Dream Team

NICOLAS JACKSON (£3.9m) has copped plenty of stick this season.Earlier in the campaign, the Chelsea forward was statistically among the most wasteful finishers in the Premier League and he didn’t do himself any favours when he and Noni Madueke (£3.1m) tried to take a penalty away from Cole Palmer (£5.4m) a few weeks backs.However, while some of the criticism has been justified, the Senegal international has unquestionably improved as the season has progressed.CLICK HERE TO PLAY EUROS BRACKET CHALLENGE NOW – FREE TO PLAY, IPHONE 15 PRO MAX UP FOR GRABS!Improving all the timeCredit: Dream TeamIn fact, after his brace against West Ham on Sunday, Jackson now boasts a tally of 13 league goals in 2023/24.To put that into perspective, Stamford Bridge legend Didier Drogba only scored more league goals in two of his nine seasons with the Blues.Obviously that statistic lacks context and fails to tell even a fraction of the story of the Ivorian’s Chelsea career but it illustrates that Jackson is certainly a player who was written off too soon by many.An overall return of 16 goals in all competitions is perfectly respectable for a 22-year-old in his first year on English shores.There are clearly aspects of his game that need addressing but he’s shown Mauricio Pochettino what he’s capable of since he returned from the Africa Cup of Nations.Dream Team managers have also started to take note of his positive attributes.Most read in FootballJackson scored two goals and assisted another during his side’s 5-0 win over West HamCredit: GettyJackson has registered eight goals and five assists in 18 outings since the start of Gameweek 22 for a return of 120 points.That works out at 9.2 points per Gameweek since the start of February.At the time of writing, only Erling Haaland (£6.9m) has scored more points than Jackson in Gameweek 34 – the latter banked 19 against the Hammers.And he looks to be a potentially smart option for Gameweek 35 too with Chelsea among the group of six clubs with two fixtures to fulfil.Pochettino’s side are due to face Nottingham Forest and Brighton which is arguably the most-favourable double header of the lot next Gameweek.The outlook now seems brighter for Pochettino at Stamford BridgeCredit: PAMore broadly, only Manchester City and Arsenal have taken more points than Chelsea from their last ten league games.Rewind a few months and the idea of Jackson as a viable Dream Team striker would have sounded ridiculous but that’s the truth of it as the campaign draws to a close.It will be interesting to see how he and Chelsea start 2024/25.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 34 in one easily digestible dose.At the time of writing, Phil Foden is the second-most transferred-out player ahead of tonight’s deadline but the Manchester City midfielder is thought to be available having recovered from illness.The same is true of centre-back Ruben Dias, who also missed the defending champions’ win over Nottingham Forest last time out.Additionally, Ederson has resumed training this week and “feels good” according to Pep Guardiola so there’s a chance the Brazilian starts against Wolves, despite pessimistic rumours earlier in the week.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 IN CASH!Foden is back in contention for Man CityVirgil van Dijk is a major doubt ahead of Liverpool v Tottenham on Sunday.The Dutchman may have returned to partial training today but at this stage it’s unlikely he’ll be risked with the Reds no longer in the title race for real.Speaking on his frosty disagreement with Mohamed Salah last weekend, Jurgen Klopp told journalists that things were “completely resolved”.Fabian Schar may be out for the remainder of the campaign having injured his hamstring last time out, adding to Newcastle’s defensive absentees.In more positive news for the Magpies, late calls will be made on Nick Pope, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton following the trio’s return to training.Saturday’s trip to Turf Moor comes too soon for Kieran Trippier.Fernades is incredibly durable but currently a doubt for Monday nightCredit: Dream TeamBruno Fernandes has never missed a game for Manchester United through injury but the durable midfielder is a doubt for Monday night’s visit to Crystal Palace.However, Erik ten Hag also said: “We all know Bruno, never rule him out for any game. He will do his best to be available.”Scott McTominay is also a doubt having hyper-extended his knee – the Scotsman hasn’t yet trained this week.As for the Eagles, they’ve been boosted by the news that both Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze are deemed fit enough to feature against the Red Devils in some capacity at least.Levi Colwill and Christopher Nkunku are the players most likely to return to action among Chelsea’s crocked crop when the Blues take on West Ham on Sunday.Reece James and Raheem Sterling also returned to partial training prior to the West Londoners’ win over Tottenham but the pair seemingly require more recovery time before they are reintroduced to the matchday squad.Nkunku has hardly featured for Chelsea this seasonCredit: GettyMikel Arteta told reporters that “everyone is fit and available” ahead of Arsenal’s home game against Bournemouth.There’s a chance Jurrien Timber may feature after his lengthy spell on the sidelines – the defender has played twice for the Under-21s in recent weeks.Pedro Neto, Santiago Bueno and Jean-Ricner Bellegard are all available for Wolves again having rejoined training this week but Gary O’Neil did not provide an update on Rayan Ait-Nouri, who has been hampered on and off for a few weeks now.Everton will be without full-backs Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko against Luton this evening with the latter out for the rest of the season.In better news, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Seamus Coleman are back in contention.ARSENALInjuries: NoneSuspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia, Boubacar Kamara, Jacob Ramsey, Alex Moreno, Emi Martinez (doubt), Youri Tielemans (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Ryan Fredericks, Chris Mepham, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams, Marcus TavenierSuspensions: Milos KerkezBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Josh Dasilva, Ben MeeSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: Solly March, James Milner, Jack Hinshelwood, Kaoru Mitoma, Evan Ferguson, Tariq Lamptey, Jan Paul van Hecke, Adam Lallana, Pervis EstupinanSuspensions: NoneBURNLEYInjuries: Luka Koleosho, Nathan Redmond, Aaron Ramsey, Ameen Al-Dakhil, Jordan BeyerSuspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwo, Reece James, Christopher Nkunku (doubt), Levi Colwill (doubt), Robert Sanchez, Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, Enzo Fernandez, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Carney Chukwuemeka, Malo Gusto, Suspensions: NoneCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Rob Holding, Matheus Franca, Sam Johnstone, Jefferson Lerma (doubt)Suspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Dele Alli, Lewis Dobbin, Seamus Coleman (doubt), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (doubt), Nathan Patterson, Vitaliy MykolenkoSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Harrison Reed (doubt)Suspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Thiago Alcantara, Ben Doak, Joel Matip, Conor Bradley (doubt), Virgil van Dijk (doubt), Diogo JotaSuspensions: NoneLUTONInjuries: Tom Lockyer, Marvelous Nakamba, Mads Andersen, Jacob Brown, Amari’i Bell, Dan Potts, Issa Kabore, Chiedozie OgbeneSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Ederson (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans (doubt), Scott McTominay (doubt), Victor Lindelof, Marcus Rashford (doubt), Bruno Fernandes (doubt), Willy KambwalaSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Matt Targett, Nick Pope (doubt), Joelinton (doubt), Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, Miguel Almiron (doubt), Lewis Miley, Sven Botman, Joe Willock, Fabian ScharSuspensions: Sandro TonaliNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Taiwo Awoniyi (doubt), Nicolas Dominguez (doubt), Neco Williams (doubt)Suspensions: NoneSHEFFIELD UNITEDInjuries: Daniel Jebbison, John Egan, Chris Basham, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Max Lowe, Rhian Brewster, Tom Davies, George Baldock, Oli McBurnieSuspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Ryan Sessegnon, Manor Solomon, Fraser Forster, Destiny Udogie, Timo Werner, Ben DaviesSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Nayef Aguerd, Konstantinos Mavropanos (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWOLVESInjuries: Criag Dawson, Leon Chwome, Rayan Ait-Nouri (doubt)Suspensions: NonetalkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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OLLIE WATKINS (£5m) remains the standout captaincy option for Gameweek 34 but some Dream Team managers will be open to other suggestions after Aston Villa’s defeat on Thursday night.Unai Emery’s side are the only team with two fixtures to fulfil this coming Gameweek in the form of Brighton (a) and Olympiacos (a) and so their top scorer is seemingly the logical choice.However, the appeal of this double header has waned in the wake of the Villains’ 4-2 loss to the Greek giants in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 IN CASH!Can Watkins dig Villa out of a hole in Greece next week?Credit: Dream TeamThat being said, Watkins did score at Villa Park, his 24th goal of the season in all competitions no less.Gaffers who adopt a fixture-centric approach will captain Watkins without a second thought but who are the leading alternatives?Erling Haaland (£7m) came off the bench against Nottingham Forest last weekend to score his 32nd goal of the campaign (all comps) and is currently the most-popular recruit among Dream Team bosses this week.Assuming the Norwegian poacher is fit enough to lead the line from the get-go at home to Wolves on Saturday, he has to be considered a viable skipper.Haaland averages 8.8 points-per-game this season and with Manchester City homing in on another Premier League title, it’s difficult to envisage them slipping up against a bottom-half team on home soil – although Gary O’Neil’s upset the odds in the reverse fixture back in September.Captain material?Credit: AFPAlexander Isak (£4.5m) backers must be tempted to double his points in Gameweek 34 with Newcastle set to face Burnley.Most read in FootballGranted, the Clarets have shown more resolve in recent weeks but the Magpies’ form has picked up too, mostly because of the potent threat provided their Swedish striker and his accomplice Anthony Gordon (£3.9m).Isak is now an outsider for the Golden Boot having scored nine goals in his last eight league games – a fruitful spell that has also yielded 79 Dream Team points.Bukayo Saka (£5.8m) is generally among the most-popular captains when available and with good reason.Arsenal’s No7 averages 7.9 points-per-game this season and is now within three points of Phil Foden (£5.8m) at the top of the overall rankings.The Gunners host Bournemouth this Saturday lunchtime and while the Cherries are an opponent to be respected having jumped into the top half of the table, it’s simply a fact that only West Ham and the bottom four clubs have conceded more league goals this term.Isak is among Dream Team’s most in-form players right nowCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side remain highly motivated amid a two-horse title race while Andoni Iraola’s men have earned the right to be ‘on the beach’ psychologically.Saka was among the best performers in Gameweek 33 having taken neighbours Tottenham for 16 points last weekend.In terms of Booster strategies, selecting the aforementioned Watkins as a 12th Man seems the most sensible play for those who have the option.READ MORE SUN STORIESGaffers with Park the Bus and/or Max Captain still in holster should wait for Gameweek 35 when six teams will play twice.Lock in your transfers, captain and any Boosters you wish to play before tonight’s 7pm deadline!talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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THE top prize for Score Predictor Matchweek 37 is once again £500 in cash!And given it’s free to play, there’s no excuse for not getting involved.Simply gaze into your crystal ball and foresee the scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and you’ll earn points based on the accuracy of your predictions.You don’t have to get all five scores exactly correct – something Matt Chouffot achieved against astronomical odds last month – you just have to muster more points than anyone else to claim the weekly prize.CLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR FOR FREE – £500 CASH PRIZE MUST BE WON!Play now and you could be £500 richer by Monday nightCredit: Dream TeamManchester City v WolvesGary O’Neil’s side beat the defending champions at Molineux back in September but it’s a foolish punter who bets against Pep Guardiola amid a title run-in.Kevin De Bruyne is creating more chances than ever and Erling Haaland marked his return from injury with a goal against Nottingham Forest last time out.Man City have looked a tad leggy of late but they just keep churning out positive results.Add in the fact they are the only team in the England’s top four leagues that remain unbeaten at home in 2023/24 and it’s hard to envisage anything other than three points for the hosts.Most read in FootballOur Prediction: 3-1 to Man City32 goals and counting this seasonCredit: GettyBrighton v Aston VillaFans of the Seagulls can’t wait for the season to end.Only Sheffield United, Luton and Nottingham Forest have earned fewer points than Roberto De Zerbi’s side in their last ten league games.This dip has caused Brighton to slip to 12th in the table, 23 points shy of the Villains in fourth.Ollie Watkins and company ripped Brighton to shreds in the reverse fixture (a 6-1 win at Villa Park) but there’s a chance they’ll be somewhat hampered by Europa Conference League commitments this week and next.The visitors should still have enough to edge out their increasingly disinterested counterparts on the south coast.Our Prediction: 2-1 to Aston VillaWatkins scored a hat-trick against Brighton in SeptemberCredit: GettyChelsea v West HamThe Hammers are another team limping towards the finish line.A draw at home to Liverpool last weekend was perfectly respectable but the broader view of seven points from their last eight league games is rather dismal.The Blues are likely to leapfrog West Ham in the table soon, possibly this evening if they earn at least one point against Spurs.However, Maurcio Pochettino’s troops are unpredictable while David Moyes’ side have done pretty well on the road this term.A tough one to judge.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawWest Ham are drifting towards a mid-table finishCredit: GettyLiverpool v TottenhamArguably the standout contest of the weekend but one that carries less weight now the Reds have fallen away in the title race.Joel Matip’s 96th-minute own goal handed Spurs three points in the reverse fixture but that was the first time Liverpool have lost to the North Londoners in any competition since 2017.Score Predictor users will remember that Ange Postecoglou’s side had a helping hand from a VAR mishap in that controversial encounter.Neither of these teams are at their best right now, as evidenced by the fact they’re tenth and 13th in the form table respectively.Still, this match-up has all the ingredients for an entertaining affair. Our Prediction: 3-2 to LiverpoolLuis Diaz was wrongly denied a goal against Spurs earlier this seasonCredit: ReutersCrystal Palace v Manchester UnitedThe Eagles have adopted a confident swagger ever since Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze were reunited in the starting line-up.And Jean-Philippe Mateta deserves to be recognised as one of the Premier League’s most in-form forwards currently.Oliver Glasner’s side have taken ten points from their last four games and provided their supporters with plenty of entertainment in the process – the quality of their goals has been very high of late.The Red Devils are equally entertaining but in a way that brings their fans less joy.Erik ten Hag’s side continue to concede a high volume of shots and a return of ten points from their last nine games has to be considered below par.Man United made hard work of it against Sheffield United and Burnley and so it wouldn’t be all that surprising if they were turned over on Monday night.Our Prediction: 2-1 to Crystal PalaceREAD MORE SUN STORIESPalace have scored eight goals in their last three gamesCredit: ReutersShow us how it’s done by entering Score Predictor before the action gets underway on Saturday!CLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR FOR FREE – £500 CASH PRIZE MUST BE WON!talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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ASTON VILLA are the standout team in Gameweek 34 purely because they are the only side set to pull double duty.Unai Emery’s men take on an out-of-form Brighton at the weekend before travelling to Greece for the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final against Olympiacos next Thursday.Dream Team managers will be able to get a read on the Villains’ prospects in that second match-up by observing the first leg at Villa Park this evening.Ollie Watkins (£5m) remains a seriously strong asset but we’ve highlighted him enough in recent weeks.Allow us to suggest some other transfer recommendations for Gameweek 34…PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 IN CASH!Will the best Villa assets please stand upCredit: ReutersEzri Konsa (£3.5m) and/or [insert Aston Villa midfielder of your choice]Last week we mentioned Leon Bailey (£3.7m) and Moussa Diaby (£3.1m) in regards to players who could potentially capitalise on Villa’s additional fixtures but we may as well add John McGinn (£3.9m), Morgan Rogers (£2.2m) and Douglas Luiz (£3.8m) into the mix as well.There’s not much between the midfielders but it’s worth noting the latter is on penalties and the most immune to rotation.Again, tonight’s fixture may give Dream Team bosses a better indication of which midfielder is most likely to thrive in Gameweek 34.Most read in FootballIn terms of defensive assets, fan favourite Konsa is seemingly the best option.The England international is a keen bonus point hoarder; his tally of 55 if only bettered by three players (all midfielders) at the time of writing.We tipped the 26-year-old ahead of a favourable double header earlier in the campaign and it didn’t work out so he owes us a decent haul.Konsa is joint-ninth among defenders right now with 188 points to his name.Alexander Isak (£4.5m) and/or Anthony Gordon (£3.9m)A formidable double actCredit: Dream TeamSome gaffers may choose to overlook Villa’s double header in favour of getting a headstart on Gameweek 35, when six teams have two fixtures to fulfil.Newcastle are among this sextet and they have the added benefit of a favourable match-up in Gameweek 34, in the form of 19th-placed Burnley.Granted, the Clarets have been more competitive of late having lost just one of their last eight games but the Magpies have rediscovered their best form in recent weeks.Only title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal have taken more points from their last six league outings than Eddie Howe’s side and that’s largely down to the attacking threat provided by Isak and Gordon.The Swedish striker has now bagged 23 goals in all competitions this season – only Erling Haaland (£7m) and Mohamed Salah (£6.5m) have score more.With Burnley, Brighton, Manchester United and Brentford to come across the next three Gameweeks, it’s not inconceivable Isak will snatch the Golden Boot.Among midfielders, only Bruno Fernandes (£5.6m) has taken more points from his last three outings than Gordon but gaffers should be aware that the ex-Everton winger is much more effective at home – his away record is actually well below par.With Newcastle set to travel to Turf Moor this weekend, it may be that gaffers keen on Gordon can delay the move another week but it’s a situational decision.Conor Gallagher (£3.9m)240 points and countingCredit: GettyA left-field suggestion here in the form of a 2.2%-owned midfielder.Make no mistake, Cole Palmer (£5.4m) remains Chelsea’s main man by a comfortable margin but the schedule suggests doubling up on Stamford Bridge assets is a viable strategy.Maurico Pochettino’s side host West Ham this weekend, double up against Nottingham Forest and Brighton in Gameweek 35, then finish the campaign against Bournemouth in Gameweek 36.Gallagher has quietly climbed up to joint-12th in the midfield rankings and his average of 5.3 points-per-game puts him above Luis Diaz (£4.5m), Jeremy Doku (£3.9m), Declan Rice (£4.1m) and other notable assets in the same metric.The hardworking 24-year-old found goal involvements hard to come in the first half of the season but he’s addressed that issue with six goals and two assists in his last 15 outings.Gallagher earns plenty of bonus points and he’s close to joining the exclusive group of players (six currently) to have made 100 tackles in all competitions in 2023/24 – he’s got several avenues to points.The elephant in the roomCredit: RexA quick note for the too-obvious-to-mention Haaland, who came off the bench against Nottingham Forest to score his 32nd goal of the campaign last weekend.As a result, the prolific poacher is currently the most-popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 34.READ MORE SUN STORIESManchester City host Wolves on Saturday and are among the six teams with two fixtures in Gameweek 35.Lock in your transfers ahead of Friday’s 7pm deadline!talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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