Dream Team

FILE this under classic Dream Team.Ahead of Gameweek 4, Ollie Watkins (£5.6m) was among the most transferred-out players in the game.In fact, Alexander Isak (£5.1m) was the only available asset (not injured or suspended) who was ditched from more teams prior to the deadline.But whereas Newcastle’s star forward mustered just one point at the weekend, Aston Villa’s No11 punished gaffers who lost patience in him with a decisive brace against Everton on Saturday.Watkins has quickly made up for his slow startCredit: Dream TeamWatkins inspired the Villains to a comeback victory over hapless Everton and banked 18 points in the process.At the time of writing, he’s the joint-top performer in Gameweek 4 alongside the imperious Erling Haaland (£9.1m), who scored a brace of his own against Brentford.Villa’s main man failed to score in three outings before the international break and was substituted just after the hour-mark each time.An assist against Leicester in Gameweek 3 hinted at an upturn but Watkins’ removal from the England squad prompted many Dream Team bosses to seek a replacement.However, with two goals under his belt and another fixture to come this Gameweek in the form of a Champions League away day to Young Boys, it’s inevitable he will be among the most-recruited players ahead of Gameweek 5.Watkins currently features in 15.5% of teamsCredit: GettyAt the end of August we published an article detailing the conundrum facing Watkins owners after his slow start to the campaign.Most read in FootballAt the time, we highlighted the favourable nature of Villa’s fixtures until the start of October, not to mention the fact they are one of just six teams set to fulfil three consecutive double Gameweeks.The first of those double Gameweeks has got off to a roaring start and gaffers who remained patient will be congratulating themselves after Watkins’ mega haul at the Toffees’ expense.Unai Emery’s side will face Wolves and Wycombe in Gameweek 5 before taking on Ipswich and Bayern Munich in Gameweek 6.Last season proved that an in-form Watkins can rack up huge numbers when he’s got additional midweek fixtures to supplement his schedule.Villa get their Champions League campaign underway this weekCredit: GettyThe 28-year-old’s 18-point return was well-timed for another reason.Jhon Duran (£2.9m) couldn’t be doing more to push for a place in the starting line-up.The Colombia international has scored three goals from just 103 minutes playing time in 2024/25, with his latest strike (the winner against Everton) being a Goal of the Season contender.In fact, since the start of the last season he averages a goal every 70.6 minutes in the top flight.READ MORE SUN STORIESScore 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 NOWDuran has developed into an incredibly effective super sub but questions are now being asked about whether he deserves a more prominent role.Watkins’ brace will have solidified his spot as starting striker but it will be interesting to see if Emery is more inclined to pair him with Duran going forward or if the duo will rotate. BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

AGAINST all odds, Dwight McNeil (£3.5m) has become Dream Team’s top-performing midfielder.Everton’s No7 opened the scoring against Aston Villa on Saturday with a pinpoint finish and it was his inviting cross that Dominic Calvert Lewin (£3.2m) nodded home to double the visitors’ lead in the midlands; a contribution that earned him 15 points in one fell swoop.46 points and countingCredit: Dream TeamUnfortunately, the Toffees once again came away with nothing as Ollie Watkins (£5.6m) and Jhon Duran (£2.9m) inspired the Villains to a comeback victory.If anything, the fact Sean Dyche’s mob are yet to earn a single point this season makes it even more impressive that McNeil now tops the midfield rankings, above the likes of Bukayo Saka (£6.4m), Eberechi Eze (£4.7m) and Luis Diaz (£5m).The 24-year-old has amassed 46 points from five outings this campaign.Only Mohamed Salah (£7.6m) and runaway leader Erling Haaland (£9.1m) have more points to their name among all assets at the time of writing.Everton have lost all four of their league games this seasonCredit: RexMcNeil started relatively slowly with nine points after his first two games but he’s plundered 37 points across his last three appearances against Doncaster, Bournemouth and Villa.He’s scored two goals and provided two assists overall, plus eight bonus points.Additonally, the former Burnley man, who currently features in 2.2% of teams, is the only player to have created five big chances for his team-mates at this stage of the season.McNeil has delivered a whopping 20 accurate crosses; Fulham’s Andreas Pereira (£2.6m) is the only other player to have registered more than ten.Most read in FootballScore 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 NOWMcNeil is trying his best to reverse Everton’s fortunesCredit: GettyEverton fans have endured a truly miserable start to the season.Before the international break, the Toffees conspired to lose to Bournemouth after being 2-0 up in the 87th minute and so Saturday’s repeat (though not quite as farcical) has only worsened the sour mood at Goodison Park.McNeil’s Dream Team excellence will come as little consolation to the fans but the midfielder’s efforts should be recognised – he’s doing everything he can to drag his side out of the mire.In truth, McNeil’s reign as the game’s outright best midfielder may be short lived as it will be immensely difficult for him to keep pace with his main rivals once the European fixtures start coming thick and fast.That being said, Everton are due to face Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night and passage to the next round would bolster McNeil’s schedule, improving his viability further.Dream Team’s top midfielder… for nowCredit: RexDyche’s side have a relatively favourable run of league games from Gameweek 5 until mid-November: Leicester, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Ipswich, Fulham, Southampton, West Ham, Brentford.Although of course Everton themselves will be considered a favourable opponent by others given their joyless start to the campaign.Whether McNeil is able to maintain his market-leading form going forward is another matter but all Dream Team managers should be aware of what he’s achieved to date. ‘I’d expect a foul’ – Paul Merson claims Arsenal’s winner at Tottenham shouldn’t have stood as VAR fails to interveneBetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 4 in one easily digestible dose.Arsenal will head into Sunday’s highly-anticipated North London derby without Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Declan Rice – arguably the Gunners’ first-choice midfield.The latter is set to serve a suspension after his much-discussed dismissal against Brighton but will return in midweek for Champions League action.According to reports in his homeland, Arsenal’s Norwegian playmaker is expected to miss approximately three weeks having injured his ankle against Austria – Riccardo Calafiori is also a doubt.Odegaard still features in 13.3% of teams at the time of writing.Odegaard limped off against Austria earlier this weekCredit: Dream TeamAs for Tottenham, both Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke have progressed well.Ange Postecoglou said of the key pair: “We still have two days to go with those guys so hopefully they get through training okay and are available.”Elsewhere, Nathan Ake left the pitch on a stretcher during Netherlands’ draw with Germany on Tuesday night.The Manchester City defender went down with nobody near him and is thought to be out until at least the next international break with what Ronald Koeman simply called a “muscle injury”.Pep Guardiola set a few nerves jangling during his Friday press conference when talking about Erling Haaland, following a bereavement.”We will see tomorrow if he is able mentally, physically to play,” the decorated tactician told reporters. Rodri, Phil Foden and Savinho all trained during the international break.Guardiola has cast some doubt over Haaland’s availability this weekendCredit: GettyUnai Emery has confirmed that both Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins are available for selection and will be among Aston Villa’s squad tomorrow.Speaking about the latter, the Villains’ head coach said: “He is progressing, getting better, feeling better and is in the squad. For tomorrow, he will be available to play.”Eddie Howe told reporters Newcastle have no new concerns following the international break, alleviating worries about Bruno Guimaraes after the midfielder was seen limping while on duty with Brazil.However, the Magpies boss also said that Callum Wilson is “behind where we wanted to be” with the striker not yet ready to return to action.Harvey Elliott is expected to miss several weeks having fractured his foot with England Under-21s earlier this week.Other than that, Liverpool have no new absentees ahead of their clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday – Federico Chiesa will be assessed today and may make his debut if deemed fit.Both Willy Boly and Ibrahima Sangare pulled out of the Ivory Coast’s squad without playing a single and therefore considered doubts for Forest’s trip to Anfield.Elliott has suffered a fractured footCredit: GettyJoao Pedro is the second-most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 4 and should be able to start for Brighton against Ipswich despite being limited to just one training session since flying home from international commitments in South America.Speaking about the 22-year-old Brazilian, Fabian Hurzeler said: “I think we have a great medical department who will do everything for the regeneration of the players. Also the players themselves, they are professional enough to know what they have to do to be fully recovered for Saturday.”Joel Veltman and new recruit Ferdi Kadioglu are available for selection.As for the Tractor Boys, Omari Hutchinson withdrew from England Under-21s but is expected to be available for Kieran McKenna this weekend.Wes Burns and George Hirst have both returned to training, bolstering Ipswich’s options.Thomas Frank revealed that Brentford’s new signing Gustavo Nunes suffered a minor stress fracture to his back and will be sidelined until the October international break.Mathias Jensen is also facing “a couple of weeks” on the sidelines with a calf injury.Fullkrug is considered a major doubt for Gameweek 4Credit: GettyA late call will be made on Niclas Fullkrug following an evaluation on what Julen Lopetegui described as a “little problem” ahead of West Ham’s game at Fulham.Alphonse Areola has “recovered well” during the break after being substituted in Gameweek 3 and is expected to start between the sticks.Manuel Ugarte is available to make his debut for Manchester United but Saturday’s early kick-off comes too soon for Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw – Leny Yoro, Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia also remain sidelined.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, Kieran Tierney, Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori (doubt), Martin OdegaardSuspensions: Declan RiceASTON VILLAInjuries: Robin Olsen, Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara, Matty Cash, Diego Carlos, Leon Bailey (doubt), Jaden Philogene (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Enes Unal (doubt), Tyler Adams, David Brooks (doubt), Dango OuattaraSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Josh Dasilva, Igor Thiago, Mathias Jensen, Gustavo NunesSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: Solly March, Matt O’Riley, Mats Wieffer (doubt), Brajan Gruda (doubt), James MilnerSuspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Filip Jorgensen (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Matheus Franca, Chadi Riad, Rob Holding, Trevoh ChalobahSuspensions: EVERTONInjuries: Nathan Patterson, Jarrad Branthwaite, Youssef Chermiti, Dele Alli, Seamus Coleman (doubt), Armando BrojaSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Carlos Vinicius Suspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Nathan Broadhead, Harry Clarke, George Hirst (doubt), Janoi DonacienSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Patson Daka, Jakub Stolarczyk, Bobby De Cordova-Reid (doubt)Suspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Nathan Ake, Oscar BobbSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund, Mason MountSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Callum Wilson, Lewis Miley, Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Joe Willock, Emil Krafth (doubt)Suspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Danilo, Willy Boly (doubt), Ibrahim SangareSuspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart (doubt), Kamaldeen SulemanaSuspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Richarlison, Yves BissoumaSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Aaron Cresswell, Niclas Fullkrug (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWOLVESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. 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THE international break is almost over and that means the return of all things Dream Team, including Score Predictor.As usual, we’re putting up £250 for the weekly prize – not bad for a free-to-play game, eh?Simply submit predictions for five selected Premier League games and earn points for accuracy – most points pockets the cash.Play Score Predictor ahead of this weekend’s action!Credit: Dream TeamRemember, you don’t have to get all five scores exactly correct – that’s ultra rare – you just have to outperform everyone else.Feel free to channel your gut instinct if that’s your preferred method but for those who would like some stats for each match-up, look no further…Liverpool v Nottingham ForestA fixture that will always transport fans of a certain age back to the late 1970s.And we have to rewind that to that era to find the last time Forest won at Anfield in any competition – a 1-0 win for the visitors in the League Cup in 1978.More relevantly, Liverpool and Manchester City are the only two teams to have won all three of their league games this season with the Reds yet to concede a single goal.Clearly the hosts are big favourites but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have quietly started rather well themselves.Most read in FootballForest are among the seven sides yet to lose in the top flight and they’ve registered more shots than any other team at this early stage.Granted, they’ve only converted three of their 53 efforts into goals but their ability to create chances has to be admired.Our Prediction: 3-1 to LiverpoolArne Slot has started well very at LiverpoolCredit: GettyAston Villa v EvertonThe Toffees are bottom of the pile with zero points to show for their efforts this campaign.Their heartbreaking (and farcical) defeat to Bournemouth before the international break was a tough one to stomach and Sean Dyche would have hoped for an easier task this weekend than a trip to Villa Park, where the Villains have an excellent record since Unai Emery took charge.Everton actually won the last time they played Villa away but that was in the Carabao Cup amid considerable rotation – the last league meeting in the midlands finished 4-0 to the hosts.Villa have some injury concerns and will naturally have one eye on the Champions League in midweek but they should still have enough to beat an Everton outfit low on confidence.Our Prediction: 2-1 to Aston VillaScore 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 NOWBournemouth v ChelseaThe Blues plagued Score Predictor users throughout 2023/24 and they’ve picked up where they left off with a win, draw and defeat in their first three outings this season.Predictably unpredictable, Chelsea smashed Wolves 6-2 in Matchweek 2 but defeat in the Conference League play-off second leg to Servette and a draw to Crystal Palace have since tempered expectations.Only Man City and Liverpool have mustered more xG than the Cherries in the league so far and their miraculous comeback at Goodison Park maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign.Enzo Maresca has a huge advantage in terms of the talent available to him but Bournemouth are a well-drilled side – it’s a tough one to call.Our Prediction: 1-1 drawCole Palmer is expected to be fit this weekend after pulling out of the England squadCredit: GettyTottenham v ArsenalThe North London derby is undoubtedly the standout fixture this weekend.Mikel Arteta will be without his entire first-choice midfield of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard which is clearly a significant hindrance.But recent history is on the Gunners side as they’ve won five of the last seven meetings with their fierce rivals.Last season’s two derbies yielded nine goals in total with Bukayo Saka and Son Heung-min being the standout performers.Both teams wobbled before the international break but North London derbies tend to exist in their own space – make room on that fence…Our Prediction: 1-1 drawRice is suspended for the North London derbyCredit: RexWolves v NewcastleGary O’Neil’s mob have mustered just one point and only Everton have conceded more goals across the first three Matchweeks.In contrast, the Magpies are sitting pretty in fifth with seven points to their name.However, dig a little deeper and some stats put these two teams much closer.Both Wolves and Newcastle are in the bottom four for shots taken and in the top four for shots faced.Of course, it’s still a small sample size and Newcastle’s numbers are somewhat skewed by their opening game against Southampton when they had to play with ten men for over an hour; something that changed the game state dramatically.Even so, Eddie Howe’s side haven’t quite got up to speed just yet and footage of Bruno Guimaraes limping out of Brazil training will have jangled a few nerves on Tyneside.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 2-1 to NewcastleEnter your predictions before Saturday’s 3pm deadline!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 in free bets — HERE*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. 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IF nothing else, this unwelcome international break at least allows Dream Team managers some time to reflect upon the start of the 2024/25 season.With that in mind, let’s analyse the most-popular outfield players who are yet to reach the 20-point mark.Van de Ven had a minor issue in Gameweek 3Credit: RexMicky van de Ven (£3.8m)15 points10.9% ownershipThe Dutchman missed Tottenham’s trip to St James’ Park just before the break but given Ange Postecoglou’s troops suffered a 2-1 defeat, it’s unlikely he would have got the five points required to evade this list.That being said, Van de Ven’s average of 7.5 points-per-game is very healthy indeed, albeit from a tiny sample size.Emile Smith Rowe (£2.8m)14 points11.7% ownershipThe former Arsenal midfielder’s transfer to Fulham made him the bargain option of choice for a significant chunk of Dream Team bosses.Smith Rowe has started all three of the Cottagers’ league games but he’s yet to play more than 72 minutes at any one time.Most read in FootballThe 24-year-old scored against Leicester in Gameweek 2 but he’s mustered just five points from his other three outings combined.At least he’s not too expensive…Credit: RexBruno Fernandes (£5.8m)13 points12.2% ownershipSmith Rowe’s relatively modest returns aren’t a huge problem because he doesn’t take up much budget but that’s certainly not the case for Manchester United’s main man, who is one of the most-expensive players in the game.Fernandes has excelled in Portugal colours during the international break and certain Dream Team managers will be desperate for him to translate that form to the club arena when he returns to English shores.The Red Devils have SIX fixtures to fulfil across the next three Gameweeks – surely it’s only a matter of time before Fernandes resumes normal service?Kobbie Mainoo (£3.4m)15 points12.4% ownershipAnother Man United asset makes the list.Old Trafford’s homegrown hero was heavily backed prior to Gameweek 1, perhaps as a result of his performances at Euro 2024, and he repaid that faith in Gameweek 1 by earning maximum bonus points (five) against Fulham.However, seven points in total across Gameweeks 2 and 3 represents a regression to the mean Mainoo established last season.Here’s a interesting fact: Man United and Ipswich are the only two teams without a single player on 20+ points at this stage.Man United assets have struggled so farCredit: GettyMarc Guehi (£3.3m)14 points13.9% ownershipLike Mainoo, the Crystal Palace centre-back was a popular man off the back of the Euros.We tried to tell gaffers that Daniel Munoz (£3.1m) was a better option at a cheaper price but that advice fell on too many deaf ears – the Colombian wing-back has pouched 18 points via an assist and a whopping 14 tackles (joint-most among defenders).Guehi was heavily linked with a summer move to Newcastle but remains for Eagle for now – his ownership has decreased steadily since Gameweek 1.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 NOWOllie Watkins (£5.6m)12 points16.6% ownershipAston Villa’s No11 played no part in pre-season following England’s European Championship campaign and has therefore had his minutes managed by Unai Emery so far.Watkins has played just over an hour in all three appearances this season and his withdrawal from the Three Lions’ squad confirmed that he’s not yet up to speed.His backers have a big decision to make as the Villains’ fixtures look ripe for points in the coming weeks with favourable match-ups around highly-anticipated Champions League nights.Watkins notched an assist in his last outing but he’ll be keen to score his first goal of 2024/25 as soon as possible – one at home to 20th-placed Everton this weekend would settle a few nerves.Odegaard may be facing a spell on the sidelinesCredit: SplashMartin Odegaard (£4.9m)12 points17% ownershipArsenal’s captain is the most-selected player yet to reach 20 points at the time of writing.But for how much longer?Odegaard suffered an ankle injury on duty for Norway on Monday night and was spotted on crutches Tuesday morning.The extent of the injury remains to be revealed but, at this stage, he seems likely to miss a handful of games at least.Gaffers uncertain what to do about Odegaard’s underwhelming returns across the first three Gameweeks have seemingly had their hand forced by this setback – a replacement will have to be identified before Saturday’s 11am deadline.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s still early days and all of the above assets (the non-injured ones at least) could rocket up the rankings with just one good performance.It’s up to Dream Team bosses to determine which players are worth sticking by and which need replacing ASAP.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 in free bets — HERE*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or 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BOTH Alexander Isak (£5m) and Anthony Gordon (£4.5m) are among the top five most transferred-out Dream Team players ahead of Gameweek 4.The former scored his first goal of the season just prior to the international break when Newcastle beat Tottenham 2-1 at St James’ Park.The Sweden striker has also provided two assists already in 2024/25.Isak still features in 27.5% of teamsCredit: GettyIsak’s tally of 25 points may pale in comparison to the humongous totals of Erling Haaland (£8.8m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) – who have plundered 59 and 45 points respectively – but it’s a healthy return from just three Gameweeks.Even so, only Declan Rice (£3.9m) and Phil Foden (£6.2m) have been ditched by more Dream Team managers during the break.As for Gordon, he has mustered 22 points to date; a respectable tally but one that doesn’t quite align with his immense pre-season popularity.The England international took Bournemouth for 13 points in Gameweek 2 with a lively showing but he’s made little impact in his other three outings so far.As a result he’s currently the fourth-most transferred-out asset ahead of Gameweek 4.Gordon produced a fine showing against the Cherries but has struggled for points elsewhereCredit: AlamyOn the surface, this may seem rather curious.Newcastle are fifth in the table, undefeated in all competitions, and due to face 18th-placed Wolves on Sunday.Most read in FootballOnly Everton have conceded more league goals than Gary O’Neil’s side at this stage – it would not come as a surprise if Isak and Gordon prospered at Molineux.However, dig a little deeper and it’s easier to understand why so many gaffers are changing strategy.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 NOWThe Magpies are one of just seven teams without two fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 4.After a full round of Premier League games, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa begin their Champions League campaigns in midweek with a further nine top-flight clubs in Carabao Cup action.This is partially readdressed in Gameweek 5 when Eddie Howe’s side will be among the ten teams with two fixtures: Fulham (a) and AFC Wimbledon (a).However, Gameweek 6 brings a meeting with Manchester City, which is about as unfavourable as it gets.Newcastle lack European commitments this seasonCredit: GettyThe broader picture is that Newcastle will play four games across the next three Gameweeks, including that tricky match-up with Pep Guardiola’s machine.For comparison, Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Villa, Spurs and Man United will fulfil SIX fixtures each in the same time frame.Fixture count isn’t the only thing to consider when making transfers but it’s certainly an important factor.Additionally, while Newcastle’s results have been healthy enough, their performances haven’t been all that convincing.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn fact, only Ipswich have registered fewer shots than Howe’s troops while no team have faced more shots.Isak and Gordon are excellent players but it’s hard to argue against gaffers who are now looking elsewhere.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 in free bets — HERE*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More