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    Chelsea have pinched £200m of Brighton assets… but if Blues beat Seagulls in Carabao Cup it’ll be a genuine upset

    THE dastardly duo to blame are former Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren ‘Big Dave’ Moore and the ex-England women’s international Izzy Christiansen.On the touchline of a deserted Eco-Power Stadium, the home of Doncaster Rovers, these absolute rascals conducted the draw for the third round of the Carabao Cup last month — and they paired Chelsea with Brighton and Hove Albion.
    Moises Caicedo cost Chelsea £115m from Brighton but his old club are still doing better than Mauricio Pochettino’s big spendersCredit: Rex
    Pochettino’s strugglers will take on Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton in the Carabao Cup at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday nightCredit: Getty
    In doing so, they applied a bloody great sack of Saxa to Chelsea’s open wounds.
    Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge, the Blues will welcome the club who are everything they are not — intelligent, well-run, profitable, successful, attractive and sickeningly in love with life.
    The season is only six matches old and Brighton are already ten points clear of Todd Boehly’s billionaire boys club.
    And Brighton are the club Chelsea have pillaged to the tune of almost a quarter of a billion pounds since Boehly and his Clearlake crew took over at the Bridge.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    Since last summer, they have swooped to take Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Robert Sanchez, Graham Potter and his entire backroom staff, as well as recruitment chief Paul Winstanley, from the Seagulls.
    Yet somehow Brighton are even better and Chelsea are much, much worse.
    Now, all the people I know at Brighton seem like thoroughly good eggs but unless they are AI robots devoid of any natural human impulse, then they must surely take time out once a week to sit down in a meeting room and laugh at Chelsea.
    I mean, you just would.
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    Wednesday’s cup tie is a meeting of two clubs who simply defy logic.
    If modern football is all about money — and it largely is — then it should be impossible for a club as wealthy as Chelsea to be this bad and for a club as modest as Brighton to be this good.
    Two years ago, Chelsea were champions of Europe… now they are no longer even playing in Europe and can’t beat anybody of note.
    Last October, Potter — unbeaten in eight games as Chelsea boss — returned to the Amex Stadium and suffered a 4-1 hammering.
    Starting that day, Chelsea are now on a run of just 28 points from 33 Premier League matches — beating only Bournemouth (twice), Crystal Palace, Leeds, Leicester and Luton.
    This is sustained relegation form — and if the newly promoted trio of Luton, Sheffield United and Burnley did not look so weak, Boehly would have genuine reason to fear relegation.
    We’ve already pointed out here the sheer folly of Chelsea spending such an extraordinary amount on such a callow bunch of players.
    But during Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat by Aston Villa, striker Nicolas Jackson gave us the perfect example of his club’s rank stupidity.
    Jackson was booked for the fifth time in six Premier League matches and every single yellow card has been for dissent.
    Perhaps Roberto De Zerbi will show compassion and send out a reserve team, given that — unlike Pochettino — he must juggle the extra demands of European football.
    That means he is going to miss Monday’s trip to Fulham, the little club down the road who took them for four points last season and also finished above them.
    During his successful spell at Tottenham, Mauricio Pochettino was renowned for his work in developing young players and also for being no taker of s***.
    Unless the Argentinian manager has gone soft, he must be utterly livid with Jackson and he must be wondering what on Earth he has signed up for.
    Meanwhile, Brighton were chalking up a fifth win in six league matches against Bournemouth, courtesy of Kaoru Mitoma, who was signed for roughly two per cent of the fee Chelsea forked out for Caicedo.
    Perhaps Roberto De Zerbi will show compassion and send out a reserve team at the Bridge, given that — unlike Pochettino — he must juggle the extra demands of European football.
    But if he names a strong line-up, then Chelsea beating Brighton at home will constitute a genuine cup upset.
    Which is a staggering, and really rather beautiful state of affairs.
    ED SHAKER
    IF VAR officials couldn’t spot that Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah’s horrific late lunge on Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario was a clear and obvious straight red, then — for the umpteenth time — what the hell is VAR actually for?
    Eddie Nketiah’s lunge on Guglielmo Vicario should have meant an obvious dismissal for the Arsenal striker, especially after video replaysCredit: Getty
    SQUEAKY TOM TIME
    IF Brentford were northern they would have been long recognised as what they are — a bigger, uglier, even better version of Sean Dyche’s Burnley or Tony Pulis’ Stoke.
    Yet on Saturday, Dyche’s Everton gave Thomas Frank and Co a proper Dycheing.
    The Bees have sold their excellent goalkeeper, David Raya, suffered a lengthy suspension to their goal machine, Ivan Toney, and lost their left-back, Rico Henry, to a horrible season-ending injury.
    Brentford are a brilliantly run small club but there is only so much misfortune any small club can take in the Premier League before things start getting seriously squeaky.
    RETRO FIT
    AS a tragic lover of retro football kits, it was heartening to see Nottingham Forest turn up at the Etihad in an all-red adidas outfit, so similar to that in which they won two European Cups in 1979 and 1980.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    And, at least until next May, Forest still have more European Cups than Manchester City.
    Now read Dave Kidd’s view on “feel-good story” Jonny Evans… More

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    When is the Carabao Cup fourth round draw? Stream FREE, TV channel, ball numbers as teams hope to avoid Prem big guns

    FANS are gearing up for the excitement of the Carabao Cup fourth round draw – and you can almost guarantee that there will be a mouthwatering tie to watch once the dust has settled.Holders Manchester United hope to be in the hat once their third round encounter against Crystal Palace has concluded.
    Enzo Fernandez’s strike helped Chelsea to book their spot in the third roundCredit: Getty
    Arsenal take a small trip across London where Brentford awaits, while Chelsea host a rejuvenated Brighton side.
    But the tie of the third round will be at St. James’ Park where Newcastle welcome Treble winners Manchester City to their home patch.
    SunSport has all the information on the fourth round draw including the teams battling it out for the remaining spots.
    When is the Carabao Cup fourth round draw?

    The Carabao Cup fourth round draw will take place on Wednesday, September 27.
    It is scheduled to get underway immediately after Newcastle’s mouthwatering match against Manchester City concludes which kicks-off at 8pm BST.
    Ball numbers will be confirmed before the draw begins.

    Read more on Carabao Cup
    What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

    Fans can watch the Carabao Cup fourth round draw LIVE on Sky Sports Football.
    NOW TV members will also be able to stream the entire draw live through the NOW TV app.
    Alternatively, tune into SunSport’s blog for the fourth round draw which includes post-draw reaction.

    Can I watch it for FREE?
    Yes!
    Fans can head to the official Sky Sports Football YouTube channel to watch it for FREE in the UK.
    What are the third round fixtures?
    Tuesday, September 26
    Most read in Football

    Salford City vs Burnley – 7:45pm
    Exeter vs Luton Town – 7:45pm
    Ipswich Town vs Wolves – 7:45pm
    Mansfield Town vs Peterborough – 7:45pm
    Bradford City vs Middlesbrough – 7:45pm
    Port Vale vs Sutton United – 7:45pm
    Manchester United vs Crystal Palace – 8pm

    Wednesday, September 27

    Brentford vs Arsenal – 7:45pm
    Chelsea vs Brighton – 7:45pm
    Liverpool vs Leicester City – 7:45pm
    Blackburn vs Cardiff City – 7:45pm
    Lincoln City vs West Ham – 7:45pm
    Bournemouth vs Stoke City – 7:45pm
    Aston Villa vs Everton – 7:45pm
    Fulham vs Norwich – 7:45pm
    Newcastle vs Man City – 8pm

    All times are BST
    The Carabao Cup fourth round matches will be played in the week commencing Monday, October 30. More

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    Is Chelsea vs Brighton on TV? Blues desperate to end three-game winless run in tricky Carabao Cup match – team news

    CHELSEA couldn’t buy a win at the moment – and they now face a tough Carabao Cup fourth-round test against Brighton.Ollie Watkins’ 73rd-minute strike inspired Aston Villa to a win against the ten-men Blues at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
    Chelsea are winless in their last three matches across all competitionsCredit: Alamy
    Pressure is building on Mauricio Pochettino as his side are winless in their last three matches which includes a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
    And he now has to navigate the Blues past a Brighton side who are fresh from brushing picking apart Bournemouth at the AMEX.
    Furthermore, the Seagulls have beaten Chelsea in their last two consecutive meetings.
    When is Chelsea vs Brighton?

    Chelsea welcome Brighton to their home for a huge Carabao Cup fourth-round clash on Wednesday, September 27.
    It is scheduled to get underway at 7:45pm BST.
    Stamford Bridge in West London is the allocated arena for this thrilling match and it can host around 40,343 fans.
    Danny Welbeck and Julio Enciso completed the turnaround for the Seagulls after Conor Gallagher’s opener when the sides went to battle in April.

    Read more on Chelsea
    Is Chelsea vs Brighton?

    Unfortunately, Chelsea vs Brighton will NOT be broadcast live on TV in the UK.
    This match has not been selected for live TV coverage in the UK on either Sky Sports or TNT Sports.
    However, fans can tune into SunSport’s blog which will bring you live minute-by-minute coverage including pre-match and post-match reaction.

    What is the team news?
    Mauricio Pochettino has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the Brighton fixture and the Blues would have been delighted to Armando Broja and Marc Cucurella return despite Sunday’s result.
    Noni Madueke and Benoit Badiashile could also get some minutes as the pair are back in training.
    However, Reece James (hamstring), Christopher Nkunku (knee), Trevoh Chalobah (hamstring), Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), Malang Sarr (rib), Marcus Bettinelli (knee), Romeo Lavia (ankle) and Wesley Fofana (Cruciate ligament) all remain out.
    Most read in Football
    And Malo Gusto is suspended for three matches after his reckless challenge got upgraded from a yellow to a red card by VAR against Villa.
    Malo Gusto will miss the Carabao Cup clash following his red card on SundayCredit: Reuters
    Elsewhere, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Jakub Moder is back on the grass.
    But it is unlikely that the trio of James Milner, Julio Enciso and Pascal Gross will make the trip to Stamford Bridge.
    What are the latest odds?

    Chelsea to win 13/10
    Draw 5/2
    Brighton to win 15/8

    *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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    Is Brentford vs Arsenal on TV? Gunners aim to get over disappointing Spurs draw in huge Carabao Cup clash – team news

    ARSENAL face their second London derby in three days when they travel to Brentford for a thrilling Carabao Cup fourth-round match.The Gunners thought that they were on their way to a fourth consecutive North London derby win at the Emirates when Bukayo Saka tucked his penalty away against Tottenham on Sunday,
    Jorginho’s error led to Son Heung-min’s equaliser in the North London derbyCredit: Getty
    However, Jorginho’s “painful” mistake led to Spurs skipper Son Heung-min equalising within seconds of the restart, forcing the points to be shared between the bitter rivals.
    But the Bees didn’t have the best of weekends either as they handed out-of-form Everton their first win of the season.
    So with both teams itching for a win to avenge their previous outings, it makes for an interesting Carabao Cup encounter.
    Furthermore, former Brentford goalkeeper David Raya returning to the Gtech Community Stadium makes things a little more spicy.
    Read more on Arsenal
    When is Brentford vs Arsenal?

    Arsenal’s Carabao Cup fourth-round trip to Brentford will take place on Wednesday, September 27.
    It is scheduled to get underway at 7:45pm BST.
    Gtech Community Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 17,250 fans.
    Ivan Toney’s 74th-minute strike forced both teams to share the spoils when they last met in February.

    Is Brentford vs Arsenal on TV?

    Unfortunately, Brentford vs Arsenal will NOT be broadcast live on TV in the UK.
    This match has not been selected for live TV coverage in the UK on either Sky Sports or TNT Sports.
    However, fans can tune into SunSport’s blog which will bring you live minute-by-minute coverage including pre-match and post-match reaction.

    What is the team news?
    Thomas Frank’s injury woes continue with Brentford forward Kevin Schade now out for a short spell after collapsing to the floor with a leg injury during the Everton warm-up.
    And the striker will be joining Ben Mee (muscle), Charlie Goods (hamstring), Josh Dasilva (thigh), Mikel Damsgaard (groin), Rico Henry (knee), Shandon Baptiste (shoulder) and Ivan Toney (misconduct) on the sidelines.
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    Mikel Arteta also has a number of concerns including £105million man Declan Rice who suffered a back issue in the North London derby draw.
    Declan Rice sustained a back issue in against TottenhamCredit: Getty
    But it has been confirmed that Rice’s injury is not as serious as first thought and he could return for the away trip to Brentford along with Brazilian sensation Gabriel Martinelli.
    However, the Arsenal gaffer will be sweating over the fitness of Leandro Trossard who was forced to pull out of Sunday’s encounter with a slight muscle issue.
    Jurrien Timber (ACL) and Thomas Partey (groin) remain out for the foreseeable future.
    What are the latest odds?

    Brentford to win 12/5
    Draw 5/2
    Arsenal to win 21/20

    *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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    Carabao Cup 4th round draw simulated as Man Utd get ANOTHER home tie but face tough clash if they get past Palace

    MANCHESTER UNITED face yet another home clash in SunSport’s simulated Carabao Cup fourth-round draw.The Red Devils matched a record set by Aston Villa when they were picked out to face Fulham at home in the FA Cup quarter-final in March.
    Manchester United face bogey team Brigton in SunSport’s simulated drawCredit: Alamy
    That made it ten consecutive home draws in domestic competition for United, excluding their double-legged Carabao Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest in January.
    United broke the record after being drawn at home to Crystal Palace in the third round, with SunSport’s simulation setting up another Old Trafford clash against Chelsea or Brighton should they win.
    That could prove a tricky test for Erik ten Hag’s side – though in years gone by fans would fear playing Chelsea.
    Now Brighton are the in-form team and sit third in the Premier League with five wins from six – United have only won one of their last five meetings with the Seagulls.
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    Chelsea have just one win in the same number of games, which came against winless Prem newboys Luton Town.
    Elsehwere last year’s runners-up Newcastle could face easier opponents if they manage to knock out Manchester City.
    The winner of Bradford vs Middlesbrough could welcome Toon to Yorkshire, while there could be more one or two more League Two vs Premier League ties.
    Sutton United, who are bottom of League Two, could play Ipswich or Wolves if they beat League One side Port Vale.
    Most read in FootballCarabao Cup fourth round draw simulation

    Aston Villa/Everton vs Brentford/Arsenal
    Ipswich/Wolves vs Port Vale/Sutton
    Lincoln/West Ham vs Salford/Burnley
    Exeter/Luton vs Fulham/Norwich
    Bournemouth/Stoke vs Liverpool/Leicester
    Bradford/Middlesbrough vs Newcastle/Man City
    Mansfield/Peterborough vs Blackburn/Cardiff
    Man Utd/Crystal Palace vs Chelsea/Brighton

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    While Salford, who face Burnley, could earn a visit to Lincoln or West Ham.
    There could be another interesting clash on the cards if Arsenal and Aston Villa win their respective third-round matches, with the Gunners facing a trip across London to play Brentford first.
    Should Arsenal win SunSport’s simulated draw has them up against a former manager in Unai Emery, who should fancy his chances against Everton.
    Liverpool will also be quietly confident of progressing to the quarter-finals if they are drawn against Bournemouth or Stoke – the Reds meet Leicester in the third round.
    The actual draw for the Carabao Cup takes place after Newcastle vs Manchester City and is available to watch on Sky Sports and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.
    Ties will be played the week commencing Monday October 30. More

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    Man Utd vs Crystal Palace: Ten Hag’s side begin their Carabao Cup defence against Eagles – stream, TV, team news

    MANCHESTER UNITED take on Crystal Palace in an all-Premier League Carabao Cup third-round clash at Old Trafford on Tuesday.The troubled Red Devils got back to winning ways on the weekend after beating Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor.
    Manchester United ran out 1-0 winners against Burnley on SaturdayCredit: REX
    Bruno Fernandes sealed victory at Turf Moor with a stunning first-half strikeCredit: GETTY
    Crystal Palace are currently tenth in the Premier League tableCredit: Getty
    Bruno Fernandes’ stunning first-half strike gave United all three points as Erik ten Hag’s side claimed their third win of the season.
    Ten Hag’s troops claimed the Carabao Cup last May with a 2-0 win over Newcastle at Wembley last February.
    Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace, meanwhile, go into the game on the back of a goalless draw with Fulham on the weekend.
    Palace have made a steady start to the new season, winning two, drawing two and losing two of their first six league games.
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    They currently sit in tenth place in the Premier League.
    And Eagles fans will be hoping for a good cup run if they can get past the hot-and-cold Red Devils.
    Old Trafford has been a difficult hunting ground for the Eagles of late, with Hodgson’s troops losing on their last two visits.
    But prior to that, they registered 2-1 and 3-1 wins in their 2019 and 2020 trips to the Theatre of Dreams.
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    When is Man United vs Crystal Palace?

    Man United vs Crystal Palace will take place on Tuesday, September 26.
    Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
    Man United’s Old Trafford will host.

    What TV channel will Man United vs Crystal Palace be on and can it be live streamed?

    Man United vs Crystal Palace will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Football.
    Sky Sports customers will be able to live stream all the action via the NOW app/website.
    Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action from Old Trafford.

    Team news
    Marcus Rashford may be missing from the squad after he was involved in a car crash following Man United’s match with Burnley on Saturday night.
    The England forward was left shaken-up, but thankfully, nobody was hurt.
    Elsewhere, boss Ten Hag revealed Sergio Reguilon was substituted during Man United’s win at Turf Moor due to illness.
    Sofyan Amrabat made his debut at the weekend from the bench and could push for his first start against Palace.
    Mason Mount could return on Tuesday night after missing the last four games due to injury.
    Hodgson will be missing a number of players, with Michael Olise, Matheus Franca, Jefferson Lerma, Naouirou Ahamada and James Tomkins all out.
    Former Man United goalkeeper Dean Henderson could make his Palace debut against his former side at Old Trafford.
    What are the odds?
    Match result

    Man United – 4/7
    Draw – 3/1
    Crystal Palace – 19/4

    To qualify
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    Man United – 2/7
    Crystal Palace – 5/2

    *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication.
    Marcus Rasford could miss the match after crashing his luxury Rolls RoyceCredit: REX More

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    Captaincy options & Booster strategies for Gameweek 6: Midweek Carabao Cup fixtures difficult to predict

    DREAM TEAM managers have the luxury of a late deadline for Gameweek 6.The three Saturday 3pm kick-offs are the first eligible fixtures which means gaffers have until 2pm the same day to decide upon their strategy.

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    Dream Team’s top dogsCredit: Getty
    CAPTAINCY OPTIONS
    Here’s the thing, as long as Erling Haaland (£8.2m) is fit he will continue to be the obvious choice for captaincy.
    Those who strapped the armband to the Norwegian poacher in Gameweek 5 saw his 20 points doubled to 40 for another massive return.
    It’s a measure of the treble-winner’s pedigree that he was able to claim such a haul despite missing FIVE big chances against West Ham and failing to convert any of his six shots against Red Star Belgrade.
    However, it’s worth noting that Julian Alvarez (£4.3m) outscored his team-mate by nine points in Gameweek 5 and so any gaffer brave enough to have captained the World Cup winner would have been rewarded with +18-point swing over those who played it safe with Haaland.
    Manchester City host Nottingham Forest this Saturday before a trip to St James’ Park for a Carabao Cup showdown with Newcastle on Wednesday night.
    Once again, both Haaland and Alvarez look well placed to build upon their sizeable points tallies but which one will come out on top in Gameweek 6?
    Most read in Football
    It wouldn’t be all that surprising if one or both of the in-form forwards were rested against the Magpies, to some extent at least.
    Will Manchester United’s luck turn this weekend?Credit: Dream Team
    This leaves the door open for the possibility of alternative captaincy options if Dream Team bosses felt confident they could predict which players will start two games in Gameweek 6.
    For example, will Eberechi Eze (£3.6m) start against Fulham on Saturday and against Manchester United on Tuesday?
    Crystal Palace don’t have European commitments to juggle and so they may as well give it a go in the domestic cups.
    If that’s how Roy Hodgson sees it then the Eagles’ No10 is certainly a viable captaincy candidate.
    Eze has amassed 50 points at this stage, only two midfielders have more, and he’s the player who has collected the most bonus points – 17 of them in six outings.
    Equally, Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) would be a superb option if his participation in midweek was known.
    Manchester United are on a bad run but they travel to Turf Moor on Saturday to face a Burnley side with just one point from a possible 12 in the league.
    The Portuguese playmaker leads the way in terms of big chances created among midfielders and he ranks highly for tackles too.
    In fine formCredit: AP
    Pedro Neto (£3m) could be considered an outside-the-box option as he’s due to face Luton and Ipswich this coming Gameweek.
    The Wolves winger has provided four assists and earned 13 bonus points, a tally only bettered by James Maddison (£4.3m) and the aforementioned Eze.
    However, it should be noted that the 23-year-old didn’t feature at all in his side’s previous Carabao Cup fixture so his minutes aren’t assured by any means.
    Since it’s probably best to prioritise the weekend’s Premier League games, Kieran Trippier (£5.2m) may well be a worthy captain.
    Newcastle’s reliable right-back racked up 17 points last Gameweek thanks to back-to-back clean sheets and with Sheffield United up next he could make it three in a row.
    The Blades have looked vulnerable at set-pieces so Trippier he also fancy his chances of notching his first assist of the campaign.

    How Dream Team managers feel implementing their strategiesCredit: Getty
    BOOSTER STRATEGIES
    The midweek fixtures are certainly a spanner in the works as it’s difficult to predict the starting line-ups with rotation expected from the majority of clubs.
    It therefore may be wise to hold off on activating a Booster.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Remember, each Booster can only be played once per season and while it’s shrewd to deploy them on double Gameweeks, the uncertainty around the Carabao Cup line-ups introduces an unnecessary level of risk.
    Good luck to any gaffers boldly playing a Booster this coming Gameweek – there are certainly favourable match-ups which could yield healthy returns if the fixtures can be deciphered.

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    Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 6 – more returns expected for bonus point hoarder Eberechi Eze

    GAMEWEEK 6 is a deceptive one for Dream Team gaffers to negotiate.On the surface, 17 of the 20 Premier League teams are set to pull double duty, making it the busiest Gameweek of the season so far.
    However, heavy rotation is to be expected in the midweek Carabao Cup fixtures, especially among the eight clubs balancing European commitments on top of the domestic schedule.
    Generally, it’s probably best to ensure your XI is set up for the next allotment of continental fixtures in Gameweek 7, when the majority of key players will be expected to start two games.
    However, that’s not to say there won’t be substantial points up for grabs in the coming days.
    Allow us to suggest some transfer recommendations…

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    UnplayableCredit: Reuters
    Julian Alvarez (£4.3m)
    We mentioned the Argentine forward in last week’s transfer suggestions article but it’s worth repeating because he’s just plundered 29 points in Gameweek 5.
    While popular strikers like Alexander Isak (£3.9m) and Nicolas Jackson (£2.6m) continue to frustrate, Alvarez goes from strength to strength – he toyed with Red Star on Tuesday night.
    Most read in Football
    Pep Guardiola described the World Cup winner as “almost undroppable” last weekend and with Bernardo Silva (£3.6m) the latest Manchester City star sidelined with injury, the treble-winners’ starting line-up is easier to predict than it has been in quite some time.
    Alvarez has four goals and five assists to his name from six outings and his overall tally of 59 points is only bettered by Erling Haaland (£8.2m) at the time of writing.
    Soaring EagleCredit: DREAM TEAM
    Eberechi Eze (£3.6m)
    Dream Team most passionate bonus point hoarder.
    Crystal Palace’s No10 has earned 17 bonus points in six outings, mostly because of his superb dribbling ability although he also ranks highly for accurate crosses and fouls won.
    Only three midfielders have registered more shots on target and just three midfielders have created more big chances.
    Eze is set to face Fulham at Selhurst Park in Gameweek 6 and while the Cottagers have tightened up in recent weeks, their underlying statistics still make for concerning reading – they give up plenty of chances.
    Not only that, the 25-year-old has a good chance of featuring against Manchester United in midweek – the Eagles don’t have European commitments to fulfil so they might as well give it a go in the domestic cups.
    The Red Devils have been wide open in midfield so far this season, something Eze is well equipped to exploit if given a run out.
    The England international may fall behind some of his rivals when the European games are on but he looks well placed to thrive again this Gameweek.

    Back-to-back clean sheets has catapulted Trippier up the rankingsCredit: Rex
    Kieran Trippier (£5.2m)
    Admittedly, this suggestion is powered by hindsight as it turns out last week was the perfect time to recruit last season’s outright best defender.
    The Newcastle full-back contributed to back-to-back clean sheets against Brentford and Milan – he made some crucial tackles in San Siro as his side were subjected to sustained pressure.
    Trippier banked 17 points to take his overall total to 32 – Cristian Romero (£4.1m) is the only defender with more points at this stage.
    This weekend, Eddie Howe’s men travel to Bramall Lane to face a Sheffield United outfit who have taken just one point from a possible 15 this season.
    Not only that, the Blades have looked vulnerable at set-pieces, one of Trippier’s specialities.
    The 33-year-old could make it three clean sheets in a row with some attacking returns to boot.
    It should be noted that Newcastle play Man City in midweek but that’s a less intimidating prospect in the environment of the Carabao Cup – both managers may opt to give some youngsters a run out.
    Looking slightly further ahead, Trippier starts Gameweek 7 with a home fixture against Burnley.
    SimmeringCredit: Reuters
    Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m)
    Lastly, a mention for the Portuguese playmaker.
    Sure, Man United have problems to solve right now but Fernandes is on the brink of some substantial returns.
    No midfielder has created more big chances and only five players in his position have registered more tackles.
    The Red Devils have lost four games already this season but, in fairness, those defeats have come against relatively strong opposition: Tottenham, Arsenal, Brighton and Bayern Munich.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    With all due respect, their Gameweek 6 opponents, Burnley and Crystal Palace, aren’t on the same level.
    Plus, Erik ten Hag’s side have got their hardest European fixture (Bayern away) out of the way now.

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