Day suspensionCredit: BBCLineker, 64, has struck up a close bond with his MOTD colleaguesThe veteran presenter had posted on X, comparing the Government’s plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.This sparked a “free speech row” as Lineker’s BBC colleagues Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to step in.Commentators subsequently also went on strike, leading to the programme going out with no punditry or analysis.Reflecting on the episode while speaking to the BBC’s Amol Rajan, Lineker said: “I was just having late lunch and Ian Wright went public saying… (that he would boycott)”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked if Wright called him in advance, Lineker continued: “No, but we have a group chat.”And the day before, I said this might result with them taking me off air.”And he went: ‘That’s so ridiculous’. And he said: ‘If they do, I’m not doing the show’.”It’s one thing saying that, it’s a very much different thing actually doing it.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I was in the back of a cab on the way home when that happened and I was crying, because that doesn’t happen, that show of support, it’s incredible.”Lineker was later reinstated by the BBC, with Director General Tim Davie apologising for the “difficult period” for staff, presenters and audiences.Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about stayingLast November, The Sun revealed that Lineker would be stepping down as Match of the Day host at the end of the season.The former striker will be replaced by a rotating cast of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.Lineker will continue to present live coverage of FA Cup matches for the BBC during the 2025-26 season, before leaving the public broadcaster following the 2026 World Cup.Reflecting on the decision during his conversation with Rajan, Lineker admitted: “Well, perhaps they want me to leave. There was the sense of that.’A CHANCE TO CHANGE THE PROGRAMME'”I always wanted one more contract, and I was umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether to do three years [more].”In the end, I think there was a feeling that, because it was a new rights period, it was a chance to change the programme.”I think it was their preference that I didn’t do Match of the Day for one more year, so they could bring in new people.”Lineker has ruled out becoming a regular on another TV channel.Read More on The SunThe former England captain told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.”Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will replace Gary Lineker on Match of the DayCredit: PA More

LEEDS celebrated promotion back to the Premier League in jubilant scenes at Elland Road.A 6-0 thumping of Stoke followed by Burnley’s win over Sheffield United secured Leeds’ return to the top flight.There were jubilant celebrations as Leeds secured promotionCredit: RexWinger Largie Ramazani led the partyCredit: RexThe former Man Utd youth player danced around wildlyCredit: RexRamazani also took over the mic and interviewed his team-matesCredit: RexThere were wild celebrations as fans and players alike partied hard after the momentous achievement.Leeds winger Largie Ramazani took fans behind-the-scenes and interviewed his team-mates as they enjoyed their success.Amid champagne bottles being sprayed and players dancing Ramazani tried to ask the Leeds stars their thoughts on gaining promotion.Left-back Junior Firpo said: “It’s an unbelievable day. I’m really happy, I just want to enjoy now.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Ao Tanaka shouted into the mic: “I am so happy. So happy. I can’t find the words.”Captain Ethan Ampadu and Patrick Bamford had few words to say but Manor Solomon, on loan from Tottenham, said: “I’m feeling amazing. I can’t find the words I’m so happy.”The likes of Wilfried Gnonto, Pascal Struijk and Joel Piroe – who put four past Stoke – celebrated with promotion banners draped around their shoulders.Ramazani, a former Manchester United youth player, then picked one up and flung it around before dancing, leading one fan to brand him the new Ezgjan Alioski – Leeds’ chief partyer the last time they were promoted to the Prem in 2020.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSPascal Struijk and Joel Piroe celebrate after thrashing StokeCredit: RexPatrick Bamford celebrates with Leeds fans, beer in handCredit: AlamyPlayers also sang along to ‘Don’t you know pump it up, the Whites are going up!’.Boss Daniel Farke later stepped outside to greet the thousands of fas gathered outside Elland Road.Leeds manager Daniel Farke reveals the Sir Alex Ferguson trick he cannot copy He danced along as fans sang his name and led a big cheer before applauding the crowd.After promotion was confirmed, Farke said: ‘I’m lost for words, which doesn’t happen that often. You could see from this morning that the atmosphere was amazing.”94 points at this stage of the season is unbelievable. The players should celebrate, our supporters should celebrate and we will definitely make sure that Easter Monday lasts for one or two more days.”It’s difficult on such an emotional day to reflect too much but it was a long road. It’s not easy to stabilise the ship after relegation, and to deal with the lost important players and a hangover from relegation.”I just want right now beer after beer, champagne after champagne and don’t bother me about football for a few days.'”We were not able to spend too much money and I was also a bit jealous that some other clubs could spend money.”Thousands gathered outside Elland Road to celebrate promotionCredit: PALeeds return to the Premier League after a two year absenceCredit: AlamyBurnley’s win over Sheffield United secured Leeds’ promotionCredit: PA More

ARSENAL legend Ian Wright got into a heated confrontation with former Manchester United academy star Josh Harrop after a Baller League match on Monday.The pair came to blows following a clash between Wembley Rangers and FC RTW at the Copper Box Arena.Ian Wright and Josh Harrop clashed after a Baller League matchCredit: TikTok/ballerleagueukHarrop could be heard saying: ‘I’m a grown man, don’t speak to me like that.’Credit: TikTok/ballerleagueukTroy Deeney stepped in to diffuse the situationCredit: TikTok/ballerleagueukPrior to the match, Wembley managers Wright and Chloe Kelly decided to use their wildcard.They enlisted the help of Watford icon Troy Deeney – but it did not go to plan.Just minutes into his appearance, Deeney lost his temper and clattered into two opposition players off the ball.He first crashed into the back of Karim Kamhouri before barging into Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, sparking a melee on the pitch.READ MORE ON ARSENALDeeney was eventually shown a red card by referee Mark Clattenburg.But tensions also spilled over following the match.With FC RTW having won 4-3, Wright appeared to clash with former United academy player Harrop – who scored against Crystal Palace in his one and only first-team appearance in 2016/17.The RTW forward could be heard saying to Wright: “I’m a grown man, don’t speak to me like that.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesDeeney eventually stepped in to break things up.Fans took to X to react, with one person writing: “Imagine being rattled in the BALLER LEAGUE.”‘He’s lost it there’ – Huge brawl breaks out during Baller League after shocking challenge from former Man Utd starAnother commented: “Team Wrighty all the way.”While another, referring to Harrop, said: “That man scored a goal on debut for Man United… and now he is doing this?”Wembley Rangers now sit ninth in the 12-team Baller League table, with RTW just above in eighth.Harrop celebrates scoring for United on his debut in 2017Credit: PA:Press Association More

A LEEDS fans was knocked out cold celebrating promotion to the Premier League.Burnley’s win over Sheffield United meant the Clarets and Leeds have returned to the top flight.A Leeds fan was knocked unconscious after falling into a supporter who slid on the floorCredit: XThe dangerous incident took place as Leeds fans celebrated promotionCredit: XDaniel Farke’s side have led the way for the majority of the season and will now battle Burnley for the title.Supporters were on cloud nine as Leeds thrashed Stoke 6-0 at Elland Road to all but book their place back in the Prem.But one fan was knocked unconscious after hitting his head on the concourse floor.The incident occurred by accident as the supporter tried to celebrate with a fan who had slide across the floor on his belly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat fan ended up on top of the individual, who was knocked unconscious in the process, and quickly got up as other fans continued singing.Leeds fans have plenty to celebrate after bouncing back from a play-off final defeat last season to win promotion.They could even become centurions if they beat Bristol City and Plymouth Argyle in their remaining matches.The club are already preparing for life back in the Premier League by lining up a move to sign Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFour-cap England ace Johnstone, 32, has lost his place at Wolves under boss Vitor Pereira.The keeper has not played since December when Wolves lost 2-1 to Ipswich Town. ‘I dropped him straight away’ – Sam Allardyce reveals he never gave struggling Leeds star a game as it was ‘harming him’ More