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      Carragher was spot on – Tottenham have been pitiful in knockout stages for years, serial winners couldn’t even crack it

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER was spot on – Tottenham simply never win big football matches.They might beat Manchester City for fun and even reach a final once every blue moon – but when silverware is on the line, Spurs are nowhere to be seen.Tottenham crashed to a dismal 4-0 loss against Liverpool in Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: RexSky’s Jamie Carragher believes the mentality at the club is all wrongCredit: Rex”There’s a mental block with the club” – Carragher said.He’s right. This goes back years and is far deeper than Ange Postecoglou and his current flops.Not even serial winners Jose Mourinho or Antonio Conte could crack it, so what hope does the Aussie boss have?Managers and players have changed, but the type of abysmal performance we saw at Anfield has been seen time and time again.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLZERO shots on target in a major semi-final? It’s no wonder Tottenham haven’t won a trophy since 2008. They’ll be waiting another 17 years at this rate.Carragher said after the 4-0 Anfield surrender: “It was never in doubt. It’s Tottenham! “When do Tottenham ever win a big game? When do Tottenham ever go and surprise, win against the odds?Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s not just this Spurs team. They never shock you, never do something out of the ordinary.”Whenever they go into a big game, nobody ever believes they’re going to win.”Postecoglou bemoans Tottenham’s lacklustre effort against Liverpool In their slight defence, Tottenham’s injury list is almost unheard of, and even at full strength, they have absolutely no right to rock up at Anfield and win.But that wasn’t Carragher speaking with his Liverpool hat on, his brutal assessment of Spurs was on the money.Since lifting the League Cup in 2008, Tottenham have been nothing short of pitiful in knockout football.Excluding the miracle of Amsterdam in 2019, when Lucas Moura’s hat-trick against Ajax took Spurs to the Champions League final under Mauricio Pochettino, it’s been atrocious.Burnley, Sheffield United and Brentford – all outside the Premier League at the time – are the only semi-finals or finals Tottenham have won during that period – in 2009, 2015 and 2021 respectively.Even then, they needed extra time to beat Burnley despite being 4-1 up from the first leg.Spurs’ record with trophies on the line2009 League Cup final – Manchester United 0-0 (4-1 on penalties)2010 FA Cup semi-final – Portsmouth 2-02012 FA Cup semi-final – Chelsea 5-12015 League Cup final – Chelsea 2-02017 FA Cup semi-final – Chelsea 4-22018 FA Cup semi-final – Manchester United 2-12019 League Cup semi-finals – Chelsea 2-2 on aggregate – (4-2 on penalties)2019 Champions League final – Liverpool 2-02021 League Cup final – Manchester City 1-02022 League Cup semi-final – Chelsea 3-0 on aggregate2025 League Cup semi-final – Liverpool 4-1 aggregateAnd tried their best to cock-up the second of those after squandering a 2-0 aggregate lead before Christian Eriksen eventually sent them to Wembley.Basically, any time Spurs come up against half-decent opposition in a high-pressure knockout game, they lose.Take out that trio, who they were expected to beat anyway, they’ve lost every other semi-final or final tie in the last 17 YEARS.That is some going, especially considering Wigan, Portsmouth and Swansea – all currently outside the Prem – have won silverware in that period.Even Newcastle… yes, Newcastle, are just 90 minutes away from ending their 70-year drought. How humiliating would that be if the Toon, dubbed serial losers for decades, have won a trophy more recently than Tottenham?Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine.And it’s not like Spurs haven’t had their chances.For all the stick they get about being trophyless, they’ve had plenty of deep cup runs.Thursday’s embarrassment at Anfield was just the latest in a painful list for Tottenham, which includes one against Portsmouth, one other against Liverpool, one against City, two against Manchester United and FIVE against Chelsea.That’s now 11 defeats from a possible 11 against Premier League clubs in semi-finals or finals since 2008.It’s no wonder no one in the footballing world takes Tottenham seriously.READ MORE SUN STORIESSomehow, Spurs still have two chances left this season – the FA Cup and Europa League – and therefore could ultimately end their trophy drought very soon.But if recent history is anything to go by, you can think again. 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      Todd Boehly blasted by Chelsea fan group over role at ‘illegal’ ticket site charging £9,000 for Premier League games

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      TODD BOEHLY has been accused of a ‘breach of trust’ by Chelsea fans for his involvement in a ticket resale company.Chelsea co-owner Boehly is also a director of US based Vivid Seats which is labelled ‘unauthorised’ by the Premier League.Fans called into question Todd Boehly’s role in a firm reselling ticketsCredit: GettyVivid Seats is advertising VIP packages for title-chasing Liverpool’s final home game against Crystal Palace for more than £9,000.Chelsea’s Supporters Trust issued a statement on the matter which read: “Vivid Seats currently lists hundreds of Chelsea FC general admission tickets at significantly inflated prices.“As these tickets are not sold by the Chelsea FC website they are considered by the club to be ‘illegal’ sales.“Within the recent CST ticketing survey, many CST members suggested that Mr Boehly’s connection with Vivid Seats is a ‘breach of trust’ and could be a conflict of interest.READ MORE TOP STORIES“It is within Mr Boehly’s best interests to investigate these issues and address supporters’ concerns.”We do not believe it is appropriate for any Chelsea tickets or wider Premier League tickets to be listed on the Vivid Seats website.”Vivid Seats are offering tickets for Chelsea’s home game against Liverpool on May 3 for £1,445.Customers from the UK are informed they are not allowed to purchase tickets. Chelsea take a tough stance on ticket touting and say that fans found to be selling tickets for inflated prices will face sanction.Most read in FootballBoehly is in the middle of a takeover battle with business partner Behdad Eghali. Each wants to buy the other out at Stamford Bridge.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThey spearheaded a takeover of the club in 2022 after previous owner Roman Abramovich was forced to sell up in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.The club has been contacted for comment.KSI announces Wayne Bridge replacement for Misfits Boxing after ex-Chelsea star pulled out over John Terry jibeMeanwhile, fans have also criticised how the club handles some of its players.Joao Felix scored just 12 minutes into his AC Milan loan debut – five months after his unsuccessful £45m switch to Stamford Bridge.Some supporters reckon the former Atletico Madrid winger’s instant turnaround in fortunes sums up the Blues’ woes with a handful of big-name under-achievers in their large squad.One fan posted: “We can now agree Chelsea ruins players.”Another wrote: “Chelsea has ALWAYS ruined players, they were the club that would buy players so other teams couldn’t and then sit them on the bench.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Champions League and Euros winner Alvaro Morata gets humbled as fans of his new club don’t seem to have a clue who he is

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      ALVARO MORATA breezed through a handful of Galatasaray fans and NONE of them recognised him.Morata, 32, has played in almost every single major competition in football throughout his successful 15-year career.Alvaro Morata just recently joined Galatasaray on loan from AC MilanBut Galatasaray fans didn’t appear to recognise MorataMorata, though, went on to score on his second match with GalatasarayCredit: GettyThe striker starred for Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid Juventus and Spain, while he also spent three years on Chelsea’s books.The Spain international has also won a raft of major honours, such as two Champions League titles with Real, two Serie A honours with Juve, the FA Cup with the Blues and Euro 2024 with his national team.However, it seems like some fans of his new team still don’t know exactly who he is…Morata completed a shock loan move to Galata from AC Milan in the closing stages of the January transfer window.Read More on FootballThis poses as yet another surprise transfer the Turkish giants complete after their stunning loan swoop for Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen last summer.Very few expected Galatasaray to pull off yet another coup by signing Morata just seven months after he joined Milan.Nevertheless, the fans appear to still getting used to the centre-forward in their squad.A clip appeared to show the Spain international checking in to a hotel in Bolu ahead of Thursday’s Turkish Cup clash at Boluspor.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA few Galatasaray fans were spotted outside the hotel waiting to greet the players – some of the excited bystanders appeared to be looking forward for an autograph or a selfie.However, none of them recognised Morata, who was wearing a black cap but was otherwise quite recognisable.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsA couple of them made eye contact with the player, while some others didn’t even look twice.If anyone didn’t know who the Chelsea flop actually was, they must certainly know by now after Galata’s 4-1 win at the Bolu Ataturk Stadium.Morata led Okan Buruk’s side to a 4-1 victory as he scored his first goal in his second appearance on 21 minutes to equalise for the visitors.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Wembley glory win will be nice… but Newcastle need Champions League to keep £150m Alexander Isak from Arsenal and Co

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      A WEMBLEY CUP triumph will be nice – but it’s Champions League football that Newcastle need to hang on to Alexander Isak long-term.The Swedish superstar showed long-term suitors Arsenal once again exactly what he can do as he helped fire the Magpies to a second Carabao Cup final in three seasons.Eddie Howe is desperate to bring the first trophy to Tyneside in 70 yearsCredit: RexBut the Toon manager will be more eager to hang onto Alexsander IsakCredit: GettyIsak, 25, tormented Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba from the first whistle on what proved to be a famous night at St James’ Park.Although he failed to add to his 19 goal haul this term, the forward was at his majestic best as the Magpies won 2-0 to seal a 4-0 aggregate victory over the Gunners.That booked them another date under the arch and provided Isak with an opportunity to achieve legendary status on Tyneside in the final next month.It’s been 70 years since the club last won a major cup, and if he can score the winner at Wembley, don’t bet against a statue of him being resurrected outside SJP.Medals and glory are what every kid dreamed of growing up – but it is regular Champions League football that elite players now need.Isak, of course, has had a taste of that already on Tyneside but the club know they need to return there to stave off interest from the likes of Arsenal and Europe’s top dogs.It’s where the big boys play and the big bucks are paid out.Understandably, fans are starting to get ultra defensive whenever the prospect of his potential departure is brought up.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEspecially when Arsenal’s name gets thrown into the conversation.Isak has been continually linked with a move to their Premier League rivals despite being under contract until 2028, a date that leaves Newcastle chiefs quite relaxed about his situation.Arsenal fans will have watched Carabao Cup disaster and wished Alexander Isak was playing for them – he’s unbelievableSun Sport understands that Isak still remains one of Mikel Arteta’s top targets, and that they will try to go all out to try and get him… even if it costs them the reported £150m price tag.He is already one of the top earners at Newcastle on £130,000-a-week as well.Isak, a club-record £63m buy from Real Sociedad in 2022, has earned every penny of those wages with his performances on the pitch.Last season he became the first Toon star since Alan Shearer two decades ago to hit 20 Premier League goals.Even finally ending that long trophy-drought may not quite be enough for Isak.And after a slow start to this season he has rediscovered his top form with his recent eight-game scoring run in the Prem.Although tentative talks over an improved deal may have stalled, they are set to resume in the summer, but it is unlikely to just be the money on offer that proves crucial.And even finally ending that long trophy-drought may not quite be enough for Isak.During a recent interview with Toon’s all-time top marksman Shearer he did little to dampen talk of a potential big-money transfer.When Super Al brought up Erling Haaland’s recent new nine-year deal and asked what was next for Isak, the Magpies ace vaguely replied: “We’ll see. You never know.”Isak has scored 17 goals and counting this seasonCredit: ReutersIsak still remains one of Mikel Arteta’s top targetsCredit: ReutersBut if Newcastle can build on their cup run and secure a top four finish then that could be pivotal… if not then the speculation won’t go away.And it’s fair to say that his manager Eddie Howe would not be the only one devastated to see Isak leave – even if it was for mega money.The Toon Army have always loved No9s, from Jackie Milburn and Malcolm Macdonald to the likes of Andy Cole and Shearer in more recent times.However, Isak is a little different, producing magic with 14 on his back, and he is in no rush to follow in the footsteps of those greats named above.Every top star now wants to play their best on the biggest stage – the Champions League.He said: “Many great players have had the No14. You had [David] Ginola from Newcastle and when I signed, out of the numbers that were available, I think that No14 was the most iconic.“I’m doing well, I’m happy with 14. But, on the other hand, I know the number nine is a special shirt for the fans.”It was not even out-and-out strikers that Isak grew up idolising either.Spain’s LaLiga was the most-covered football during his childhood years, and that meant it was Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo that he tried to emulate.And even now, despite his ruthlessness in front of goal, he has a lot more to his game than just sticking the ball in the onion bag.Isak told Alan Shearer that he and his team-mates want to be back in the Champions League next seasonCredit: ReutersHe explained: “I was more into dribbling, skills… I liked the street football style.“That’s the player I want to be and enjoy my football out there. That’s when I think that I play my best.”And every top star now wants to play their best on the biggest stage – the Champions League.Isak even admitted as much himself at the end of 2024, saying: “The whole team are very ambitious. We played Champions League last year and it is in our mind to get back there.“It is a long way to go until the end of the season so I don’t think we should be looking too much at the table.“The ambition of the team is of course to get in Europe again. We just need to take one game at a time.”ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show upARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.But Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Here’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners.David Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.William Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.The usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper.Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Thomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Leandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs usedEthan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.Riccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over. More

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      Uefa plot major change to Champions League format after revamping group stages and scrapping away goals

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      UEFA are considering another major change to the Champions League after introducing a brand new format this season.European football’s premier competition has already scrapped away goals and the traditional group stages in recent years.Uefa are considering scrapping extra time in the Champions League knockout phaseCredit: ReutersNow execs at Uefa are discussing the idea of getting rid of extra time in the Champions League knockout stages.According to the Guardian, discussions are gathering speed over ditching extra time to help reduce the number of minutes played at top clubs.The change would see tied up Champions League knockout games head straight to penalties at full time.However, any changes are said to be unlikely midway through the current television rights cycle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat would mean the proposed changes wouldn’t be enforced until at least 2027.Managers and players have voiced concerns in recent years about the inflating number of matches and minutes played by the top clubs across Europe.Stars such as Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne have all been vocal about heavy fixture congestion.A change from Uefa would be the first step from European competition in reducing the hectic schedule.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUntil now, domestic competitions have taken the brunt of the changes with the FA Cup controversially ditching replays. Whereas in Europe there has been the expansion of the Champions League with the new league phase meaning all teams now play a minimum of eight matches.Man City boss Pep Guardiola looks forward to the return of injured players to help Champions League campaign While the new expanded Fifa Club World Cup means 12 top teams from around Europe will have even more fixtures this summer.Removing extra time could offer a small amount of respite to teams with busy schedules.However, only three Champions League ties from the last 16 went to extra time last season.And the season before (2022/23) saw no games go past the regulation 90 minutes.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 23: Target FA Cup mismatches and midweek bonuses

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      GAMEWEEK 23 is a tricky one for Dream Team managers to navigate.The bulk of the action comes in the form of the FA Cup fourth round which looks inviting on paper but the likelihood of rotation means many of the game’s most popular players will have their minutes slashed.The magic of the cupCredit: RexThe Champions League play-offs and a rearranged Merseyside derby have resulted in bonus midweek fixtures for Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton – the only three teams set to pull double duty.In contrast, Arsenal, Brentford and West Ham have ZERO fixtures in Gameweek 23 having been dumped out of the FA Cup in the third round, hence why Bryan Mbeumo (£4.7m) and Gabriel (£5m) are among the most transferred-out players this week.Allow us to put forward some transfer recommendations ahead of Friday’s 6:30pm deadline.Daniel Munoz (£4.6m)A smart optionCredit: Dream TeamThe fact Oliver Glasner tends to name relatively strong line-ups in the domestic cups should make him a popular man among Dream Team bosses.While others don’t need a second invitation to rotate, Crystal Palace’s head coach has not shied away from giving his best players plenty of minutes no matter the competition since he arrived on English shores.And so there’s a decent chance Munoz starts against Doncaster on Monday night – he played the full 90 minutes against Stockport in the third round.The Colombian wing-back ranks third among Dream Team defenders right now having amassed 73 points in eight outings since Boxing Day.Most read in FootballThe 28-year-old has registered five clean sheets and two assists in that time.He’s also one of just two players to have made over 100 tackles this season – Noussair Mazraoui (£3m) is the other.Iliman Ndiaye (£4.4m)A man in formCredit: GettyMan City and Liverpool are likely to name second-string teams to face Leyton Orient and Plymouth respectively so that their first-team stars are raring to go in midweek.David Moyes may follow a similar path but with Everton up against Bournemouth in the cup this weekend, he doesn’t have the same license to play the kids.It’s not unthinkable that Ndiaye, the Toffees’ main man of late, plays 150+ minutes in Gameweek 23, making him a tempting option.Granted, a double header of the Cherries and Arne Slot’s league leaders is far from favourable but Everton’s No10 is one of Dream Team’s most in-form players right now having banked 33 points from his last three games.The Senegalese winger has scored five goals in his last eight appearances and is partial to a bonus point or three.We tipped him in last week’s transfer recommendations and he instantly returned 11 points!Conor Bradley (£2.6m)Rise up, understudies!Credit: PAMany gaffers will be backing Liverpool’s familiar favourites to come good in Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby – Virgil van Dijk (£4.8m) and Cody Gakpo (£5m) are popular recruits this week.But there’s another way of targeting the Reds’ double Gameweek.Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6m) has been ruled out of tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham and it seems highly unlikely he’ll be risked at Plymouth on Saturday, meaning Bradley is virtually guaranteed to start at right-back.The Northern Irish defender usually impresses when called upon and given the Pilgrims are rooted to the bottom of the Championship table, he has to considered a strong clean sheet prospect.Bradley offers a threat going forward too, a useful trait ahead of a meeting with a team that have conceded the most goals in the second tier this season.Dream Team bosses keen on this ploy should acknowledge it is very much a one-week punt in search of short-terms gains.Assuming Alexander-Arnold makes a quick recovery, Bradley’s backers will have to find a replacement for Gameweek 24.Taiwo Awoniyi (£1.9m)FA Cup special?Credit: GettyAnother short-term option here.Chris Wood (£4m) is Nottingham Forest’s talismanic striker fresh off a hat-trick at Brighton’s expense but the big New Zealander will surely be rested against Exeter on Tuesday night.That would leave the door open for Awoniyi to the lead the line against a League One side in freefall.The Grecians have conceded 13 goals in their last three games and should be easy pickings for Forest’s No9.READ MORE SUN STORIESOnce again, gaffers who opt for this route will need to ditch Awoniyi next week as Wood will reclaim his place when Nuno Espirito Santo’s side face Fulham in Gameweek 24.Don’t get caught out by the early deadline, confirm your transfers for Gameweek 23 by 6:30pm on Friday!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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      Champions League play-offs mean extra Manchester City fixtures but can they take advantage?

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      ALL but one of the English clubs involved in Europe this season progressed directly to the round of 16.Manchester City are the exception as they needed a win against Club Brugge just to scrape a spot in the Champions League play-off round having finished 22nd in the league phase.Man City must get past Real Madrid if they are to make the Champions League last 16Credit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side must now beat Real Madrid, the most decorated club in the competition’s history, over two legs if they are to join Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa in the last 16.While this is a daunting prospect for the defending Premier League champions, it’s another avenue to points for Dream Team managers.At the time of writing, Man City are the only team with four fixtures to fulfil across the next two Gameweeks.For comparison, Arsenal are currently scheduled to play just once in the same time frame.The fixture list will change depending on this week’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg results but it’s true to say that no team will have more point-scoring opportunities than City from now until the end of Gameweek 24.Haaland has scored 25 goals in all competitions this seasonCredit: EPAGaffers can expect a second-string team away to Leyton Orient in the FA Cup fourth round this Saturday but Guardiola will name what he believes to be his strongest XI against Real Madrid on Tuesday night.It’s worth repeating that the La Liga giants are far from favourable opponents and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and company exposed City’s defensive frailties.Dream Team bosses should therefore be wary of backing Josko Gvardiol (£4.4m), John Stones (£3.4m) and other assets at risk of minus points if Carlo Ancelotti’s side run riot.Most read in FootballEspecially with Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham all to come before the end of February.But the club’s main attacking threats are viable options.City have scored 29 goals in seven games since the turn of the year with points aplenty for Erling Haaland (£7.9m), Phil Foden (£6.6m) and Savinho (£4.3m).Savinho has quietly amassed 14 goal involvementsCredit: GettyThe Brazilian winger is probably a tad underrated among Dream Team managers as he currently features in just 3.6% of teams.Savinho ranks eighth among all players for bonus points while only Mohamed Salah (£7.9m) and Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) have provided more assists in all competitions.Or perhaps Omar Marmoush (£4.5m) will come to the fore?The Egyptian forward will be eligible to play against Real Madrid in the play-off round of the Champions League.Rewind a year and most Dream Team managers would not hesitate for a moment when presented with an opportunity to load up on Man City players but the current version of this side is far from imperious, as evidenced by their capitulation at the Emirates last time out.Will Haaland, Foden and friends make the most of their busy schedule or is this a bear trap set to ensnare naive gaffers?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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      Man Utd star Tyrell Malacia joins Champions League side in loan transfer and could face Arsenal

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      TYRELL MALACIA has completed a loan move away from Manchester United.The defender will spend the rest of the season at Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven.Tyrell Malacia has left Manchester United on loanCredit: GettyMalacia, 25, will now feature in the Champions League and could come up against Arsenal.The Dutchman could face the Gunners if PSV overcome Juventus in the play-off round.Malacia may never return to Old Trafford for the Red Devils as PSV have the option to make his move permanent in the summer.Manchester United will also have his wages fully covered by PSV during the length of the loan.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe defender was expected to leave the club in January, but his exit was thrown into doubt after a move to Benfica collapsed.He joined the club initially in 2022 and showed promise in his debut season with 39 appearances.However, Malacia then picked up a lengthy injury and missed the 2023-24 campaign.After finally regaining his fitness this season and the appointment of Ruben Amorim, he went on to play eight times.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the manager opted to let him leave the club after the January arrival of Patrick Dorgu.The Danish left-back joined Man United from Lecce in a deal worth £25million.Man Utd fans say ‘looks like a beast’ as forgotten star appears ripped in boxing training 502 days since last appearanceHe has put pen to paper on a contract worth £40,000-per-week which is the third lowest in the squad.Meanwhile, Malacia has insisted he is aiming to win more than one trophy with his new club.He said: “I’m happy to be here. Finally playing good football again.”I am coming off a long injury, but by now I am fit and know that my time will come again.”In every tough period there are also positive elements and in this case that is that I have become much stronger physically and mentally.”I have more patience, am more mature, know my body better and things like that.”I’m ready to pop and hopefully win several prizes with PSV.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More