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      Dream Team’s Swiss Army Knife Matheus Cunha ticks every box ahead of double Gameweek 25

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      MATHEUS CUNHA (£5m) is Dream Team’s Swiss Army Knife; he does it all.The Wolves forward is statistically the most in-form player in the game right now having amassed 41 points in his last three outings.Oozes qualityCredit: Dream TeamThe 25-year-old has scored against Aston Villa, Blackburn and Liverpool in consecutive fixtures but his goal threat is only one aspect of his game.Cunha has scored 13 goals in all competitions this season and ranks fifth for shots on target among assets in his position.Furthermore, he ranks third for bonus points, third for big chances created, and second for tackles among strikers – a gargantuan effort without European fixtures to bolster his schedule.And it’s the fact Cunha offers multiple routes to points that makes him such an appealing Dream Team option ahead of double Gameweek 25.Cunha has reached top form in recent weeksCredit: ReutersWith all 20 Premier League clubs set to play twice, Wolves will not be on the wrong side of a fixture deficit, which is the main reason gaffers have resisted Cunha this season.Vitor Pereira’s side are due to face Bournemouth and Fulham, two of the league’s best-coached sides both pushing for European qualification.While that’s far from a favourable double header, Cunha has proven himself capable of success against tough opposition, as evidenced by his 12-point haul against Liverpool last time out.Arne Slot was first in line to praise the former Atletico Madrid forward, saying: “Matheus Cunha is a quality player and has the quality to play for one of the top five teams in England.”Most read in FootballCunha took 12 points off Liverpool last time outCredit: GettyThe Dream Team Stats Centre paints the Brazil international in a very flattering light.He averages 8.4 points-per-game this season, a rate only bettered by the absolute cream of the crop: Mohamed Salah (£8.3m), Cole Palmer (£5.9m), Bukayo Saka (£6.6m), Erling Haaland (£8.1m).Even accounting for two deceptively difficult opponents, it would be reasonable to expect a healthy double-digit haul from Cunha in Gameweek 25.Hence why he’s currently the fifth-most popular recruit ahead of Friday’s 6:30pm 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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      ‘Toughest period of my career’ – Arsenal blow as Tomiyasu faces missing rest of 2025 after playing 6 minutes this season

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      TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU is battling to play again in 2025 as his Arsenal injury hell continues, admitting: “It has been the toughest period of my career.”The Japanese defender has been ruled out for the rest of the season following knee surgery this week in the hope of finally correcting an issue that has troubled him since last summer.Takehiro Tomiyasu has suffered with a knee injuryCredit: Instagram @tomiyasu.tTomiyasu has made just one appearance this seasonCredit: GettyAnd it leaves Gunners boss Mikel Arteta with yet another body in the medical room, following blows to the likes of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.After an initial procedure in August during pre-season, Tomiyasu, 26, completed his rehab and made a six-minute Prem cameo off the bench against Southampton in October.But he has failed to make a single appearance since, his last start coming on the final day of last season in a 2-1 victory over Everton on May 19, in which he scored and played the whole game.With Arsenal confirming in a statement the player’s current rehab programme is “expected to be completed towards the end of this year”, it could now be over 12 months between his next appearance and his last.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club believe this is the best approach to take with Tomiyasu, opting to prioritise his long-term health and fitness over rushing him back this term.In an Instagram post, Tomiyasu said: “I’ve had a surgery on my knee few days ago and I’ve already started my rehab to do what I love the most again.“It has been the toughest period in my career for sure and it carries on a bit more but I won’t give up. Thank you for your support and see you again.”Since Tomiyasu signed from Bologna for around £16m in August 2021, he has made just 50 starts in all competitions, and just 17 Prem starts since the 2022/23 campaign.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe has suffered SEVEN separate injuries in that time to his calf and knee.Despite this, the versatile full-back has always been highly valued by Arteta, with his contract expiring in June 2026 with the option to extend by a further 12 months.Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old selfHowever, there was previously talk of Tomiyasu being sold this summer to raise funds, especially with the rise of full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, but those plans will have to be shelved for now.It was a similar story with Jesus. The Brazilian striker ruptured his ACL last month and is fighting to play again before 2026. His future in North London was also being considered before the injury.Tomiyasu is the FIFTH Arsenal play to go under the knife this term. Right back Ben White – who is now back fit – had a minor knee operation in November.Alongside Jesus’ procedure, Saka had hamstring surgery in December and is racing to be back before the end of March. Havertz also required hamstring surgery last week and is out for the season.Fortunately for Arteta, he has options at full-back with White, Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney to choose from.Tomiyasu has been forced to watch from the sidelines this termCredit: Getty More

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      ‘He’s a cultural architect’ – Chelsea make surprise hire of rugby league legend to help turn flailing season around

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      CHELSEA have made a surprise hire by naming Willie Isa in a player support role.The rugby league legend has been recruited from the Wigan Warriors.Willie Isa has started working at ChelseaCredit: GettyMatt Peet has backed Isa to make an impact at the clubCredit: GettyIsa, 36, retired from playing in January after winning four major trophies with the Warriors in 2024. During his career, he also impressed at Australian sides Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm.It was when he moved to England in 2011 he enjoyed a trophy filled decade which included two club world championships.Isa has been baked to make a positive impact at the club by Warriors head coach Matt Peet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe told The Athletic: “I don’t expect the supporters to ever physically see the impact he has at Chelsea.”But he is a cultural architect.”He will make the environment better and all the individuals around the environment better.”Ignore the different shape of the ball that he is associated with, Willie’s skill set is all about high-performing teams, leadership and dealing with people.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Everyone at Wigan and in rugby league understands why Chelsea have made this move.”It’s intelligent.”‘Pressure shouldn’t be on the coach’ – Gary Neville slams Chelsea board for ‘unforgivable’ mistakeMARESC IS HISTORYENZO MARESCA is struggling again in the second half of the season – as he did at Leicester last term, despite their promotion…LEICESTER 2023-24 (All comps)Before Christmas – Games 25 Wins 21 Win rate 84%After Christmas – Games 27 Wins 15 Win rate 56%CHELSEA 2024-25 (All comps so far)Before Christmas – Games 27 Wins 18 Win rate 67%After Christmas – Games 10, Wins 3 Win rate 30%TOTAL (All comps)Before Christmas – Games 52 Wins 39 Win rate 75%After Christmas – Games 37 Wins 18 Win rate 49%Chelsea fans will be hoping that Isa has an immediate impact on Enzo Maresca’s squad.The Blues have dropped off in recent weeks, with only two Premier League wins in their last five games.This run of form has seen the club fall away in the race for the top four just two months after they were being considered as title challengers.The downturn has seen Maresca come underfire from some Chelsea legends.Former defender Frank Leboeuf took aim at the club after the defeat to Brighton as he criticised the lack of fight from the players. He said: “I saw a team that gave up after the second goal. We didn’t want to fight and didn’t know what to do.“That was so bad and so unprofessional.”William Gallas even hit out at the start of the season to claim there was not enough quality in the team.He said: “I’m looking at this squad of players and I don’t see nearly enough quality.“There is no way they’d get into the best Chelsea teams – half wouldn’t even get on the bench.“They aren’t good enough to win a title, which should always be the aim of a club like Chelsea.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Are they good enough to quality for the Champions League? I have serious doubts.“I don’t recognise this version of Chelsea anymore.” More

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      Kevin Phillips AXED by National League side Fylde after just FOUR MONTHS in charge in blunt statement

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      KEVIN PHILLIPS has been axed by National League side AFC Fylde after just four months in charge.The former Premier League star leaves with the club languishing in 22nd place.AFC Fylde have axed Kevin Phillips after just four months in chargeCredit: GettyAnd it brings to an end a miserable four months at the helm, with Phillips winning just five of his 20 matches following his arrival in October.A club statement revealed Fylde parted ways with Phillips by “mutual consent.”And assistant David Longwell will take charge on an interim basis as chiefs hunt for a new manager to save them from the drop to non-league.The statement read: “AFC Fylde can confirm that the club and Head Coach Kevin Phillips have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We would like to thank Kevin for his efforts and wish him well for the future.”Current assistant coach David Longwell will take charge of the team on an interim basis until we announce a permanent replacement.”Fylde was Phillips’ third job in management.Before that, he spent over three months with fellow National League strugglers Hartlepool.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe won seven games before leaving in April last year.Before that, Phillips’ first dugout job came in January 2022 with Northern Premier League side South Shields.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersPhillips starred for numerous top English sides including SunderlandCredit: GettyHe won promotion there in his second season but ended up leaving in April 2023.Phillips, who has also enjoyed coaching roles with Leicester, Derby and Stoke, was an eight-time England international who starred for a host of clubs.Phillips first played for Watford, netting 25 goals between 1994 and 1997.He then spent six years at Sunderland where he managed 130 goals.And Phillips’ travels then saw him score 26 times during two seasons at Southampton.A single year at Villa, which yielded five goals, saw him join West Brom in 2006.Phillips scored 46 goals in two years before moving to Birmingham, where he netted 22 times in three seasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESPhillips then turned out for Blackpool, bagging 19 goals before heading to Crystal Palace where he managed a further seven strikes.His final season came in the 2013/14 campaign with Leicester, where he scored twice before hanging up his boots. More

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      Man Utd statement confirms ‘exceptional’ cost of sacking Erik ten Hag and staff including Dan Ashworth

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have revealed how much money they spent to sack Erik ten Hag, his staff and Dan Ashworth.Ten Hag was sacked by the Red Devils in October after winning just three of their opening nine Premier League games.The cost for Man Utd to sack Erik ten Hag and his staff has been revealedCredit: PAThe figure also includes the cost of parting ways with Dan Ashworth after just five monthsCredit: PAThe interest paid back on the debt owed by Avram Glazer, right, and his family has hit £1bnCredit: The TimesThe club also got rid of the Dutchman’s staff as they swept the board clean for Ruben Amorim and the arrival of his own coaching team.While that move was not too surprising, at the start of December it was announced sporting director Ashworth would be leaving after just five months in charge.United have now confirmed the cost of parting ways with them.In the club’s second-quarter fiscal results for 2025 published today, it was noted under “exceptional items” that United spent £14.5million – £10.4m to sack Ten Hag and his staff and £4.1m on Ashworth’s exit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fiscal report also revealed the club’s total revenue was down 12 per cent over the quarter and the staggering cost of servicing the Galzer family’s debt.The loss of income was due to a 42.1 per cent reduction in broadcasting revenue, falling to £61.6m from the lack of Champions League football.That came despite commercial revenue increasing by 18.5 per cent driven by a new shirt sponsorship with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon brand.The accounts revealed United had an operating profit of £3.1m, with EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) of £70.5m, down 22.9 per cent from £91.4m in 2Q24.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, including player trading, this figure resulted in a £27.7m loss.The balance sheet of the club was also strengthened by an £80m investment by Ineos – without which Man Utd would have been left with just £15m in cash.Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-upInterest costs since the 2005 Glazer buy-out have now gone over £1billion after £18.8m payment, while the total debt stands at £731m – with around £300m still owed on transfers.In a statement, CEO Omar Berrada spoke about the challenges facing the club and the ongoing work to regenerate Old Trafford and redevelop the Carrington training centre.He said: “We recognise the challenges in improving our men’s team’s league position and we are all working hard, collectively, to achieve that. “At the same time, we are pleased to have progressed to the knock-out phase of the UEFA Europa League and the 5th Round of the FA Cup. “Meanwhile, our women’s team is currently placed second in the Women’s Super League, and has reached the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup.“Our redevelopment of the Carrington Training Complex remains on track. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We continue to work towards a decision on the future of Old Trafford as part of a wider regeneration programme, which has now attracted UK Government support. “This follows the work of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force in demonstrating the significant economic potential of a revitalised area around a future stadium project.” More

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      Referee at centre of Jude Bellingham red card probe reveals ‘suffering’ family sent ‘threats and attacks’

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      THE REFEREE at the centre of Jude Bellingham’s red card has revealing his “suffering” family have been sent “threats and attacks.”Jose Munuera sent off Bellingham during Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna at the weekend.Jose Munuera says his family have received threats since he sent off Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyThe England ace has been banned for two matches for swearing at the officialCredit: ReutersThe midfielder was left gobsmacked when he was given his marching orders for what he later claimed was a “miscommunication.”Munuera wrote in his report that Bellingham said “f*** you” after a decision went the other way.And the England ace was left facing a 12-match ban as a result of his actions.Bellingham has today avoided the major suspension following an investigation from LaLiga.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has instead been banned for two matches, meaning he will just miss games against Girona and Real Betis.Real Madrid plan on appealing the two-match ban, with the club and Bellingham insisting he did not swear at Munuera.But the ref claims the incident has seen his family receive various threats, saying they are under “attack” following his red card for Bellingham.He said: “Today it was my turn, but how long has the committee been suffering these attacks? Most read in FootballInside Jude Bellingham’s new romance with stunning Instagram model“They are vilifying my nephews, they are attacking my nine brothers, my 80-year-old father went to mass today and… I better keep quiet. “What are we creating? How can we show in a newspaper the barbarities that we are saying? Are we crazy? Are we controlling violence or promoting it? This is getting out of hand. What sport are we creating with football?“Before they sent me another hundred thousand death threats or insults, I silenced my Linkedin account so that the same thing wouldn’t happen again. I’m not afraid, it’s for my protection and that of my family. They are in a bad way, very worried. “They haven’t asked me to stop because they know that’s impossible. My parents don’t deserve this.”Meanwhile, the Mail reports that the official himself is under investigation from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).It has nothing to do with Bellingham’s red card though, and is instead related to his ownership of Talentus Sports — a sports consultancy agency.Alleged clients including Uefa, LaLiga and several football clubs.The RFEF is reportedly investigating an incident based on Munuera’s “extra-sporting activities.”But Munuera denies any conflict of interest, claiming: “I have been doing it for a year now, and I and other sportsmen give talks to companies of all kinds. READ MORE SUN STORIES“As an extra service, and that is where the whole mess came from, we offer a free service on Linkedin to the people who go to these conferences, without any kind of connection, let’s be clear, neither economic nor contact, in which we create a database with the job offers generated by sport, basketball, tennis, football.“So that young people who have done a postgraduate degree in sport have a reference site to be able to see these job offers. Full stop. There is nothing else.” More

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      Wayne Rooney spotted training his England teammate Kyle Walker’s six-year-old son at £8k Dubai holiday camp

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      WAYNE Rooney is training up the next generation of football stars – including former England teammate Kyle Walker’s six-year-old son.Ex Manchester United ace Rooney has been spotted at an £8,000 kids’ football camp based at a five-star Dubai hotel.Wayne Rooney’s son Cass and Kyle Walker’s son Reign are at the footie campWalker remains in Milan for football training after last night’s drawCredit: ReutersRooney is coaching the kids’ team after a setback in his own careerCredit: Football EscapesThe legendary goalscorer, 39, is back coaching this February half-term – two months after being sacked as Plymouth Argyle manager after just seven months in charge.Pictures show Wayne’s son Cass, also six, playing footie with Walker’s third child Reign as his dad’s AC Milan team were knocked out of the Champions League.Walker, 34, looked gutted last night to lose out at the play-off stage with a 1-1 draw to Dutch team Feyenoord, having quit Man City for the Italian club and admitting: “Winning the Champions League would be a dream come true. I have experienced it in a great final with City.”Meanwhile his football mad son Reign is almost 4,000 miles away in Dubai with his mum Annie Kilner and brothers Roman, Riaan and Rezon, where Rooney is hosting a special event at the stunning Jumeirah Beach as the new Football Escapes ambassador.READ MORE ON WAYNE ROONEYRunning from February 17-21, Wayne is putting the kids through their paces as they learn from one of England’s all-time greats.A spokesman for Football Escapes posted on social media: “Wayne Rooney’s first Football Escapes course is in full flow, and it’s been nothing short of amazing. “Expert coaching, plenty of laughs, and memories being made on and off the pitch.”Since leaving Plymouth Argyle, Rooney landed a punditry gig for Amazon Prime’s live coverage of Man City’s Champions League efeat to Real Madrid last week.Most read in FootballHe’s now back coaching again in his new role as ambassador for Football Escapes – after being sacked for winning just four of his 23 Championship matches.He’s being used as a way to entice parents to splurge on the package, with prices for a family of four averaging between £7,500 and £8,650.Wayne Rooney starts new job in Middle East as Man Utd legend touches down for first day after leaving Plymouth “While the children learn from one of football’s most celebrated players, parents can relax by the private beach”, says the event website.”Indulge in fine dining, or explore the many family-focused activities the resort has to offer.”From football coaching with a Premier League legend to relaxing in Dubai’s luxurious setting, this Football Escapes holiday strikes the perfect balance of fun, learning, and quality family time.”Rooney got involved as he put the kids through their pacesCredit: Football Escapes More

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      Jude Bellingham escapes 12-game ban after X-rated rant at referee with Real Madrid star to miss just TWO matches

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has received a two-match ban for his X-rated rant at a referee.The Real Madrid star was red carded in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna after what he claims was a “miscommunication” between him and referee Jose Munuera.Jude Bellingham was sent off for dissent on SaturdayCredit: ReutersThe England star couldn’t believe the decisionCredit: AFPMunuera claimed Bellingham, 21, had yelled “f*** you” – which could have landed the England international a TWELVE-GAME ban.In the Munuera’s report after the game, he claimed: “In the 40th minute, Bellingham was sent off for the following reason: For addressing me, being just a few metres away, in the following terms: “F*** you.”Bellingham immediately refuted the claim, insisting: “It’s clear that it was a mistake and there is a miscommunication. I remember the incident very well but I’ve also seen the video and the video doesn’t match the report.”I don’t want to go too much in detail about what was said but it’s like a expression like ‘f***’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I hope that the footage review can show that is not the same as the report and going forward that the federation can keep it under consideration because it’s huge evidence.”Obviously we can’t change the result but I think that going forward there will be a change.”While Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti claimed after the match that Bellingham had used the term “f*** off” instead, suggesting it is a phrase rather than a personal attack.He said: “I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English. He said f*** off, not f*** you… that’s way different.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Spanish FA’s disciplinary Code says that any player guilty of “insulting, offending, or addressing the main referee, assistants, fourth official, directors, or sports authorities in offensive terms or attitudes” will be punished with a suspension of four to 12 matches.But Bellingham has avoided a lengthy ban, and will be suspended for matches against Girona at home and Real Betis away.Jude Bellingham caught ‘humbling’ LaLiga rival who threatened to knock Real Madrid team-mate out ‘in 10 seconds’Reports in Spain suggest Real will appeal.The Spanish giants had been 1-0 up at the time of Bellingham’s red card, via Kylian Mbappe’s 15th minute opener.They went on to draw 1-1 following Ante Budimir’s 58th minute penalty.Asked whether he will talk to Bellingham about his conduct, Ancelotti added: “I’ve nothing to say to Jude. I should talk to the referee, not to Jude.”The previous week, TV mics picked up a similar X-rated Bellingham rant directed at a linesman during Real Madrid’s clash with Atletico.He shouted: “F*** you man! F*** off!”Even though he swore at an official, the midfielder escaped any punishment on that occasion.On Tuesday evening, Munuera detailed the abuse he had received during an appearance on Spanish TV show El Partizado.He said: “Today it was my turn, but how long has the committee been suffering these attacks?”They are vilifying my nephews, they are attacking my nine brothers, my 80-year-old father went to mass today and… I better keep quiet.”What are we creating? How can we show in a newspaper the barbarities that we are saying? Are we crazy? Are we controlling violence or promoting it? This is getting out of hand. What sport are we creating with football?”Before they sent me another hundred thousand death threats or insults, I silenced my Linkedin account so that the same thing wouldn’t happen again. I’m not afraid, it’s for my protection and that of my family. They are in a bad way, very worried.”They haven’t asked me to stop because they know that’s impossible. My parents don’t deserve this.”READ MORE SUN STORIESLast season, Mason Greenwood saw red while at Getafe for appearing to tell a referee to “f*** off.”The former Manchester United forward denied those words, instead claiming to have said “don’t f*** with me” – subsequently escaping a ban.Carlo Ancelotti stood by Bellingham after the matchCredit: AFP More