Dream Team

MUCH has been made of Manchester City’s reliance on Erling Haaland (£7.8m) for goals this season.The Norwegian poacher is on course for another prolific campaign having reached 21 goals in all competitions but only one of his team-mates, Phil Foden (£6m), has notched five at the time of writing.It’s telling that left-back Josko Gvardiol (£4.4m) is the defending champions’ third top scorer this term with four goals to his name.Haaland is set for another big goal tally but City need goals from elsewhereCredit: PAAmong others, summer signing Savinho (£4m) has been criticised for not chipping in with goals from out wide.In previous years, the likes of Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez have scored lorry-loads of goals from the flanks in Pep Guardiola’s system but the Brazil international does not have the same eye for goal at this stage of his career.In fact, Savinho scored his first goal in his 23rd appearance for his new club when he lashed home from close range against Leicester in Gameweek 17.However, while the 20-year-old may lack goal threat at present, he’s been the most creative player in Guardiola’s ranks since his arrival.Savinho is Man City’s leading assist providerCredit: ReutersHe registered three assists in Saturday’s 4-1 win over West Ham to take his tally for 2024/25 into double figures.MOST ASSISTS FOR MANCHESTER CITY THIS SEASON:10 – Savinho6 – Matheus Nunes4 – Kevin De Bruyne4 – Jeremy Doku4 – Bernardo Silva4 – Rico Lewis3 – Phil FodenMost read in FootballSavinho also leads the way for big chances created among his team-mates with 12 in all competitions.And it’s this impressive creative output that has made him Dream Team’s most in-form midfielder.The ex-Girona winger has taken 36 points from his last three outings, one more than Bryan Mbeumo (£4.5m).Haaland seems to enjoy Savinho’s selfless style of playCredit: ReutersSuddenly, it appears that not only is Savinho a viable option, he might be smart selection for the foreseeable future.Man City are one of just six teams with six fixtures to fulfil across the next three Gameweeks: Salford, Brentford, Ipswich, PSG, Chelsea, Club Brugge.It’s difficult for Dream Team managers to predict minutes for City midfielders but Savinho has looked more effective than the likes of Jeremy Doku (£4.4m) and Jack Grealish (£3.2m) lately, something Guardiola would have noted.Haaland seems to be enjoying the old-school service from the young Brazilian – the pair have combined for three goals in the last two games.Savinho has another string to his bow in the form of bonus points; he’s amassed 28 at this stage.Ryan Gravenberch (£3.8m), James Maddison (£4.4m) and Youri Tielemans (£3.7m) are the only players above him in the metric.A man in formCredit: PAThe main reason for this is his silky dribbling ability.Only Morgan Rogers (£3.5m) has completed more successful dribbles in all competitions this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESBetween his creative output and penchant for bonus points, Savinho’s lack of goal threat is barely an issue at all.His current ownership of 3% makes him a tempting differential option ahead of Gameweek 19.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

BRYAN MBEUMO (£4.5m) is arguably Dream Team’s pound-for-pound champion this season.Mohamed Salah (£8.1m) is the runaway points leader but Brentford’s talisman is the romantic choice for MVP (excuse the Americanism) purely for how he has defied logic from the get-go.No European fixtures? No problem!Credit: GettyMbeumo is currently Gameweek 18’s standout performer having amassed 23 points at Southampton’s expense on Saturday.MBEUMO’S PERFORMANCE AGAINST SOUTHAMPTON:90 minutes played (+2 pts)2 goals (+12 pts)1 assist (+3 pts)3 shots on target (+3 pts)2 big chances created (+2 pts)3 tackles (+1 pt)The Cameroon international’s best haul of the campaign has propelled him up the rankings.With an overall total of 196 points, he’s currently fifth among all players and third among assets in his position – Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) and Cole Palmer (£6.1m) being the only midfielders with more points to their name.Saka remains Dream Team’s top midfielder but Palmer and Mbeumo are closing the gap while Arsenal’s No7 is injuredCredit: GettyMbeumo’s lofty status is particularly impressive because he’s achieved his mountainous points total from league appearances plus 133 Carabao Cup minutes.Of the top 20 performers this season, 15 of them are active in either the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League.Without European commitments to bolster his schedule, Mbeumo generally has fewer point-scoring opportunities at his disposal.Most read in FootballFor comparison, he’s played 288 mins fewer than Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) so far this season, the man immediately below him in the rankings.That Mbeumo has defied this disparity to outscore the Manchester United playmaker (and several other high-profile stars) is a measure of blistering domestic form.Mbeumo is on course for 20+ league goals this seasonCredit: RexHaving bagged a brace against Saints, he now has 13 league goals from 20 outings – Salah and Erling Haaland (£7.8m) are the only players ahead of him in the Golden Boot race.A lack of European fixtures is just one hurdle the 25-year-old has vaulted without complaint.There’s no denying Southampton are easy pickings at present but the Bees have faced a relatively tough run of fixtures since the start of December.Prior to their St Mary’s respite, Thomas Frank’s side faced Aston Villa, Newcastle (x2), Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Arsenal.Four of those teams are currently in the top five of the table while the other two (Villa and Brighton) are inside the top half.Dream Team managers would have been well within their rights to expect a downturn in returns from a player throughout such a run but Mbeumo has emerged on the other side with an improved rank.He has notched eight goal involvements since the start of December.Mbeumo has overcome the odds to become a top-tier Dream Team assetCredit: ReutersHis schedule doesn’t ease much this month either with Manchester City and Liverpool due in West London after an FA Cup meeting with Plymouth.But Mbeumo’s owners won’t be too concerned given the way he’s made a mockery of the fixture list this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhether he’s able to sustain an average of 8.5 points-per-game until May remains to be seen but he deserves heaps of credit for his output to this point.Another reminder that there is no foolproof formula for Dream Team, which is what makes it such a compelling game.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

WHAT a difference a week makes.Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6m) was cock of the walk when his 19-point return against West Ham was the best haul among all Dream Team defenders for Gameweek 17.However, Gameweek 18 is shaping up to be the polar opposite as the Liverpool right-back failed to register a single point against Manchester United on Sunday.How quickly things can changeCredit: Dream TeamAlexander-Arnold was undoubtedly the hosts’ weak link at Anfield, vulnerable in defence and uncharastically inaccurate in possession, he was booked just prior to his substitution to leave him on zero points.That the England international’s shaky performance came in the wake of an audacious offer from Real Madrid is probably no coincidence.Alexander-Arnold’s contract expires at the end of the season with a free transfer to the Spanish giants increasingly likely, though Los Blancos are seemingly prepared to part with cash to make the move happen this month.It may be that the 26-year-old simply suffered an off-day against the Red Devils but fans and pundits alike have been quick to question his mentality amid speculation over his future.Alexander-Arnold struggled against Man UnitedCredit: GettyAs a general rule, Dream Team managers shouldn’t overreact to one bad game.Alexander-Arnold remains the game’s top defender with an impressive total of 168 points to his name, 18 more than his closest rival at the time of writing.Among defenders, only Antonee Robinson (£4.1m) has provided more assists but Liverpool’s homegrown star leads the way for big chances created, not to mention his tally of 11 clean sheets.Most read in FootballAn ownership of 27.7% makes Alexander-Arnold the most popular asset in his position.However, it’s notable that he’s currently among the top five most transferred-out players ahead of Gameweek 19 – some gaffers have seen enough.Slot ultimately hooked Alexander-Arnold on SundayCredit: ReutersA January switch to Real Madrid would throw a huge spanner in the works, simultaneously making Conor Bradley (£2.9m) a potential mega bargain.There’s still time for Alexander-Arnold to turn this Gameweek around with the Reds set to face Tottenham in a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday night.It will be very interesting to see how Arne Slot views that match-up in North London in terms of team selection.If Bradley gets the nod to start then Alexander-Arnold’s ownership will surely drop further.Alexander-Arnold remains Dream Team’s top defenderCredit: EPAFor many, the bulk of this talk will be premature and/or nonsensical.Alexander-Arnold’s average of seven points-per-game is the headline here, not one rare mishap.Even accounting for his goose egg against Man United, he’s still among the game’s most in-form defenders, such was the impressive nature of his previous returns.The best case scenario is that Liverpool commit to retaining their first-choice right-back for the remainder of the campaign and Slot is able to refocus one of his most important cogs.READ MORE SUN STORIESGiven Liverpool are one of just three teams (Arsenal and Spurs being the other two) with eight fixtures to fulfil between Gameweeks 19 and 22, gaffers should be extremely reluctant to ditch their Anfield residents.That being said, the Alexander-Arnold situation is one to monitor closely.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

DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 18 in one convenient location.Arne Slot told reporters that Joe Gomez will be missing for a “few weeks” with a hamstring injury.However, first-choice centre-back Ibrahima Konate is nearing a return having participated in Friday’s training session, as did Conor Bradley.The Dutch tactician was quizzed about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s situation amid strong transfer links to Real Madrid and simply confirmed that the right-back will play against Manchester United on Sunday.Alexander-Arnold leads the way among Dream Team defenders but is linked with a move to Real MadridCredit: AlamyAs for the Red Devils, Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte are both available having served suspensions in Gameweek 17.Marcus Rashford will not travel to Anfield due to “illness” while Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Victor Lindelof remain injured.Tottenham’s defensive injury crisis has worsened with Destiny Udogie expected to be out for at least six weeks with a hamstring injury.However, Djed Spence returns from suspension ahead of Saturday’s early kick-off against Newcastle.The Magpies have no fresh injury concerns but Fabian Schar will miss the trip to North London having incurred his fifth booking for the campaign last time out.Sven Botman is available for selection after ten months away because of an ACL rupture.Most read in FootballBotman missed the majority of 2024Credit: ReutersMikel Arteta confirmed that Kai Havertz, who features in 15.3% of teams, will return to Arsenal’s squad with the German forward having recovered from the illness that prevented his involvement against Brentford.Jurrien Timber is set to serve a one-match suspension following his fifth yellow card of the season.Elsewhere, Aston Villa are missing several first team favourites ahead of their home game against Leicester.Morgan Rogers, among Dream Team’s most popular value-for-money selections this season, has joined Jhon Duran on the suspended list while Pau Torres is facing approximately two months in the physio room with a broken metatarsal.Diego Carlos and Jaden Philogene are also unavailable.According to Enzo Maresca, Reece James is “ready for minutes” having returned to Chelsea’s matchday squad on Monday night.Romeo Lavia is said to be “very close” but this weekend may come too soon for the 20 year-old midfielder.Rogers has been in great form but will sit out this weekend’s actionCredit: GettyEderson is in line to reclaim his place in Manchester City’s starting line-up soon having progressed well in training this week.Ruben Dias, Rodri, Oscar Bobb, John Stones and Matheus Nunes remain sidelined.The defending champions’ opponents, West Ham, will be without key man Jarrod Bowen, who will be out for several weeks with a fractured foot.Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is also unavailable due to concussion protocols.Wolves will be without key man Matheus Cunha when they host Nottingham Forest on Monday night.The Brazilian has been slapped with a two-game domestic suspension for misconduct after the final whistle against Ipswich last month.Vitor Pereira will also be without Mario Lemina, Pablo Sarabia and Toti Gomes.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, Raheem SterlingSuspensions: Jurrien TimberASTON VILLAInjuries: Pau Torres, Jaden Philogene, Diego CarlosSuspensions: Jhon Duran, Morgan RogersBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Luis Sinisterra, Alex Scott, Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Marcus Tavernier, Adam SmithSuspensions: Justin KluivertBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Rico Henry, Kristoffer Ajer, Fabio Carvalho, Ben Mee, Ethan Pinnock, Igor ThiagoSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood, Danny Welbeck, Evan Ferguson, Pervis Estupinan (doubt), Mats WiefferSuspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Wesley Fofana, Mykhailo Mudryk, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Romeo Lavia (doubt), Carney Chukwuemeka, Benoit BadiashileSuspensions: NoneCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Matheus Franca, Franco Umeh-Chibueze, Adam WhartonSuspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Seamus Coleman, Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner, Dwight McNeilSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Harrison Reed, Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, Sander BergeSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: George Hirst, Chiedozie Ogbene, Axel Tuanzebe, Conor Chaplin, Massimo Luongo (doubt), Janoi DonacienSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Ricardo Pereira, Abdul Fatawu, Mads Hermansen, Wilfred Ndidi, Wout Faes (doubt), Kasey McAteerSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Ibrahima Konate (doubt), Conor Bradley (doubt), Joe GomezSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb, Rodri, John Stones, Matheus Nunes, Ederson (doubt), Ruben DiasSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Victor Lindelof, Mason MountSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth, Sven Botman (doubt), Nick Pope, Callum WilsonSuspensions: Fabian ScharNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Danilo, Ibrahim Sangare, Murillo (doubt), Callum Hudson-Odoi (doubt)Suspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart, Will Smallbone (doubt), Jack Stephens, Flynn Downes (doubt), Juan Larios (doubt)Suspensions: Mateus FernandesTOTTENHAMInjuries: Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison, Guglielmo Vicario, Mikey Moore, Ben Davies, Destiny UdogieSuspensions: Rodrigo BentancurWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen, Lukasz FabianskiSuspensions: NoneWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore, Yerson Mosquera, Pablo Sarabia, Toti Gomes, Mario Lemina (doubt)Suspensions: Matheus CunhaBetMGM 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 HQ is pleased to announce that the fourth Last Man Standing prize league of the season is now open!The overall winner will claim a cool £2,000. Once again it’s free to play so, honestly, why wouldn’t you enter?!Manchester City used to be a ‘banker’ in Last Man Standing – not any more!Credit: RexLast Man Standing is quick-to-play and easy to understand.Ahead of each Matchweek (MW), you simply have to select one Premier League team to win their upcoming weekend fixture.PLAY LAST MAN STANDING NOW AHEAD OF LATEST PRIZE LEAGUE – £2,000 CASH UP FOR GRABS!If your chosen team wins, you progress to the next Matchweek and take another step towards the cash prize.However, if your team draws or loses, you are eliminated.But here’s the thing, you can only select each team ONCE.Will Arteta’s Arsenal be reliable now Bukayo Saka is out injured?Credit: PASo if you back Arsenal to win at Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend, for example, you’ll progress to the next Matchweek but you will no longer be able to select the Gunners as your designated team.This is where it gets strategic.Most read in Dream TeamIf you use up the big teams early on then you risk being light on reliable options when the stakes ramp up later on.Conversely, if you decide to save the strongest teams for crunch time, you risk being eliminated early if one of the mid-table outfits lets you down.As the name Last Man Standing suggests, the last remaining competitor will be crowned champion of the Prize League – an accolade that comes with cash winnings!The deadline for this latest prize league is 12.30pm this Saturday (4 January), with the following fixtures due to played over that weekend:Aston Villa v Leicester CityBournemouth v EvertonBrighton v ArsenalCrystal Palace v ChelseaFulham v Ipswich TownLiverpool v Manchester UtdManchester City v West HamSouthampton v BrentfordTottenham v Newcastle UnitedWolverhampton Wanderers v Nott’m ForestPick a winner from that bunch and you’ll advance to the next Matchweek, one step closer to the £2,000 prize.Just a heads up that, after the first week, it you forget to select a team before the Matchweek deadline you’ll be randomly allocated one from those available.If you’re savvy enough to make it close to the end of the Prize League and all remaining players fail to select a winning team, all players active in the previous Matchweek will progress – think of it as an extra life.For more information on Last Man Standing please read the Game Rules.Incredibly, our first prize league – which began way back in MW1 – still has three players remaining going into MW18.Our second prize league (MW6) was won by C. Townrow (subject to usual checks by our competition team). He beat a whopping 31,620 other players. READ MORE SUN STORIESAt the time of writing, our third prize league (MW12) has 247 competitors left.The fourth? Well that could be you. Get involved right here!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