Dream Team

DON’T you just love it when a plan comes together?Prior to Gameweek 9, we mentioned Bryan Mbeumo (£4.4m) among our transfer recommendations and captaincy suggestions ahead of his double header against Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday.Many Dream Team managers heeded our advice as Brentford’s talisman was comfortably the most transferred-in player last week.A hero to Dream Team bosses worldwideCredit: Dream TeamPopular punts of this ilk occasionally fall short of expectations but Mbeumo delivered in spades in the form of a whopping 25-point return.At the time of writing, he’s the top performer among all assets in Gameweek 9!The Cameroon international bagged a brace during the Bees’ dramatic 4-3 win over the Tractor Boys last Saturday, including a last-gasp winner in the 96th minute.That effort yielded 17 points but he wasn’t done there.Who needs Ivan Toney?Credit: GettyWith a spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at stake, Thomas Frank elected to start Mbeumo against the Owls on Tuesday night.The hosts made hard work of it against Championship opposition at the Gtech Community Stadium, eventually advancing via a penalty shootout.Mbeumo didn’t register a goal involvement but he did notch three bonus points, two shots on target and a big chance created for a useful eight-point return.Most read in FootballAll things considered, the 25-year-old picked an excellent time to produce his most fruitful Gameweek of the season – many gaffers will be immensely satisfied with the results of their latest transfers.The face of a Dream Team centurionCredit: ReutersMbeumo has been nothing short of sensational from the get-go and he’s one of just five players to have joined the 100 Club at this early stage of the campaign.PLAYERS WITH 100+ DREAM TEAM POINTS THIS SEASONErling Haaland – 144 ptsMohamed Salah – 132 ptsBukayo Saka – 111 ptsBryan Mbeumo – 103 ptsCole Palmer – 101 ptsWhat’s notable is that the three players above Mbeumo in the rankings are the most expensive players in the game, with European commitments to bolster their schedules.Haaland is the only player to have scored more goals than Brentford’s No17 in all competitions and no midfielder has registered more shots on target.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 NOWMbeumo’s form is nothing short of scintillating but it should be noted that his viability peaked in Gameweek 9 and now dips.This is purely because Brentford have six fixtures to fulfil across the next five Gameweeks whereas the clubs active in Europe will be in action nine times during the same period.READ MORE SUN STORIESMbeumo has proved himself capable of keeping pace with the game’s top assets without European fixtures to this point but Dream Team bosses should generally target the additional competitions for bumper returns.Naturally, the 18.8% of gaffers who currently own Mbeumo certainly won’t be in a hurry to replace him, especially with another inevitable price increase to come.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 managers who played the game last season will remember a spell when Matheus Cunha (£4.1m) was a hugely effective differential option.The Wolves forward’s viability peaked in early February when he bagged a hat-trick against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.While he’s yet to replicate a performance of that extreme nature this term, it’s high time his efforts were analysed and praised.Currently overlooked by 99.3% of Dream Team bossesCredit: Dream TeamCunha is statistically the third most in-form forward in the game at the time of writing having plundered 27 points from his last three appearances.Most recently, he capped a fine all-round display against Brighton with a 93rd-minute equaliser for a 12-point return – his best haul of the campaign to date.The 25-year-old has scored four goals this season and can count himself desperately unlucky not to have registered an assist as only three forwards – Mohamed Salah (£7.4m), Cody Gakpo (£4m), Marcus Rashford (£4m) – have created more big chances for their team-mates.Additionally, Cunha is eighth in his position for tackles and first for bonus points – he ranks highly for successful dribbles, accurate crosses, fouls won and interceptions!A class actCredit: GettyGary O’Neil’s side have endured a tough start to the season having already faced Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester City in the league.Even accounting for their tricky fixtures, there’s no disguising the fact Wolves’ meagre tally of two points is bitterly disappointing.However, the Molineux faithful will be hopeful of an upturn in results as the schedule now switches in their favour.Most read in FootballWolves are due to face Crystal Palace, Southampton, Fulham, Bournemouth, Everton, West Ham, Ipswich and Leicester in a relatively friendly run that will take them to Christmas.Cunha’s ability to accumulate Dream Team points through various avenues combined with a string of favourable match-ups could yield plentiful returns.Wolves desperately need a winCredit: AlamyThe downside to this strategy is the comparatively low number of games available to the Brazil international.Cunha’s fixtures may be favourable but without European or Carabao Cup commitments, he will play a maximum of eight times from the start of Gameweek 10 until Christmas.Whereas Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham will be in action at least 11 times in the same time frame – Chelsea are due to play 12 games as it stands.That being said, Cunha outperformed several high-profile players with busier schedules during his most fruitful spell last season and is capable of the same again in the coming weeks if everything clicks.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 NOWIn many ways, he’s the ultimate differential option right now as he currently features in just 0.7% of teams.He has the highest points total (67) of all players with an ownership below 1%.READ MORE SUN STORIESPlus, his average of 6.7 points-per-game is superior to that of Kai Havertz (£5m), Ollie Watkins (£5.7m), Alexander Isak (£4.7m) and several other popular strikers.Selecting Cunha comes with risk but he should be high up the shortlist for gaffers who want to go against the grain.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

HERE at Dream Team HQ we prefer to shine a light on in-form players but it’s also our duty to flag underperforming assets who need to be ditched.Here we’ve identified three popular selections who probably need to be replaced sooner rather than later.Dream Team bosses are losing patience with SolankeCredit: Dream TeamDominic Solanke (£4.2m)The points have dried up for Tottenham’s starting striker of late.The 27-year-old enjoyed a surge of popularity when he banked 37 points across Gameweeks 5 and 6; many Dream Team managers would have seen him as a potential set-and-forget option bound for long-term success.However, Solanke has mustered just 13 points from his last five outings at an average of 2.6 per appearance. These paltry returns are not befitting of the game’s sixth-most selected forward.What’s concerning is that Solanke simply isn’t getting the volume of chances his owners would deem acceptable.He produced an impressive display in terms of link-up play against West Ham in Gameweek 8 but didn’t get a sniff of goal and therefore produced just three points – a poor return compared to the likes of Son Heung-min (£5.3m), Dejan Kulusevski (£2.9m), etc.Gaffers need their strikers to be finishing off chances, not playing neat lay-offs in the build-up.Most read in FootballDiaz started strongly but his points have dropped off a cliffCredit: GettyLuis Diaz (£4.3m)Liverpool’s No7 provided a much-needed seven points against Arsenal on Sunday but questions must still be asked about his viability.Despite his assist at the Emirates, Diaz has returned just 18 points since the start of Gameweek 6 (across six fixtures).The Colombian winger was a starter at the beginning of the campaign and he burst out the blocks with five goals in his first six outings.However, Arne Slot has since given more minutes to Cody Gakpo (£4m) on the left flank and Diaz’s points have fallen off a cliff as a result.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 27-year-old’s form is a major talking point in the world of Dream Team as he’s currently the fourth-most popular player in the game with a massive ownership of 31.2%.More fixtures generally equal more points but Liverpool’s jam-packed schedule is essentially negated for Diaz if he has to share his minutes with Gakpo – he’s averaged 33 minutes per appearance over the last three Gameweeks.His effectiveness is undeniable but he’s simply not getting the same opportunities he was afforded in August and September.Where have the clean sheets gone?Credit: ReutersDavid Raya (£4.9m)It’s almost sacrilegious to take aim at an Arsenal defensive asset given all the points they have provided over the last year or so.In fact, even now the Spaniard is level with Emi Martinez (£4.2m) on 65 points at the top of the goalkeeper rankings .However, the Gunners’ domestic form is an elephant in the room for almost 16% of Dream Team bosses.Raya has failed to keep a clean sheet in his last five league outings.Granted, this run includes meetings with difficult opponents in Manchester City and Liverpool but Mikel Arteta would have been disappointed to concede to Leicester, Southampton and Bournemouth in succession.Clean sheets against Atalanta, PSG and Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League have partially made up for Raya’s underwhelming league returns but £4.9m is a lot of cash to invest between the sticks and so the ex-Brentford stopper should be held to a high standard.READ MORE SUN STORIES12 points from his last four outings surely falls well short of those standards.It may well be the case that Arsenal resume normal service soon enough but with injuries to several first-choice defenders, it might be time for gaffers to look elsewhere, if only for a few Gameweeks.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

MANY Dream Team managers would have been expecting Manchester City to register a more convincing victory over Southampton at the Etihad on Saturday.When Erling Haaland (£8.9m) opened the scoring within five minutes it seemed as if the points would flow freely all afternoon but the hosts failed to convert any of their other 21 shots.Haaland could (and should) have earned even more points against SaintsCredit: APA 1-0 result meant more clean sheet points for the likes of Rico Lewis (£4m) and Josko Gvardiol (£4.8m) but Savinho (£4m) was the only player other than Haaland to register a double-digit haul.The 20-year-old banked ten points when all was said and done, thanks primarily to five bonus points, the maximum available for a single fixture.Savinho is a winger in the truest sense in that he loves to take defenders on and seeks out team-mates in the final third.He ranks third for successful dribbles among all players, just behind Morgan Rogers (£3.3m) and Mohammed Kudus (£5.1m), and fourth for accurate crosses.Add in a respectable pass completion rate of 87% and a handful of fouls won and it’s no wonder Savinho is leading the way for total bonus points at the time of writing.Savinho has been in good form latelyCredit: ReutersThe Brazil international is level with James Maddison (£4.6m) on 21 bonus points midway through Gameweek 9.MOST BONUS POINTS THIS SEASONSavinho – 21 ptsJames Maddison – 21 ptsYouri Tielemans – 18 ptsRyan Gravenberch – 17 ptsEberechi Eze – 16 ptsBruno Guimaraes – 16 ptsDwight McNeil – 15 ptsAnthony Gordon – 14 ptsMost read in FootballSavinho is yet to score for his new club but his collection of bonus points, plus five assists, has resulted in an overall total of 68 points at an average of 6.2 per game.Furthermore, only three midfielders – Bryan Mbeumo (£4.4m), Facundo Buonanotte (£3.4m) and Matheus Nunes (£3.6m) – have taken more points from their last three outings.New kid on the blockCredit: GettyWith injuries to Kevin De Bruyne (£6.3m), Jeremy Doku (£4.5m) and Jack Grealish (£3.4m), the former Girona wide man has taken advantage of his increased playing time with an influx of 26 points since the start of Gameweek 8.He may well extend his good form if given another appearance against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup last 16 on Wednesday night.Looking further ahead, Pep Guardiola’s side will face Bournemouth and Sporting CP in Gameweek 10 before a trip to Brighton in Gameweek 11 sees in the November international break.At the time of writing, Savinho features in just 4.2% of teams and therefore has to be considered a potentially smart differential option in midfield.He’s certainly a player 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

THE resurgence of Chris Wood over the last year has been one of the Premier League’s most surprising narratives.After hitting double figures in the top flight four seasons in a row for Sean Dyche’s Burnley, the New Zealand international earned a move to Newcastle midway through the 2021/22 season.However, he mustered just five goals in 39 appearances for the Magpies and was swiftly moved onto Nottingham Forest.Wood is thriving at ForestCredit: Dream TeamFor a while, it seemed as if Wood would have to be content with being a second-string player at the City Ground but the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo in the east midlands prompted a dramatic upturn.The experienced target man has scored 18 goals in 25 league games since the Portuguese tactician took charge!After his brace against Leicester on Friday night, Wood has seven goals from just nine outings this season – only Erling Haaland (£8.9m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.4m) have scored more in all competitions among Dream Team forwards at this stage.Statistically, Wood is Dream Team’s most in-form striker right now having plundered 35 points from his last three games via four goals.Seven goals in nine league games has to be respectedCredit: AFPThe 32-year-old is undoubtedly one of Premier League’s sharpest shooters this term but Dream Team bosses will have noted his lack of extracurricular activities.Forest don’t have European commitments to pad out their schedule and Wood didn’t feature in his side’s only Carabao Cup of the campaign, when they were eliminated on penalties by Newcastle back in August.As a result, he’s played just 728 minutes in 2024/25.Most read in FootballFor comparison, Haaland and Salah, the game’s top two point scorers, have both played over 1,000 minutes already.Wood’s comparatively low playing time is why he ranks eighth among Dream Team strikers despite his impressive average of 8.1 points-per-game.Nuno is getting a fine tune out of WoodCredit: ReutersAs it stands, only Bryan Mbeumo (£4.4m) has taken more points than Wood from Gameweek 9 but the latter may be overhauled in midweek as Forest are among the minority of seven top-flight teams not involved in the Carabao Cup round 16.Looking further ahead, Gameweeks 10 and 12 feature European fixtures for those involved in the league phases of the continental competitions, meaning more game time for many of Wood’s rivals.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 NOWIf Forest’s No11 continues his league form heading into Christmas, when all 20 teams will fulfil four fixtures over the space of three Gameweeks, then he may well be a difference-maker for that particular period.But it will be tough for him to keep pace with assets active in Europe for the next month or so.That being said, credit where it’s due, Wood has played the best football of his career since he combined with Nuno – long may it continue!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 ahead of Gameweek 9 in one easily digestible dose.Ange Postecoglou tossed a spanner in the works in his Friday press conference when he labelled Son Heung-min “unlikely” to feature for Tottenham at Crystal Palace this weekend.Son is a major doubt once again following his comeback game last weekendCredit: RexThe South Korean superstar returned from injury last weekend but complained of “soreness” after his impressive performance against West Ham.It remains to be seen whether the 32-year-old will feature against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup in midweek.Diogo Jota incurred a rib injury in Gameweek 8 and will not travel with the Liverpool squad to Arsenal this Sunday.Federico Chiesa and Conor Bradley are doubts for the Reds while Alisson and Harvey Elliott remain sidelined.As for the Gunners, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori were all missing from Friday’s open training session and are therefore major doubts for this weekend’s blockbuster clash.Mikel Arteta kept his cards close to his chest when asked about all three players, not that Dream Team bosses will place much trust in the Spaniard’s words after last week.Calafiori was forced off in midweekCredit: AlamyWhat is known is that this game comes too soon for Martin Odegaard while William Saliba is set to serve his one-game suspension following his much-discussed red card at Bournemouth.To round off the title challengers, Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku and Kyle Walker are Manchester City’s absentees ahead of Southampton’s visit to Etihad on Saturday.While Aston Villa have a clean bill of health; Jaden Philogene is suspended having been sent off at Fulham last weekend.Bournemouth’s Alex Scott has undergone surgery on his knee and will be unavailable for at least six weeks.Luis Sinisterra’s injury is less severe but he also won’t feature for the Cherries at Villa Park on Saturday.Kudus is suspended after his red card against SpursCredit: PAMohammed Kudus starts his three-game ban (which may yet be extended) after his dismissal for violent conduct against Spurs last weekend.Julen Lopetegui offered no other availability updates during his press conference but Niclas Fullkrug most likely still incapacitated. As for the Hammers’ weekend opponents, Manchester United, Antony was stretchered off against Fenerbahce on Thursday night and will surely be absent from the next matchday squad.Bruno Fernandes is expected to return having skipped Europa League duties.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: Kieran Tierney, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber (doubt), Bukayo Saka (doubt), Riccardo Calafiori (doubt), Takehiro TomiyasuSuspensions: William SalibaASTON VILLAInjuries: NoneSuspensions: Jaden PhilogeneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Luis Sinisterra, Alex ScottSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Igor Thiago, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Rico HenrySuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: Solly March (doubt), Matt O’Riley, James Milner, Joao Pedro, Adam Webster, Danny Welbeck (doubt), Yankuba Minteh (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: NoneSuspensions: NoneCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Matheus Franca, Chris Richards, Cheick Doucoure, Chadi RiadSuspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Tim Iroegbunam, James GarnerSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Sasa Lukic, Timothy Castagne, Jorge Cuenca (doubt)Suspensions: Joachim AndersenIPSWICHInjuries: Jens Cajuste (doubt), Axel Tuanzebe, Massimo Luongo, Ben Johnson, Jacob GreavesSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Patson Daka, Jakub Stolarczyk, Hamza Choudhury, Jannick VestergaardSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa (doubt), Alisson, Conor Bradley (doubt), Diogo JotaSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku, Jack GrealishSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, Casemiro (doubt)Suspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Matt Targett (doubt), Kieran Trippier, Martin Dubravka (doubt)Suspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Danilo, Ibrahim Sangare, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi (doubt)Suspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart, Will SmallboneSuspensions: Ryan FraserTOTTENHAMInjuries: Son Heung-min, Djed SpenceSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Niclas FullkrugSuspensions: Mohammed KudusWOLVESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore, Bastien Meupiyou (doubt), Yerson Mosquera, Hwang Hee-chanSuspensions: 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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IT’S that time of the week again.Ahead of a rare Friday deadline (6:30pm today!) Dream Team managers are once again mulling over captaincy options for the Gameweek ahead.Phil Foden is among the captaincy candidatesCredit: Dream TeamImmediately, Manchester City’s home game against Southampton leaps out of the schedule.A trip to Pep Guardiola’s lair is an unenviable task for any side let alone one that has lost seven of their eight league games since promotion.Naturally, Erling Haaland (£8.9m) is the first name that comes to mind as Dream Team’s leading point scorer (132) and top goalscorer (13 in all competitions).It would be remiss not to mention that the Norwegian poacher has failed to score in his last three league outings but an impressive brace against Sparta Prague in midweek meant he reclaimed top spot in the rankings.The safe choiceCredit: GettyHaaland is the most logical captain for Gameweek 9 but some gaffers may be tempted to go against the grain and back Phil Foden (£5.9m) instead.Saturday’s fixture at the Etihad is such a mismatch on paper it’s likely several City assets will take advantage of the visitors’ fragile defence.Haaland is the primary goal threat, which obviously counts for a lot, but a player of Foden’s profile is more likely to run the game, opening up other avenues to points.The England international was among the most prolific bonus point collectors last season, which was a key reason he ended the campaign atop the rankings.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 NOWThe 24-year-old has been eased in this season but is seemingly up to speed after a 17-point haul in Gameweek 8.With Kevin De Bruyne (£6.3m), Jeremy Doku (£4.3m) and Jack Grealish (£3.5m) all said to be sidelined with injury for the upcoming Gameweek, Foden should get plenty of minutes – City will also face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup in midweek.A consistently brilliant performerCredit: PAMohamed Salah (£7.4m) is always worth a mention in the captaincy conversation.Liverpool travel to Arsenal on Sunday before an away day to Brighton in the cup on Wednesday night.That’s a relatively tricky double header all things considered but the Reds’ Egyptian superstar is one of those rare talents who is essentially immune to the schedule, as evidenced by his 21-point haul in Gameweek 8 at the expense of Chelsea and RB Leipzig.Elsewhere, Cole Palmer (£6.5m) is among the most-popular captains ahead of the Gameweek 9 deadline.Chelsea are due to play Newcastle twice in the space of four days and given the Magpies are without a win in their last four outings, it may well be the case that the reigning PFA Young Player of the Year cashes in.However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Enzo Maresca rotated his sizeable squad in midweek, as he has done in the Conference League this season.The bold choiceCredit: GettyDream Team bosses keen on a genuine left-field skipper might be tempted by Bryan Mbeumo (£4.4m).Brentford’s double header of Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday is hugely appealing on paper.Again, the Cameroon international isn’t guaranteed substantial minutes in midweek but as the joint-top goalscorer among midfield assets, his backers will be hopeful of a prosperous Gameweek even if he’s limited to just one fixture.READ MORE SUN STORIESMbeumo averages 8.7 points-per-game in 2024/25.Don’t get caught out by Friday’s 6:30pm deadline – make sure you select your captain in time!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

YOU should know the procedure in regards to Score Predictor by now.Simply submit predictions for the five selected Premier League games and then sit back as you earn points for the accuracy of your forecast.Earn the most points and you’ll bank the £250 weekly prize – not bad for a free-to-play game, eh?Play Score Predictor ahead of this weekend’s action!Credit: Dream TeamBy all means trust your knowledge and/or gut instinct when entering your predictions if that’s how you roll but for those who prefer facts and figures, allow us to present some helpful context for each fixture…Everton v FulhamThere’s hardly a cigarette paper between these two sides in the form table with both outfits having won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six outings – both have scored nine goals in that time too.The Cottagers have had the edge over the Toffees in recent times and are unbeaten in their last six meetings in all competitions.Marco Silva’s side also come out on top in the underlying numbers (xG, shots, etc) but will that be negated by Everton’s home advantage?When unsure, we tend to opt for a score draw…Our Prediction: 1-1 drawMost read in FootballEverton’s results are heading in the right direction after a dismal start to the campaignCredit: ReutersChelsea v NewcastleThese teams will play each twice in quick succession with a Carabao Cup meeting to follow in midweek but Sunday’s league game is the only concern for Score Predictor users.The Magpies are without a win in their last four league outings while the Blues are still fourth in the form table despite defeat to Liverpool last time out.Chelsea won the corresponding fixture 3-2 back in March when both Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer were on the scoresheet – we’re tempted to back a repeat.That being said, Newcastle’s games have generally been more cagey, as evidenced by the fact they’ve scored and conceded just eight goals in their eight league games this season.Our Prediction: 2-1 to ChelseaJackson has scored five goals in eight league appearances this seasonCredit: GettyCrystal Palace v TottenhamMany neutrals had high expectations of the Eagles after they finished the 2023/24 campaign in such fine form but they’ve desperately struggled this season.It’s a scary time for Oliver Glasner with Halloween closing in and his side still without a league win to their name.And the Selhurst Park faithful will probably be dreading the visit of Spurs this weekend as the North London outfit have won the last five meetings between these teams, scoring 13 goals in the process.Ange Postecoglou’s troops capitulated against Brighton before the international break but the broader outlook is encouraging after six wins out of their last seven games in all competitions – that would extend to seven in eight if they beat AZ Alkmaar this evening.Our Prediction: 3-1 to SpursBrighton blip aside, Spurs are on a good run of resultsCredit: RexScore 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 NOWWest Ham v Manchester UnitedThe Hammers fell apart against Spurs last Saturday and their fans will be the first to acknowledge that wasn’t the first self-destruction of the campaign.Julen Lopetegui has also watched his side crumble against Chelsea and Liverpool in the last month.Erik ten Hag has endured a few sleepless nights of his own this season but he will have been buoyed by the Red Devils’ second-half display against Brentford, in which Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund combined for some tidy attacking moves.West Ham won this fixture 2-0 last season but Man United got their revenge with a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford back in February.We don’t have much faith in either of these bottom-half sides at present but the visitors showed signs of improvement last time out while the hosts will be without key man Mohammed Kudus, who is suspended.Our Prediction: 3-2 to Man UnitedWest Ham won’t be able to call upon Kudus this weekendCredit: PAArsenal v LiverpoolThe main event.Much of the narrative leading up to this one has revolved around the Gunners’ potential absentees.It’s possible Mikel Arteta will be without Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori for the visit of the league leaders.Liverpool have some injury concerns of their own, not least Diogo Jota and Alisson, but Arne Slot will be able to name a strong starting line-up nonetheless.Arsenal have been defined by their parsimonious defence in recent times but they’re without a clean sheet in their last five domestic fixtures, not helped by their concerning disciplinary record.The North Londoners boast the best home record in the top flight this term but Liverpool have a 100% record on the road – something has to give on Sunday.Dare we say this might be a relatively good time to visit the Emirates?READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 2-1 to LiverpoolEnter your predictions for Matchweek 9 before Saturday’s 5:30pm deadline – £250 up for grabs!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. 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