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      Why Dominic Solanke could hold key to success for Dream Team bosses this month

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      GAMEWEEK 19 is only half complete with a full round of Premier League fixtures to fulfil this week.But already thoughts turn to how Dream Team managers should approach Gameweeks 20 and 21, when the league phases of the Champions League and Europa League will reach a dramatic conclusion.Tottenham are pushing for a guaranteed place in the Europa League round of 16Credit: GettyThe resumption of the European competitions means gaffers should once again ensure they are suitably represented on the continental stage.Cole Palmer (£6.1m), Bryan Mbeumo (£4.8m) and Alexander Isak (£6m) are just three popular names among those with just two fixtures to fulfil across the next two Gameweeks.Meanwhile, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham will play four times in the same time period.The latter are a particularly interesting prospect given the relatively favourable nature of their January fixtures once they’ve attended to the small matter of Wednesday night’s North London derby at the Emirates.Ange Postecoglou’s side will play Everton and Leicester in the league, two sides in the bottom five of the table currently, alongside Europa League meetings with Hoffenheim and Elfsborg.With all due respect to the German and Swedish teams, Spurs will be heavy favourites against both – Hoffenheim are 15th in the Bundesliga right now.Kulusevski owners will be hopeful of further points this monthCredit: RexPostecoglou has rotated his squad in Europe but he can’t afford to take anything for granted this month if he’s to progress to the last 16 of the competition without having to endure the stress of a play-off.Spurs are currently ninth in the table with only the top eight guaranteed a place in the round of 16.Most read in FootballWith all this mind, might Dominic Solanke (£4.6m) hold the key to success for Dream Team bosses in the next fortnight or so?The England international has 186 points to his name this season, making him the leading asset among his team-mates at the time of writing.And yet he’s just the fifth-most selected Spurs player with Brennan Johnson (£3.7m), Dejan Kulusevski (£4.3m), James Maddison (£4.1m) and Pedro Porro (£4.2m) all boasting superior ownership percentages.Solanke looks a strong option for the remainder of JanuaryCredit: EPAMOST POPULAR SPURS PLAYERS IN DREAM TEAM RIGHT NOW (% OWNERSHIP):21.4% – Brennan Johnson17.6% – Dejan Kulusevski14.8% – James Maddison14.4% – Pedro Porro14.1% – Dominic SolankeIt’s not that Solanke is being totally overlooked; an ownership of 14.1% makes him the fourth-most popular striker in the game.But it’s notable that Isak (30.6%) is more than twice as popular given the upcoming fixture deficit between the two.Newcastle’s main man is in fantastic form and his chances of banking healthy returns against Bournemoth and Southampton are strong but will he outscore Solanke, who may be deployed against Everton, Hoffenheim, Leicester and Elfsborg in the same time frame?It’s worth noting here that for all his success in recent weeks, Isak is just three points ahead of Solanke overall.19 goal involvements and countingCredit: GettyTottenham’s No19 has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists this season which works out at a goal involvement every 113.6 minutes.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpurs have their weaknesses, hence why they’re 12th in the Premier League at present, but they pack a punch in attack and only league-leaders Liverpool have scored more goals in the top flight this term.There’s plenty to be said for backing Solanke in combination with either Kulusevski, Johnson or Maddison in search of bumper points this month.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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      Affordable Morgan Rogers to claw back popularity after marking return from suspension with FA Cup goal

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      MORGAN ROGERS (£3.5m) marked his return to Aston Villa’s starting line-up with a goal against West Ham on Friday night.Resplendent in the Villains’ special all-black kit, the 22-year-old scored the hosts’ winner at Villa Park to remind Dream Team managers of his credentials.Rogers should be a popular recruit this weekCredit: Dream TeamRogers missed Villa’s favourable Gameweek 18 match-up against out-of-form Leicester but a nine-point haul against the Hammers will urge many gaffers to bring the midfielder back into the fold.The ex-Middlesbrough man has been among the most popular value-for-money options in Dream Team this season and with good reason.Having been a second-string alternative for Unai Emery in 2023/24 following his January transfer, Rogers has firmly established himself as a first-team regular this campaign.Now one of the most trusted favourites, only Youri Tielemans (£3.7m) has played more minutes among the squad’s outfield players in 2024/25.Rogers is now one of Emery’s favouritesCredit: GettyRogers quickly made a mockery of his £2.5m starting price and even now he’s relatively affordable at £3.5m.The goal that condemned Graham Potter to his first defeat as West Ham boss was his seventh of the season in all competitions, to go with his five assists.His total of 144 points puts him 12th among midfielders at present but of those above him in the rankings, Alejandro Garnacho (£2.9m) is the only man available for a cheaper price.Away from the stats, Rogers passes the eye test with flying colours too, mostly because of his silky dribbling.Most read in FootballMOST SUCCESSFUL DRIBBLES AMONG DREAM TEAM ASSETS THIS SEASON (ALL COMPS):66 – Morgan Rogers55 – Iliman Ndiaye55 – Savinho52 – Jeremy Doku45 – Mohammed Kudus44 – Bukayo Saka43 – Antoine Semenyo40 – Kaoru Mitoma39 – Matheus Cunha39 – Dejan KulusevskiThe return of the Champions League should favour Rogers this monthCredit: GettyHaving been the most transferred-out player prior to Gameweek 18 (because of his suspension) Rogers was among the most popular recruits for Gameweek 19 and he’s currently among the early selections for Gameweek 20 as well.Villa travel to Goodison Park on Wednesday night to complete the first of three consecutive double Gameweeks.The imminent return of the Champions League means Emery’s men will also face Arsenal, Monaco, West Ham (again) and Celtic before the end of the month.Given that Rogers averages 5.5 points-per-game this season, there’s every chance he adds another 20 points to his tally by the end of January.Fixtures, form, price… he ticks a lot of boxes.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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      Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 19: Latest on Alexander Isak’s hamstring niggle

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      DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 19 in one convenient location.After Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win over Arsenal, Eddie Howe expressed some concern over Alexander Isak, citing a hamstring niggle.Thankfully, the Magpies’ head coach has provided a positive update on his star striker, telling reporters: “We think he’s in a good place and he’ll report back tomorrow. Initial assessments, fingers crossed he’ll be okay.”Isak probably won’t feature this weekend but should be ready for midweekCredit: Dream TeamThat being said, Howe essentially ruled Isak out of this weekend’s FA Cup meeting with Bromley, with a view to ensuring the club’s top scorer this season is able to start against Wolves in midweek.The Sweden international is currently the fifth-most popular player in Dream Team with an ownership of 32.7%.Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar are available again having served suspensions while Sven Botman is likely to be rested having started two consecutive games upon his comeback from a ten-month layoff.Dominik Szoboszlai trained with Liverpool’s Under-21s on Thursday but it’s unclear whether the Hungarian midfielder will make Liverpool’s squad to face Accrington Stanley on Saturday.Arne Slot expects Jarell Quansah to be available now the centre-back has got over his recent illness – the 21-year-old was replaced after half an hour against Tottenham on Wednesday night.Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a concussion in the same game and has been ruled out for two weeks.Bentancur was stretchered off against LiverpoolCredit: REXKiernan Dewsbury-Hall would have been in line to start against Morecambe this weekend but the Chelsea midfielder will miss out with injury, as per Enzo Maresca.Most read in FootballThe Italian tactician also said: “[Ben] Chilwell is thinking about leaving, so it is better to avoid using him and avoid injuries and these types of things.”John McGinn is likely to be sidelined until February but Unai Emery will be able to call upon Morgan Rogers in Gameweek 19 now the 22 year-old has served his domestic suspension.Jhon Duran will be available for Aston Villa’s trip to Goodison Park in midweek.Danilo has been sidelined since AugustCredit: ReutersBarring any late setbacks, Danilo will be involved in Nottingham Forest’s squad for the first time since the opening weekend of the season.There were initial fears the Brazilian midfielder would miss the entire campaign but he has made good progress and may get some minutes off the bench against Luton on Saturday.Brentford will also be able to call upon a long-term absentee with Rico Henry in line to start against Championship strugglers Plymouth.Marcus Rashford is available for Manchester United’s trip to Arsenal in what is the most high-profile FA Cup tie of the third round.Ruben Amorim declared his intention to rotate his line-up to some degree in North London.Joao Pedro twisted his ankle in training this week and is therefore a doubt for Brighton’s visit to Norwich on Saturday.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, Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Ethan NwaneriSuspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Pau Torres, Jaden Philogene, Diego Carlos, John McGinnSuspensions: Jhon DuranBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Luis Sinisterra, Alex Scott, Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Marcus Tavernier, Adam Smith, Evanilson, Enes UnalSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Kristoffer Ajer, Fabio Carvalho, Ben Mee, Ethan Pinnock, Igor ThiagoSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood, Danny Welbeck (doubt), Evan Ferguson, Mats Wieffer, Diego Gomez, Igor Julio (doubt), Joao Pedro, Lewis DunkSuspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Wesley Fofana, Mykhailo Mudryk, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Benoit BadiashileSuspensions: NoneCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Matheus Franca, Franco Umeh-Chibueze, Adam Wharton, Will Hughes, Dean Henderson (doubt)Suspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Seamus Coleman, Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner, Dwight McNeil, Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (doubt)Suspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Rodrigo Muniz, Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, Sander BergeSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: George Hirst (doubt), Chiedozie Ogbene, Axel Tuanzebe, Conor Chaplin, Massimo Luongo (doubt), Janoi Donacien, Omari Hutchinson, Sammie SzmodicsSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Ricardo Pereira, Abdul Fatawu, Mads Hermansen, Wilfred Ndidi, Kasey McAteer (doubt), Victor Kristiansen, Jannick Vestergaard (doubt)Suspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Dominik Szoboszlai (doubt), Joe GomezSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb, Rodri, John Stones, Ruben DiasSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, Mason MountSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth, Alexander Isak (doubt), Nick Pope, Callum WilsonSuspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Ibrahim SangareSuspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart, Will Smallbone (doubt), Jack Stephens, Flynn Downes (doubt), Joe Aribo (doubt)Suspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison, Guglielmo Vicario, Mikey Moore, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur, Fraser Forster (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen, Lukasz Fabianski (doubt), Emerson (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore, Yerson Mosquera, Pablo Sarabia, Toti Gomes, Nelson Semedo, Craig DawsonSuspensions: Matheus Cunha More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 19: Time for brave gaffers to bet against Mohamed Salah?

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      IF ever there was a time to think outside the box in terms of Dream Team captaincy, this might be it.Gameweek 19 features a full round of Premier League games in midweek but before that gaffers will have to negotiate the FA Cup third round.Mismatches such as Liverpool v Accrington Stanley, Newcastle v Bromley and Tottenham v Tamworth may seem ripe with points but heavy rotation is to be expected from the Premier League’s big boys.Going against Salah is risky but that might be the play this GameweekCredit: Dream TeamMohamed Salah (£8.1m) has been a fantastically reliable captain this season but it’s not unthinkable he will endure a rare low-scoring Gameweek this time around.The Egyptian superstar is unlikely to get many minutes (if any at all) against the side currently 19th in League Two – why would Arne Slot take such an unnecessary risk with his top goalscorer?On Tuesday night, the Reds travel to the City Ground to face third-placed Nottingham Forest, a difficult match-up on current form.Not only are Nuno Espirito Santo’s side superbly organised, they are the only team to beat Liverpool in the league this season.Betting against Salah is fraught with risk but it’s entirely feasible he doesn’t play at the weekend and is constricted against Forest for minimal returns.But if not Salah then who?Hear us out…Credit: RexThe same thinking applies to Cole Palmer (£6.1m), who might be rested against Morecambe before coming up against one of the top flight’s form teams in Bournemouth in midweek.Most read in Dream TeamOne way to circumnavigate this conundrum is to ignore the cup mismatches when selecting a captain.Instinctively, Arsenal v Manchester United appears like a match-up to avoid but a meeting of two heavyweights is likely to ensure relatively strong line-ups.Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) banked ten points at Anfield last weekend and will probably start at the Emirates having enjoyed a forced rest via suspension in Gameweek 17.To sweeten the deal, the Portugal international has the luxury of a league game against lowly Southampton on Thursday night – Saints have mustered just six points since promotion.The Red Devils’ skipper seems likely to start both fixtures in Gameweek 19 and while he doesn’t have a favourable cup game, Southampton’s visit to Old Trafford should provide suitable compensation.Southampton are easy pickings at presentCredit: RexMikel Arteta will probably name strong teams against Man United and Spurs this coming Gameweek but it’s not all that easy to identify a player worthy of the armband – hurry back, Bukayo Saka (£6.6m)!Elsewhere, Alexander Isak (£5.9m) will be a popular captain given his rampant form.The Newcastle striker has amassed 109 points in his last nine outings.It’s overly optimistic to expect the Swedish striker to start against Bromley on Sunday, especially with a minor hamstring niggle, but he could feast against Wolves in midweek.Dream Team bosses keen on a genuine wildcard this Gameweek should consider Eberechi Eze (£4.9m).Crystal Palace’s No10 is among the most in-form assets right now and, more broadly, he averages an impressive 7.3 points-per-game in 2024/25.A bold choice but not an illogical oneCredit: GettyThe Eagles are due to host Stockport on Sunday before welcoming a beleaguered Leicester to Selhurst Park in midweek.Oliver Glasner isn’t shy of playing his top stars against lower league opposition so Eze should get his fair share of minutes.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne way of removing this headache altogether is to activate the Max Captain Booster, for those with that option remaining.Whatever you decide, make sure you select your captain (and vice captain) before Friday’s 6:30pm 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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      Transfer recommendations for Gameweek 19: FA Cup fixtures pose problems and possibilities

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      GAMEWEEK 19 marks a unique juncture in the Dream Team calendar as it features the bulk of the FA Cup third round.Everton and Fulham’s cup ties against Peterborough and Watford fall under the jurisdiction of Gameweek 18 and so the Toffees and the Cottagers will be the only clubs without two fixtures to fulfil this coming Gameweek.Gameweek 19 is a tricky one to negotiateCredit: Dream TeamThe FA Cup poses both possibilities and problems for Dream Team managers.Mismatches against lower league opponents can yield plentiful points but heavy rotation is to be expected among the top flight clubs.Thankfully, there’s a full round of Premier League games to follow in midweek so it’s not the end of the world if you’re lacking in active players this weekend.In hope of providing a helping hand, allow us to present some transfer recommendations for Gameweek 19.A quick note before we get into it to say that we won’t be repeating ourselves in regards to Alexander Isak (£5.9m) and Anthony Gordon (£5m) but the Newcastle pair are clearly still strong options having combined for 40 points in Gameweek 18.Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m)An acquired taste but a fantastic performerCredit: ReutersManchester United’s captain isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it’s simply a fact that he averages 6.7 points-per-game this season – a rate only bettered by five midfielders.The Portugal international produced a masterful performance against Liverpool last time out for a ten-point return and he’ll be licking his lips at the prospect of facing relegation-bound Southampton in midweek.Most read in FootballFirstly, there’s the small matter of an FA Cup meeting with Arsenal in North London.A trip to the Emirates is far from favourable but this high-profile match-up may work in the favour of Dream Team bosses as Mikel Arteta and Ruben Amorim will probably have to name relatively strong line-ups.All things considered, Fernandes seems to be among the most likely to start two fixtures in Gameweek 19 out of the assets hovering near the top of the rankings.Savinho (£4m)Bonus ballCredit: ReutersIt’s a case of no goals, no problems for Manchester City’s 20 year-old winger.The Brazil international has converted just one of his 49 shots in all competitions this season which is a big concern but, despite his wayward finishing, he’s currently the most in-form midfielder in Dream Team.Savinho has raced to ten assists for his new club having developed a strong understanding with Erling Haaland (£7.8m) in recent outings.Furthermore, he’s one of the game’s most passionate bonus point hoarders – only Morgan Rogers (£3.5m) has completed more dribbles in 2024/25.There’s no guarantee Savinho will get substantial minutes against Salford this weekend but with an injury-hit Brentford and Ipswich up next in the league plus the impending resumption of the Champions League, the 3.3%-owned midfielder might prove to be a smart difference-maker this month.Eberechi Eze (£4.9m) and/or Daniel Munoz (£4m)For those who like to think outside the boxCredit: GettyA couple of one-week punts for those targeting short-terms gains this week.Oliver Glasner tends to name relatively strong starting XIs in the domestic cups and so there’s every chance the Eagles’ top stars will be unleashed upon Stockport on Sunday.Even if that’s not the case, Palace will fancy their chances away to Leicester on Wednesday night given the Foxes have lost five consecutive league games – only Wolves have conceded more goals.Eze and Munoz average 7.3 and 5.7 points-per-game respectively this season.Only Noussair Mazraoui (£3.2m) has made more tackles than the Colombian wing-back this term.Antonin Kinsky (£2.5m)Strong startCredit: PAWe finish with the new kid on the block!The Czech goalkeeper impressed on his Tottenham debut with six saves to ensure a clean sheet against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup for a ten-point return.Spurs visit neighbours Arsenal in midweek for a highly-charged derby but that’s offset with a massively favourable cup tie against Non-League outfit Tamworth.If Kinsky is given the nod at the Lamb Ground his chances of keeping a second consecutive clean sheet will be sky high – though some Dream Team bosses will be wary of a Spursy slip-up.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 21-year-old is affordably priced and seems set for a run of starts while Guglielmo Vicario (£3.4m) recovers from surgery.Remember to confirm your transfers for Gameweek 19 before Friday’s 6:30pm deadline – don’t get caught out!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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      Phil Foden quietly gaining momentum ahead of Manchester City’s double Gameweeks

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      WHISPER it quietly but Phil Foden (£6m) is on the rise in Dream Team.Make no mistake, the Manchester City midfielder has been a disappointment for Dream Team managers for most of the season.In fact, it could be argued that he has been the biggest flop compared to what he achieved last time around.Last season, Foden outperformed Bukayo Saka (£6.6m), Cole Palmer (£6.1m), Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) and every other midfielder as his 27-goal campaign (all competitions) resulted in a haul of prestigious individual awards.A player to watch closelyCredit: Dream TeamSo far in 2024/25, he’s mustered five goals and three assists from 22 appearances, with just two goals coming in the Premier League.In terms of Dream Team points, he’s miles off the pace of the frontrunners, 99 shy of Saka and 82 short of Palmer.However, Dream Team bosses should monitor Foden closely as few players are able to hoover up points at such a rapid rate when everything clicks.The England international’s current ownership of 8.4% is a far cry from the immense popularity he experienced last term but might that number increase ahead of Gameweek 19?Foden has earned 36 points across the last three Gameweeks, making him one of the most in-form players in his position.This fruitful burst has featured two goals, an assist and five bonus points.Most read in FootballIt’s taken a while but Foden is climbing the rankings slowlyCredit: ReutersHis ability to consistently pick up bonus points was a feature of his incredible 203/24 campaign and he ranks tenth among midfielders in the metric this season.Only four players have registered more accurate crosses than Foden and he wins plenty of fouls without giving many away – add in a pass completion rate of 88% plus some successful dribbles and it’s reliable recipe for bonus points.Many gaffers will want to see a greater upturn in form before they are tempted to recruit the 24 year-old, which is rational given he’s still the joint-sixth most expensive player in the game.But it’s a logical time to implement such a switch for those tempted.Foden averages a goal involvement every 93 minutes in the Champions League this seasonCredit: ReutersMan City are one of just six teams with six fixtures to fulfil across the next three Gameweeks.UPCOMING MANCHESTER CITY FIXTURESGW19: Salford (h), Brentford (a)GW20: Ipswich (a), PSG (a)GW21: Chelsea (h), Club Brugge (h)If Foden is able to maintain his current form then it would be reasonable to expect an influx of approximately 40-50 points before the end of the month, accounting for Pep Guardiola’s rotation policy.Whether he is able to sustain his recent returns is unknowable but he should be considered a viable option at this juncture.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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      Why Dream Team managers should prioritise Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal players for the next month

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      DREAM TEAM managers need to stay alert at this time of year.The upcoming Gameweeks will not only feature fixtures from both domestic cups alongside the bread and butter of the Premier League but the resumption of the Champions League and Europa League league phases as well.It’s a busy time of year for Spurs, Liverpool and ArsenalCredit: Dream TeamThere will be plenty of points on offer in the next month or so but only if gaffers stay on top of the schedule.With this in mind, it’s important to note that Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham are the only three teams with EIGHT games to fulfil across the next four Gameweeks.These three clubs being the only ones involved in the Carabao Cup semi-finals as well as the European competitions.LIVERPOOL’S UPCOMING FIXTURESGW19: Accrington Stanley (h), Nottingham Forest (a)GW20: Brentford (a), Lille (h)GW21: Ipswich (h), PSV (a)GW22: Bournemouth (a), Spurs (h)ARSENAL’S UPCOMING FIXTURESGW19: Manchester United (h), Spurs (h)GW20: Aston Villa (a), Dinamo Zagreb (h)GW21: Wolves (a), Girona (a)GW22: Manchester City (h), Newcastle (a)TOTTENHAM’S UPCOMING FIXTURESMost read in FootballGW19: Tamworth (a), Arsenal (a)GW20: Everton (a), Hoffenheim (a)GW21: Leicester (h), Elfsborg (h)GW22: Brentford (a), Liverpool (a)Mohamed Salah is Dream Team’s top points scorer this seasonCredit: AlamyThere are several factors to consider when making transfers but it’s simply true that more fixtures equals more point-scoring opportunities.Cole Palmer (£6.1m) is one of the standout performers of the season with a mega average of 10.4 points-per-game but he will have a maximum of five outings in the same stretch that will see Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs will play eight times each.This is not to say backers of Chelsea’s talisman should rush to ditch him but Dream Team bosses should ensure the fixture deficit doesn’t get out of hand.Alexander Isak (£5.9m), Bryan Mbeumo (£4.5m) and Anthony Gordon (£5m) are other popular players in fine form who may suffer when the European competitions resume later this month.Palmer owners will have a big decision to make in Gameweek 20Credit: GettyOn the surface, it might seem there’s little difference between three Stamford Bridge residents and three Spurs assets but if all six players appeared in every available fixture between the start of Gameweek 19 and the end of Gameweek 22, that’s a disparity of nine games in favour of the North Londoners, which could equate to a significant points swing!That being said, this is only theory.In reality, it’s likely Arne Slot, Mikel Arteta and Ange Postecoglou will rotate their squads throughout this busy period to some degree at least.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor starters, second-string outfits from Liverpool and Spurs should be expected against Accrington Stanley and Tamworth in the FA Cup third round this weekend.But the point being there are healthy returns to be had if gaffers can identify which form players are about to experience an increased workload.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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      Luis Diaz the popular choice but is Cody Gakpo now Liverpool’s next-best attacking option?

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      LIVERPOOL have provided plenty of Dream Team points so far this season but managers have been made to work for them at times.Mohamed Salah (£8.1m) is the outright top performer by a wide margin having passed the 300-point mark with his 21st goal of the campaign on Sunday.While Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6m) and Virgil van Dijk (£5.2m) are leading the way among defenders with 168 and 150 points respectively.But given the Reds are top of both the Premier League and Champions League tables, one would expect more easily identifiable Dream Team success stories among Arne Slot’s squad.Salah is a banker but he appears in the majority of teamsCredit: AlamyLuis Diaz (£4.3m) boasts a healthy tally of 162 points but even he’s blown hot and cold.In fact, gaffers have been incredibly indecisive when it comes to the Colombia international.The 27 year-old winger has been among the five most transferred-out players five times since Gameweek 8 but he’s also been among the five most recruited players the same number of times.Dream Team bosses playing hokey-cokey with Diaz has been a consistent theme this season.Elsewhere in midfield, Alexis Mac Allister (£4.1m), Ryan Gravenberch (£3.8m), Curtis Jones (£3.6m) and Dominik Szoboszlai (£3.8m) have had their moments but all average between 4.3 and 4.9 points-per-game, which is respectable but nothing more.In, out, in, out…Credit: GettyDiogo Jota (£4.4m) started the season in fine form but an injury derailed his progress; a familiar story for the unfortunate Portuguese forward in recent years.Most read in FootballBut perhaps Cody Gakpo (£4.8m) has what it takes to be a long-term option for gaffers who want another Liverpool threat to accompany Salah?At the time of writing, only the Egyptian superstar has earned more points than the Dutchman from his last three outings among all forwards.Gakpo’s emphatic strike against Manchester United was his third goal in as many games, a fruitful run that has yielded 32 points.Widening the lens, the 25-year-old has racked up 80 points from 11 appearances since the November international break, a spell that has featured six goals and two assists.Gakpo has been in good form recentlyCredit: ReutersGakpo is categorised as a forward in Dream Team but has generally been deployed as a left winger this term, a role he fulfilled for Netherlands with great effect at Euro 2024.His minutes may concern some gaffers as Slot continues to shuffle his attacking talents, with Salah being the obvious exception.Ultimately though, points are what matters most and Gakpo has provided more than his fair share of late.He’s locked in a fascinating battle with several others in a race to be the third forward to reach the 200-point mark after Salah and Erling Haaland (£7.8m).MOST POINTS AMONG DREAM TEAM FORWARDS THIS SEASON:Mohamed Salah – 305 ptsErling Haaland – 237 ptsDominic Solanke – 179 ptsAlexander Isak – 176 ptsCody Gakpo – 174 ptsMatheus Cunha – 166 ptsAmad Diallo – 160 ptsKai Havertz – 155 ptsREAD MORE SUN STORIESA quick look at the schedule suggests it might be wise to stock up on Liverpool assets.The league leaders are one of just three teams with EIGHT fixtures to fulfil across the next four Gameweeks.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