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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 22: Mohamed Salah to light up Carabao Cup semi-final?

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      DREAM TEAM managers must remember to select their captain for Gameweek 22 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.Generally speaking, it’s wise to stick the armband on a player with two point-scoring opportunities if possible.And so assets from Arsenal, Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham are in the spotlight as those four clubs are set to pull double duty in Gameweek 22, courtesy of the Carabao Cup semi-final second legs.Salah is the safe choice for a reasonCredit: Dream TeamMohamed Salah (£8m) is the first name that comes to mind as he leads the way with 339 points overall.Liverpool are due to face Bournemouth on Saturday before hosting Spurs on Thursday night.Two seasons ago, the Reds beat the Cherries 9-0 but a lot has changed since then.Right now, Bournemouth are arguably the Premier League’s most in-form side having dusted Newcastle 4-1 and thrashed high-flying Nottingham Forest 5-0 in their two most recent outings.Andoni Iraola’s side also boast the best defensive record in home fixtures this season.On paper, Salah faces a stern test this weekend.Bournemouth have outplayed several strong opponents this seasonCredit: GettyThat being said, the Egyptian superstar averages 10.6 points-per-game this season and even if he is constricted by Milos Kerkez (£3.6m) and company on the south coast then he may cash in against an injury-ravaged Spurs at Anfield a few days later.Most read in Dream TeamAnge Postecoglou’s side beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg and so Arne Slot is expected to name a strong starting line-up on Thursday night with a view to targeting his first trophy as Anfield boss.If Salah is going to be rested soon, it will surely be against Plymouth in the FA Cup fourth round.Many Dream Team bosses will be wary of overthinking captaincy this Gameweek and so the prolific 32-year-old provides a safe, logical option.Gaffers looking to take Salah on in Gameweek 22 would do well to consider Alexander Isak (£6.1m).A rare double Gameweek for Newcastle makes Isak an appealing optionCredit: GettyFulham (league) and Arsenal (cup) is far from a favourable double header for Newcastle but the Magpies are the only team with the luxury of two home games this Gameweek.The Toon’s Swedish striker has racked up 230 points via 19 goals this campaign – Salah and Erling Haaland (£7.9m) are the only names above him in the rankings.Isak will be up against two good defences this coming Gameweek but his blistering form means he almost transcends the schedule.Let’s not forget he banked 13 points against the Gunners in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.Arsenal have two big fixtures in Gameweek 22Credit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side are not to be underestimated but it would take a brave gaffer to confidently pick out a captain among their ranks at this juncture.Gabriel (£5m), Leandro Trossard (£3.9m) and Kai Havertz (£4.7m) have notched their fair share of points lately but Arsenal’s double header of Manchester City and Newcastle is a difficult one to predict.If Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) was fit and firing then he would be a strong candidate for the armband but sadly that’s not the case.It’s a similar story for Spurs.Son Heung-min (£5m), Pedro Porro (£4.2m) and Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m) have delivered plentiful points this term but it’s a stretch to think any of them are stronger captaincy options than Salah or Isak… isn’t it?A bold alternativeCredit: AFPCody Gakpo (£4.7m) is among the most popular recruits ahead of Gameweek 22 and his new owners might be tempted to slap the armband straight on him following his mighty 29-point return in Gameweek 21.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Dutchman is technically Liverpool’s most in-form player right now but again, it would take some courage to opt for him over Salah.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 NOWUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Rare Newcastle double Gameweek opens doors for Dream Team bosses seeking short-term gains

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      DREAM TEAM managers should give Newcastle players due consideration ahead of Gameweek 22.Without European fixtures to bolster their schedule this season, the Magpies have had fewer point-scoring opportunities than the teams active in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, limiting the viability of their top assets.Newcastle’s stars will be on the right side of a fixture deficit in Gameweek 22Credit: ReutersHowever, their presence in the Carabao Cup semi-finals means Eddie Howe’s troops have two games in the diary for Gameweek 22, when the vast majority of teams will play just once.And of the four teams set to pull double duty, only Newcastle have the luxury of two home fixtures – a useful bonus factor.Fulham are due at St James’ Park on Saturday before Arsenal make their way to Tyneside on Wednesday night.Newcastle already have one foot in the Carabao Cup final having won 2-0 at the Emirates in the first leg earlier this month.Alexander Isak (£6.1m) and Anthony Gordon (£5.3m) were the goalscorers that day and the pair should be considered the best options for Dream Team bosses looking to target the Toon’s rare double Gameweek.The Swedish striker is up to third in the overall rankings having taken Southampton for 18 points last time out.He’s amassed 230 points at an average of 9.2 per game via 19 goals and seven assists – hugely impressive stats.Isak is one of the game’s most in-form playersCredit: ReutersGordon is currently ranked ninth among midfielders with 179 points to his name.Most read in FootballThe ex-Everton winger is one of the most prolific bonus point accumulators in the game – only six players have earned more than his tally of 29 at the time of writing.Newcastle’s double header isn’t the most favourable of the campaign by any means.Fulham are an organised outfit while the Gunners sit second in the Premier League table.But the fact players of Isak and Gordon’s quality are on the right side of a fixture deficit for once makes them super appealing this coming Gameweek.Bruno Guimaraes offers several routes to pointsCredit: GettySome Dream Team bosses might be tempted by the differential options among Newcastle’s squad in search of short-term gains.Bruno Guimaraes (£5m) appears in just 3.2% of teams and has taken 24 points from his last three outings.The all-action midfielder has quietly reached double figures for goal involvements (two goals, eight assists) but that’s only one string to his bow.He also ranks highly for tackles and bonus points, the latter stemming from the fact he wins an almight number of free-kicks for his team – 88 so far this season when only three other players have registered more than 50.READ MORE SUN STORIESHall averages 5.6 points-per-game this seasonCredit: GettyElsewhere, Lewis Hall (£4.4m) is evidently the optimum selection for those keen on a Newcastle defender for Gameweek 22.The England left-back ranks joint-fifth in his position for total points (161) having supplemented his 11 clean sheets with five assists and 21 bonus points.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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      Major broadcasting change as massive EFL derby to be shown on free-to-air TV after landmark deal

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      A HUGE EFL derby is the next match to be shown on free-to-air TV as part of a landmark deal.Leeds’ clash at Elland Road against Sheffield Wednesday will be shown on ITV on Sunday.Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday will be shown free-to-air on ITVCredit: RexSky and ITV announced they had reached an agreement to show Championship and Carabao Cup fixtures free-to-air earlier in the season. The deal started in January with the first leg of the Carabao Cup tie between Arsenal and Newcastle. Now Championship football will follow on ITV with top of the table Leeds kicking it off against Wednesday. Middlesbrough’s derby with Sunderland will then follow on ITV on Monday, February 3. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFive Championship games are scheduled to be broadcast for free over the second half of this season. And the second leg of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham is also going to be on ITV on February 6.The Premier League leaders are currently trailing 1-0. EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch said: “The EFL is home to some of the most popular and exciting competitions in world football.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And the competition for promotion places is already shaping up to be as competitive as ever across the three divisions as we head into the second half of the season.”We are delighted that this agreement between the League, ITV and Sky Sports will open them up to an even wider audience, and would like to extend our thanks to both partners for making this possible.”Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the Day More

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      Young Newcastle fan, 9, caught skipping school after being caught on camera at Carabao Cup

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      A YOUNG Toon fan skipped school to attend the cup clash at Arsenal after his mum told teachers he was ill – only to be caught on camera celebrating Newcastle’s win.Sammy Scott, nine, was desperate to travel to London with dad Mark for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.Sammy Scott was desperate to see the Carabao Cup semi with dad Mark — so mum Claire told his school he was illCredit: NNPBut Sky Sports picked out Sammy screaming after Anthony Gordon scored in the 2-0 first-leg winSo mum Claire, 40, told his school he was poorly which allowed him to miss lessons and head south for the crucial game on Tuesday evening.But they landed in hot water when Sky cameras picked out jubilant Sammy clenching his fists and screaming in delight after Anthony Gordon grabbed the winner in the 2-0 victory.Mark’s phone erupted with texts from friends telling him they had been on the television.But an email from Sammy’s school also landed saying his absence would now be marked as “unauthorised”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPlasterer Mark, of Forest Hall, North Tyneside, said: “We were right at the front of the Emirates and were celebrating when Gordon scored.“The cameras panned round to us but obviously we didn’t know at the time that we had been on TV.“Soon after my phone started going mad and people were sending us videos and messages saying: ‘We’ve just seen you and Sammy on tele’.“We thought it was brilliant at the time but then Sky Sports News used the picture of Sammy as a still with the message ‘Geordie Joy’.“It was nice but his school obviously got to see it because we got an email saying his sick day was now an unauthorised absence.”Most read in FootballThe email from Benton Dene Primary said: “Just to let you know that Sammy’s absence from Tuesday 7th January 2025 will now be marked as unauthorised.“This is due to media footage showing him away in London at a football match. Please contact us at school if you wish to discuss further.”Rooney’s family arriving at Old Trafford for the Newcastle gameMark posted it online and thousands of footie fans responded to support Sammy.Even former England striker Peter Crouch said: “You’ve got to cut this boy some slack here. Memories for a lifetime.”Mark, 39, who also has a daughter Georgie, 12, added: “The school has been really good with Sammy actually.“His teacher is a big Newcastle fan – we even bumped into him at the Spurs game at the weekend – and he was making a joke of it with Sammy.“It’s gone crazy online. It was one of those things that snowballs and absolutely blew up.“People were sending me screenshots of accounts that had millions of followers that were posting about it including ex-players.“It has been unbelievable.“But Sammy is only nine and doesn’t realise how big it has become.“He hasn’t got a care in the world and is just getting on with stuff as normal.“He actually has a really good attendance record, almost 100 per cent. He is in the outstanding bracket at school for attendance.“He loves his football and plays twice a week for a local side and trains three times a week.”An email from Sammy’s school also landed saying his absence would now be marked as ‘unauthorised’Sammy’s dad Mark’s phone erupted with texts from friends telling him they had been on the televisionCredit: NNPNewcastle’s victory puts them in the driving seat for the second leg at St James’ Park next month.And Sammy is praying his heroes make it to the final and lift their first cup in 70 years.Mark added: “We didn’t get tickets for the league cup final against Manchester United last year and he was devastated about that.“But we are hoping we get there again and get tickets this time.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And it’s on a Sunday so there won’t be any problem with school.”A source close to the school said: “It was all quite light-hearted – the parents will not be fined.” More

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      Liverpool squad left STRANDED after flight home from London diverted to Birmingham due to horror weather conditions

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      LIVERPOOL suffered a travel nightmare on their way home from Tottenham last night.The Premier League leaders were beaten 1-0 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Spurs.Liverpool’s flight had to land in Birmingham due to horror weather conditionsCredit: ReutersLiverpool players and staff were set to fly back from London Stansted to John Lennon Airport after the final whistle.But they had a horror journey as their plane was unable to land in Merseyside due to “icy fog”, according to The Athletic.The flight was instead diverted to Birmingham and a team bus then took them back to Liverpool.It meant they did not get home until the early hours of the morning.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArne Slot then made the decision to cancel training today.Liverpool are back in action on Saturday as they face Accrington Stanley in the third round of the FA Cup.The travel chaos completes a disastrous few days for Liverpool that saw them held 2-2 by Manchester United in the Premier League before the defeat to Spurs.And it is not the first time the Reds have been impacted by weather this season after having their clash against Everton postponed due to Storm Darragh in December.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere was also concerns their game versus Man Utd on Sunday was going to be called off following snowfall.The match is now reportedly set for February 11 but the Premier League are yet to confirm.Liverpool boss Arne Slot frustrated to lose to Lucas Bergvall goal against Tottenham Despite adverse weather in Merseyside again this evening, Everton’s FA Cup clash against Peterbrough is going ahead after chiefs held a meeting this afternoon. More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal set to use different FA Cup ball to everyone else this weekend and it will leave Arteta seething

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      ARSENAL and Manchester United will use a DIFFERENT ball to their FA Cup rivals this weekend.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta kicked up a fuss about the ball used in his side’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to Newcastle on Tuesday.Arsenal played with a different ball in their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to NewcastleCredit: GETTYGunners boss Mikel Arteta seemingly blamed the ball for his troops’ failure to find the back of netCredit: REUTERRSThe North Londoners will play with this ball against UnitedCredit: MITREAnd the Spaniard could be irked by the ball his troops are set to use in their third round clash with United on Saturday afternoon.Competition ball supplier Mitre have announced the game will be played with special matchday balls to pay homage to the visitors, who are the current FA Cup holders.Their special FA Cup Ultimax Pro Winners ball will be in use at the Emirates.But the rest of the FA Cup third-round ties will be played with a DIFFERENT ball.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSArteta will no doubt be vocal about the special edition ball should it be at the centre of any controversy, of which there has been plenty with United over the years.Speaking after the North Londoners’ 2-0 midweek defeat to Newcastle, he said: “We also kicked a lot of balls over the bar.”And it’s tricky that these balls fly a lot so there’s details that we can do better.”But at the end that’s gone, there’s no way back it’s about the next game and that’s our world, the reality is our world.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s just different. Very different to a Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different.”When you touch it the grip is very different as well so you adapt to that.”Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal starThe EFL reacted quickly to Arteta’s comments, with a spokesperson saying: ” As is required throughout the professional game, the PUMA ball used in this season’s Carabao Cup and in EFL competition since 2021/22 is tested in accordance with the FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs, and meets the FIFA Quality Pro standard.”In addition to the Carabao Cup, the same ball has been successfully used in other major European leagues, including both Serie A and LaLiga and our three divisions in the EFL.”All Clubs play with the same ball, and we have received no further comments of this nature following any of the previous 88 fixtures which have taken place in this season’s Carabao Cup.” More

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      Supercomputer predicts Carabao Cup winner after first leg of semis with Newcastle tipped to end 70-year domestic drought

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the winner of the Carabao Cup.The first legs of the tournament’s semi-finals conjured two shock results.Eddie Howe has been backed to end Newcastle’s 70-year trophy droughtCredit: RexMikel Arteta had complaints about the ball after the defeat to NewcastleCredit: EPANewcastle beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, which led to Mikel Arteta blaming the BALL.While Tottenham Hotspur stunned Liverpool 1-0 thanks to an 86th-minute goal from Lucas Bergvall.The supercomputer at BonusCodeBets has now predicted the winner of the tournament.The odds have been worked out by taking the average from 10,000 simulations.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNewcastle have been given a 39.8 per cent chance of ending their 70-year trophy drought.The Magpies are in a great position as they hold a two-goal advantage over the Gunners ahead of the second leg at St James’ Park.This has seen the supercomputer give the team a 77.8 per cent chance of reaching the final.As a result, Arsenal have been put down as the least likely to reach the final, let alone win the competition at just 15.2 per cent.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLiverpool are the second most likely team to lift the trophy in what would be Arne Slot’s first piece of silverware in England.They will need to overcome the one-goal deficit against Spurs at Anfield in order to reach the final.Mikel Arteta bizarrely appears to blame Carabao Cup BALL for Arsenal’s missed chances as trophy drought set to continueDespite being the second favourites to win the trophy if they make the final, Spurs are the favourites to make the last two.The North London side have been given a 52.1 per cent chance of reaching Wembley.However, Ange Postecoglou’s side only have a 13.2 per cent chance of winning their first major honour since 2008.The second legs of the semi-finals are scheduled for the first week of February.Arsenal travel north to take on Newcastle at St James’ Park on February 5 at 8pm.While Spurs kick off at the same time at Anfield against Liverpool the following day.Spurs will also be monitoring Rodrigo Bentancur after his worrying injury against Liverpool.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool bemoaned Bergvall’s goal as he had already been yellow-carded when he fouled Kostas Tsimikas.Postecoglou defended the decision by referee Stuart Atwell not to send off the Swede as he cited a little-known rule.Lucas Bergvall gave Tottenham a slender lead against Liverpool ahead of the second legCredit: GettyArne Slot will have to mastermind a comeback to get Liverpool to WembleyCredit: Reuters More

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      Rodrigo Bentancur and his girlfriend posed for heartwarming family picture just hours before horror injury

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      RODRIGO BENTANCUR posted a heartwarming family photo on social media just hours before suffering a horror fall.The Tottenham midfielder slammed his head on the pitch just six minutes into the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie with Liverpool after trying to head the ball.Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a horror fall in Spur’s cup clash with LiverpoolCredit: ALAMYThe Uruguayan had to be stretchered off and was immediately taken to hospitalCredit: REXHis girlfriend Melany La Blanca rushed to be by his side at hospitalCredit: INSTAGRAM@RODRIGO_BENTANCURHer dash to the hospital came just a few hours after she shared a heartwarming family snapCredit: INSTAGRAM@MELANYLABLANCAMedical staff raced on to the pitch to give the Uruguayan treatment – including oxygen – before taking him off on a stretcher and sending him to the hospital.Bentancur’s girlfriend Melany La Blanca quickly raced to be by his beside – just hours after the pair publicly gushed over their daughter.The Uruguay international reposted a wholesome snap of them posing with their little one, who was dressed in school uniform and appeared to be celebrating a big milestone, to his Instagram story.La Blanca wrote “nuestra tan bebe ya no tan bebe” across the image, which translated to English means: “Our baby’s no longer a baby.”READ MORE ON BENTANCURBentancur, thankfully, regained consciousness before he was admitted to hospital to undergo further evaluation.And the former Juventus ace gave Spurs fans an update on his condition after being given a once-over by doctors.Along with a picture of himself smiling with La Blanca, he wrote on his Instagram story: “All good guys.”Thank you for the messages. Congratulations for the victory boys!!!”Most read in FootballSpurs ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a late strike from Lucas BergvallCredit: REXSpurs put one foot into next month’s final at Wembley with a 1-0 win over the Premier League table-toppers.Youngster Lucas Bregvall struck in the 86th minute to give under-pressure manager Ange Postecoglou a much-needed victory.Watch hilarious moment MASCOT tells Virgil Van Dijk to join Spurs and says ‘we haven’t got any good defenders’The second leg of the tie will take place at Anfield on February 6. More