Dream Team

DREAM TEAM managers may be justifiably fixated on Manchester City players ahead of the season’s climax but the captaincy conversation is a relatively open field for Gameweek 36.With all 20 Premier League clubs kicking off at the same time on Sunday, there are several tempting options for those who want to take on default skipper, Erling Haaland (£7.2m).CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM’S EUROS FANTASY GAME – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO ENTER, GREAT FUN!Haaland will be eyeing up the 40-goal mark with two fixtures remainingCredit: PAManchester City’s No9 is the obvious choice for a reason of course.He’s the outright top performer in the game having amassed 381 points via 38 goals and his points-per-game average of 9.3 is the best among all assets.Pep Guardiola’s side host West Ham knowing that victory will secure a fourth consecutive league title no matter what Arsenal do against Everton.Haaland heads into the game having scored seven goals in his last four outings and is understandably the most-popular captain in the game, as he always is when fit.He’ll certainly be the overwhelming choice in Gameweek 37 for the FA Cup final.Based on match-ups alone, Son Heung-min (£4.7m) has to considered a viable alternative to the Norwegian poacher.Son has scored 17 league goals this seasonCredit: Dream TeamTottenham’s form has fallen away at the back end of the campaign but they travel to Bramall Lane on Sunday to take on a demoralised Sheffield United.Most read in Dream TeamThe Blades are bottom of the actual table, form table and home table – their fans just want this season to be over.Only Haaland and Mohamed Salah (£6.4m) average more points-per-game than Spurs’ captain among Dream Team forwards this season and the South Korean superstar will be motivated to respond to his critics after his much-discussed one-on-one miss against Man City last time out.Speaking of Liverpool’s No11, he is customarily in the captaincy conversation and, despite a downturn in form since returning from injury, his tally of 40 goal involvements in 2023/24 is difficult to ignore.The Reds host a Wolves side that haven’t kept a clean sheet since February in a game that will be dominated, narrative-wise, by Jurgen Klopp.Anfield will be desperate to give its long-serving gaffer a proper send-off and it would be fitting if Salah were among the goals.Some Liverpool fans will be tempted to captain Salah for sentimental reasonsCredit: GettyDream Team bosses should also think about captaining Cole Palmer (£5.5m) at the end of the 22-year-old’s incredible breakout season.Chelsea are finishing the campaign in fine style and their undisputed Player of the Year has racked up 363 points at an average of 8.1 per appearance.Such has been Palmer’s rise to the upper echelons of Premier League talent, it would almost be a surprise if he didn’t add to his haul of 25 goals and 17 assists when Bournemouth visit Stamford Bridge this weekend.Gaffers keen on a true wildcard captain should consider Michael Olise (£4.3m).Dream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament gameThe 0.7%-owned midfielder has notched 160 points via ten goals and five assists in just 18 outings this term.Only Man City are above Crystal Palace in the form table and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Eagles swept aside Aston Villa on Sunday given Unai Emery’s troops have already qualified for the Champions League.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Villains have won just three of their last ten league games and if they’re feeling relaxed after securing a top-four finish (who could blame them?) Olise could take advantage.Lock in your captain before Sunday’s 3pm deadline!talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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IT’S early days in the world of Dream Team’s Euros fantasy game but Kylian Mbappe (£7.5m) has taken a narrow lead in the popularity stakes.The France star features in 53.1% of teams and while most gaffers will have only built a first draft at this stage, it’s a strong indication of the superstar forward’s status ahead of this summer’s tournament in Germany.CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM’S EUROS FANTASY GAME – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO ENTER, GREAT FUN!Mr PopularCredit: Dream TeamMbappe is the only player who appears in the majority of teams almost a week on from the launch of our Euros fantasy game but it should be noted that Harry Kane (£7.5m) is a close second.England’s captain boasts a massive ownership of 49.9% and he’s followed by team-mate Jude Bellingham (£6m), who features in 48.9% of teams.Kane and Mbappe are the joint-most expensive assets in the game but their lofty price tags have done little to dissuade Dream Team bosses.Selecting both strikers requires 30% of the £50million budget available to each gaffer but the duo have evidently been deemed worthy of the significant investment by many.Mbappe took the last major international tournament by storm, claiming the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup via a hat-trick in the final.The 25-year-old has scored 44 goals and registered ten assists in 47 appearances for PSG this season – an obscene record.Many fans believe Mbappe to be the best player in the worldCredit: AFPFor France, he’s scored 13 goals in his last 12 outings having been elected captain in March of last year.Most read in FootballDidier Deschamps’ troops are among the strongest sides at Euro 2024 on paper and will face Austria, Netherlands and Poland in Group D.The question for Dream Team gaffers is not whether they can afford Mbappe, but whether they can afford to go without him?Kane will head into the tournament off the back of a similarly impressive campaign, despite Bayern Munich’s failure to win a trophy.The ex-Tottenham striker has plundered 44 goals in as many games in the Bundesliga and Champions League this term, not to mention a respectable tally of 12 assists.And like Mbappe, he has a World Cup Golden Boot on his mantelpiece – he required a handful penalties to claim the gong in 2018.Dream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament gameKane will lead the line for England this summerCredit: GettyWhat’s undeniable is that both Kane and Mbappe offer top-tier attacking pedigree and the pair are bound to be immensely popular come Matchday 1.It will be interesting to see whether the Frenchman will still be the most-selected asset in the game come June 14th, when the action gets underway.More broadly, it’s clear which teams Dream Team managers consider the favourites this summer as every member of the top ten most-popular players represents either France (two), England (five) or Germany (three).Unlimited transfers are available prior to the Matchday 1 deadline so start experimenting with your XI today!talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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GAMEWEEK 36 is not quite the grand finale but it is the last time all 20 top flight clubs are in action this season.All ten fixtures will kick off at the same time on Sunday and every Dream Team manager will be hoping for a bumper return of points to commemorate the end of another Premier League campaign.In more ways than one, it’s all eyes on the Etihad where Manchester City hope to win their fourth consecutive league title.CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM’S EUROS FANTASY GAME – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO ENTER, GREAT FUN!An inevitability?Credit: EPAPep Guardiola’s side have been pushed to the final hurdle by Arsenal but victory over West Ham will cement their contemporary dominance over English football.The decorated tactician is likely to bolster his strained trophy cabinet further the following weekend when the Manchester clubs meet in the FA Cup final.That showdown at Wembley is the only fixture scheduled for Gameweek 37 and will bring the curtain down on the regular Dream Team season.And so it stands to reason that Dream Team bosses are scrambling to recruit as many Man City players as possible prior to the Gameweek 36 deadline.In fact, at the time of writing, all five of the most transferred-in players this week are Etihad residents – it’s the first time this campaign all the top five have come from the same club.Haaland features in 76.8% of teamsCredit: GettyErling Haaland (£7.2m) and Phil Foden (£5.8m) are the two most-popular players in the game overall with Kyle Walker (£3.4m), Kevin De Bruyne (£6.1m), Julian Alvarez (£4m) and Ederson (£2.7m) also among the top 15.Most read in Dream TeamHowever, the latter is said to be out for the remainder of the season having fractured his eye socket against Tottenham.Stefan Ortega (£2.1m) deputised with aplomb in midweek and the German-born goalkeeper will inevitably experience a surge in popularity.We highlighted Josko Gvardiol (£4.2m) in last week’s transfer recommendations and he couldn’t have justified the hype in a more emphatic style.The Croatia international banked a whopping 30 points across his two fixtures against Fulham and Spurs via two goals, two clean sheets and three bonus points.The 22-year-old is comfortably the most-popular recruit this week as a result.Gameweek 35’s top performerCredit: EPADream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament gameFoden and De Bruyne are the front-runners in midfield but since the schedule encourages a maximalist approach, Rodri (£4.1m) and Bernardo Silva (£4.1m) also have to be considered worthy options.The latter notched 13 points in Gameweek 36 as he registered two assists against the Cottagers.Nathan Ake (£3.4m) missed out on consecutive clean sheets as he was substituted midway through the first half last weekend.The Dutchman was on the bench in midweek but it’s unclear whether he will return to the starting line-up against the Hammers.If gaffers can identify which defender(s) out of Walker, Manuel Akanji (£4.1m) and Ruben Dias (£3.6m) will start both of City’s remaining fixtures to accompany the in-form Gvardiol then the rewards could be substantial.Many Dream Team bosses are loading up on Man City midfieldersCredit: Dream TeamOf course, some Dream Team managers will feel the need to think outside the box.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis article contains some potentially savvy differentials away from the mainstream Man City approach.Those who don’t need to do anything rash should keep it simple and stock up on all the Guardiola favourites they can facilitate.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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WHAT better way to celebrate the completion of another Premier League season than with a thrilling Score Predictor Matchweek?With all ten fixtures kicking off at the same time on Sunday, the weekly leader is likely to change every few minutes as the drama unfolds.If you end up with more points than anyone else once the dust settled, you’ll bank £500 in cash!And of course the final placings on the overall leaderboard will be determined, with even greater sums of money to be claimed.Remember, you don’t have to get all five score predictions exactly correct – something Matt Chouffot achieved against astronomical odds last month – you just have to outperform all your fellow competitors. And if you opt for sheer gut instinct, it takes just a few seconds to enter your predictions.CLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR FOR FREE – £500 CASH PRIZE MUST BE WON!Submit your predictions and put yourself in contention for the cash prizeCredit: Dream TeamCheck out our predictions for Matchweek 39 below.Arsenal v EvertonThe Gunners have it all to play for with the title on the line but they’ll need assistance from West Ham at the Etihad – more on that clash in a moment.Most read in FootballMikel Arteta will instruct his side to simply do their job and given their impressive form, home record, and the fact they beat the Toffees 4-0 at the Emirates in the corresponding fixture last season, it seems likely the hosts will keep Manchester City honest until the last.Sean Dyche’s men have kept 13 clean sheets in the league this term, a tally only bettered by Arsenal, and that statistic hints at a low-scoring affair.It would be quite something if the visitors were to hold out for a 0-0 draw but we’re inclined to back the favourites in this one.Our Prediction: 2-0 to ArsenalArsenal have won five games in a rowCredit: GettyBrighton v Manchester UnitedThe Red Devils’ only win since the start of April was their 4-2 victory over bottom-of-the-league Sheffield United at Old Trafford that wasn’t without its hairy moments.They did get past Coventry via a penalty shootout in the FA Cup but that performance provoked more criticism than half their defeats.It feels like the last days of Erik ten Hag’s tenure and the Dutchman hasn’t been helped by a succession of detrimental injuries.The Seagulls looked on the beach in April but a win over Aston Villa and a draw at St James’ Park this month represents a upturn of sorts.Both these sides will be action tonight and their respective meetings with Chelsea and Newcastle may give Score Predictor users more clues as to how Sunday’s game on the south coast will play out.For now, though…Our Prediction: 2-2 drawMan United’s performances have been under the microscope of lateCredit: GettyChelsea v BournemouthThe Cherries should be fresher having had the whole week to prepare for this match-up while Mauricio Pochettino has had to plan for an away day to Brighton before anything else.That being said, Chelsea are finishing the season in fine style having won their last three games, scoring ten goals in the process.More broadly, only Man City and Arsenal have earned more points than the Blues from their last ten league games.Bournemouth have punched well above their weight after an initial wobble under Andoni Iraola but defeats to Arsenal and Brentford have put their top-half finish in jeopardy. The reverse fixture ended 0-0 but the final day should encourage a more entertaining affair and we’re inclined to back the in-form hosts.Our Prediction: 3-2 to ChelseaChelsea’s results have picked up in the final third of the seasonCredit: GettyDream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament gameLiverpool v WolvesThis is a surprisingly common last-day fixture for whatever reason but the narrative focus will entirely revolve around Jurgen Klopp’s final game in charge of the Reds.One expects the hosts will be motivated to give their long-serving gaffer a proper send-off and the Anfield faithful couldn’t have asked for more favourable opposition given the visitors’ form.Only Sheffield United and Luton have earned fewer points than Gary O’Neil’s side in their last ten outings.Liverpool may have fallen away in the title race but even at this late stage they boast the best home record in the top flight.Klopp’s troops won 3-1 at Molineux back in September and we reckon a repeat is on the cards.Our Prediction: 3-1 to LiverpoolKlopp will want a fitting farewellCredit: GettyManchester City v West HamArsenal fans will be hoping the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus can conjure up some magic but all the evidence points to a title-sealing home win.Pep Guardiola’s trophy-hoarding machine hasn’t lost since early December (the second leg against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final was technically a draw) and most neutrals expect them to once again get over the line.The recent history of this fixture is extremely one-sided with the Hammers’ last win over Man City in the league coming in 2015.Since then, City have won 13 and drawn the other three meetings.West Ham beat Luton last time out but recent losses to Chelsea (5-0) and Crystal Palace (5-2) suggest their defence is in no shape to resist Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and company.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 4-1 to Man CityMan City will claim their fourth consecutive league title with a win over West HamCredit: GettySubmit your own predictions before the action gets underway at 4pm on Sunday and you could finish the weekend £500 better off!talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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THE sensible play for Dream Team managers is to back Manchester City to the hilt for the remainder of the season.Pep Guardiola’s side have a home game against West Ham in Gameweek 36 and a win would secure them a fourth consecutive Premier League title.Erling Haaland (£7.2m) and friends are unbeaten since early December (having technically drawn with Real Madrid in both legs of the Champions League quarter-finals) and to top it all off, they are favourites to triumph in the only fixture of Gameweek 37 – the FA Cup final.CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM’S EUROS FANTASY GAME – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO ENTER, GREAT FUN!The logical routeCredit: GettyHowever, the vast majority of Dream Team bosses will follow the same line of thinking.Some gaffers will need to think outside the box if they are to improve their rank, and possibly even pinch a Mini League victory, in what little remains of the campaign.The likes of Kevin De Bruyne (£6.1m) and Josko Gvardiol (£4.2m) are clearly excellent options but if a rival above you in your Mini League also brings them in this week then their returns won’t make a difference.This is the privilege of being a Mini League leader; you inevitably force your chasers to think outside the box and take risks.With that in mind, let’s analyse a few potential differentials ahead of Gameweek 36.Morgan Gibbs-White (£3.4m)Most read in Dream TeamAn underrated gemCredit: Dream TeamNottingham Forest travel to Turf Moor to face an already relegated Burnley on the final day of the Premier League campaign.With Nuno Espirito Santo’s side essentially safe from relegation (if not quite mathematically) the pressure will be off and the nature of the contest might create an environment in which Forest’s No10 thrives.The 24-year-old has registered six goals and 12 assists this season and certainly has the ability to unpick a demoralised defence.No team has earned fewer points at home than Vincent Kompany’s side in 2023/24.Gibbs-White averages 6.7 points-per-game across his last three fixtures and currently features in 1.2% of teams.See also: Callum Hudson-Odoi (£3m).Michael Olise (£4.3m)A class actCredit: RexDream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament gameCrystal Palace face a relatively tricky final opponent in the form of Aston Villa but with the Villains having already qualified for the Champions League, they might not be entirely motivated at Selhurst Park on Sunday.It’s also worth noting Unai Emery’s men are without a win in their last five games in all competitions.In contrast, the Eagles are finishing the season in fine style having taken 16 points from a possible 18 in their last six outings.Eberechi Eze (£4.3m) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (£3.2m) have been key to the upturn while Adam Wharton (£2.2m) continues to gain admirers but Olise reigns supreme from a Dream Team perspective.The gifted midfielder has banked 52 points across the last four Gameweeks.More broadly, he averages 8.9 points-per-game this season – only Haaland boasts a superior average among all assets.Despite these incredible stats, Olise features in just 0.7% of teams right now!Mohammed Kudus (£5.3m)Arsenal’s last hope?Credit: GettyUltra brave gaffers could opt to take Man City on directly by backing a West Ham star to shine at the Etihad.Kudus’ remarkable dribbling ability has earned him 70 bonus points this season – only Bruno Guimaraes (£4.6m) has more to his name at this late stage.Couple this with 12 goals and nine assists and it’s no wonder the Ghana international has racked up 290 points in total – he’s sixth among midfielders overall at the time of writing.Such is his individual brilliance, the ex-Ajax winger was even able to add nine points to his tally against Chelsea in Gameweek 34 despite the Hammers’ 5-0 defeat.READ MORE SUN STORIESGaffers in need of a difference-maker should back a player with a high ceiling and Kudus undoubtedly fits the bill.He appears in 1.9% of teams right now.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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TIME is running out for Dream Team managers.Our regular season fantasy game is drawing to a close and many gaffers will be hoping to improve their overall rank across the final Gameweeks.It’s often the case that goal contributions from the back make a huge difference so let’s analyse which defenders have registered the most goals and assists in all competitions so far this season.CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM’S EUROS FANTASY GAME – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO ENTER, GREAT FUN!Anfield’s hero puts most playmakers to shame with his passing and crossingCredit: Dream TeamMOST ASSISTS AMONG DEFENDERS IN 2023/24:
Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5m) – 13
Kieran Trippier (£4.3m) – 11
Pedro Porro (£3.3m) – 8
Malo Gusto (£3.1m) – 8
Conor Bradley (£3.4m) – 7
Antonee Robinson (£3.2m) – 7
Vladimir Coufal (£2.3m) – 7
Ben White (£4.6m) – 6
Diogo Dalot (£3.2m) – 6
Sergio Reguilon (£2.5m) – 6
As has often been the case since he burst onto the scene, Liverpool’s homegrown hero leads the way in terms of playmaking among players in his position.Whereas before Alexander-Arnold simply bombed forward from right-back, he’s frequently been deployed in a midfield/hybrid role in the last year – it’ll be interesting to see how Jurgen Klopp’s successor uses the England international next term.Trippier recently missed nine games through injury and yet still he’s Alexander-Arnold’s closest rival in this metric.The Newcastle right-back provides plentiful chances from open play and set-pieces when fully fit. Most read in Dream TeamPorro was a creative force throughout the first half of the campaign but the assists have dried up for him lately – he hasn’t registered one since mid-January.Credit to Gusto, who many initially saw as merely a back-up to Reece James (£3.5m).Dream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament gameFulfilling the Ilkay Gundogan roleCredit: EPAMOST GOALS AMONG DEFENDERS IN 2023/24:
Josko Gvardiol (£4.2m) – 5
Cristian Romero (£2.7m) – 5
Fabian Schar (£3.2m) – 5
Manuel Akanji (£4.1m) – 4
Dan Burn (£3m) – 4
Matty Cash (£2.8m) – 4
Lewis Dunk (£3.1m) – 4
Ben White (£4.6m) – 4
Virgil van Dijk (£3.5m) – 4
Harry Maguire (£2.8m) – 4
Marcos Senesi (£2.7m) – 4
Dara O’Shea (£1.7m) – 4
Thiago Silva (£3.1m) – 4
It’s no surprise to see Manchester City’s left-back among the top scorers after his recent spree.The Croatia international, who Pep Guardiola jokingly called “the best winger in the world” after his brace against Fulham, scored his first goal of the season in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.Since then, Gvardiol has scored a further four goals in just six outings – he’s fulfilling a role previously occupied by Ilkay Gundogan with a succession of clutch goals at the back end of the season.The fiercely competitive Romero also has five goals to his name amid what has been an impressive campaign.Tottenham’s form may have dipped as the season has progressed but the World Cup winner has stood up to be counted.Ange Postecoglou recently said that some of Romero’s team-mates need to learn from his mentality.And Schar always seems to chip with a few goals for Newcastle.The Swiss centre-back is a threat at set-pieces and has a decent long shot on him too.White has combined clean sheets with regular attacking returnsCredit: GettyMOST GOAL CONTRIBUTIONS AMONG DEFENDERS IN 2023/24:
Alexander-Arnold – 16
Trippier – 12
Porro – 11
White – 10
Maguire – 9
Senesi – 9
Naturally, there’s a lot of crossover when the metrics are combined but it’s notable that Arsenal’s No4 has achieved double figures.White’s attacking output combined with a whopping 22 clean sheets has resulted in him amassing 264 Dream Team points in total – he’s set to finish top among defenders.A word too for Maguire, an unexpected inclusion in this list.After facing much criticism, the 31-year-old put in a decent shift this season – Manchester United’s best spell coincided with his run in the team.READ MORE SUN STORIESSenesi is also deserving of a hat tip having scored four goals and provided five assists for a Bournemouth side that have punched well above their weight.Looking forward, gaffers should start thinking about which defenders will be among the goal involvements once Dream Team’s Euros fantasy game gets underway.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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