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      Declan Rice and Son Heung-min star in best Dream Team XI of players who feature in less than 10% of teams

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      THIS international break gives Dream Team managers time to reflect upon the season so far.One aspect to consider is the players who have flown under the radar.Here we’ve assembled the best possible XI, based on total points, made up of available individuals who currently feature in less than 10% of teams.Surprised?Credit: GettyGOALKEEPERAndre Onana (7.4% ownership) – 156 ptsMany Dream Team bosses will be surprised to learn that only David Raya (£4.4m) and Emi Martinez (£3.9m) have more points than Manchester United’s last line of defence.No goalkeeper has conceded more goals than Onana in all competitions after 28 Gameweeks but he ranks third for saves with 107.Factor in nine clean sheets and the Cameroonian keeper has somehow cobbled together a respectable points tally, despite the Red Devils’ problems this season.Overlooked by too manyCredit: GettyDEFENDERSDaniel Munoz (5.5%) – 230 ptsJurrien Timber (5.9%) – 191 ptsMarc Guehi (9.2%) – 172 ptsThe presence of two Crystal Palace regulars suggests too many gaffers have overlooked the Eagles this campaign.That is certainly true of Munoz, who ranks second among all assets in his position having contributed five goals and six assists on top of 12 clean sheets.Most read in FootballThe Colombian wing-back also ranks third among all players for tackles – he does it all!Palace are due to face Fulham and Southampton in Gameweek 29 – Munoz surely deserves a popularity spike before the next deadline.Timber’s relatively low ownership is down to the fact most gaffers will opt for Gabriel (£4.6m) or William Saliba (£4.5m) when they’re keen on an Arsenal defender, understandably so.But the Dutchman is a perfectly viable option too as he’s now just four points shy of his French team-mate and 13 short of the Brazilian.Timber makes more tackles than the Gunners’ first-choice centre-backs and earns more bonus points.Bonus ballCredit: GettyMIDFIELDERSYouri Tielemans (6.4%) – 221 ptsDeclan Rice (7.6%) – 216 ptsBrennan Johnson (8.4%) – 208 ptsEberechi Eze (8.7%) – 205 ptsAlexis Mac Allister (5.2%) – 204 ptsMorgan Rogers (£3.9m) has justifiably been one of Dream Team’s most popular midfielders this season but it’s interesting that Tielemans’ ownership has never reached double figures when he ranks joint-ninth in his position, just a shade below his widely-owned team-mate.The Belgium international leads the way among all players for bonus points with 48 – only one other player, Ryan Gravenberch (£3.2m), has more than 40 at this juncture.Generally speaking, attack-minded midfielders tend to perform better than their more defensive counterparts, which probably explains Rice’s relatively low ownership.However, Arsenal’s No41 has registered 13 goal contributions, thanks in no small part to his set-pieces.In fact, Rice’s well-directed corners have helped him create 23 big chances in 2024/25 – only Mohamed Salah (£8m) is above him in this metric.Set-piece specialistCredit: ReutersJohnson remains Tottenham’s top scorer this term and he was previously among the most selected players in the game.His ownership plummeted when he suffered an injury in January and is yet to recover.Eze is the third Palace representative in this XI, underlining the South Londoners’ success since their upsurge in form a few months ago.The England international averages 6.8 points-per-game.His dribbling skill and ability to draw fouls has helped him gain 37 bonus points, a tally only bettered by five players.Dream Team bosses have called upon Luis Diaz (£3.5m) and Dominik Szoboszlai (£4.3m) when in need of a Liverpool midfielder but those who have taken a punt on Mac Allister have been duly rewarded.The World Cup winner ranks first for tackles among his team-mates and joint-second for bonus points, not to mention his 11 goal involvements.A formidable asset even at half capacityCredit: AFPSTRIKERSSon Heung-min (9.7%) – 260 ptsCody Gakpo (6.2%) – 239 ptsThe Spurs captain is the man with the most points who features in less than 10% of teams across all positions.Son has not always been at his best this season but it’s a measure of his pedigree that he ranks seventh overall having scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions.The South Korean superstar might be an excellent option in April, when Ange Postecoglou’s side will face Southampton and Wolves around two Europa League quarter-final legs against Frankfurt.Last but not least, it’s Gakpo, who boasted a much higher ownership before his ill-timed injury at the end of February.Salah has been an essential asset from the get-go but there have been times when doubling up on Liverpool forwards has yielded plentiful returns.Gakpo has scored 16 goals this season, a tally only bettered by four players.The Dutchman came off the bench against PSG and Newcastle and is therefore in contention to start against Everton after the international break.However, Liverpool assets are not as viable as they were following their elimination from the FA Cup and Champions League.Here’s the team in full…Andre OnanaDaniel MunozJurrien TimberMarc GuehiREAD MORE SUN STORIESYouri TielemansDeclan RiceBrennan JohnsonEberechi EzeAlexis Mac AllisterSon Heung-minCody GakpoScore 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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      Newcastle cult hero has ‘best job in world’ as forgotten star who has played just 3 times parties with Shearer and Co

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      A NEWCASTLE cult hero has the “best job in the world” after celebrating their Carabao Cup success with Alan Shearer.Mark Gillespie, 32, came up through the ranks at Newcastle’s academy between 2000 and 2008.Mark Gillespie toasted Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win with Toon icon Alan ShearerCredit: InstagramFans reckon the £600,000-a-year back-up goalie has the ‘best job in the world’Credit: RexHe then enjoyed spells at Carlisle, Walsall and Motherwell before returning to St James’ Park in 2020.The goalkeeper has since played just THREE TIMES and has not made a single appearance in the past three seasons.However, Gillespie still pockets a cool £600,000 a year from his contract.The ace also lives a jetset lifestyle with glamour Wag Sally Rea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he was front and centre of Toon’s party following Sunday’s Carabao win.Eddie Howe’s men beat Liverpool 2-0 at Wembley to win their first trophy in 70 years.Fans look set to enjoy a bus-top parade later this month.But before then, Newcastle stars partied into the night as they toasted their success on the pitch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Gillespie looked to be having a whale of a time as he led the celebrations.The ace enjoyed a smiley snap with Magpies legend Shearer, who proudly wore the goalie’s gold medal.Eagle-eyed fans in hysterics as they spot Newcastle star ‘choking on confetti’ during Carabao Cup presentation Gillespie was front and centre of Newcastle’s trophy celebrationsCredit: XShearer reposted Gillespie’s picture on Instagram Stories, with a caption reading: “That’s how he dreamed about it last night.”Gillespie then posed for a hilarious shot showing him holding a beer in one hand and tray of drinks in the other.And fans quickly declared that Gillespie must have the “best job in the world” as a result.One said: “Mark Gillespie has the best job in the world, he is basically employed to enjoy Newcastle United.”Another declared: “Mark Gillespie luckiest man in the world right now.”One noted: “Gillespie gets paid to have a p**s up from Newcastle, love it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother boomed: “Gillespie man living the dream.”One added: “Gillespire has an even better job, he doesn’t evenhave to help wth the warm-ups any more.” More

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      Eagle-eyed fans in hysterics as they spot Newcastle star ‘choking on confetti’ during Carabao Cup presentation

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      FOOTIE fans were left in hysterics during Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup final celebrations.The Magpies ended their 70-year-long wait for domestic silverware last weekend with a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Wembley.Newcastle United ended their 70-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao CupCredit: REXSean Longstaff celebrated wildly as the trophy was hoisted in the confetti-filled airCredit: SKY SPORTSThe midfielder seemed to gag on the confettiCredit: SKY SPORTSThe Magpies were over the moon after the final whistle, but even more so when they finally got their hands on the trophy.Eddie Howe’s troops leapt for the stars after being presented the cup in the Royal Box.Green and white confetti filled the sky as the Toon stars celebrated, although a piece of it ended up getting caught in Sean Longstaff’s mouth.Footage of the midfielder reacting to the confetti going into his mouth spread like wildfire on social media, with one footie fan saying: “Unbelievable.”READ MORE ON NEWCASTLEAnother said: “Dying!”And another said: “Could only be Longstaff.”One remarked: “I saw this while replaying and laughed my head off. Glad you’re okay Sean, we love you!”Another chimed in: “Missed this and now p***ing myself at Longstaff nearly choking to death on a bit of confetti.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCarabao Cup final ratingsNEWCASTLE ended their 70-year trophy drought in style by beating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Reds in truth, with Eddie Howe’s Toon having produced a sensational performance to flatten runaway league leaders.Local lad Dan Burn, fresh off his first England call-up, rose highest to head his boyhood club into the lead on the stroke of half-time.Alexander Isak then deservedly doubled Newcastle’s lead shortly after the break.The Toon could have further increased their advantage, only for forgotten man Federico Chiesa to hand Liverpool a late lifeline on 94 minutes.But that goal was unable to spur a further comeback as Newcastle saw out the remaining added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Liverpool players and Gary Stonehouse rated the Newcastle players.Howe – the first English manager to win a major trophy since 2008 – was overjoyed to have ended Newcastle’s trophy drought.The 47-year-old said: “We were well aware of the history.How Newcastle outsmarted Liverpool with Dan Burn and Alexander Isak’s genius tricks”We knew what was at stake for all our fans — we wanted to do them, and the club proud and win the trophy.”Eddie Howe was over the moon to end Newcastle’s trophy droughtCredit: REX More

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      Nottingham Forest star serenades team-mates after being bizarrely gifted guitar by Ed Sheeran following Ipswich win

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST star Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrated the victory at Portman Road with a guitar given to him by Ipswich Town super fan Ed Sheeran. Forest are one step closer to realising their dream of Champions League qualification after beating Ipswich 4-2 on Saturday and maintaining third place in the Premier League table.Ed Sheeran gifted Nottingham Forest star Callum Hudson-Odoi a guitarCredit: Instagram @olaainaHudson-Odoi played the guitar after Forest beat Ipswich TownCredit: Instagram @olaainaIpswich super fan Sheeran had a special signed inscription for Hudson-OdoiCredit: Instagram @olaainaHudson-Odoi, 24, handed pop star Sheeran, 34, a rather unpleasant evening as the Tractor Boys’ minority stake holder watched his beloved team plunge into deeper relegation trouble.According to The Athletic, however, the singer remains a big fan of the Nottingham star and gave him a special gift after the final whistle.Sheeran was absent at Ipswich as he is currently in the US for business.However, the artist had pre-arranged to have a guitar gifted to Hudson-Odoi in exchange for a match-worn shirt.Read More on FootballAnd Forest team-mate Ola Aina shared a clip showing the ex-Chelsea star serenading Nuno Espirito Santo’s men with his musical abilities.The winger paid tribute to Sheeran as he attempted to play his popular Shape of You song in the visitors’ dressing room.Aina then focused the camera on the signed inscription the singer left for the England international.It read: “Callum, loads of love mate.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHudson-Odoi and Co had a very good reason to celebrate after the final whistle.Forest are now seven points ahead of sixth-placed Newcastle, who have a game in hand.Nuno thanks the fans after solid defensive performance against ArsenalNuno’s side have a strong chances of qualifying for Europe’s elite competition for the first time in three decades.Sheeran, who is a fan of Hudson-Odoi, was gracious in defeatCredit: GettyHudson-Odoi helped Forest get one step closer to Champions League qualificationCredit: Rex More

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      Sky Sports send warning to pundits Gary Neville and Co over verdict on Man City’s ‘115 charges’

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      SKY SPORTS have warned pundits over how they address Manchester City’s “115 charges”.A verdict on the Premier League’s legal war with City is expected in the coming weeks.Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville are among Sky Sports’ star punditsCredit: GettyRoy Keane will also be expected to comment on the matterCredit: GettySky chiefs are at pains to ensure that their reporting on the sensitive and complex matter will be “accurate, fair and balanced”.The broadcaster has told its pundits not to “make snap judgements” on the sensitive matter.Sky are said to have written to staff members, including the likes of Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane, asking them to “sufficiently digest the outcome” and to “stick to the facts” after the verdict.The outcome will also be subject to an appeal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSky chiefs also hope that pundits will direct viewers to Sky Sports News for more information.The broadcaster is keen to avoid controversy on the matter.In doing so, they have also sent a “factfile” on the case to staff members.A verdict is expected before the end of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCity were initially slapped with 115 charges over alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play rules.The Prem champions, who have strongly denied all charges, were subsequently hit with 15 more.Pep Guardiola finally breaks his silence after Man City were charged with 115 financial breaches by Premier LeagueCity splashed out £175million on four new signings in the January window amid talk they were fearing a transfer embargo punishment.Boss Pep Guardiola denied that, insisting: “I do not agree but my words will not convince people our attributes are just being in a wealthy position.“In one month there will be a verdict and sentence and after we will see my opinion of what happened so far.”City could face a points deduction – or even relegation – if they are found guilty.Pep Guardiola has commented on the matterCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘I wish he’d have been there’ – Alan Shearer broke down in tears over his dad after Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final win

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      ALAN SHEARER shed a tear for his late father following Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final triumph.The Magpies ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy with a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday.Newcastle United ended their 70-year wait for domestic silverware with a 2-1 win over LiverpoolCredit: REXClub legend Alan Shearer went wild after the final whistleCredit: MATCHDAY IMAGES LTDShearer revealed he then shed a tear as he thought about his late father, AlanCredit: THE REST IS FOOTBALLClub legend Shearer, his son Will and daughter Chloe were among the thousands of Geordies who were in a state of ecstasy after the final whistle.But his thoughts quickly turned to his late father Alan, who passed away last year following his battle with cancer.During the latest episode of the Rest is Football Podcast, he said: “I must admit, I had a tear or two [in my eye] when the final whistle went because I thought of my old man.”He was lucky enough, he went to the ’69 final when they won the Fairs Cup, so he sampled it a little bit.READ MORE ON NEWCASTLE”But I just wish he’d been there yesterday. But he’d been looking down.”According to Shearer, his old man was still thinking about the team during his final days on the planet.He continued: “Even in his last few days, he was on about Newcastle and how he wanted them to do well and win the trophy and what have you.”But me and Will and my daughter Chloe and her boyfriend were all at the game yesterday so we’ll give him a little nod.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAlan Shearer is wild with celebration as Newcastle win the Carabao CupCredit: INSTAGRAM@ALANSHEARERShearer bravely opened up on the passing of his father last year, writing in a column for The Athletic: “He told us exactly what he wanted and he told us that when the time came, he wanted to be at home. And he was.”We were all there with him and it was very peaceful. The pain had gone.Alan Shearer’s daughter Chloe and Newcastle stars go wild at Boxpark as they celebrate famous Carabao Cup final win”On the way, there were light and dark moments.”We knew what was coming and one day when I was trying to switch off for a couple of hours, I got a call from my mam, ‘Dad wants you and Karen home now. He’s ready to go.'”In the end, he lasted for another 27 or 28 hours.”But on that final evening, he talked through his life, the people he had fights with and didn’t like and plans for his own funeral.”He was laughing and reminiscing. The clarity was amazing.”Newcastle will parade the Carabao Cup trophy around the city on Saturday, March 29.Shearer, who at We,bley with son Will and daughter Chloe, celebrates with Dan BurnCredit: Instagram More

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      Former Serie A star who became armed robber before turning life around with acting career dies in his sleep at 39

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      FORMER Serie A star turned armed robber and actor Bruce Dombolo has died in his sleep – aged just 39.The Marseille-born midfielder played for Ancona in Italy’s top flight.Former Serie A star turned armed robber and actor Bruce Dombolo died in his sleepCredit: GettyAuxerre academy product Dombolo went on to appear for Italian side Pro Vasto and French club Marignane before falling into crime.He landed a two-year prison term aged just 20, then was jailed for a further eight years for his part in a 2010 jewellery heist.But Dombolo turned his life around, appearing in a series of French TV shows and becoming a Connect 4 champion.He said in 2023: “Some people fall into robbery of their own accord, and sadly I was one such person.Read More on Football”I didn’t think, but instead went to see some friends who were doing stupid things and asked them to include me.”That was how I joined a gang of armed robbers.”Dombolo was released in 2020.  He told French TV: “I was a lad from Vitrolles in Marseille, promised a career as a professional footballer, but I took a wrong turn.”I fell from the academy into the prison, from the stadiums of Serie A into robberies.Most read in Football”But in jail I turned my weaknesses into strengths.  I have since become an actor and producer, and got involved in violence prevention.”My journey proves that anyone can turn their life around, no matter where they are from.”Moment Aberdeen & Dunfermline fans join together to pay tribute to legendary former manager Jimmy CalderwoodTragically Dombolo’s agent told Le Parisien at the weekend that he had passed away in his sleep.Online tributes have since flowed in for the Congolese-origin former footballer, speaking of his “heart of gold,” “talent” and “amazing kindness.” More

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      Ambitious National League club plot stadium redevelopment as part of £70MILLION ‘Little Wembley’ plans

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      OLDHAM are plotting a stadium redevelopment as part of £70million plans for a “Little Wembley”.The ambitious National League side have announced a project to expand their Boundary Park stadium with a host of features.Oldham are plotting a £70million redevelopment around its stadiumCredit: GettyThere are plans to create their very own ‘Little Wembley’Credit: AlamyThe 13,186-seater arena is set for an incredible facelift thanks to a regeneration plan that will transform the area around it.Oldham and the local council have put forward their SportsTown development idea which includes a new sport campus, a 3,000-seater netball stadium and a new 3G pitch.A cricket pitch and an area akin to Wembley Way, dubbed “Little Wembley”, will also be built.And the area will provide new training and apprenticeship programs for youngsters too.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe project has already been kick-started with a £5m investment from the council, with money taken from a £20m pot through the government’s Community Regeneration Fund.The rest of the costs are expected to be met through grants and private investors.Oldham chairman Frank Rothwell said: “It will build a legacy, give young people real opportunities, and put Oldham on the map.“Oldham has always punched above its weight in sport and we’re not stopping now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“This funding is going to set things in motion for something truly game-changing. We’re not here to mess about.”Council leader Arooj Shad added: “Sport runs through the veins of Greater Manchester and Oldham is no exception. It’s right that we tap into that.Inside £49m ‘Stadium of the Year’ which saw world record set and is more popular than the Bernabeu “But SportsTown isn’t just about sport, it’s about creating real opportunities for everyone in our town.“SportsTown is a big deal for our town and will bring investment, jobs and world class facilities that will benefit generations to come.” More