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    Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 29: Latest on Cole Palmer, Chris Wood and others

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    DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 29 in one convenient location.On Thursday, Arsenal fans reacted with great enthusiasm to an Instagram post from Bukayo Saka which depicted the 23-year-old in training gear with the caption: “Hello again.”The England winger hasn’t played since December 21st but is seemingly nearing a return.Riccardo Calafiori suffered minimal ligament damage on Italy duty and is expected to miss between two and three weeks.Saka is back on the grassCredit: Instagram / bukayosaka87Bournemouth first-choice defenders Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen are suspended for Manchester City’s visit to the Vitality Stadium in the FA Cup this weekend.Both will be available to face Ipswich in midweek.As for the visitors, Pep Guardiola confirmed that his international players were “okay” despite rumours of a hamstring issue for Josko Gvardiol.The decorated tactician did admit that some individuals were “tired” and needed “recovery”.Ederson has trained in recent days having previously been hindered by an abdominal problem.Unai Emery told journalists that Ross Barkley is Aston Villa’s only absentee ahead of their trip to Preston on Sunday, aside from the cup-tied Axel Disasi.Most read in FootballThis implies Ollie Watkins is available having rested his troublesome knee during the international break.Watkins is expected to be availableCredit: ReutersManchester United defenders Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro were all pictured in training this week but it’s not yet clear who will be available to face Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.Brighton trio Matt O’Riley, Lewis Dunk and Solly March are in contention to play against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.Speaking of Forest, Nuno Espirito Santo told reporters that Chris Wood will not feature in the FA Cup quarter-finals.The Portuguese coach said: “He [Wood] has been to a specialist for a scan. We will wait on the information and see. He will not be available for this game. He felt a kick really hard on his hip.”Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is targeting a return in midweek having been sidelined for two months with a hamstring injury.It’s a similar story for Noni Madueke while Romeo Lavia is also described as “much better”.Cole Palmer returned to training today and therefore has a chance of featuring against Tottenham on Thursday.Palmer returned to training on Friday morningCredit: ReutersJean-Philippe Mateta has been cleared to play against Fulham this weekend following his nasty ear injury.The Crystal Palace striker, who has scored eight goals since the turn of the year, will wear a protective mask having had 25 stitches.As for the Cottagers, Harry Wilson, Reiss Nelson and Kenny Tete remain sidelined but Antonee Robinson is thought to be available having sat out for the USA during the break.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 NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Riccardo CalafioriSuspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Ross BarkleySuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi (doubt), Adam Smith, Enes Unal, Luis Sinisterra (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Igor Thiago, Rico Henry, Fabio CarvalhoSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Igor Julio, Lewis Dunk (doubt), Joel Veltman (doubt), Matt O’Riley (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Nicolas Jackson (doubt), Marc Guiu, Noni Madueke (doubt), Malo Gusto (doubt), Cole Palmer (doubt)Suspensions: Mykhailo MudrykCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Joel Ward, Chadi RiadSuspensions: Will HughesEVERTONInjuries: Dwight McNeil, Orel Mangala, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman Ndiaye, Vitaliy Mykolenko (doubt)Suspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, Harry Wilson, Antonee Robinson (doubt)Suspensions: Sasa LukicIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Conor Chaplin (doubt), Wes Burns, Sammie Szmodics, Axel TuanzebeSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Abdul FatawuSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, Trent Alexander-ArnoldSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb (doubt), Rodri, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Ederson (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Luke Shaw (doubt), Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Harry Maguire (doubt), Leny Yoro (doubt), Ayden Heaven (doubt)Suspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Lewis HallSuspensions: Anthony GordonNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Carlos Miguel, Chris WoodSuspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Ross Stewart (doubt), Ryan Fraser (doubt), Juan Larios (doubt), James Bree, Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis (doubt), Will SmallboneSuspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Radu Dragusin, Richarlison (doubt), Dejan Kulusevski (doubt), Kevin DansoSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Niclas Fullkrug (doubt), Crysencio SummervilleSuspensions: NoneWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Yerson Mosquera, Leon ChiwoneSuspensions: Matheus Cunha More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 29: Has Erling Haaland’s time come again?

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      DREAM TEAM managers must remember to select their captain for Gameweek 29 before Saturday’s 10:45am deadline.Mohamed Salah (£8m) has been the most popular skipper for months on end but his reign may be at an end.Salah is not as viable since Liverpool were eliminated from the FA Cup and Champions LeagueCredit: GettyLiverpool’s top scorer has just one fixture this coming Gameweek, the small matter of Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby at Anfield.The Egyptian superstar may well post another double-digit haul – he’s registered 54 goal involvements this season for crying out loud – but he doesn’t appear to be among the leading candidates on paper.Logically, the best captain is more likely to come from one of the seven teams set to pull double duty.And so the question must be asked: has Erling Haaland’s (£7.8m) time come again?Manchester City travel to Bournemouth this weekend in the FA Cup quarter-finals before welcoming Leicester to the Etihad in the Premier League in midweek.29 goals and countingCredit: GettyThe Cherries are not to be underestimated but the big Norwegian No9 will be licking his lips at the prospect of taking on the Foxes on current form.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side have lost seven games in a row and haven’t scored a league goal since Janaury.The chances of Haaland adding to his season tally of 29 goals at some point this coming Gameweek are relatively high.Most read in FootballAlternatively, might there be a fantastic captain lurking in Crystal Palace’s ranks?Daniel Munoz (£5.4m) averages seven points-per-game this season and so it would be reasonable to expect a healthy return from him with the Eagles due to face Fulham and Southampton.One of Dream Team’s star performers this seasonCredit: GettyThe Colombian wing-back has scored five goals, provided six assists, and contributed to 12 clean sheets.Wednesday’s trip to St Mary’s Stadium represents a mouthwatering mismatch as Saints have mustered just four points on home soil since their return to the top flight.While that’s all valid, many gaffers will be reluctant to captain a defender, even one as good as Munoz.Much of the same logic applies to Palace’s attack-minded assets.Eberechi Eze (£4.5m) averages 6.8 points-per-game while only Bruno Fernandes (£6.7m) has earned more points from his last three outings than Ismaila Sarr (£3.7m).Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4.5m) is expected to return from injury in Gameweek 29.Eze scored for England during the breakCredit: PAElsewhere, Aston Villa have the luxury of a cup quarter-final against lower league opposition as they travel to Preston on Sunday, with a league game against Brighton to follow.Some Dream Team bosses will be tempted to stick the armband on Morgan Rogers (£3.9m), Marco Asensio (£4.1m) or Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) – assuming the latter is passed fit – but predicting minutes isn’t all that easy where the Villains are concerned.READ MORE SUN STORIESMentions too for Justin Kluivert (£4m), Antoine Semenyo (£4.2m) and Evanilson (£4.2m) as it wouldn’t be all that surprising if Bournemouth landed a few blows on Man City before overwhelming Ipswich.In conclusion, Haaland is seemingly the most logical captain among the premium options but there are several tempting alternatives this Gameweek.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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      Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 29: Eberechi Eze and other FA Cup specialists

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      DREAM TEAM managers have until 10:45am on Saturday morning to confirm their transfers for Gameweek 29.Just seven teams will be in action this weekend, those involved in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with a full round of Premier League games scheduled for midweek.Eze does itCredit: Dream TeamThree of the seven teams set to pull double duty are due to face relegation-bound opposition on Wednesday night, creating some juicy double headers that could yield heaps of points.With that in mind, allow us to put forth some transfer recommendations…Eberechi Eze (£4.5m)Crystal Palace face Fulham in the cup before an extremely favourable league meeting with Southampton at St Mary’s.Saints have earned fewer points and conceded more goals at home than away this season.Eze owners are well within their rights to expect a double-digit return in Gameweek 29 given he averages 6.8 points-per-game.The silky midfielder, who scored for England during the break, averages a goal involvement every 169.1 minutes in all competitions for the Eagles in 2024/25 and he currently ranks joint-sixth for bonus points among all players.We’ve suggested Daniel Munoz (£5.4m) several times over this season and so there’s no need to detail his attributes again but needless to say the Colombian wing-back is also an excellent option at this moment in time.Morgan Rogers (£3.9m)Popular for a reasonCredit: GettyAston Villa blanked in Gameweek 28 and so many Dream Team bosses were forced to ditch Unai Emery’s troops.Most read in FootballThe outlook is entirely different this side of the international break, however, as the Villains are the only team with six fixtures to fulfil across the next three Gameweeks.This busy period starts with the most favourable FA Cup quarter-final available in the form of bottom-half Championship side Preston.A trip to in-form Brighton in midweek promises to be a competitive affair but the overall conclusion is that Villa players look well set for the next few weeks.Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) is the club’s top performer in Dream Team right now and he will be a popular recruit if deemed fit but gaffers should wait for an update on his troublesome knee before committing.It’s not yet clear whether Watkins is available for Gameweek 29Credit: GettyHence why Rogers, Villa’s second-best asset, is currently the most transferred-in player ahead of Saturday’s deadline by a wide margin.The affordable midfielder looked bright for the Three Lions against Latvia on Monday night.Much of the same logic applies to Marco Asensio (£4.1m), who has scored seven goals in eight games since his January loan switch from PSG.The Spaniard is eligible to face his parent club in the upcoming Champions League quarter-finals.Jeremy Doku (£4.8m)Catch him if you can!Credit: APManchester City travel to Bournemouth this weekend with memories of defeat from their last visit to the Vitality Stadium.However, this deceptively difficult fixture is offset by a hugely favourable match-up with Leicester at the Etihad in midweek.The Foxes are the top flight’s worst team on current form having lost their last six league games.In fact, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s beleaguered men haven’t even scored a league goal since late Janaury.Incredibly, Doku has earned 16 bonus points (and 29 total points) across his last four outings.The tricky Belgian winger completed 15 successful dribbles against Brighton in Gameweek 28 – for comparison, Phil Foden (£6m) has registered 24 successful dribbles for the season!At the risk of stating the blindingly obvious, going without Erling Haaland (£7.8m) this coming Gameweek is a very risky move.The big No9 will be licking his lips at the prospect of taking on Wout Faes (£0.9m) and friends on Wednesday night.Justin Kluivert (£4m)Cherry pickingCredit: ReutersOnce the Cherries are done with Man City, they too have a favourable league game to fulfil as Ipswich are due to visit the south coast in midweek.The Tractor Boys have conceded 12 goals in their last four league games and so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they were overwhelmed by Andoni Iraola’s dynamic side.Only Liverpool and Man City have registered more shots on target than Bournemouth in the top flight this campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESKluivert has scored 13 goals and provided seven assists this season – it helps being first-choice penalty taker.Milos Kerkez (£3.7m), Antoine Semenyo (£4.2m) and Evanilson (£4.2m) are also strong options.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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      FA Cup quarter-finals create unusual double Gameweek 29 but Dream Team bosses can take advantage

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      AS the international break draws to a close, Dream Team demands the spotlight once again.And gaffers will need their wits about them as Gameweek 29 is a unique one to navigate.Domestic football resumes with FA Cup action this weekendCredit: Dream TeamFor starters, Dream Team managers should be aware that the deadline falls at the unusual time of 10:45pm on Saturday morning.This weekend plays host to the FA Cup quarter-finals with a full round of Premier League games to follow in midweek.Consequently, the seven top-flight sides in action this weekend are the only teams with TWO fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 29.And since more games generally equals more points, Dream Team bosses should be focused on these double headers.Marmoush averages 6.8 points-per-game this seasonCredit: PAGAMEWEEK 29 DOUBLE HEADERSMANCHESTER CITY vs Bournemouth (a) & Leicester (h)ASTON VILLA vs Preston (a) & Brighton (a)CRYSTAL PALACE vs Fulham (a) & Southampton (a)BOURNEMOUTH vs Man City (h) & Ipswich (h)FULHAM vs Crystal Palace (h) & Arsenal (a)BRIGHTON vs Nottingham Forest (h) & Aston Villa (h)NOTTINGHAM FOREST vs Brighton (a) & Man Utd (h)Pep Guardiola’s side have dropped several levels this season and a trip to the Vitality Stadium is certainly no easy task – the Cherries won the same match-up in the league earlier this season.However, City’s second fixture is one of the most favourable the top flight has to offer as the Foxes have conceded more goals on the road than any other team in 2024/25.Forwards Erling Haaland (£7.8m) and Omar Marmoush (£4.3m) have to be considered strong options.Most read in FootballVilla will be busy in the coming weeksCredit: GettyThe Villains are the only team due to face lower-league opposition in the FA Cup quarter-finals.Unai Emery’s troops travel to Deepdale to face a Preston side currently in the bottom half of the Championship.Predicting Villa’s starting line-up on Sunday isn’t all that easy but the likes of Morgan Rogers (£3.9m), Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) and Marco Asensio (£4.1m) could feast if given the opportunity.Looking further ahead, Villa are the only team still active in the FA Cup with a European quarter-final in the diary for April.Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are in the same position as Man City in that their midweek league match-up looks very appealing on paper.The Eagles will visit relegation-bound Southampton next Wednesday.Daniel Munoz (£5.4m), Eberechi Eze (£4.5m) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4.5m) are all viable selections – the latter is expected to be available following his ear injury.Palace will start as heavy favourites against SaintsCredit: GettyAs for the Cherries, they will host 18th-placed Ipswich in midweek.READ MORE SUN STORIESJustin Kluivert (£4m), Antoine Semenyo (£4.2m) and Milos Kerkez (£3.7m) are Bournemouth’s top performers this season and all three could take advantage of the Tractor Boys’ increasingly poor form.Gaffers hoping to benefit from the Magic of the Cup™ have several tempting options to mull over before the Gameweek 29 deadline.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Seven players have reached double figures for goals and assists this season… and four of them play for Spurs!

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      TOTTENHAM are currently 14th in the Premier League having lost 15 of the 29 games in the top flight.Ange Postecoglou’s side remain active in the Europa League but if they fail to win that competition then the 2024/25 campaign will be deemed an abject failure on all fronts.Despite this, Spurs players have generally performed very well in Dream Team this season.Postecoglou is under pressure but the Dream Team Stats Centre tells another storyCredit: AlamyThis is best evidenced by a remarkable statistic; of the seven players to have reached double figures for both goals and assists in all competitions this season, FOUR of them ply their trade at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.PLAYERS WITH 10+ GOALS AND 10+ ASSISTS IN DREAM TEAM THIS SEASON:Mohamed Salah (£8m) – 32 goals, 22 assistsBruno Fernandes (£6.7m) – 16 goals, 17 assistsOllie Watkins (£5.2m) – 14 goals, 13 assistsSon Heung-min (£4.7m) – 11 goals, 14 assistsJames Maddison (£4.2m) – 11 goals, 10 assistsDominic Solanke (£4m) – 11 goals, 10 assistsDejan Kulusevski (£4.4m) – 10 goals, 11 assistsIt’s almost beyond belief that the other 19 clubs have just three players who qualify for this exclusive group between them while Spurs boast four representatives.This serves as a timely reminder for Dream Team bosses that while Postecoglou’s side may be flawed in some aspects, they pack a punch in attack.The aforementioned list doesn’t even include the club’s top scorer this season, Brennan Johnson (£3.3m), who has 14 goals to his name but just six assists.Maddison’s output can’t be deniedCredit: APA closer look at the league table reveals that only runaway leaders Liverpool have scored more goals than Spurs at this stage.Most read in FootballIt was a similar story in the league phase of the Europa League too when only Galatasaray scored more goals from their eight fixtures.Add in 13 goals from the domestic cups and it’s clear Spurs have more than enough firepower – it’s the defensive side of the game (and overall balance) that needs addressing.The great thing for Dream Team bosses who don’t support Spurs is they don’t have to worry one bit about the club’s real-world fortunes.As long as their top assets continue to provide plentiful points it’s happy days, regardless of the results.Son hasn’t always been at his best this season but 25 goal involvements represents a healthy returnCredit: ReutersA quick examination of the schedule suggests Gameweeks 30 and 31 could yield bountiful returns.UPCOMING TOTTENHAM FIXTURESGW29: Chelsea (a)GW30: Southampton (h), Frankfurt (h)GW31: Wolves (a), Frankfurt (a)Son, Solanke and Maddison should all be considered viable options for this run of games.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Kulusevski may be the best selection of the lot if he is declared fit but gaffers will need a positive update from Postecoglou before bringing the Swedish playmaker back into the mix.It should also be noted that Pedro Porro (£4.5m) has amassed 223 points – a tally only bettered by three players in his position – despite Spurs’ defensive woes.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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      The best Dream Team XI of the season using no more than one player from each club

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      IN true this-international-break-is-dragging fashion, we have assembled the best Dream Team XI of the season.But with a twist.Credit where it’s dueCredit: Dream TeamThis is the best XI of the season using no more than one player from each club.GOALKEEPERDavid Raya (£4.4m)Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) and Declan Rice (£4.9m) are Arsenal’s top two performers but with ample options in midfield it makes sense to use the Gunners’ only spot in this composite XI filling the gap between the sticks.Having kept 16 clean sheets in all competitions, Raya is the only keeper on 200+ points at this stage of the season.The Spaniard is 39 points clear of his closest rival, Emi Martinez (£3.9m).He also ranks joint-second for bonus points (13) in his position and fourth for total saves (98).Double centurionCredit: GettyDEFENDERSDaniel Munoz (£5.4m)Pedro Porro (£4.5m)Ola Aina (£3.5m)Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) misses out as our Liverpool representative is best used elsewhere – no prizes for guessing.Most read in FootballAnd so Crystal Palace’s all-action wing-back leads the way in our backline with 230 points.Arguably, Munoz has been the best surprise package of the season having contributed 11 goal involvements (five goals, six assists) on top of his 12 clean sheets.The Colombia international also ranks third among all players for tackles (114).Munoz does it allCredit: GettyPorro has earned more bonus points (37) than any other defender this term.The Tottenham right-back, who has 223 points overall, also ranks inside the top three in his position for assists, shots on target and tackles.Given they’re currently third in the Premier League table, it’s no surprise to see Nottingham Forest represented.Only Liverpool and Arsenal defenders have registered more clean sheets than Aina’s 12.The 28 year-old right-back averages 5.7 points-per-game this season, a rate only bettered by the aforementioned Alexander-Arnold and Munoz among assets in his position.Aina has amassed 170 points from 30 appearances.Aina has been a regular for high-flying ForestCredit: GettyMIDFIELDERSBruno Fernandes (£6.7m)Cole Palmer (£5.4m)Bryan Mbeumo (£4.7m)Morgan Rogers (£3.9m)Dream Team’s leading midfielder also happens to be 125 points ahead of his nearest team-mate, Alejandro Garnacho (£3.1m).Fernandes has racked up 345 points via 16 goals and 17 assists.The Portuguese playmaker has been on a tear of late with 11 goal involvements in his last seven outings, not to mention plenty of tackles and bonus points.Palmer has struggled in recent weeks but his overall tally of 268 points remains highly impressive.No other Chelsea player is yet to reach the 180-point mark.The Blues’ talisman is currently the most transferred-out player ahead of Gameweek 29 due to availability concerns but many gaffers will quietly reverse their changes if Enzo Maresca declares him fit this week.Dream Team’s most in-form playerCredit: PABrentford haven’t had European fixtures to bolster their schedule but Mbeumo has been a Dream Team favourite this season because of his blistering domestic form.The Cameroon international has scored 15 goals, all in the league, on his way to a mighty total of 259 points.Last but not least, Rogers completes our four-man midfield on 231 points.The classy dribbler takes advantage of the fact there’s no place for Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m) after Porro’s inclusion in defence.Rogers has scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in 2024/25.Rogers is enjoying a breakout seasonCredit: GettyFORWARDSMohamed Salah (£8m)Erling Haaland (£7.8m)Alexander Isak (£6.1m)It’s nothing but heavy hitters up front with these three prolific goalscorers ranked first, third and fourth respectively among all players.Liverpool’s No11 is the game’s runaway leader on a whopping 456 points, 111 more than second-placed Fernandes.Salah has scored 32 goals and provided 22 assists in all competitions, which boils down further to a goal involvement every 68.4 minutes!Haaland (343 pts) has bagged another 29 goals this season despite Manchester City’s broader problems.Like some other names in this XI, he’s over 100 points clear of his next-best team-mate, Phil Foden (£6m), in a league of his own.The Norwegian No9 tops the chart for shots on target with 81 – only one other player (Salah) has registered more than 45!Top dogsCredit: AFPIsak completes our star-stuffed forward line having plundered 282 points at an average of 8.5 per game.READ MORE SUN STORIESNewcastle’s top scorer is on 23 goals and will have his eyes set on the 30 milestone with ten league games remaining.Anthony Gordon (£4.8m) is the only other St James’ Park resident on 200+ points at the time of writing.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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      Anthony Elanga has quietly amassed 53 points from his last seven games ahead of Nottingham Forest’s double Gameweek 29

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      ANTHONY ELANGA (£3.4m) is overdue his flowers.The 22-year-old has been instrumental in Nottingham Forest’s unexpected push for Champions League qualification this season.Elanga is among Dream Team’s most in-form midfielders right nowCredit: Dream TeamNuno Espirito Santo’s side have been solid defensively but it would be foolish to overlook the attacking unit’s contribution.Chris Wood’s (£3.8m) clinical finishing has been a decisive factor but the big New Zealander’s support cast of Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi (£3.8m) and Morgan Gibbs-White (£4.2m) also deserve plenty of credit.The Sweden international has been particularly effective lately, as best evidenced by his Dream Team returns.Elanga has collected 53 points from his last seven appearances at an average of 7.6.His average of ten points-per-game over his last three outings is only bettered by two midfielders at present: Bruno Fernandes (£6.7m) and Ismaila Sarr (£3.7m).Elanga provided three assists the last time he faced BrightonCredit: GettyThis fruitful run peaked just prior to the international break when he took Ipswich for 17 points via a brace for his best haul of the season.Elanga has scored two goals and provided four assists in his last seven games and this upturn in tangible output may have come at a good time from a Dream Team perspective.Forest are one of just seven teams set to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 29.Most read in FootballThis Saturday, they’re due to face Brighton in the FA Cup quarter-finals before hosting Manchester United in the Premier League the following Tuesday.Forest are in a strong position to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe Seagulls are in fine form but Dream Team managers will remember they lost 7-0 to Forest last month.Elanga registered three assists that day on his way to a 15-point return.A repeat of that mauling is unlikely but Forest will head to the south coast fully confident in their ability to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.Elanga didn’t play against Exeter in the fourth round of the competition but he was deployed against the Tractor Boys in the fifth round, when he banked ten points via an assist and three bonus points.At this stage of the campaign, Nuno has a realistic chance of lifting the famous trophy and so the first-team regulars should get plenty of minutes across both fixtures in Gameweek 29, Elanga included.Wood is considered a doubt for this weekendCredit: RexIt’s worth noting that Wood is currently considered an injury doubt having limped off while on international duty but gaffers should get an update on the striker’s availability closer to the deadline.Dream Team bosses tempted to back Elanga (1.9% ownership) at this juncture should be aware that he’s probably a short-term option.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn Gameweeks 30 and 31, the focus will be on Arsenal, Man United, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Chelsea due to the additional midweek fixtures created by the European quarter-finals.But as far as one-week punts go, Elanga is very much in the conversation.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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      Only Bruno Fernandes boasts better form than Ismaila Sarr among all Dream Team players

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      THE international break rumbles on but thoughts turn to Dream Team’s return this coming weekend.Managers have until 10:45am this Saturday to make their transfers and one player worthy of consideration before the Gameweek 29 deadline is Ismaila Sarr (£3.7m).Sarr has been among the points latelyCredit: Dream TeamThe Crystal Palace midfielder is currently the second most in-form player in Dream Team as only Bruno Fernandes (£6.7m) has taken more points from his last three outings.Just prior to the break, Sarr scored the Eagles’ winner against Ipswich amid an 11-point haul.An FA Cup win over Millwall yielded just two points but before that the Senegal international notched 18 points via a brace in an impressive victory over Aston Villa.A return of 31 points from his last three games put him above the likes of Alexander Isak (£6.1m), Joao Pedro (£4m), Marco Asensio (£4.1m) and other notable form players.Sarr starred against Aston Villa in Gameweek 25Credit: GettyThat being said, Sarr’s points have had little impact on Dream Team since he features in so few teams.At the time of writing, his ownership is just 0.4%.Looking ahead to Gameweek 29, Sarr has to be considered a viable differential option.Oliver Glasner’s side are due to face Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday before travelling to Southampton the following Wednesday.Most read in FootballNot only are Palace one of just seven teams set to fulfil two fixtures this coming Gameweek, they arguably have the most appealing double header of the lot.Palace’s Gameweek 29 fixtures look appealing on paperCredit: GettyA trip to St Mary’s Stadium is statistically the most favourable match-up the Premier League has to offer this season as Saints have mustered just four points on home soil since their return to the top flight.And given only Liverpool and Arsenal average more points on the road than Palace, this upcoming fixture could yield plentiful returns for the visitors.Sarr has the hot hand right now and gaffers in need of a difference-maker might feel it’s time to roll the dice.The same logic applies to Glasner’s other favourites.Munoz has proven himself to be a top-tier Dream Team defenderCredit: PADaniel Munoz (£5.4m) is a fantastic option for Gameweek 29 as Dream Team’s second-best defender on 230 points.And with Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) currently sidelined with injury, it’s not unthinkable the Colombian wing-back will become the top-ranked asset in his position in the coming weeks.Munoz has five goals, six assists and 12 clean sheets to his name.Alternatively, Eberechi Eze (£4.5m) hasn’t provided as many points as Sarr recently but he’s 50 ahead in terms of the campaign as a whole.Mateta should return this weekendCredit: ReutersJean-Philippe Mateta (£4.5m) is expected to be available in Gameweek 29 following his ear injury.The French forward has scored eight goals in ten appearances since the turn of the year.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe would certainly fancy his chances of exploiting Southampton’s vulnerable defence if given the opportunity.Dream Team bosses should get an update on Mateta’s availability in advance of the deadline.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      James Maddison and Marc Guehi star in England XI determined by Dream Team points

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is set to take charge of his first game as England head coach this evening.Fans across the land are eagerly anticipating the German tactician’s line-up to face Albania for the Three Lions’ first 2026 World Cup qualifier, the dawn of a new era.No pressure, Thomas!Credit: GettyEvery man and his dog has an opinion about the national team and just to throw another perspective into the mix, allow us to present the best possible England XI as determined by this season’s Dream Team points.A quick note before we dive in, both Jude Bellingham (22 goals involvements for Real Madrid) and Harry Kane (43 goal involvements for Bayern Munich) would be among the first names included but they’re currently operating outside of Dream Team’s jurisdiction and have therefore been omitted – it’s just a bit of fun anyway.GOALKEEPERJordan Pickford – 141 ptsA conventional start to this exercise as England’s long-term No1 keeps his place.It was a close contest though as Dean Henderson is just two points behind Pickford in the rankings with both keepers having kept ten clean sheets this season.The Everton stopper edges it by virtue of a superior save count, 93 to 89.Pickford edges out Henderson between the sticksCredit: GettyDEFENDERSTrent Alexander-Arnold – 277 ptsLewis Hall – 189 ptsMarc Guehi – 172 ptsThe beautiful thing about Dream Team is that while only certain formations are permitted, gaffers don’t have to worry about real-world balance.Most read in FootballIn reality, this back three would be overly ambitious in the extreme but there may be a hint of truth to it.Alexander-Arnold and Hall may well have been first-choice full-backs/wing-backs during this international break had they not been sidelined with injuries.The former is Dream Team’s outright best defender having contributed to 18 clean sheets, scored three goals and provided eight assists.Newcastle’s inexhaustible left-back registered seven assists before his ill-timed foot injury.Fans will have to wait to see how Tuchel deploys Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyAs for Guehi, he may be top of the pecking order in the centre-back department these days given John Stones continues to be dogged by fitness issues.The 24-year-old has zoomed up the rankings lately as Crystal Palace have kept seven clean sheets in their last 11 games in all competitions.If we were to discount injured players, Tyrick Mitchell (166 pts) and Ezri Konsa (145 pts) would make the cut.MIDFIELDERSCole Palmer – 268 ptsMorgan Rogers – 231 ptsJames Maddison – 229 ptsBukayo Saka – 224 ptsPhil Foden – 221 ptsOnce again, the balance is off but it’s a fun combination on paper.Palmer may have gone off the boil in recent weeks but his tally of 14 goals and nine assists remains hugely impressive.England are spoiled for choice when it comes to attacking midfieldersCredit: GettyInterestingly, this exercise suggests Rogers is worthy of place in Tuchel’s starting XI.The Aston Villa midfielder has come of age this season, as evidenced by the fact he ranks fifth among players in his position.Maddison has not been included in the official squad and it’s curious a player of considerable talent has played just 374 minutes for England to date.Ange Postecoglou isn’t shy of dropping the creative playmaker either but his output of 21 goal involvements at a rate of one every 106.6 minutes speaks for itself.Amazingly, Saka still ranks eighth among Dream Team midfielders despite the fact he hasn’t played since before Christmas!As for Foden, he’s been unable to replicate the form he displayed last season but it’s a measure of his pedigree that he’s still mustered a double century of points via ten goals and seven assists.If we were to adjust for availability, Declan Rice (216 pts) and Eberechi Eze (205 pts) would replace Palmer and Saka.Maddison continues to be overlooked at international levelCredit: APSTRIKERSOllie Watkins – 250 ptsDominic Solanke – 204 ptsWith Kane out of the picture we end up with a strike partnership that would probably work well in reality.Watkins and Solanke have 26 goals and 23 assists between them this season – they rank fifth and 11th respectively among all strikers in terms of total points.Aston Villa’s main man is resting his troublesome knee this international break and so Jarrod Bowen (195 pts) is next in line among available forwards.READ MORE SUN STORIESWest Ham’s talisman averages a goal or assist every 147.4 minutes this season – an excellent effort given the Hammers are languishing in 16th in the Premier League table.Solanke may be used as an impact sub under TuchelCredit: AFPGive us a call if you want to discuss things further, Thomas!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