Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table as Chelsea shoot up SEVEN PLACES but awful news for Man Utd

      by

      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the final Premier League table following Chelsea’s rampant 6-2 win at Wolves.But it’s awful news for Manchester United after they suffered a stoppage time 2-1 defeat to bogey team Brighton.Chelsea have shot up SEVEN places in the power rankings after Noni Madueke’s hat-trick inspired performanceCredit: GettyBut United were again beaten by Brighton during their second GameweekCredit: AFPThe Opta analyst’s power rankings are a global team ranking system which assigns an ability score to nearly 13,500 domestic football teams.Chelsea’s dominant victory saw them climb a shocking SEVEN places with a new world rating of 90.4.This means the AI boffins have them tipped to finish fourth, with the club currently sitting eighth after two games.Chelsea shrugged off their season opening defeat to Manchester City to award fans with a stunning second-half performance at the Molineux.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd their form could be set to continue as they face Crystal Palace, who have lost two-in-two, Bournemouth and West Ham in their next three games.But it’s nasty news for those at Old Trafford as the club dropped four places in the rankings with a rating of 88.9.Their last-gasp defeat to the Seagulls at the Amex left the AI convinced they will come seventh come May with 57 points.Erik ten Hag – who remained at United despite calls for him to be sacked – wanted to push on after winning the FA Cup after the club finished eighth, their lowest-ever finish in the Prem.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe supercomputer has United finishing below Newcastle and Spurs in fifth and sixth.The Toon enjoy a 89.7 rating, while Spurs are marginally lower at 89.2.Chelsea release new pink and black ‘punk-inspired’ third kit for 2024-25… but fans all reckon ‘Nike tick is drunk’However, the algorithm claims Champions League qualifiers Aston Villa will plummet before eventually finishing behind Ten Hag.Villa fell to a 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal on Saturday, who are predicted to miss out on the title for the third successive season.The result moved Unai Emery’s side down two places.Manchester City’s 100.0 rating remains intact, as Pep Guardiola stays top after their 4-1 thrashing of newly-promoted Ipswich.At the other end of the table, Southampton dropped seven places to finish bottom after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.While Ipswich and Leicester make up the other relegation places.Chelsea ratings vs Wolves: Madueke and Palmer on fire as Blues run riot… but Mudryk has shockerNONI MADUEKE bagged himself a second-half hat-trick courtesy of Cole Palmer as Chelsea fired to a 6-2 victory away at Wolves.Palmer’s three assists and first half strike capped off a wonderful afternoon for the England ace and a game that at times resembled a basketball match.Here’s how SunSports’ Katherine Walsh rated the Blues stars…Robert Sanchez – 7/10Solid display. Held firm and kept Wolves at bay in the first half.Brilliant long ball distribution cross-pitch to Jackson who assisted Palmer’s goal and Chelsea’s second.Malo Gusto – 5Out of position for Matheus Cunha’s 26th minute equaliser and didn’t get forward enough.Failed to have an influence on the game after a quieter second 45 minutes from Wolves.Wesley Fofana – 6Had his back to goal for Wolves’ second equaliser before half-time.The ball had been guided in by a free-kick and Jorgen Strand-Larsen cleverly guided it home with his right foot.Levi Colwill – 6Not a particularly noticeable performance from the 21-year-old in a positive or negative sense.Suppose it was a solid showing but was also caught ball watching for Cunha’s goal.Pulled Cucurella away from the third brawl of the match.Marc Cucurella – 6Worked hard and found himself centre of multiple fights with Wolves players throughout the 90.Solid as ever, needing to be alert with Wolves lethal in the first half.Moises Caicedo – 6Quiet afternoon for the midfielder. Didn’t do much right or wrong.Enzo Fernandez – 7Often in the right place at the right time after clearing two Wolves’ attempts from inside the box.Battled to win the ball for Madueke’s third goal and frequently recovered possession for the visitors.Cole Palmer – 9A brilliant goal and THREE assists finished off a sensational performance from the No10 position.Somehow managed to outshine hat-trick scorer Madueke after providing all of his goals. His own notch came against the run of play just after receiving a yellow.Picked up the ball 20 yards from goal after a long Sanchez kick and lobbed Wolves keeper Jose Sa just when the visitors were hanging on.Mykhailo Mudryk – 4Enzo Marseca said he needed time and coaching to get his Chelsea career on track. But failed to make an impact against Wolves.Didn’t notice him being shipped off at half-time for former Wolves star Pedro Neto.Noni Madueke – 9The star man scored THREE in the second half after bagging against Servette on Thursday.Chelsea’s best player in the first half. The young winger has bundles of ability and energy.Looked lively and won several free-kicks in promising positions.Worth a note that he silenced the home fans who were heavily booing him throughout after his social media comments earlier today.Nicolas Jackson – 8Opened the scoring with a post header inside two minutes.But let himself down with silly antics while arguing with Cunha twice.Most non-penalty goals for Chelsea in the Premier League since the start of last season: 15.And assisted Palmer’s brilliant goal and Chelsea’s second.SUBSPedro Neto 7Put a shift in after coming on at half-time on his first return to the Molineux.Bagged himself an assist in the 80th minute.Joao Felix – 7Scored on his Chelsea 2023/24 debut after joining from Atletico Madrid for £42.6m.Combined with other new signing Neto for the goal.Christopher Nkunku – N/ARenato Veiga – N/AKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – N/A More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      When is Carabao Cup third round draw? Date, start time, live stream FREE, TV channel, bowls and ball numbers

      by

      THE CARABAO Cup is rolling on into the third round – and the Premier League big boys join the party.And from this season the third round draw has been hit with an almighty change because of the new Champions League format.Liverpool are the Carabao Cup holdersCredit: GettyThe Carabao Cup third round will be played across two midweeks this term (w/c 16 Sept and w/c 23 Sept) due to the new European schedule.Carabao Cup third round rule changesThe draw will consist of 32 clubs – 25 winners from the second round with the seven Premier League clubs in European competitions also entering in this round.For the main draw, this season TWO separate bowls will be used for picking the balls:Bowl 1 – the six Champions League and Europa League clubsBowl 2 – the remaining 26 clubsA pre-draw will take place before Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United on Wednesday 28 August to determine the home/away positioning of the six clubs in bowl 1 for the first six ties of the main draw.Then in the main draw, which takes place after the match at the City Ground, the first six ties will be drawn by switching between one club from Bowl 1 and one club from Bowl 2, with the home/away positioning of the clubs from Bowl 1 already pre-determined in the pre-draw.The remaining ten ties will then be drawn from teams in Bowl 2 only to complete the draw with Bowl 1 sides already picked.And from this round of the competition, the draw is no longer split into northern and southern sections.Most read in FootballWhen is the Carabao Cup third round draw?The Carabao Cup main draw takes place on Wednesday, August 28 following the conclusion of Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle, expected at around 10.15pm BST.There will be a pre-draw first to determine the home/away positioning of the clubs in the Champions League and the Europa League.Mark Chapman will host the draws.How can I watch the Carabao Cup third round draw?The Carabao Cup third round draw will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football following Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle.The draw is also expected to be live streamed for FREE on Sky Sports’ Football’s YouTube channel, as have the first and second round draws this season.Premier League sides in Europe such as Man City now enter the drawCredit: EPAWhat are the ball numbers?Ball numbers will be announced on Wednesday morning.What are the Carabao Cup second round fixtures?Northern SectionGrimsby vs Sheffield WednesdayEverton vs DoncasterBlackburn vs BlackpoolFleetwood vs RotherhamShrewsbury vs BoltonNottingham Forest vs NewcastleBarrow vs DerbyLeicester vs TranmereMiddlesbrough vs StokeBarnsley vs Sheffield UnitedHarrogate vs PrestonWalsall vs HuddersfieldWolves vs BurnleySouthern SectionCoventry vs Oxford UnitedSwansea vs WycombeAFC Wimbledon vs IpswichBirmingham vs FulhamWatford vs PlymouthWest Ham vs BournemouthQPR vs LutonBrighton vs CrawleyCrystal Palace vs NorwichCardiff vs SouthamptonREAD MORE SUN STORIESMillwall vs Leyton OrientColchester vs Brentford More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Carabao Cup third-round draw set for MAJOR change due to expanded new Champions League schedule

      by

      THE Carabao Cup third-round draw is set for a major change due to the Champions League.The round of the tournament will see clubs competing in European competition enter the draw.The draw for the third-round of the Carabao Cup will be changedCredit: GettyClubs in European competition will not be able to be drawn against each otherCredit: GettyLiverpool are the current holders of the Carabao CupCredit: GettyArsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester United Chelsea and Tottenham all received a bye into the third round due to their qualification into Europe.The next round will take place in September across two-midweek fixture dates.Due to this scheduling, they will clash with the fixtures in the Champions League and Europa League.However, the EFL has implemented a change to the draw to avoid congestion.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe conditions will mean that a club in the Champions League will not be drawn against a team in the Europa League.This means that their Carabao Cup matches will happen on the alternative week to their European obligations.The draw will feature two different bowls to make sure the teams can be drawn correctly.The first bowl will include the six clubs in the Champions League and Europa League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe second bowl will then have the remaining 26 clubs left in the competition.There will be a pre-draw before Nottingham Forest’s second-round tie against Newcastle on August 28 to determine the home and away position of the Bowl One clubs.PREM RULE CHANGESNew Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season.The main draw will then be conducted after the match at the City Ground.The first six ties will be drawn by alternating between the bowls, with home and away already being determined. Once all the European teams have been drawn, the remainder of the draw will be taken from the second bowl.The ball numbers in the main draw will be announced on the morning of August 28.Liverpool are the current holders of the EFL Cup, having beaten Chelsea in the final at Wembley last term.The Champions League will feature a new format this season as each club will play a minimum of eight games compared to the previous six in the group stage.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis year’s tournament will have a bigger 24-club league table, with the top eight clubs automatically qualifying for the knockout stage.They will then be joined in the last 16 by eight play-off winners.Champions League potsHere are the pots for the Champions League this season…Pot 1: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, BarcelonaPot 2: Bayer Leverkusen, Atlético Madrid, Atalanta, Juventus, Benfica, Arsenal, Club Brugge, Shakhtar Donetsk, MilanPot 3: Feyenoord, Sporting CP, PSV Eindhoven, CelticPot 4: Monaco, Aston Villa, Bologna, Girona, VfB Stuttgart, Sturm Graz, Brest More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans say ‘that’s clearest red you’ll ever see’ as Conference League star escapes sending off for horror two-footed lunge

      by

      FOOTIE fans were left stunned after a horror tackle went unpunished in the Europa Conference League qualifiers on Thursday night.The horrific challenge occurred during Welsh side The New Saints FC’s trip to Lithuania to play FK Panevezys in the first leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier.Nicolas Gorbosov’s out in a horror tackle in FK Panevezys’s clash with The New Saints FCThe Argentine crushed TNS midfielder Jack Bodenham, who thankfully avoided serious injuryPanevezys midfielder Nicolas Gorbosov recklessly put in a stomaching-churning two-footed challenge on TNS defender Jack Bodenham.Gorbosov, 34, leapt off the ground with both feet as Bodenham tried to play the ball at the touchline with his left foot.And the Argentine stamped down with his studs showing as the 24-year-old passed the ball.Thankfully for Bodenham, his left leg wasn’t fully planted as Gorbosov’s horrific attempt of a challenge connected with him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe tackle looked like an instant red card in real time but the referee didn’t give Gorbosov his marching orders, instead going to the VAR.And much to the shock of TNS fans and players alike, the video assistant referee didn’t deem the tackle worthy of a red card.The challenge went viral on social media and received a slew of comments, with one viewer saying: “Deary me.”As clear a red you’ll see for a decade.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTNS ran out 3-0 winners against their Lithuanian oppositionCredit: TNSAnother said: “Literally jumps in 2 footed. Gone to do him. That’s a bad one.”And another said: “Studs first, excessive force, not in control…how is this not a sending off on several levels?”Viktoria Plzen 1 Hearts 0 – Steven Naismith reflects and Robert Martin rounds up the Europa League play-off first leg in CzechiaOne remarked: “Shocking tackle.”Another chimed in: “Clearest red you’ll ever see.”TNS moved to within touching distance of the group stages of Europe’s third-ranked club competition with a 3-0 win in Lithuania.Second-half goals from Daniel James Davies, Daniel Williams and Ben Clark put the club on the brink of Welsh history.Should they avoid a four-goal defeat in their return leg at Park Hall next week, they’ll become the FIRST-EVER Welsh side to qualify for the group stage of a European club competition. More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea 2 Servette 0: Enzo Maresca scrapes his first Blues win but B-list opposition shows how far they have fallen

      by

      WHERE once it was the Galacticos it is now a bunch of B-Listers from Geneva.Chelsea picked up the European baton after a season’s absence but in vastly different circumstances to when they dropped it.Nkunku was awarded a penalty after being fouled by Servette goalkeeper Jeremy FrickCredit: PATeam-mates joined Nkunku to celebrate his first goal of the new campaignCredit: PANoni Madueke’s tremendous finish doubled the lead for the home sideCredit: GettyIn April 2023 Stamford Bridge staged a visit from Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter finals.Chelsea lost 2-0 under interim boss Frank Lampard to opposition that included Luka Modric, Vinicius Jnr and Karim Benzema. So no disgrace.Now they were back under the lights in midweek but on Thursday instead of Tuesday and facing FC Servette of Switzerland and their unknown squad.Dereck Kutesa, Steve Rouiller and Bradley Mazikou formed part of the formidable line up of a team which lost its last league game 6-0 at home and is fifth in the Swiss first division.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Europa Conference League is Chelsea’s new home, at least for a while – UEFA’s third-tier tournament that is many fathoms below the expectation levels of a club which has won the Champions League twice.It’s so lowly that Servette had to LOSE to set up this game. Getting knocked out of a Europa League play off against Portugal’s Braga meant they rocked up at a ground which has played host to the greats of modern football in the not so distant past.Yet it remains the only European trophy that Chelsea are yet to win and new head coach Enzo Maresca is no snob so wants to win it.Most read in FootballNkunku celebrated his first goal of this campaign with his iconic balloon celebrationCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWith nine changes to the starting line up from Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat by Manchester City, it wouldn’t be an easy transition from the spirited performance against the Premier League champions.Debuts for Jorgensen and Tosin Adarabioyo, first starts for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Pedro Neto and striker Marc Guiu.Chelsea’s Conference League clash with Servette descends into chaos as away fans clash with police at Stamford BridgeMarc Guiu was left with his shirt in his mouth after missing a sitterCredit: APGuiu, 18, missed two absolute sitters to round off his first game at the Bridge.The first a sliding header from inches out in the opening seconds, before hitting two shots at the trailing Servette goalkeeper in the 52nd minute.Latest signing Joao Felix received a rousing welcome when paraded on the pitch before kick off.A player who spent six months here before, getting sent off on his debut and eventually scoring four goals before his loan ended received a rousing reception which was over the top.With so many new faces it wouldn’t be that much of a shock to find total strangers wandering into the wrong positions but recent arrival Filip Jorgensen was correctly between the sticks for kick off.And luckily so because he was called upon after just 13 minutes to stand up tall and block a ferocious shot by Kutesa from inside the box.Enzo Fernandez came on to set up the second goalCredit: ReutersThe PA man declared ‘it doesn’t get much better than Thursday nights under the lights at Stamford Bridge’ – which would have been laughed at here not that long ago. But it’s the new normal.Mind you, there was a full house and the fans were up for it, with a solid noise level emanating from three and three quarters of the ground right from the off.It was a bit like old times with the noise and it must have been a while since many of those present had last been in, as the first player chant which struck up after half an hour was the famous anthem about Willian’s hatred of Tottenham.The Brazilian winger left four years ago but with the amount of chopping and changing going in this team, he could well be the last familiar face to the punters in these parts.Every game is a strange experience at Chelsea right now. Unfamiliar atmospheres and performances.Mykhailo Mudryk still has no polish to add to his pace. There seems little cohesion from the players that have been here for a while now. New head coach Enzo Maresca wants time to work his magic.But they won, via the penalty spot when Christopher Nkunku was brought down in the box on 50 minutes and from sub Noni Madueke’s rifled shot in the 76th.READ MORE SUN STORIESGo through from next week’s second leg and it’s the group stage. Win the Europa Conference League this season and it’s the Europa League next year.Win that and Real Madrid could be back at Stamford Bridge by 2026.Cole Palmer held his hamstring after the game to spark injury fears among fansCredit: GettyNew Chelsea signing Joao Felix sat in a private box after being unveiledCredit: PA More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      David De Gea endures NIGHTMARE return to football 446 days after last game as Man Utd icon makes Fiorentina debut

      by

      DAVID DE GEA’s hotly anticipated return to football began with a NIGHTMARE.The former Manchester United goalkeeper was named in Serie A side Fiorentina’s starting XI for the first time on Thursday after sealing a free transfer at the start of August.David de Gea had a nightmare debut for FiorentinaCredit: GettyDe Gea conceded twice in the opening 12 minutesCredit: GettyEx-Man Utd keeper De Gea was playing his first game in over a yearCredit: RexHaving last conceded to Ilkay Gundogan in a 2-1 FA Cup defeat in May 2023 – 446 days ago – De Gea surrendered two early goals in the Europa Conference League play-offs.Against a team most football fans will never have heard of – Puskas Academy, from Hungary.Albeit the first goal was an ninth minute penalty.But the former United stopper then swallowed another one in the 12th minute to put his side 2-0 down.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFans couldn’t help themselves but poke fun at poor De Gea after watching his horror start.One wrote: “De Gea never changed, 11 minutes bro has already shallowed 2 goals.”Another posted a screenshot of the scoreline, writing: “Oh boy my favourite goalie David De Gea finally got himself signed by a club! let’s check in on how he’s doing on his debut against hungarian plumbers…”A third added: “Some things just never change.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, other United fans were kinder, admitting it feels strange seeing De Gea in a different shirt.One wrote: “Seeing De Gea wear another club’s jersey feels so weird not gonna lie.”Man Utd new-boy Joshua Zirkzee branded ‘class act’ after incredible gesture to fans after last-minute debut heroics A second slammed: “How are so called fans slandering De Gea for conceding goals The guys a legend of our club get a grip.”Puskas Academy were only founded in 2005 and finished third in the Hungarian top division last season.And, fortunately for De Gea, his new team-mates managed to turn things around.Riccardo Sottil pulled one back for the home side before half-time.Lucas Martinez Quarta and Moise Kean then put Fiorentina ahead in the second half.However, the Hungarians stunned the Artemio Franchi stadium at the death as Wojciech Golla netted to level the thrilling tie 3-3.De Gea, 34, signed a one-year contract including the option of a further 12 months with Fiorentina.And boss Raffaele Palladino admitted the Spaniard needed time to get back in the swing of things after so long out.The Fiorentina coach said: “He needed to adapt after a year of working separately.”He has brought great professionalism and worked a lot.”The goalkeeper left United when his contract expired at the end of the 2022/23 season, bringing to an end a 12-year stay at Old Trafford.He joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and during this 12-year tenure at the club made 545 appearances.Seeing De Gea wear another club’s jersey feels so weird not gonna lie.Man Utd fanDuring his time at the club, he broke Peter Schmeichel’s all-time United record for clean sheets and became the highest appearance-maker for a goalkeeper.The Spaniard won five major trophies during his time in Manchester including the Premier League title in 2013, the FA Cup in 2016 and the Europa League in 2017.De Gea amassed several individual honours, including the Premier League Golden Glove in both the 2017-18 and 2022-23 seasons.Additionally, he was recognised as Manchester United’s Player of the Year for three straight seasons from 2013 to 2016.READ MORE SUN STORIESFiorentina finished eighth in Serie A last term and reached the Europa Conference League final for the second year running but were beaten by Olympiacos.They fell to West Ham in the 2022/23 season after Prem star Jarrod Bowen scored a 90th minute winner to seal a first European trophy since 1965 for the Hammers.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Champions League stadium looks unrecognisable in stunning renovation plans ahead of World Cup

      by

      STUNNING images of the new Estadio Riazor have been unveiled ahead of a huge renovation project. The ground is set to be used as a venue for the 2030 World Cup.The Estadio Riazor is set to be renovated for the World CupCredit: David Estany Garea / Concello A CoruñaThe ground is the home of DeportivoCredit: David Estany Garea / Concello A CoruñaThe pitch is set to be lowered and a new roof will be installedCredit: David Estany Garea / Concello A CoruñaThe current ground can fit 32,000 fansCredit: 2021 Quality Sport ImagesIt hosted the World Cup in 1982Credit: 2020 Quality Sport ImagesSecond tier Spanish side Deportivo de La Coruna call the stadium home.It hosted Champions League matches as recently as 2004 when the club went on a memorable run to the semi-final and it already has World Cup experience, having been used for three games in 1982.And with the tournament returning to Spain, the city of A Coruna is hoping to be selected once again.In their bid to bring the World Cup back to the northern Galicia region, chiefs have unveiled plans to make the Estadio Riazor a state-of-the-art arena.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe current 32,490 seats will be increased to 48,015 and a new roof will be put in place.An extra tier will be added to the main stand and the pitch will also be lowered.A new underground car park will be built and there will be space for at least 1,765 fans in hospitality. The iconic tower that overlooks the stadium from behind the goal will be preserved in a nod to it’s classic look.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpain’s World Cup stadiums Anoeta (San Sebastian)Camp Nou (Barcelona)Gran Canaria (Las Palmas)Estadio La Cartuja (Seville)The Rose Garden (Malaga)Metropolitan (Madrid)New Romareda (Zaragoza)RCDE Stadium (Barcelona, ​​Cornella-El Prat)Riazor (A Coruna)San Mames (Bilbao)Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid)According to stadium chiefs, the construction has an estimated cost of £53m.And they are confident they will be given the green light over a rival project in nearby town Vigo due to the stadium’s good transport links and location in the heart of the city.Estadio Riazor has been the home of Deportivo since 1944 and it was last modernised six years ago when the roof fell into disrepair. Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’ More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Transfer suggestions ahead of Gameweek 2: Eberechi Eze, Diogo Jota and other appealing options

      by

      DREAM TEAM managers have until 11am on Saturday to confirm any transfers they wish to make ahead of Gameweek 2.Many gaffers will be using their two alloted transfers to correct any errors that came to light during the first round of Premier League fixtures.All 20 Premier League clubs showed their hands to some extent in Gameweek 1 and Dream Team bosses should now have a clearer understanding of the pecking orders across the land.Eze and Jota should be popular recruits before Saturday’s deadlineCredit: Dream TeamNaturally, we can’t provide transfer suggestions for everyone’s specific teams but allow us to put forward some general recommendations using logic that can be applied elsewhere.And we won’t condescend anyone by listing blindingly obvious names such as Erling Haaland (£8.5m), Bukayo Saka (£6m) and Mohamed Salah (£7m).Eberechi Eze (£4.5m)Crystal Palace’s talisman was incredibly unlucky not to bank a double-digit haul from his first outing.His pinpoint free-kick was disallowed for a inconsequential foul in the box that may well have been overturned by VAR had the referee not been trigger-happy with his whistle.Even discounting what would have been a Goal of the Month contender, no player registered more shots on target in Gameweek 1 than Eze.Eze deserved more in Gameweek 1Credit: RexThe England international remains the subject of transfer speculation but Ilkay Gundogan’s anticipated return to Manchester City is potentially good news for the Selhurst Park faithful, who are understandably desperate to keep hold of their No10.Most read in FootballThe Eagles are due to host West Ham and Norwich in Gameweek 2 with the latter visiting South London for Carabao Cup commitments.It’s often the case that top flight teams rest their most important players in the early rounds of the domestic cups but Eze cashed in this time last year against Plymouth in the corresponding fixture – as did Jean-Philippe Mateta (£3.5m).Deliberately targeting the Carabao Cup second round is fraught with risk but additional midweek minutes are a useful bonus.Diogo Jota (£4.5m)Jota justified his selection with a goal at Portman RoadCredit: APAt the top we mentioned that some gaffers are using their transfers to backtrack after Gameweek 1.With two days until the deadline, both Darwin Nunez (£4.5m) and Cody Gakpo (£4.5m) are among the five most transferred-out players this week.That’s largely because Arne Slot opted for a starting front three of Mohamed Salah (£7m), Luis Diaz (£4.5m) and Jota against Ipswich, as we predicted in pre-season.Liverpool’s new head coach we surely make full use of his attacking options throughout the campaign but the Portugal international is likely to keep his spot as first-choice centre-forward after his goal at Portman Road last Saturday.Granted, Jota had squandered a close-range header seconds before he broke the deadlock – an uncharacteristic miss – but there can be few complaints about a return of nine points.The Reds welcome Brentford to Anfield this coming Gameweek and while they don’t have a Carabao Cup fixture in midweek, it won’t be long until the Champions League gets underway – gaffers should already have one eye on the European competitions.Kaoru Mitoma (£3.5m)A real handfulCredit: GettyOnly Saka earned more points than Brighton’s left winger among Dream Team midfielders in Gameweek 1.The Japan international missed the last three months of 2023/24 with a back injury but he reminded everyone of his talent with a 13-point haul at Everton’s expense last Saturday.Like Eze, Mitoma has the benefit of two fixtures this coming Gameweek (if selected in the Carabao Cup) in the form of Manchester United and Crawley.The Seagulls’ No22 averages roughly a goal involvement every other game in the Premier League and his dribbling ability helps him pick up regular bonus points – only Luis Diaz (£4.5m) and Jeremy Doku (£4m) completed more successful take-ons in Gameweek 1.However, gaffers keen on Mitoma should be aware that Brighton are due to travel to Arsenal in Gameweek 3, which is the toughest fixture possible for attack-minded assets given the Gunners’ defensive record in recent times.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 NOWElsewhere, Manchester City’s home game against Ipswich appears ripe.The Tractor Boys resisted Liverpool for an hour on home soil but a trip to the champions’ lair is a different proposition altogether.Haaland owners (and captainers) will be hopeful of plentiful points but who else is best placed to cash in?Mateo Kovacic (£3m) is the fourth most-recruited player at the time of writing but another goal would be a case of lightning striking twice – the Croatian midfielder has scored 13 goals in 378 appearances at club level since he moved to Real Madrid in 2015.Bernardo Silva (£4.5m) is a more reliable attacking threat while Rico Lewis (£3m) offers an affordable route into City’s defence, assuming Kyle Walker (£4m) still isn’t ready to start following his late return post-Euros.READ MORE SUN STORIESLastly, a quick mention for Antonee Robinson (£3m), who racked up EIGHT tackles against Manchester United last Friday.Fulham face Leicester, Birmingham and Ipswich before the international break and their defence has been bolstered by the signing of Joachim Andersen (£3m).BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 in free bets — HERE*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More