Dream Team

HARDCORE Dream Team managers know that it’s never too early to start planning.The dust has only just settled on the 2024/25 campaign but nothing drums up excitement for next season like the transfer window.Summer shake-upCredit: Dream TeamSeveral deals concerning Premier League clubs have already been complete and the rumour mill promises many more fresh faces in the coming months.So how will this summer’s transfer activity impact Dream Team in 2025/26?Matheus Cunha signed for Manchester United on June 1st and it will be interesting to see how popular he will be come Gameweek 1.The Brazilian forward averaged 8.2 points-per-game this season, a rate only bettered by Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland, but his ownership stayed low (approximately 3%) throughout, not helped by some disciplinary issues.For all the Red Devils’ problems in recent years, they remain one of the biggest and most supported clubs in the world.There’s every chance Cunha will go from one of Dream Team’s most underrated assets to one of the most selected individuals in the game.The 26-year-old may be joined at Old Trafford by Bryan Mbeumo.Old Trafford bound?Credit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Cameroon international was nothing short of outstanding this season; he banked 337 points via 20 goals and 10 assists.Most read in FootballOnly Bruno Fernandes and Cole Palmer amassed more points among midfielders.However, Dream Team bosses will be aware that Man United have not qualified for Europe and so their players will have a relaxed schedule compared to counterparts at Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, etc.Speaking of the newly-crowned champions, the Reds wasted no time in replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold with Jeremie Frimpong.There aren’t many defenders more attack-minded than Real Madrid’s new Galactico but the Dutch wing-back is one of them.A key player for Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, Frimpong registered 63 goal involvements over the last three seasons!Whether he will be Liverpool’s starting right-back in a back four remains to be seen but his attacking pedigree is likely to make him a popular man from the get-go.Wirtz is said to be keen on LiverpoolCredit: GettyArne Slot may acquire another Leverkusen gem in Florian Wirtz, if an astronomical fee can be agreed.The 22-year-old has racked up goals and assists for fun in the last two years and gaffers didn’t shy away from backing him in Dream Team Euros last summer, when he impressed in tandem with Jamal Musiala for Germany.Adding a natural talent like Wirtz to this successful Liverpool team would certainly be a tempting prospect but he is likely to warrant a high starting price for Gameweek 1 if the transfer happens.Much like with Alexander-Arnold, Dream Team managers will be sad to see Kevin De Bruyne go – both players have provided lorry-loads of points in recent years.It will be very interesting to see what size waves a new-look Manchester City midfield will make in 2025/26.Go Dutch!Credit: GettyIf rumours are to be believed, Tijani Reijnders is on his way from Milan with Lyon winger Rayan Cherki said to be another target for Pep Guardiola.The former is an all-rounder in the middle of the park who has the attributes to be a keen bonus point collector while the latter is very much a final-third threat – he’s coming off 32 goal involvements in 2024/25.Elsewhere, Liam Delap’s switch to Chelsea is an intriguing one.The 22-year-old scored 12 goals in the top flight this term, a decent effort as the spearhead of an Ipswich outfit not equipped for the brutal demands of the Premier League.He can expect plenty more service at Stamford Bridge as the Blues ranked third for shots and xG in the league.Add in European commitments and Delap could score plenty but only if he establishes himself as the regular starting striker, which isn’t guaranteed at this stage.Delap should benefit from increased service at ChelseaCredit: GettyGaffers may be spoiled for choice up top if Benjamin Sesko and/or Viktor Gyokeres arrive on these shores.Arsenal are keen on a proper No9 while Liverpool and Man United may also be interested in more firepower, depending on their other business.Gyokeres in particular has been obscenely prolific for Sporting CP having scored 97 goals in all competitions across the last two seasons!Dream Team managers will have new options between the sticks too.Caoimhin Kelleher will be Brentford’s first-choice goalkeeper next season following his move from Anfield, with Mark Flekken having gone to Leverkusen.The Irishman averaged an impressive 5.3 points-per-game this season when Alisson was unavailable.He may be a busy boy in West London as Flekken was forced to make more saves (159) than anyone else this term.Kelleher will be a popular pick next season if priced fairlyCredit: RexA stone’s throw away, Mike Maignan is being linked with a transfer to Chelsea.Read More on The SunEnzo Maresca is desperate for a reliable keeper and France’s No1 may fit the bill.Needless to say, we will take a closer look at the most notable new arrivals closer to the Gameweek 1 deadline. 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HERE at Dream Team HQ we’re still reflecting on the dramatic 2024/25 campaign.It’s only right we shine a light on the truly exceptional players and so we have assembled the best possible XI based on total points earned.Remarkably, TEN different Premier League clubs are represented in this team of outstanding performers.Cream of the cropCredit: Dream TeamGOALKEEPER: David RayaArsenal once again boasted the best defensive record in the top flight this season.The Gunners were the only team to concede fewer goals than games played in the league and their Spanish goalkeeper was huge contributor.Raya kept 19 clean sheets in all competitions and earned 18 bonus points – both the highest tallies among players in his position.He finished on 259 points for the campaign, 29 clear of Emi Martinez – Dean Henderson was the only other keeper to celebrate a double century.Raya received the Premier League Golden Glove award alongside Matz SelsCredit: GettyDEFENDERS: Daniel Munoz, Pedro Porro, Trent Alexander-ArnoldCrystal Palace’s rampaging wing-back amassed 305 points without European fixtures to bolster his schedule!Granted, Munoz benefited from the Eagles’ successful FA Cup run but he topped the defender rankings by excelling in both disciplines.The Colombia international contributed to 17 clean sheets and ranked second overall for tackles (152) while also chipping in with six goals and eight assists.Most read in FootballTottenham conceded far too many goals this season but Porro compensated with ten assists and 51 bonus points – he ranked joint-first in both metrics.Alexander-Arnold led the way in his position for most of the campaign but injuries and his much-discussed contract situation meant his playing time dipped at crucial moments.Still the Liverpool right-back racked up 294 points at a better average (6.7 per game) than any other other defender.He will be missed by Dream Team bosses.Alexander-Arnold won’t feature in Dream Team next season!Credit: GettyMIDFIELDERS: Bruno Fernandes, Cole Palmer, Bryan Mbeumo, Morgan RogersRumours of Manchester United’s captain seeking an exit will also distress gaffers.Fernandes scored 19 goals and provided 20 assists on his way to 443 points.The Portuguese playmaker ticked almost every box as he also ranked third in his position for bonus points and fifth for tackles.Palmer (339 pts) leapfrogged Mbeumo (337 pts) at the last available opportunity when he turned it on in the second half of the Conference League final.Chelsea’s talisman provided two assists against Real Betis to take his goal involvement tally for the season to 29.He may have faded after Christmas but his game-breaking form throughout the first half of the campaign shouldn’t be forgotten.Fernandes thrived individually despite Man United’s woesCredit: ShutterstockAs for Brentford’s main man, he deserves heaps of credit for rubbing shoulders with the big boys without European commitments or a substantial domestic cup run.In combination with Yoane Wissa, Mbeumo was incredibly effective in the bread-and-butter league fixtures – he was the only midfield asset to score 20 goals in 2024/25.Rogers completes our four-man midfield, perhaps the most unexpected inclusion.The ex-Middlesbrough man was a bit-part player for Aston Villa in 2023/24 but this season he was one of the first names on Unai Emery’s teamsheets.A natural dribbler (only Jeremy Doku registered more successful take-ons) Rogers scored 14 goals and provided 16 assists in all comps.To think he was available for just £2.5m prior to Gameweek 1…A Dream Team favouriteCredit: GettyFORWARDS: Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, Alexander IsakNo surprises up top as these three scored 92 goals between them.Liverpool’s No11 was responsible for 34 of those and he also registered more assists (23) than anyone else.Salah’s obscene attacking output resulted in 503 points – a staggering number given only one other player (Fernandes) went past 400.Manchester City endured an uncharacteristically underwhelming season but their big No9 still managed 31 goals despite an injury lay-off.2024/25 was Haaland’s least productive campaign on English shores but a return of 367 points speaks for itself.As for Isak, he notched a whopping 340 points without European games – though he made hay in the Carabao Cup.Newcastle’s Swedish striker scored 27 goals in total and many Dream Team managers will be itching to see whether he can improve again next season upon the Magpies’ return to the Champions League.Read More on The SunThe undisputed kingCredit: AlamySo there you have it, the best XI of the season made up of players from ten different teams!Only Premier League winners Liverpool provided two representatives (Salah and Alexander-Arnold). More

THE 2024/25 Dream Team season is officially done and dusted!Time to celebrate the players who topped the most important stats after 37 ultra competitive Gameweeks.It’s a numbers gameCredit: Dream TeamCLEAN SHEETS21 – Virgil van Dijk19 – David Raya18 – Trent Alexander-Arnold18 – Williams Saliba17 – Marc Guehi17 – Daniel Munoz17 – Ibrahima KonateFitting that Liverpool’s talismanic captain tops this metric as he was a man mountain at the back all season.Clean sheets require a team effort but it’s telling that Van Dijk registered the most among individuals as it speaks to his importance to the Reds – he is rarely afforded the luxury of a rest.Liverpool and Arsenal assets are to be expected here but it’s a credit to Crystal Palace’s defensive efforts that Guehi and Munoz make the cut given the Eagles finished 12th in the Premier League table.Munoz took Dream Team by storm this seasonCredit: GettySAVES159 – Mark Flekken155 – Emi Martinez132 – Matz Sels130 – Jordan Pickford127 – Dean Henderson127 – Andre Onana126 – David Raya126 – Aaron RamsdaleBrentford’s goalkeeper was a very busy man this season.Given all these statistics take into account all competitions, it’s rather alarming the Bees were so porous domestically but they made up for that with an incisive attack.Runner-up Martinez also finished second for total points among players in his position, with Raya claiming top spot.Most read in FootballSels was magnificent for Nottingham Forest, a key contributor to the club’s transformation from relegation battlers to European qualifiers. Flekken had a lot of saves to make as Brentford’s last line of defenceCredit: AlamyTACKLES177 – Noussair Mazraoui152 – Daniel Munoz141 – Idrissa Gana Gueye129 – Moises Caicedo128 – Joao Gomes126 – Casemiro125 – Bruno FernandesManchester United’s campaign might have been even bleaker had their Moroccan defender not put out a huge number of fires.Mazraoui’s unrivalled tackle count was a key reason he finished as the sixth-best performer in his position in terms of total points.In fact, three Red Devils make the top seven; evidence of the fact Ruben Amorim’s side were forced to do a lot more defending than they would have liked.Munoz was a beast this season, in defence and attack.Tackle machineCredit: RexBIG CHANCES CREATED33 – Mohamed Salah28 – Cole Palmer27 – Bruno Fernandes27 – Bukayo Saka25 – Declan Rice23 – Morgan Rogers21 – Kevin De BruyneNot the last time Liverpool’s Egyptian hero will top one of these stats.Salah has always scored shed-loads of goals but his immense creative output was a huge factor in him amassing 503 points by the time the fat lady belted out her final note.Palmer’s form dropped off after Christmas but his performances throughout the first half of the campaign should not be forgotten.Chelsea’s talisman leapfrogged Fernandes and Saka at the death with a clutch showing in the Conference League final.Somehow both a selfish goalscorer and selfless creatorCredit: GettySHOTS ON TARGET86 – Erling Haaland77 – Mohamed Salah57 – Cole Palmer55 – Alexander Isak53 – Alejandro Garnacho51 – Matheus Cunha51 – Ollie WatkinsManchester City’s No9 had to settle for just the 31 goals in all competitions this term.Despite his team’s under-performance and a spell on the sidelines, Haaland remained a persistent threat – he will be desperate to reclaim the Golden Boot in 2025/26.Garnacho is a somewhat surprising inclusion and the fact he only managed to convert ten of his shots on target into goals suggests he could do with some shooting practice. Compare that to Isak, who scored 27 goals from 55 shots on target – a keeper’s nightmare.Still the game’s leading poacherCredit: GettyBONUS POINTS52 – Ryan Gravenberch51 – Pedro Porro51 – Youri Tielemans51 – Aaron Wan-Bissaka50 – Bruno Fernandes47 – Jeremy Doku46 – Eberechi EzeA keenly-contested battle that went down to the wire was ultimately won by Liverpool’s midfield engine.Gravenberch made more interceptions than any other player this season and his dirty work allowed the likes of Salah and Luis Diaz to flourish in the final third.Huge credit to Porro and Wan-Bissaka as the only defenders to mix it at the top of a metric dominated by midfielders.Gravenberch’s efforts were recognised by Dream Team’s bonus point systemCredit: ReutersASSISTS23 – Mohamed Salah20 – Bruno Fernandes17 – Bukayo Saka16 – Morgan Rogers15 – Jacob Murphy15 – Ollie WatkinsStrong correlation with big chances created here, as one would expect.An impressive return from Newcastle’s long-serving winger, who has barely made a ripple in previous Dream Team seasons.Murphy ended up playing a greater role in the Magpies’ successful campaign than Anthony Gordon – who would have predicted that before Gameweek 1?Murphy stepped up for Newcastle this seasonCredit: EPAGOALS34 – Mohamed Salah31 – Erling Haaland27 – Alexander Isak20 – Chris Wood20 – Bryan Mbeumo19 – Bruno Fernandes19 – Yoane WissaThere are many ways to skin a cat in Dream Team but goals remain the primary currency.Salah slowed down in the last two months but 34 goals (plus 23 assists) is a phenomenal return.The 32-year-old became the first player in Premier League history to win the Golden Boot, Playmaker Award and Player of the Season.Lashings of credit for Wood who hit 20 league goals having scored 22 across his previous three top flight campaigns – a huge improvement that helped propel Forest to dizzy heights.Read More on The SunLastly, deserved praise for Brentford’s attacking duo who combined for 39 league goals.What could Mbeumo and/or Wissa achieve with additional European fixtures to fill out their schedule? 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ROLL out the red carpet and pop the champagne, it’s time for Dream Team’s end-of-season awards!We’ve got eight gongs to dish out in total so let’s crack on.A round of applause for our winnersCredit: Dream TeamBEST NEWCOMEROur first award goes to the most impactful new addition and so only players who graced Dream Team for the first time this season are eligible.A mention for Noussair Mazraoui who, despite Manchester United’s woes, will finish the campaign as the sixth-best defender.The Morocco international got through a mountain of defensive work, making 177 tackles in all competitions – the highest tally among all players.For a while it seemed as if Marco Asensio would claim this award as he scored eight goals in the space of seven games soon after agreeing a loan move to Aston Villa in January.Unfortunately, the Spaniard’s points dried up in the last two months of the season.And so our winner is Omar Marmoush!Man City’s expensive January acquisition frustrated Dream Team bosses in the FA Cup final but he’s otherwise impressed with eight goals and three assists at a rate of one goal involvement every 141.4 minutes since his transfer from Frankfurt.The Egyptian forward finishes the season with an average of 6.3 points-per-game and there’s a feeling he could rack up big numbers in 2025/26.Most read in FootballWINNER: OMAR MARMOUSH A welcome addition to Dream TeamCredit: GettySURPRISE PACKAGESeveral players made our shortlist for this one with Jacob Murphy, Brennan Johnson and Chris Wood all having performed well above expectations.It would be fitting to give the award to a Nottingham Forest representative given their transformation from relegation battlers to Champions League hopefuls but there can only be one winner in the grand scheme of things.Daniel Munoz was the only defender who earned 300+ points this term, beating the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Josko Gvardiol, Pedro Porro and Virgil van Dijk to top the rankings in his position.This is an extraordinary achievement given Crystal Palace did not have European commitments to bolster their schedule.The Colombian wing-back was a beast in defence (17 clean sheets, 152 tackles) and a huge threat in attack (six goals, eight assists).It will be very interesting to see how he goes next season.WINNER: DANIEL MUNOZAn unexpected Dream Team superstarCredit: AlamyBEST VALUE-FOR-MONEYMunoz could have easily scooped this award too but we’ve decided to recognise the efforts of Morgan Rogers to share the love around.Having been a bit-part player in 2023/24, the ex-Middlesbrough midfielder established himself as one of Unai Emery’s most trusted assets from the get-go this season.Rogers started the season at just £2.5m and was available even cheaper than that after a relatively slow start but he quickly became a fantastic enabler.Once he started converting his talent into points, he essentially became a must-have player as his bargain price allowed for heavy investment into the likes of Erling Haaland, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Mohamed Salah.When all was said and done, Rogers racked up 318 points via 14 goals and 16 assists to finish as Dream Team’s fourth-best midfielder.He certainly won’t start at £2.5m next season!WINNER: MORGAN ROGERSWhat a bargain!Credit: RexMOST OVERLOOKEDThis award goes to the player who, no matter how hard they tried, simply couldn’t convince Dream Team managers they were worthy of a place in a competitive XI.For whatever reason, several players went overlooked by the vast majority of gaffers for months on end despite their undeniably impressive returns.Youri Tielemans spent most of the season among the highest ranked midfielders (thanks to his sizeable bonus point count) but his ownership remained modest throughout – perhaps because the aforementioned Rogers covered Villa’s fixtures nicely.Elsewhere, only six players averaged more points-per-game than Jarrod Bowen (7.7) but most Dream Team bosses flat out refused to entertain the idea of recruiting anyone associated with West Ham.Our winner, however, is none other than Matheus Cunha.Granted, the Brazilian’s disciplinary troubles were a concern but even when he was available and at his swaggering best, approximately 97% of gaffers were happy to go without him.Only Salah and Haaland averaged more points-per-game than Cunha in 2024/25 – an incredible statistic.One suspects he will appear in many, many more teams when he joins Manchester United.WINNER: MATHEUS CUNHAUnderutilisedCredit: AFPDIAMOND IN THE ROUGHThis award recognises a standout individual who thrived in Dream Team despite the broader failings of their team.The aforementioned Cunha and Bowen were among the nominees, as were several Tottenham players before victory in the Europa League final changed the entire complexion of their season.But Bruno Fernandes is clearly the most deserving winner.The Portuguese playmaker amassed 443 points (only Salah earned more) via 19 goals and 20 assists while representing a team that ultimately finished 15th in the league and no trophies to show for their extracurricular activities.Where would the Red Devils be without him?WINNER: BRUNO FERNANDESA one-man team at timesCredit: ShutterstockTHE BREXIT AWARDTo qualify for the Brexit award, players must have nothing to do with Europe.In other words, only those who did not participate in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League are eligible.Once again, Munoz is in the conversation but three players earned even more points than Palace’s wing-back without European fixtures: Eberechi Eze, Bryan Mbeumo and Alexander Isak.Newcastle’s star striker notched the most points (340) of the lot having scored 27 goals but given the spirit of the award is about defying schedule disadvantages, we believe Brentford’s talisman is most worthy.Whereas Isak and Eze benefited from domestic cup successes, Mbeumo was limited to just three Carabao Cup outings and one FA Cup appearance.The Cameroon international was phenomenal in the Premier League all season long.Depending what Palmer does in the Conference League final, Mbeumo will either finish second or third among Dream Team midfielders – an outstanding effort.WINNER: BRYAN MBEUMOPremier League specialistCredit: GettyBIGGEST FLOPGenerally, we prefer to celebrate the most successful players but it would be remiss to ignore the darker side of Dream Team altogether.Emile Smith Rowe was initially among the most popular midfielders in the game following his transfer from Arsenal to Fulham but the 24-year-old delivered just 135 points overall, fewer than Bilal El Khannouss, Lewis Cook and Adama Traore.During his heyday, Raheem Sterling once finished as Dream Team’s top performer for the season but he scored just one goal for Arsenal in 2024/25 and has become a punchline among the Emirates faithful.Elsewhere, Darwin Nunez conspired to average just 3.6 points-per-game while representing the best team in the country.However, the most disappointing element in Dream Team this season was the severe drop-off of Manchester City.Pep Guardiola’s side recovered to finish third in the league but as a collective they provided far fewer points than gaffers have come to expect.Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol were worthy of their popularity but it says a lot that Phil Foden was City’s third-highest points scorer as most would agree the England international was under par this season.The FA Cup finalists conceded 71 goals in all competitions, severely damaging the viability of their defensive assets.In fact, Gvardiol was the only City defender in the top 30, a far cry from previous seasons.WINNER: MAN CITY’S DEFENCE (EXCLUDING GVARDIOL)A rare trophyless season for GuardiolaCredit: ReutersMOST VALUABLE PLAYER (MVP)We finish with the most prestigious award and the most clearcut winner.Mohamed Salah was already a Dream Team legend but this season he reached an otherworldly level.When Liverpool’s hero equalised against Brighton in Gameweek 37, he made it 57 goal involvements for the campaign in all competitions!This obscene tally was the primary reason he ended as a quintuple centurion, with 503 points to his name to be exact – Bruno Fernandes was the only other player to achieve 400+ points.Simply put, Salah was in a league of his own.Read More on The SunWINNER: MOHAMED SALAHDifferent gravyCredit: AlamyWho knows what starting price the Egyptian superstar deserves in 2025/26… More

WHO else but Mohamed Salah (£6.4m) to score Liverpool’s last goal of their triumphant season?The Reds’ Egyptian king was on hand in the 84th minute to score an equaliser against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace amid a celebratory atmosphere at Anfield on Sunday.Just the 500 points for Salah this season…Credit: Getty/Dream TeamIn doing so, Salah passed the 500-point mark in Dream Team to seal his record-breaking campaign in fine style.One game remains before 2024/25 is condemned to the history books but there is nothing realistic that could occur between Chelsea and Real Betis in Wednesday night’s Conference League final to bother Liverpool’s iconic No11 at the top of the rankings.Salah’s final total of 503 points puts him 60 clear of his closest rival Bruno Fernandes (£6.9m) after the final Premier League weekend.Incredibly, he will finish 136 points ahead of the game’s next-best forward, Erling Haaland (£7.3m).Salah scored 34 goals in all competitions, three more than Manchester City’s No9, but he carved out a bracket all of his own by also providing a whopping 23 assists.For comparison, Haaland registered just four assists all season long.In need of a reinforced trophy cabinetCredit: GettyMOST GOALS AMONG DREAM TEAM PLAYERS THIS SEASONMOHAMED SALAH – 34 goalsErling Haaland – 31 goalsAlexander Isak – 27 goalsBryan Mbeumo – 20 goalsChris Wood – 20 goalsBruno Fernandes – 19 goalsYoane Wissa – 19 goalsMOST ASSISTS AMONG DREAM TEAM PLAYERS THIS SEASONMOHAMED SALAH – 23 assistsBruno Fernandes – 20 assistsBukayo Saka – 17 asssistsMorgan Rogers – 16 assistsJacob Murphy – 15 assistsOllie Watkins – 15 assistsThere are many ways to skin a cat in Dream Team but it remains as true as ever that scoring a shed-load of goals is the best way to top the rankings.57 goal involvements in a season stirs memories of the dizzy peaks of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.Who else?Credit: GettyOfficially, Salah registered 47 goal involvements in the top flight; 29 goals and 18 assists to claim the Golden Boot and Playmaker awards.This tally is an outright record for a 38-game Premier League campaign.Alan Shearer and Andy Cole also achieved 47 goal contributions in the 1990s but at a time when the top flight featured 22 teams, with each side fulfilling 42 league fixtures.Salah is the first player to ever claim the Golden Boot, Playmaker and Premier League Player of the Season awards in the same campaign.Shearer registered 47 goal contributions in a 42-game Premier League campaignCredit: PAThe 32-year-old created 33 big chances for his team-mates in all competitions, the most among all Dream Team players.Only one other forward, Son Heung-min (£3.7m), registered 20 big chances created this term.Salah even topped the considerably more niche metric of most successful dribbles (67) among Dream Team forwards.Read More on The SunThere is much to admire about Salah’s season but 503 points is undoubtedly the headline, an almost unfathomable achievement that speaks to every last bead of sweat expended.Looking ahead, the question must be asked: what will his starting price be for 2025/26? More

DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 37 in one convenient location.William Saliba and Jurrien Timber have joined Gabriel and Takehiro Tomiyasu on Arsenal’s injury list, leaving Mikel Arteta short in defence for the final weekend of the Premier League campaign.Kai Havertz returned for the Gunners last weekend and is expected to play some part against Southampton on Sunday.Saliba won’t play against SouthamptonCredit: Dream TeamChelsea have been short of strikers lately but Enzo Maresca told reporters that both Marc Guiu and Christopher Nkunku are available ahead of his side’s decisive trip to Nottingham Forest.Nicolas Jackson remains suspended in domestic football but the Senegal international can be selected for Wednesday night’s Conference League final in Poland.As for Forest, Murillo hasn’t trained all week due to a twisted ankle and will be assessed tomorrow.Both Alexander Isak and Kieran Trippier will be assessed on Saturday before a final decision is made on the pair ahead of Newcastle v Everton – neither have trained this week.As for the Toffees, Seamus Coleman and Jarrad Branthwaite will not travel with the squad having limped off last weekend.Isak is yet to trainCredit: GettyJoao Pedro will not feature for Brighton for disciplinary reasons following a bust-up with team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke.Ferdi Kadioglu, James Milner, Georginio Rutter and Solly March remain sidelined with injury – Jason Steele and Tariq Lamptey are doubts.Most read in FootballPep Guardiola confirmed that John Stones is Manchester City’s only injury absentee but revealed that Rodri is not yet ready to start.Mateo Kovacic is suspended having seen red against Bournemouth in midweek.Guehi is among Palace’s absenteesCredit: AlamyAdam Wharton and Marc Guehi will not play any part for Crystal Palace at Anfield having suffered injuries in the FA Cup final.Defenders Nathaniel Clyne and Ben Chilwell are said to be ill.Arne Slot has not yet decided whether Trent Alexander-Arnold will play against the Eagles in what would be the defender’s final appearance for Liverpool before his exit.Joe Gomez may get some minutes in the second half.Both Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim will address the media on Saturday following their involvement in the Europa League final.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, Gabriel Jesus, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel, William SalibaSuspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Youri Tielemans (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Enes Unal, Luis Sinisterra, Ryan Christie, Alex Scott (doubt), Dango Ouattara, James Hill (doubt)Suspensions: Lewis CookBRENTFORDInjuries: Josh Dasilva, Fabio Carvalho, Vitaly Janelt, Michael Kayode (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Solly March, Ferdi Kadioglu, Georginio Rutter, Jason Steele (doubt), Tariq Lamptey (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Wesley FofanaSuspensions: Mykhailo Mudryk, Nicolas JacksonCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad, Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, Ben Chilwell (doubt), Nathaniel Clyne (doubt)Suspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Orel Mangala, James Tarkowski, Jesper Lindstrom, Jarrad Brathwaite, Seamus ColemanSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Reiss Nelson, Rodrigo Muniz, Timothy Castagne, Harrison ReedSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Wes Burns, Sammie Szmodics, Conor Townsend, Jaden Philogene, Arijanet Muric, Cameron Burgess (doubt), Kalvin PhillipsSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Abdul Fatawu, Stephy Mavididi, Mads Hermansen, Bobby De Cordova-ReidSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Alexis Mac Allister (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: John StonesSuspensions: Mateo KovacicMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de LigtSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Lewis Hall, Matt Targett (doubt), Joelinton, Kieran Trippier (doubt), Alexander Isak (doubt)Suspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Taiwo Awoniyi, Murillo (doubt)Suspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Kyle Walker-Peters (doubt), Taylor Harwood-Bellis (doubt), Jan Bednarek (doubt)Suspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Lucas BergvallSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Crysencio SummervilleSuspensions: NoneWOLVESRead More on The SunInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Yerson Mosquera, Leon Chiwone, Sam Johnstone, Jorgen Strand Larsen (doubt)Suspensions: None More

DREAM TEAM managers have until 2:30pm on Sunday to select their captain for the final Gameweek of the 2024/25 season.Given that Chelsea are the only team set to play twice, Cole Palmer (£4.9m) has to be considered a strong candidate for the armband.An extra fixture at his disposalCredit: Dream TeamThe Blues will take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday to complete their Premier League campaign before facing Real Betis in the Conference League final on Wednesday night.With Champions League qualification hanging in the balance, Enzo Maresca will not have the luxury of naming a second-string XI against Forest, meaning Palmer is likely to start both fixtures.The England international started the season in superb form but his returns have dwindled in recent months.He’s scored 15 goals in all competitions this campaign but just one since the start of February.Palmer’s reduced effectiveness is certainly a concern but many Dream Team bosses will feel his additional fixture is the overriding factor.His overall record of 322 points at an average of 7.7 per game remains highly impressive.And the fact he is Chelsea’s first-choice penalty-taker is also a significant plus point.Salah has a good record against Crystal PalaceCredit: EPAElsewhere, Mohamed Salah (£6.6m) is due to face Crystal Palace at Anfield.Most read in FootballLike most Liverpool players, the Egyptian all but checked out the moment the league title was secured but on Sunday the Reds might meet an opponent even more hungover than themselves in the form of Oliver Glasner’s FA Cup winners.With both sides having achieved their goals, this meeting could be an open contest, which might play into Salah’s hands.The 32-year-old has registered 13 goal involvements in 13 league games against Palace as a Liverpool player.Gaffers with Bukayo Saka (£5.8m) in their ranks will be tempted to captain him ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Southampton.Saka will finish his campaign with a trip to SouthamptonCredit: EPASt Mary’s will play host to the biggest mismatch of the final weekend in terms of league positions: 20th versus 2nd.The Gunners’ No7 has scored 12 goals and provided 17 assists this season – an incredible record given he missed three months with a hamstring injury.Saka scored against Saints in the reverse fixture and will fancy his chances of exploiting the top flight’s worst defence again.Elsewhere, Jarrod Bowen (£5.6m) is well placed to finish the season in style against Ipswich having scored four goals in his last five outings.Read More on The SunA wildcard optionCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAnd if the Europa League final is any indicator, Ollie Watkins (£4.6m) and/or Morgan Rogers (£4.4m) could have their wicked way with Manchester United.One suspects Palmer will be the popular captain among the most engaged managers but there are viable alternatives for those who want to go against the grain.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

ANOTHER captivating Dream Team season is almost at an end.Due to the fact the final round of Premier League fixtures will all kick-off at the same time, gaffers have until 2:30pm on Sunday to confirm their transfers for Gameweek 37, the last of the campaign.In the hope of steering you towards a strong finish, allow us to present some transfer recommendations.Will Chelsea join Liverpool, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Spurs in lifting a trophy?Credit: GettyMarc Cucurella (£3.9m)Chelsea are the only team with two fixtures remaining as they will take on Real Betis in the Conference League final three days after their trip to the City Ground.With Champions League qualification stake, Enzo Maresca won’t be able to name a second-string XI against Nottingham Forest and so there’s a good chance that Cucurella will get two starts in the final Gameweek of the campaign.The Spain international put himself in the spotlight last Friday when he banked 16 points against Manchester United via a goal and clean sheet.In fact, the mop-haired left-back now leads the way for goals scored (7) among Dream Team defenders this season.Cole Palmer (£4.9m) remains the Blues’ best performer in terms of total points while Enzo Fernandez (£4.6m), Noni Madueke (£2m) and Pedro Neto (£3.6m) are also viable options.Saka has an outside chance of reaching the 300-point milestoneCredit: GettyBukayo Saka (£5.8m)Arsenal’s final fixture will take them to St Mary’s where they will face a Southampton side that have mustered just two wins all season long.Given Saints have scored the fewest league goals and conceded the most, there should be plenty of points on offer for the Gunners on Sunday.Most read in FootballSaka is the man most likely to benefit in attack as he leads the way among his team-mates for goal involvements (12 goals and 17 assists) despite having missed three months of the campaign through injury.Mikel Arteta’s side boast the best defensive record in the top flight and so it would be perfectly reasonable to expect a clean sheet from the visitors at St Mary’s.With several first-choice defenders sidelined, Dream Team bosses will have look at Riccardo Calafiori (£2.6m), Jakub Kiwior (£3m) or Ben White (£3.6m) if they want to go down this route – David Raya (£4.2m) is a safe selection between the sticks.In fine formCredit: ReutersJarrod Bowen (£5.6m)West Ham fans will be happy to see the back of this season but in Bowen they have one of the most consistently reliable performers in the top flight.The 28-year-old averages 7.5 points-per-game in 2024/25 and he will enter the final Gameweek as Dream Team’s most in-form forward.Having scored four goals in his last five outings, the England international will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing Ipswich this weekend, especially after the Tractor Boys lost 2-0 to Leicester last time out.Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£4.2m) deserves praise for his individual efforts too.The fact only Pedro Porro (£5.1m) has earned more bonus points among defenders is evidence of the West Ham full-back’s positive impact.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