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      Should Dream Team managers do the unthinkable and ditch top points scorer Mohamed Salah?

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      THIS is an uncomfortable conversation.It may be the case that no Dream Team player in history has had more credit in the bank than Mohamed Salah (£7.5m) does right now.That being said, it’s time for gaffers to question whether Liverpool’s No11 is still worthy of his place in a competitive XI.Say it ain’t soCredit: Dream TeamSalah is by far and away the top performer this season with 462 points to his name, 105 more than his closest rival.He’s scored 32 goals and provided 22 assists in all competitions as the leader in both key metrics.Just three weeks ago, the faintest whisper of doubt about Salah’s viability would have been shot down by any right-minded Dream Team manager.But things change quickly in this game and not even the most dominant players are immune from fluctuations in form.Salah has mustered just 11 points from his last four games in a run that has featured just two shots on target.The goals have dried up for Dream Team’s outright top performerCredit: AlamySALAH’S FORM DIPGameweek 27: 3 pts v PSG (h)Gameweek 28: 2 pts v Newcastle (h)Gameweek 29: 4 pts v Everton (h)Gameweek 30: 2 pts v Fulham (a)Given the Egyptian superstar averages 10.3 points-per-game across 2024/25 as a whole, his recent returns have been bitterly disappointing.Most read in FootballSalah’s dwindling form is not the only cause for concern as the schedule also demands attention.Arne Slot’s side remain heavy favourites to lift the Premier League trophy but they suffered notable defeats in the other three competitions in the space of five dramatic weeks.Liverpool’s defeat to PSG has had a significant knock-on effectCredit: GettyIn February, the Reds were upset by Plymouth in the FA Cup fourth round while March saw them humbled by PSG in the Champions League prior to defeat in the Carabao Cup final at the hands of Newcastle.Consequently, Liverpool have a maximum of seven fixtures remaining before the end of the season.This fixture deficit will be starkly apparent in the coming days when Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea will all fulfil European quarter-final first legs while Salah and friends twiddle their thumbs.Furthermore, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Aston Villa all have an additional domestic fixture over Liverpool in the form of an FA Cup semi-final, with two progressing to the final.Simply put, Salah has fewer point-scoring opportunities ahead of him than several other productive talents.Dream Team bosses will be reluctant to ditch SalahCredit: AFPReduced returns combined with a relatively relaxed schedule would usually be enough for Dream Team bosses to lose patience with an individual but Salah’s immense record means this is not a decision to take lightly.It would not come as a surprise if the prolific 32-year-old banked shed-loads of points against West Ham and Leicester across Gameweeks 31 and 32.Read More on The SunHowever, there are enough factors to justify what would have previously been viewed as an unthinkable transfer.Salah is currently the most popular player in the game with an ownership of 61.5% – nobody else features in the majority of teams – but it will be interesting to see if that’s still the case in a fortnight’s time.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

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      Man Utd fans who sang sick chants about Phil Foden’s mum are morons and cowards – how many would say that to his face?

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      WHEN I was a young pro at Watford, my manager Gianfranco Zola, told me: “You’re a footballer, you are paid not to have feelings.”Those words were true, but never easy to accept, and they came back to me when I heard the sick abuse being chanted at Phil Foden by hundreds, if not thousands, of Manchester United followers during Sunday’s derby at Old Trafford. Phil Foden was targeted by sections of Old Trafford on SundayCredit: AlamyFans referenced Foden’s mum in vile chantsCredit: GettyDeeney was left shocked, but not surprised, at the vile abuse Foden receivedCredit: APTheir grotesque chants targeted Foden’s Mum – whose only ‘crime’ has been to raise an exceptional footballer.Those who sang about the Manchester City star’s mother are senseless morons and they are cowards too. How many of them would have made those comments to Foden’s face if they met him in the street? But it’s safety in numbers, the anonymity of the crowd. It says a lot about the sickness in our society that a large number of grown men can go to a football match and get their kicks from aiming horrible chants at a young man’s mum.  READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFoden was one of only three Mancunians to play in Sunday’s match. His family lives in the area, so they are going to be affected even more by such behaviour because they cannot escape it. We talk a lot about wanting local heroes. We talk about wanting ‘proper derbies’. We talk about wanting big English clubs to be in touch with their roots in a globalised, cosmopolitan Premier League.And then Manchester produces a player as good as Foden – a working-class, council-estate lad with a supreme gift who is the reigning Footballer of the Year – and Mancunians treat him like that. I suffered plenty of abuse from the terraces during my playing days – some of it racist, some of it aimed at my family, even my children. Most read in FootballTroy Deeney played under Gianfranco Zola at WatfordCredit: AlamyIt is not something you ever really get used to. Depending on the individual, it will make you angry or sad or vengeful – but it always stings. Zola told me I was ‘paid not to have feelings’ when my daughter was born, not long after I had come out of jail.‘They should be ashamed’ – Pep Guardiola slams Man Utd fans for sick chants aimed at City ace Phil Foden’s mumI was receiving a lot of stick from supporters and in the media. I wanted to do an interview to tell my side of the story, a basic human instinct to set the record straight, but he told me that it would only add fuel to the fire. Maybe he was right but I could never quite get my head around how my choice of career meant that I was apparently fair game for abuse.No amount of money can make those sorts of chants palatableTroy DeeneyAnd please don’t try to tell me that because Foden earns more than 200 grand, he should just deal with it. No amount of money can make those sorts of chants palatable. It seems that nothing is off-limits in modern football – because nothing is off-limits in modern society. Social media, with its lack of filters, allows this sort of abuse to flourish and become normalised. Read More on The SunI don’t know what can be done to knock sense into the heads of the sad people who think it is acceptable to call a footballer’s mother a ‘s**g’. Foden, like every professional footballer, is paid not to have feelings. But he will be feeling this all the same. Foden started Sunday’s Manchester derbyCredit: Getty More

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      Brennan Johnson denied hat-trick but weekend’s top performer now potential punt for Gameweek 31

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      SUCH is the nature of Tottenham’s season that even their wins are tarnished to some degree.The North Londoners condemned Southampton to relegation on Sunday thanks to a Brennan Johnson (£2.8m) brace but the Wales international was visibly upset at full time having been denied the chance to score his first hat-trick for the club.Johnson produced two accomplished finishes but wasn’t given the chance to bag a hat-trickCredit: ReutersJohnson produced two excellent finishes in the first half, the first an emphatic strike and the second a deft effort of considerable composure.When he suckered Saints defender Welington into an ill-judged challenge in the box deep into stoppage time, it looked for all the world as if he would end up taking the match ball home.With Spurs leading and first-choice penalty taker Son Heung-min (£4.5m) having been substituted, Johnson clearly expected to take the spot-kick he earned.However, after a discussion that involved several players, Mathys Tel (£3.1m) took charge and converted the penalty, much to Johnson’s frustration.Tel scored from the spot in stoppage timeCredit: PADespite this missed opportunity, the 23-year-old banked 19 Dream Team points when all was said and done as he was credited with a fantasy assist for his side’s third goal having drawn the foul.He is Gameweek 30’s top performer as it stands.MOST POINTS EARNED IN GAMEWEEK 30 SO FAR19 pts – Brennan Johnson16 pts – Evanilson16 pts – Alex Iwobi15 pts – Mateus Fernandes12 pts – Pablo SarabiaMost read in FootballJohnson is the only player in the top five with another fixture to fulfil before the end of the Gameweek.Ange Postecoglou’s side are due to host Frankfurt in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday night.Johnson may have earned a promotion in the pecking orderCredit: RexThe Australian coach has varied his team selections all season long but Johnson’s impressive brace has surely improved his chances of starting against the Bundesliga outfit.The former Nottingham Forest man has jumped up to 11th in the midfield rankings, with a total of 229 points to his name.With 16 goals in all competitions, he is Tottenham’s top scorer this season.In fact, only four Dream Team assets have scored more goals in 2024/25 to date.Add in seven assists and Johnson’s output is certainly not to be sniffed at, even if he has blown hot and cold throughout the campaign.The Europa League is Postecoglou’s last possible route to a trophy this seasonCredit: ReutersHaving grabbed the headlines at the weekend, Johnson has to be considered a viable option for Gameweek 31, when Spurs will travel to Wolves before the second leg of their European quarter-final in Frankfurt.They are one of just seven clubs set to pull double duty next Gameweek.The main limiting factor to his viability is that his minutes are far from assured.JOHNSON’S GAME TIME SINCE GAMEWEEK 2745 minutes vs Bournemouth (h)12 minutes vs AZ Alkmaar (h)45 minutes vs Fulham (a)26 minutes vs Chelsea (a)90 minutes vs Southampton (h)For many gaffers, those numbers simply won’t do – players can’t earn points if they’re not on the pitch.Read More on The SunWho will line up in Spurs’ front three against Frankfurt?Credit: ReutersBut if Johnson does get the nod in Gameweek 31 then he may well add to his healthy goal tally.Thursday night’s game in North London will give Dream Team bosses a clearer indication of Postecoglou’s pecking order before the deadline.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

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      Kobbie Mainoo injury update as Ruben Amorim hints Man Utd star will be back in squad for Europa League clash vs Lyon

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      MANCHESTER UNITED head coach Ruben Amorim has issued an injury update on Kobbie Mainoo ahead of the club’s upcoming Europa League quarter-final clash with Lyon.Mainoo has not appeared for United since February, having suffered a muscular problem in training.Ruben Amorim has issued an injury update on Kobbie MainooCredit: GettyMainoo has been unavailable since February but could return against Lyon this weekCredit: GettyAmorim revealed last week that he was close to making a return, but Sunday’s derby against Manchester City came too soon.However, he could be named in the United squad to face Lyon in the Europa League this week.Amorim explained: “Kobbie Mainoo is training with us, we want to be careful, again, with our players, but maybe he’s going to be in our squad.”The United head coach also revealed that Harry Maguire will be available despite being hauled off in the 58th minute against City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “Harry Maguire just had 60 minutes allowed from the medical department to play, so he’s fit and ready to go. So we need to be careful on this.”No, it’s not an injury, it’s just [that] we had a time that we could use Harry without any danger.”We cannot lose any more players, we have to try to divide the moments between the players. We have a really important game on Thursday.”Man Utd were held to a 0-0 draw by local rivals Man City on Sunday.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordSky Sports pundit Roy Keane slammed both teams for their lack of intensity.He said: “It’s been a derby game and there’s no energy in the stadium.Roy Keane fears Man Utd will get WORSE and reveals biggest red flag that could spell the end for Ruben Amorim”I know the players have to produce something. I can’t believe… this is a friendly derby. This is a friendly derby.”I used to play against City years ago when they weren’t a great team, but they’d get stuck into it and make it a derby game.”It’s just… it doesn’t have that feel to it today.”United next face Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday.The Red Devils then travel to St James’ Park to play Newcastle on Sunday. More

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      ‘You guys are my heroes’ – Emotional moment Michail Antonio meets paramedics who saved his life after horror car crash

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      WEST HAM star Michail Antonio touchingly sat down with the “hero” paramedics who helped save his life after his terrifying car crash.The 35-year-old crashed his Ferrari FF into a tree in Epping, Essex on a stormy December 7 and was rushed to hospital.Michail Antonio met the paramedics that saved his lifeCredit: BBCAntonio sat down with first responders Rob Moon and Dr James MoloneyCredit: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance TeamThe West Ham striker went to Essex and Herts Air Ambulance HQAntonio crashed his Ferrari FF into a tree in December and broke his legThe striker required surgery on a shattered femurHe suffered a broken leg in the accident and underwent surgery the following day.And now the Hammers’ record Premier League goalscorer has personally shown his appreciation to the men who helped him cheat death.Antonio met with the two first responders Rob Moon and Dr James Moloney on the BBC’s Morning Live show.The striker cannot remember the crash so he met with the heroic Essex and Herts Air Ambulance crew to “fill in the blanks”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAfter meeting them in an ambulance hangar, Antonio began: “I want to say thank you because I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys.”So you guys are basically my heroes.”Antonio’s accident happened during Storm Darragh, which meant the air ambulance helicopter couldn’t take off due to strong winds. Dr Moloney and Moon – who were dispatched to the scene in a rapid response car – said they thought they recognised the Premier League footballer straight away.Most read in FootballAntonio was shocked to learn that the medics found his lifeless body in the back seat after noticing his fractured femur bone.As football fans, the paramedics clocked that they were helping a Premier League striker.Michail Antonio given hero’s welcome as he returns to West Ham for 1st time since escaping death in horror Ferrari crashBut their suspicions were confirmed after spotting a clue – his No 9 ‘Antonio’ shirt in the foot-well. Dr Moloney said: “We treat everyone the same whatever happens. But not many people have a shirt with their name on the back.”To get Antonio talking, the medics spoke to him about football, including his different managers and career highlights.The pair revealed that he was talking a lot and speaking repetitively, which is common when people bump their heads. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys.Michail AntonioBBCThe medics put him on a trolley before boarding him onto the ambulance, and tried to keep him warm.Antonio added: “For me, personally, I could never do your job. “If I go there and see blood or people in trouble, I would just panic or faint. It’s definitely something I wouldn’t be able to do.”The seriousness of it hit home when the forward saw the remains of the car at a scrapyard a few weeks ago.The former Nottingham Forest star explained: “Being involved in a major accident can have life-changing physical and mental effects.”I’ve processed it to a certain degree, but I think the emotions are going to take a long time. Mentally, trauma lasts a long time.”Antonio was shocked to find out that the medics found his body in the back seatCredit: BBCThe West Ham striker signed merch for the crewAntonio said the medics were his heroesHe also revealed that it was harder for his loved ones to see him that way.He said: “My family probably experienced the incident more than I did. “They had to see how I was in the hospital. I don’t remember my face being cut or going down for surgery the next day. “They lived it. They have those memories.”While there was some initial doubt as to whether or not he would ever play football again, Antonio is determined to get back on the pitch.He previously told the BBC: “The most difficult part is that I almost wasn’t there for my children.”It’s just made me happy, positive about life, because I’ve got another chance at life.”During this, we kept it away from the kids. My eldest saw it, and he struggled with it.”Not many people have a shirt with their name on the back.Dr James MoloneyBBCAntonio would watch West Ham games weekly throughout the early stages of his recovery to motivate him.The Hammers icon admitted that hearing his name being sung by supporters “helped him massively”.Read More on The SunHe made an emotional return to the London Stadium for West Ham’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last month.Antonio has also been able to return to light training. More

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      Former England star Adam Lallana, 36, lands shock new job in rare player-assistant manager role

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      ADAM LALLANA has been given the unusual role of player-assistant coach after Ivan Juric’s Southampton axe.The Saints fired the Croatian on Monday following relegation from the Premier League. Adam Lallana will be Southampton’s player-assistant for the rest of the seasonCredit: GettyThe 36-year-old made an emotional return to St Mary’s last summerCredit: X @SouthamptonFCSouthampton came up through last season’s Championship playoffs, beating Leeds in the final.But they have endured a miserable return to the top flight, sacking Russell Martin in December. Juric was brought in to steady the ship, but Southampton have mustered a pitiful 10 points from 31 games.Following Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Tottenham, they became the earliest team ever to be relegated from England’s top flight. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAssistant coach Simon Rusk will now take charge of the team until the end of the season.And former England midfielder Lallana has bagged a role as his No2.Lallana returned to St Mary’s on a one-year contract as a free agent last summer.The 36-year-old came through the academy at Saints and played over 260 times between 2006 and 2014.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe has featured in 18 games across all competitions this season. Rusk and Lallana will be in the dugout for this weekend’s visit of Aston Villa.Ivan Juric leaves Southampton after woeful relegation from Premier League with club on track to make unwanted history Juric leaves the Saints after just 2 wins from his 16 games in charge.He goes down as statistically the worst boss ever in the Premier League.A statement from the club read: “Ivan came to Southampton at a tough time and was tasked with trying to improve a squad in a difficult situation.”Unfortunately, we haven’t seen performances progress the way we had hoped, but we would like to thank Ivan and his staff for their honesty and hard work as they fought against the odds to try and keep us up.”With relegation now confirmed, we believe it is important to give fans, players and staff some clarity on the future as we head into a very important summer.”The process of finding a new manager to lead us as we look to secure an immediate return to the Premier League has now begun and is being led by Group Technical Director Johannes Spors.Read More on The Sun”We remain incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our fans.”Their continued dedication and passion, despite what has been a very tough season, is remarkable and is appreciated by everyone at the club.” More

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      ‘Not clever enough’ – Pep Guardiola slams OWN player as he reveals why Man City midfielder is playing out of position

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      MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola has sensationally claimed that Matheus Nunes is “not clever enough” to play in midfield.Nunes joined City in a £47million transfer from Wolves in the summer of 2023 and was initially considered by many as a natural replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who had just left as a free agent.Pep Guardiola has claimed that Matheus Nunes is ‘not clever enough’ to play in midfieldCredit: GettyPep Guardiola instead believes he is better suited to the full-back positionCredit: PAHowever, the midfielder has struggled to impress over the last 19 months.And Guardiola has even suggested that he is not good enough to play in his favoured position.Instead, the Spaniard believes that Nunes is best suited to playing as a right-back.Following City’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, Guardiola said: “He can become a good right-back for the physicality.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I think he’s not a player to play in the middle because he’s not clever enough, in composure.”He has incredible skills and he’s learning a lot; full-backs always have a big mistake when a cross to the far-post where you are, always they’re sleeping. “And he defended really well two or three crosses from Bruno Fernandes, [Patrick] Dorgu. He has physicality to do it, he can play that position and he’s helped a lot.”When we started the season and I tell we’re going to play Matheus at right-back, Nico [O’Reilly] left-back, you’d tell me, ‘What are you talking about?’Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But the season is what it is. Akanji is coming back, and we have two young central defenders.”But the last two or three games, the back four today again was excellent.”Pep Guardiola in iconic reaction to controversial Man Utd fans’ chantNunes has been playing as a full-back since Kyle Walker left to join AC Milan on loan in January.A utility player, the Portugal international has been rotating with Rico Lewis in right-back the position.This season, Nunes has also played at left-back, left midfield, left wing and in the centre of midfield. More

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      Jorge Bolano dead at 47: World Cup star dies suddenly as Gianluigi Buffon leads tributes

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      FORMER World Cup star Jorge Bolano has tragically passed away aged 47.It is reported the ex-midfielder died of a heart attack after celebrating a family birthday in Cucuta, Colombia.Jorge Bolano has died aged 47Credit: GettyBolano it is understood the former midfielder died of a heart attackCredit: AlamyGianluigi Buffon has paid tribute to his ‘unforgettable’ team-mateCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe was rushed to a nearby clinic but doctors were unable to save his life.Players and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to Bolano following the news of his death.The Colombian’s former Parma team-mate Gianluigi Buffon said: “Jorge was an unforgettable friend and team-mate, a constant in a locker room of extraordinary champions.”We played and won together in the golden years of a great Parma.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”On the pitch he fought without sparing himself and, off the pitch, I fondly remember his kindness and humanity that made him an example for everyone.”We will always carry you with us, rest in peace, my friend.”Bolano kicked off his playing career with Colombian side Atletico Junior in 1993 and spent six years in Atlantico before moving to Italy.There, he joined Buffon in playing for Parma and won the Italian Cup during the 2001/02 season.Most read in FootballThe midfielder enjoyed loan spells with Sampdoria and Lecce before joining Modena in 2007.He then returned back to his home country in 2010 with Cucuta Deportivo, where he spent the final two years of his career before retiring.Bolano also made 34 appearances for the Colombia national team, scoring once.He appeared for the nation at the 1998 World Cup in France. More