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    Which teams have the most favourable fixtures in September? Gaffers to target European competitions

    THE English summer is hanging on by a thread amid the first international break of the season.Dream Team managers have until 11am on September 14th to confirm their set-up for Gameweek 4 so there’s plenty of time to reflect upon the campaign so far and plan for the weeks ahead.Dream Team managers should look ahead at the rest of SeptemberCredit: Dream TeamOne crucial factor to consider when devising a strategy for the upcoming Gameweeks is the fixtures, in relation to both difficulty and volume.With that in mind, let’s analyse the September schedule (and beginning of October in some cases) for all 20 Premier League clubs, covering Gameweeks 4 to 6.MANCHESTER CITYBrentford (h)Inter (h)Arsenal (h)Watford (h)Newcastle (a)Slovan Bratislava (a)Pep Guardiola’s side are one of six teams facing three consecutive double Gameweeks after the international break.And with the way the chips have fallen in the Champions League and Carabao Cup, Erling Haaland (£8.8m) and company have the luxury of four home games in a row.Inter, Arsenal and a trip to St James’ Park have to be considered relatively difficult match-ups but most Dream Team bosses will know that points flow freely when City have to play every few days.The points will surely continue to come thick and fast for HaalandCredit: GettyLIVERPOOLMost read in FootballNottingham Forest (h)Milan (a)Bournemouth (h)West Ham (h)Wolves (a)Bologna (h)Like Man City, Arne Slot’s troops have four home fixtures across the next three Gameweeks.Given the Reds have won all three of their games so far without conceding a goal, they won’t be overly concerned about their upcoming schedule at all.The likes of Mohamed Salah (£7.3m), Luis Diaz (£4.7m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.8m) should continue to provide plentiful returns for their backers.BRIGHTONIpswich (h)Wolves (h)Nottingham Forest (h)Chelsea (a)Without European commitments the Seagulls’ workload appears comparatively light but their double header in Gameweek 4 (Ipswich in the league followed by Wolves in the cup) looks ripe for points.Fabian Hurzeler’s side are third in table having taken seven points from their opening three games and the young coach will be hopeful of positive results against the Tractor Boys and Forest on home soil to keep the ball rolling.Liverpool’s September appears relatively favourableCredit: GettyARSENALTottenham (a)Atalanta (a)Manchester City (a)Bolton (h)Leicester (h)PSG (h)September brings some tough tests for the Gunners with three tricky away days in succession after the break.Bukayo Saka (£6.3m), Kai Havertz (£4.6m) and William Saliba (£5.4m) have started the season in fine form and their owners will be happy to see them in action so frequently cross the next few Gameweeks but a slight dip in returns is to be expected.Arsenal have been the best defensive side in England across the last year or so but they’ll have to work seriously hard to keep their sheets clean this month.NEWCASTLEWolves (a)Fulham (a)AFC Wimbledon (a)Manchester City (h)The Magpies’ home record is far superior to their away record under Eddie Howe so it’s not an ideal schedule for gaffers backing Alexander Isak (£5m), Anthony Gordon (£4.5m) and friends.On the bright side, the quality of the opposition isn’t all that daunting… until City come to town.BRENTFORDManchester City (a)Leyton Orient (h)Tottenham (a)West Ham (h)The Bees have started brightly with two victories from three outings but their league form will be severely tested against City and Spurs.Bryan Mbeumo (£3.6m) has raced to 31 points but he didn’t feature at all in the Carabao Cup second round so he may not get much of a run out at home to the O’s, unless Thomas Frank changes tact.Both Isak and Gordon are among the most transferred-out players ahead of Gamweek 4 currentlyCredit: PAASTON VILLAEverton (h)Young Boys (a)Wolves (h)Wycombe (a)Ipswich (a)Bayern Munich (h)German giants aside, it’s a friendly set of fixtures for the Villains this month.Ollie Watkins (£5.6m) has only played roughly an hour of each game so far in 2024/25 and the striker’s withdrawal from the England squad means he’s a minor doubt for Gameweek 4.However, a fully-fit striker would be licking his lips looking at Villa’s schedule – Watkins will be a popular recruit if he gets up to speed.BOURNEMOUTHChelsea (h)Liverpool (a)Southampton (h)The Cherries have half as many fixtures as the busiest teams across the next three Gameweeks, with one being a trip to Anfield.Antoine Semenyo’s (£2.8m) ownership has increased as a reflection of his impressive form but he’d have to transform into prime Messi to justify his selection with just three games at his disposal.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 NOWNOTTINGHAM FORESTLiverpool (a)Brighton (a)Fulham (h)It’s a similar story for Nuno Espirito Santo’s mob; just three fixtures including Liverpool away.Forest are unbeaten this season (their penalty shootout defeat to Newcastle in the cup technically goes down as a draw) with Chris Wood (£2.8m) having amassed 24 points but it seems as if their returns are about to dry up.TOTTENHAMArsenal (h)Coventry (a)Brentford (h)Qarabag (h)Manchester United (a)Ferencvaros (a)It’s been a mixed bag for Spurs so far with one win, one draw and one defeat from their first three outings.An emotionally-charge North London derby is a difficult match-up to predict but gaffers should be eyeing up the rest of September.Their Europa League fixtures look particularly inviting.Europa League commitments should boost Spurs assets this seasonCredit: RexCHELSEABournemouth (a)West Ham (a)Barrow (h)Brighton (h)Gent (h)A home draw against League Two’s Barrow is a hugely favourable match-up on paper but it’s not all that easy for Dream Team bosses to predict the Blues’ line-up for that game.The Conference League has historically been a reliable source of Dream Team points for the English teams so it’s all eyes on Gent’s visit to Stamford Bridge in early October.FULHAMWest Ham (h)Preston (a)Newcastle (h)Nottingham Forest (a)A middling set of fixtures that will force backers of relatively popular assets Emile Smith Rowe (£2.8m) and Antonee Robinson (£3.4m) to either stick or twist.Gaffers without pressing issues elsewhere should probably explore potential alternatives.WEST HAMFulham (a)Chelsea (h)Liverpool (a)Brentford (a)It’s a similar story for the Hammers.Max Kilman (£2.8m) and Jarrod Bowen (£5m) have started well enough but their viability drops without European commitments.Palmer’s owners will be desperate for him to start as many games as possibleCredit: ReutersMANCHESTER UNITEDSouthampton (a)Barnsley (h)Crystal Palace (a)Twente (h)Tottenham (h)Porto (a)The Red Devils are among the busiest teams from now until the end of Gameweek 6 but back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Liverpool have dampened the mood around Old Trafford.None of their players have broken the 20-point barrier at this stage with Bruno Fernandes (£5.8m) among the most-disappointing performers so far – the Portuguese midfielder has mustered just 13 points. LEICESTERCrystal Palace (a)Everton (h)Walsall (a)Arsenal (a)The Foxes are without a win since promotion and so Dream Team managers are understandably hesitant to shop around the King Power.Moving swiftly on…CRYSTAL PALACELeicester (h)Queens Park Rangers (a)Manchester United (h)Everton (a)Only Luis Diaz has more points than Eberechi Eze (£4.6m) among midfielders right now and the latter’s backers will be hopeful of further returns in Gameweek 4.The Eagles’ No10 played the full 90 minutes last time out in the Carabao Cup and therefore has a good chance of starting against his former club in the third round.Eze is among a select group of talented individuals capable of keeping pace with players active in Europe – especially if Palace go deep in the domestic cups.Replacing Eze with a player active in Europe may not be necessaryCredit: ReutersIPSWICHBrighton (a)Southampton (a)Aston Villa (h)A newly-promoted team without a win, with just three fixtures across the next three Gameweeks.It’s a black hole of Dream Team points.WOLVESNewcastle (h)Brighton (a)Aston Villa (a)Liverpool (h)All four of Wolves’ September opponents are currently in the top seven of the league table – a brutal run.SOUTHAMPTONManchester United (h)Everton (a)Ipswich (h)Bournemouth (a)Saints fans will start to get very twitchy if they don’t see some positive results this month.No Southampton player features in more than 0.9% of Dream Teams currently – that says it all.Wolves face a tough run of fixtures after the international breakCredit: AlamyEVERTONAston Villa (a)Southampton (h)Leicester (a)Crystal Palace (h)READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Toffees are rooted to the bottom of the table after a disastrous start to the campaign, amplified by their traumatic loss to Bournemouth last weekend.Against the odds, Dwight McNeil (£3.2m) is joint-fifth among all midfielders having racked up 31 points but most Dream Team bosses should be repelled by Everton until their form as a collective improves dramatically.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

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    Luis Diaz & Bryan Mbeumo help Dream Team gaffer claim £250 prize in Gameweek 3 – it could be you in Gameweek 4!

    CONGRATULATIONS to Dream Team manager Rob Feeny!He’s the latest gaffer to claim some cash off with a brilliant performance in Gameweek 3.Rob’s XI ‘Chilli Con Arne Slott’ racked up 153 points to claim the £250 weekly prize.Rob’s successful XICredit: Dream Team51 Dream Team bosses earned more points in Gameweek 3 but they all achieved mammoth scores by playing a Booster.Remember, you are only eligible to win the weekly prize if you don’t activate a Booster.Let’s analyse how Rob amassed his points.Lucas Digne produced nine points in a low-scoring Gameweek for defendersCredit: GettyRob’s defensive assets didn’t set the world alight in Gameweek 3 but that was generally the case across the board as only Liverpool kept a clean sheet in the Premier League.Lucas Digne (£3.1m) pulled his weight with a nine-point return against Leicester thanks primarily to an assist for Jhon Duran’s (£2.6m) winner.Anthony Gordon (£4.5m) mustered just four points but he was the only member of Rob’s front seven not to register a double-digit haul.The ever-reliable Bukayo Saka (£6.3m) returned 11 points after he set up Arsenal’s only goal against Brighton on Saturday.Most read in FootballThe Gunners’ No7 also registered three shots on target, two tackles and a bonus point.Luis Diaz bagged a brace at Old TraffordCredit: GettyLuis Diaz (£4.7m) enjoyed his brace at Old Trafford and banked 16 points in the process.Liverpool’s Colombian winger is now Dream Team’s top-performing midfielder with an overall total of 35 points.But Diaz was only the second best midfield asset in Gameweek 3 as Bryan Mbeumo (£3.6m) topped the pile with a whopping 19-point return.Brentford’s talisman created two big chances and notched three shots on target on his way to a brace at Southampton’s expense.The Cameroon international has started the season in fine form but he may find it hard going at the Etihad after the international break.Mbeumo has three league goals to his name alreadyCredit: GettySpeaking of Manchester City, Erling Haaland (£8.8m) has already tapped into some deeply ominous form.The prolific poacher scored his second hat-trick in as many games to add another 26 points to his total – doubled to 52 for those who captained him like Rob – this time at West Ham’s expense.Haaland has raced to 59 points in the blink of an eye – extraordinary even by his standards!Elsewhere, Kai Havertz (£4.6m) has picked up where he left off last season with two goals and an assist in three outings.The German forward produced a confident finish against the Seagulls before the game somewhat unravelled for Mikel Arteta.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 NOWLast but by no means least, Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) bagged his customary goal against Manchester United after twice assisting the aforementioned Diaz for a well-deserved 19-point haul.Liverpool’s Egyptian superstar has three goals and three assists from his first three appearances of the campaign – only Haaland is above him in the rankings.45 points and countingCredit: GETTYAnd that’s how Rob earned himself £250 – simple, eh?READ MORE SUN STORIESWe’re giving away the same amount again in Gameweek 4 after the international break so make sure your team is set up nicely prior to the 11am deadline on September 14th.But remember, if you’re targeting the weekly cash prize – no Boosters!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

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    Only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah have more Dream Team points than Jarrod Bowen among forwards

    JARROD BOWEN (£5m) has quietly gone about his usual business at the start of this season.A reliable Dream Team performer for over three years now, West Ham’s No20 has banked 31 points across the first three Gameweeks.Hammer time!Credit: Dream TeamAt the time of writing, only Erling Haaland (£8.8m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) have more points among forwards – the superstar duo are the game’s top two point-scorers overall.TOP DREAM TEAM FORWARDS SO FAR THIS SEASONErling Haaland – 59 ptsMohamed Salah – 45 ptsJarrod Bowen – 31 ptsSon Heung-min – 28 ptsJoao Pedro – 26 ptsDanny Welbeck – 26 ptsKai Havertz – 25ptsNicolas Jackson – 25 ptsYoane Wissa – 25 ptsAlexander Isak – 25 ptsJean-Philippe Mateta – 25 ptsOn paper, the Hammers have one of the hardest openings to the new campaign, which makes Bowen’s returns to date even more impressive.Julen Lopetegui’s side have already faced Aston Villa and Manchester City in the Premier League, half of last season’s top four, and they were one of only four teams to be drawn against another top flight outfit (Bournemouth) in the second round of the Carabao Cup.Bowen mustered just two points against the Villains first up but he’s pounced 29 in three outings since, making him one of the game’s most in-form assets.Bowen has scored two goals and registered an assist in his last three outingsCredit: PAThe England international scored against both Crystal Palace and the Cherries in Gameweek 2.And he was credited with an assist for forcing Ruben Dias (£4.5m) into an own goal last weekend.Most read in FootballLooking forward, West Ham’s schedule still looks rough for a little while longer.A trip to Fulham after the international break isn’t all that concerning but Gameweek 5 brings a double header against Chelsea (league) and Liverpool (Carabao Cup).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 NOWWithout European commitments, West Ham assets may need to go deep in the domestic cups if they are to be viable options in Dream Team but a trip to Anfield in the third round is anything but a favourable draw.Even so, Bowen’s strong start with minimal fuss should be acknowledged.The 27-year-old has scored 53 goals and provided 30 assists in all competitions since the start of 2021/22 at an average of 0.54 goal involvements per appearance.He currently features in 4.5% of teams.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

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    Underrated Bryan Mbeumo excelling once again in Dream Team but tricky September fixtures loom

    WHO needs Ivan Toney when Bryan Mbeumo (£3.6m) is in form?Brentford’s No19 inspired his side to their third win in four games with a brace against Southampton on Saturday.31 points and countingCredit: Dream TeamThe Cameroon international produced an impressive all-round performance to pocket 19 Dream Team points as Thomas Frank’s side beat Saints 3-1 in West London.Only hat-trick hero Erling Haaland (£8.8m) added more points to their total than Mbeumo in Gameweek 3.The 25-year-old has 31 points in total which puts him joint-fifth among midfielders but it’s incredibly tight at the top of the rankings at this early stage of the season – outright leader Luis Diaz (£4.7m) is just four points ahead.Mbeumo also scored against Crystal Palace on the opening weekend of the campaign and his overall tally of three goals is only bettered by the aforementioned Haaland, who has raced to seven in the blink of an eye.Mbeumo currently features in 5.3% of teamsCredit: GettyThe Bees’ talisman is yet to register an assist but not for lack of trying.He’s created four big chances across the first four Gameweeks – the joint-most among all assets alongside Cole Palmer (£6.3m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.3m).Had his team-mates been even slightly more efficient in front of goal, Mbeumo would be Dream Team’s top midfielder right now.Brentford lost at Anfield in Gameweek 2 but they’ve beaten Palace, Colchester (Carabao Cup) and Southampton in what has been an encouraging start to the season.Most read in FootballHowever, Dream Team bosses keen on Mbeumo would do well to look ahead at the September schedule before committing blindly.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 NOWAfter the international break, Frank’s troops are due to face Manchester City at the Etihad – a match-up that rarely yields many points for the visitors.Pep Guardiola’s side have started 2024/25 in ominous form.Man City look strong once againCredit: GettyGameweek 4 also includes a Carabao Cup game against Leyton Orient but Mbeumo has to be considered a rotation risk for that fixture given he didn’t feature at all in the last round of the competition.Gameweek 5 then brings another tricky away day in the form of Tottenham.And so gaffers face an age-old conundrum where a player’s sparkling form makes them an appealing option but their upcoming fixtures temper expectations.What’s clear is that Mbeumo is not a player to underestimated but recruiting a player just before they face Man City away feels counterproductive.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

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    Liverpool racking up clean sheets and plentiful Dream Team points under Arne Slot

    ARNE SLOT could not have asked for a better August.Tasked with filling Jurgen Klopp’s shoes, the Dutchman has endeared himself to Liverpool fans in quick time by overseeing three straight victories, capped with a 3-0 win over old enemies Manchester United at Old Trafford.Slot will be delighted with how Liverpool have started the seasonCredit: GETTYManchester City may be top of the table by virtue of goal difference – Erling Haaland (£8.8m) has raced to seven goals via two hat-tricks – but the Reds hold the distinction of being the only Premier League side yet to concede a goal.Naturally, this achievement has translated to plentiful Dream Team points.Three consecutive clean sheets has yielded 25 points for Alisson (£4.9m), who sits atop the goalkeeper rankings.Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.8m) is the outright best defender on 27 points after three Gameweeks.Anfield’s homegrown hero could have been further ahead of his rivals had his team-mates converted one of the three big chances he’s created – he also had a goal overturned by VAR against the Red Devils.Andy Robertson (£4.8m) is joint-second in his position on 24 points with Virgil van Dijk (£5.2m) one point behind in joint-fourth.Alisson is yet to pick the ball out of his netCredit: GettyAlisson and Liverpool’s first-choice defenders come at a significant cost but gaffers who forked out for them prior to Gameweek 1 have been handsomely rewarded so far.Slot’s troops are well represented in the attacking positions too.Most read in FootballAfter his brace at Old Trafford for a 16-point return, Luis Diaz (£4.7m) is now Dream Team’s top midfielder, one point clear of Bukayo Saka (£6.3m) and Eberechi Eze (£4.6m).And up top, only Haaland (59 pts) boasts a greater points total than Mohamed Salah’s (£7.3m) tally of 45.The Egyptian superstar has burst out of the blocks with three goals and three assists in his first three outings.Salah always seems to score at Old TraffordCredit: GettyThat these players have had success throughout the first month of the season is hardly a surprise but there was a certain degree of uncertainty about Liverpool in pre-season due to Klopp’s departure.It’s still early days but on current evidence there’s no reason for Dream Team bosses to shy away for Salah, Alexander-Arnold and company.In Gameweek 4, Liverpool host Nottingham Forest before starting their Champions League campaign with a trip to Milan – their first double Gameweek of the season.Alexander-Arnold had a goal at Old Trafford disallowed but still leads the way among Dream Team defendersCredit: GettyLooking further ahead, Slot’s side take on Bournemouth, Wolves, Bologna and Crystal Palace between Gameweeks 5 and 7 before the second international break of 2024/25 – there’s also a Carabao Cup meeting with West Ham to squeeze in at some stage.All things considered, Liverpool’s fixtures appear relatively favourable for the foreseeable future. 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

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    Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 3: Mikel Merino & Dominic Solanke unavailable among others

    DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 3 in one easily digestible dose.Arsenal new singing Mikel Merino will have to wait for his debut as the combative midfielder suffered a shoulder injury in training.The Euro 2024 winner is said to be out for “a few weeks” after the unfortunate collision; the Gunners will also be without Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus.Arsenal fans will have to wait for a look at their new midfielderCredit: Dream TeamPep Guardiola told reporters that Phil Foden “still doesn’t feel good” following his absence through illness in Gameweek 2.In brighter news for Manchester City fans, Rodri has trained this week and is expected to make the matchday squad at the very least – Mateo Kovacic has shaken off his minor issue too.Dominic Solanke won’t return for Tottenham until after the international break but should be in contention for the North London derby in Gameweek 4 barring any setbacks.Richarlison will be sidelined for longer and so Son Heung-min is likely to lead the line again at St James’ Park following his brace against Everton last time out.Sandro Tonali returned from his lengthy suspension in midweek when Newcastle edged out Nottingham Forest on penalties to progress in the Carabao Cup.The ex-Milan midfielder is therefore in line to feature against Spurs but the Magpies still have a few absentees (see below) with Joe Willock the latest to be deemed unavailable.Tonali is available for selection againCredit: GettyMason Mount has joined Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Rasmus Hojlund and Tyrell Malacia on Manchester United’s injury list ahead of Liverpool’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday.As for Arne Slot’s troops, Curtis Jones is a major doubt while new signing Federico Chiesa is unlikely to feature having trained with the Reds for the first time today.Everton were bolstered by the returns of Seamus Coleman, James Garner and Ashley Young on Tuesday night but key defender Jarrad Branthwaite remains sidelined alongside Nathan Patterson and Youssef Chermiti.Elsewhere, Crystal Palace will be without Chadi Riad this weekend after the defender incurred an injury on Carabao Cup duty in midweek.The Eagles are expected to keep hold of Marc Guehi on deadline day despite strong rumours linking him to Newcastle.Chelsea rested a number of players against Servette in midweek including Pedro Neto, Wesley Fofana and Malo Gusto – all three could start against Palace on Sunday.Chiesa is unlikely to make his debut for Liverpool this weekendCredit: GettyWes Burns, Harry Clarke, Nathan Broadhead and George Hirst are all unavailable for Ipswich but Kalvin Phillips is in contention to make his debut for the Tractor Boys having been unavailable to face his parent club last weekend.Pervis Estupinan and Bart Verbruggen return for Brighton against Crawley last time out but new arrival Matt O’Riley lasted just nine minutes before he was replaced.The Denmark international is set to undergo surgery and will be out for some time having been on the receiving end of a reckless challenge.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, Gabriel Jesus Suspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Robin Olsen, Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara, Matty CashSuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Enes Unal, Tyler Adams, David Brooks (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Josh Dasilva, Igor ThiagoSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: Solly March, Matt O’Riley, Mats Wieffer (doubt), Brajan Gruda (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Romeo LaviaSuspensions: Reece JamesCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Matheus Franca, Chadi RiadSuspensions: EVERTONInjuries: Nathan Patterson, Jarrad Branthwaite, Youssef ChermitiSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: NoneSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Wes Burns, Nathan Broadhead, Harry Clarke, George HirstSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Patson Daka, Jakub StolarczykSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Curtis JonesSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Phil Foden, Rodri (doubt), 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 WillockSuspensions: Fabian ScharNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Danilo, Ryan Yates (doubt)Suspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart (doubt), Kamaldeen Sulemana (doubt)Suspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Richarlison, Dominic SolankeSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Aaron CresswellSuspensions: NoneWOLVESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Leon Chiwome, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar TraoreSuspensions: NoneBetMGM 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

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    Captaincy options for Gameweek 3: Will any brave gaffers take on Erling Haaland?

    THE captaincy debate is an open-and-shut case for many Dream Team managers ahead of Gameweek 3.Erling Haaland (£8.5m) is the default selection and given the prolific poacher bagged a hat-trick against Ipswich last time out, there’s seemingly no need to deviate from the norm.InevitableCredit: Dream TeamManchester City travel to West Ham on Saturday with Haaland hoping to extend his record of three goals in two visits to the London Stadium.However, it’s worth noting that the Norwegian striker did not top score in Gameweek 2 – that accolade went to Noni Madueke (£3m) after his hat-trick at Wolves.Although selecting the Chelsea winger as captain would have required superhuman foresight.The point is that it’s worth discussing the alternatives to Haaland, if only as a courtesy. Cole Palmer (£6m)Fancy a cold one?Credit: GettyMadueke grabbed the spotlight at Molineux but Palmer was equally effective with a goal and three assists.The Blues’ talisman pocketed 19 points by the final whistle and he has to be considered a decent captaincy option this weekend.Enzo Maresca’s side are due to host Crystal Palace on Sunday with the Eagles still seeking their first point of the new campaign.Most read in Dream TeamChelsea remain somewhat unpredictable as their emphatic 6-2 win over Wolves was countered by a 2-1 defeat to Servette in the Conference League play-off second leg on Thursday night, though they won the tie 3-2 on aggregate.But Palmer has been one of the most reliably brilliant Dream Team assets for almost a year now.Mohamed Salah (£7.2m)New manager, same resultsCredit: GettyThe much-discussed transition from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot hasn’t bucked the trend of Liverpool’s No11 flying out the blocks at the start of a new season.Salah has notched two goals and an assist in his first two outings for a return of 26 points – only the aforementioned Haaland is above him in the rankings.The Reds travel to Manchester United on Sunday for the first blockbuster match-up of the campaign and while their recent record in this fixture isn’t all that good, Salah has been the scourge of the Red Devils for years.In fact, no visiting player has scored more Premier League goals at Old Trafford.More broadly, the 32-year-old has contributed to 18 goals in his last 11 appearances against Man United.Bryan Mbeumo (£3.8m)An underrated gemCredit: ReutersHere’s a left-field suggestion for gaffers who love to play Dream Team their own way.Brentford’s No19 is an underrated asset and it may surprise some to learn that he averaged a goal or assist every 130.7 minutes in the league last season.He scored against Palace on the opening weekend and will be relishing the prospect of taking on Southampton in West London this Saturday having been limited at Anfield last time out.Saints conceded a whopping 23 shots at home to Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 2.Plus, Mbeumo should be the Bees’ first-choice penalty-taker with Ivan Toney expected to leave the club today.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 NOWFamiliar names such as Bukayo Saka (£6.3m), Son Heung-min (£5m) and Ollie Watkins (£6m) deserve mentions too but, let’s be clear, Haaland is the most-popular choice for a reason.Lock in your captain (and vice-captain) before Saturday’s 11am 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. 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

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    Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 3: Bargain option Morgan Rogers passes eye test

    GAMEWEEK 2 was a high-scoring affair across the board but Dream Team managers must resist complacency.Gameweek 3 features a full round of Premier League games but gaffers should have one eye on the other side of the international break when the European fixtures will commence, starting with the Champions League in Gameweek 4, not to mention another batch of Carabao Cup match-ups.Swap shopCredit: Dream TeamAs usual, we won’t waste anyone’s time tipping the likes of Erling Haaland (£8.5m), Cole Palmer (£6m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.2m) when putting forward transfer recommendations – such stars don’t require justification.But here are some other suggestions worthy of consideration…Morgan Rogers (£2.5m)The Aston Villa midfielder has mustered just eight points across the first two Gameweeks but those who have watched him in action will know he has deserved more.The 22-year-old caught the eye at home to Arsenal last Saturday as he danced through the league’s best defence on a couple of occasions.Rogers would have registered a well-deserved assist against the Gunners had Ollie Watkins (£5.8m) remembered his shooting boots.Rogers looked lively against ArsenalCredit: GettyThe Villains’ fixtures appear relatively favourable from now until October with European commitments ensuring some juicy double Gameweeks.If Rogers continues to start and get plenty of minutes, he has to be considered one of the best bargain options in the game.Most read in FootballAll he needs is some points to match his lively performances – this weekend’s trip to Leicester would be a good place to start.Noni Madueke (£3m)A hat-trick away at Molineux earns the Chelsea winger a mention ahead of Gameweek 3.In combination with Cole Palmer (£6m), Madueke ripped Wolves apart on the counterattack to bank 26 points by the final whistle – no player posted more points in Gameweek 2.Madueke has been called up for England this weekCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca has an abundance of options but he’s made it clear certain players are surplus to requirements with Madueke now firmly among the viable selections.The 22-year-old also scored against Servette in the first leg of the Blues’ Conference League play-off and has since been called up to the England squad by Lee Carsley – his stock has never been higher!Madueke’s minutes are not guaranteed but four goals in as many days has surely propelled him up the pecking order.This weekend, Chelsea host a Crystal Palace side yet to register a point this season.Gaffers who like to dabble in the Dream Team stock market will realise that Madueke can be recruited now and sold after the deadline for a tidy profit.Andy Robertson (£4.6m)Robertson has raced to 17 pointsCredit: AlamyMany Dream Team bosses will view Liverpool’s left-back as a blindingly obvious recommendation but his current ownership of 4.8% suggests he’s worth highlighting.Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) remains the defender of choice – he’s the only player to have created three big chances across the first two Gameweeks – but his quality comes at an eye-watering cost.Robertson is hardly cheap but he ticks a lot of the same boxes at a more affordable price.The Scotland captain bagged ten points at Brentford’s expense last time out via a clean sheet, bonus point and two shots on target.Manchester United away has been a bogey fixture for Liverpool in recent times but their schedule looks relatively friendly beyond the international break.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 NOWAntonee Robinson (£3.1m)We promise this is the last time we suggest Fulham’s left-back for a while.Without wanting to repeat ourselves, the USA international really is a solid selection – only Everton’s Tim Iroegbunam (£1.8m) has made more tackles so far.Robinson provided an assist against Leicester last weekend on his way to a nine-point return.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’s set to take on Ipswich in Gameweek 3 which has to be considered a favourable match-up for a defender right now – the Tractor Boys have registered the fewest shots in the top flight after two games.Confirm your transfers for Gameweek 3 before Saturday’s 11am 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. 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