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      Several of Dream Team’s most popular players will not play at all in Gameweek 23

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      GAMEWEEK 23 is a tricky one for Dream Team managers to negotiate.Not least because several of the game’s most popular players are without a single fixture.Take the weekend off, lads!Credit: Dream TeamThe FA Cup fourth round makes up the bulk of the action with 17 of the 20 Premier League clubs set to play in the competition from Friday until Tuesday.However, as the three top-flight teams eliminated in the third round, Arsenal, Brentford and West Ham have ZERO fixtures between them this coming Gameweek.Mikel Arteta, Thomas Frank and Graham Potter may be privately thankful for the chance to recharge their troops but this twist of fate has left plenty of Dream Team bosses with problems to solve.Bryan Mbeumo (£4.7m) is the most selected player among those set to blank in Gameweek 23.The Bees’ talisman is currently the most transferred-out player this week but he still features in 20.3% of teams at the time of writing, making him the fifth-most popular midfielder in the game!Mbeumo still features in over a fifth of teamsCredit: GettyThe Cameroon international has been one of the Premier League’s best players this season and his tally of 14 goals is unsurpassed among players in his position.But his owners will either have to find a replacement before Friday’s 6:30pm deadline or make their peace with a zero-pointer.Mbeumo is by far and away the most popular asset in Brentford’s ranks but Nathan Collins (£2.7m), Yoane Wissa (£3.2m), Mark Flekken (£3m) and Mikkel Damsgaard (£3.5m) also appear in a smattering of teams.Most read in FootballAs for the Gunners, William Saliba (£4.8m) and Gabriel (£5m) are the fifth and sixth most selected defenders in the game respectively.While only Emi Martinez (£3.8m) features in more teams than David Raya (£4.5m) among the goalkeepers at present.Gabriel and Saliba will have their feet up this weekendCredit: GETTYUp top, Kai Havertz’s (£4.6m) ownership of 10.6% puts him sixth among strikers.Martin Odegaard (£4.9m), Declan Rice (£4.5m), Gabriel Martinelli (£4.1m) and Jurrien Timber (£4.1m) are all relatively popular too.There are some gaffers out there loaded up on Arsenal players who enjoyed a fantastic Gameweek 22 that will come crashing back to Earth in Gameweek 23 unless they’ve saved up some transfers.West Ham’s blank is less relevant as their most popular asset is Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£3.4m) with an ownership of 2.6%.Some onlookers would have been impressed Jarrod Bowen’s (£5.4m) return from injury against Chelsea on Monday night, which earned him 12 points, but now is certainly not the time to recruit the reliable 28-year-old.Patience is a virtueCredit: RexIn contrast to Arsenal, Brentford and West Ham’s time off, Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton all have two fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 23.GAMEWEEK 23 FIXTURES BY CLUB:ARSENAL – BLANKASTON VILLA vs TottenhamBOURNEMOUTH vs EvertonBRENTFORD – BLANKBRIGHTON vs ChelseaCHELSEA vs BrightonCRYSTAL PALACE vs DoncasterEVERTON vs Bournemouth & LiverpoolFULHAM vs WiganIPSWICH vs CoventryLEICESTER vs Manchester UnitedLIVERPOOL vs Plymouth & EvertonMANCHESTER CITY vs Leyton Orient & Real MadridMANCHESTER UNITED vs LeicesterNEWCASTLE vs BirminghamNOTTINGHAM FOREST vs ExeterSOUTHAMPTON vs BurnleyTOTTENHAM vs Aston VillaWEST HAM – BLANKWOLVES vs BlackburnScore PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Champions League play-offs mean extra Manchester City fixtures but can they take advantage?

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      ALL but one of the English clubs involved in Europe this season progressed directly to the round of 16.Manchester City are the exception as they needed a win against Club Brugge just to scrape a spot in the Champions League play-off round having finished 22nd in the league phase.Man City must get past Real Madrid if they are to make the Champions League last 16Credit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side must now beat Real Madrid, the most decorated club in the competition’s history, over two legs if they are to join Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa in the last 16.While this is a daunting prospect for the defending Premier League champions, it’s another avenue to points for Dream Team managers.At the time of writing, Man City are the only team with four fixtures to fulfil across the next two Gameweeks.For comparison, Arsenal are currently scheduled to play just once in the same time frame.The fixture list will change depending on this week’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg results but it’s true to say that no team will have more point-scoring opportunities than City from now until the end of Gameweek 24.Haaland has scored 25 goals in all competitions this seasonCredit: EPAGaffers can expect a second-string team away to Leyton Orient in the FA Cup fourth round this Saturday but Guardiola will name what he believes to be his strongest XI against Real Madrid on Tuesday night.It’s worth repeating that the La Liga giants are far from favourable opponents and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and company exposed City’s defensive frailties.Dream Team bosses should therefore be wary of backing Josko Gvardiol (£4.4m), John Stones (£3.4m) and other assets at risk of minus points if Carlo Ancelotti’s side run riot.Most read in FootballEspecially with Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham all to come before the end of February.But the club’s main attacking threats are viable options.City have scored 29 goals in seven games since the turn of the year with points aplenty for Erling Haaland (£7.9m), Phil Foden (£6.6m) and Savinho (£4.3m).Savinho has quietly amassed 14 goal involvementsCredit: GettyThe Brazilian winger is probably a tad underrated among Dream Team managers as he currently features in just 3.6% of teams.Savinho ranks eighth among all players for bonus points while only Mohamed Salah (£7.9m) and Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) have provided more assists in all competitions.Or perhaps Omar Marmoush (£4.5m) will come to the fore?The Egyptian forward will be eligible to play against Real Madrid in the play-off round of the Champions League.Rewind a year and most Dream Team managers would not hesitate for a moment when presented with an opportunity to load up on Man City players but the current version of this side is far from imperious, as evidenced by their capitulation at the Emirates last time out.Will Haaland, Foden and friends make the most of their busy schedule or is this a bear trap set to ensnare naive gaffers?Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      How will January transfer activity affect Dream Team? Starting prices revealed for new additions

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      THE January transfer window has officially slammed shut.The only thing to do now is mull over what it all means for Dream Team managers.Dream Team bosses should always be aware of new optionsCredit: Dream TeamAston Villa have bolstered their ranks with five new arrivals in an attempt to ensure a strong second half of the campaign.Right-back Andres Garcia (£2.5m) and forward Donyell Malen (£2.9m) have joined on a permanent basis but it’s the Villains’ loanees who may appeal most to gaffers. Defender Axel Disasi (£3.3m) has temporarily switched over from Chelsea while Marco Asensio (£3.5m) has joined from PSG.The Spain international is an interesting prospect.Dubbed a wonderkid in his younger years, the 29-year-old hasn’t quite lived up to expectations but he remains a talented player who is capable of significant contributions in the final third.Asensio averages a goal or assist every 115.5 minutes in Ligue 1 since his transfer to PSG.Villa have bolstered their attacking options after Jhon Duran’s exitCredit: GettyAnd he averaged a goal involvement every 165.3 minutes over eight seasons in La Liga despite being deemed a second-string option for most of his Real Madrid career.Crucially, Asensio has been added to the game as a midfielder but it wouldn’t come as a shock if he played some minutes as a centre-forward.Most read in FootballExperienced Dream Team bosses will be the first to acknowledge the heady heights Marcus Rashford (£3.4m) is capable of reaching when everything clicks.The England international scored 30 goals in all competitions for Manchester United in 2022/23 but his relationship with his boyhood club deteriorated under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.If Unai Emery can restore the 27-year-old’s confidence then there could be more than a few Dream Team points up for grabs, especially with Villa assured of their place in the Champions League last 16.Fresh startCredit: Instagram / avfcofficialManchester City have been the biggest spenders this winter.Gaffers have already had a look at Abdukodir Khusanov (£3.2m) and Omar Marmoush (£4.5m); the former desperately struggled against Chelsea but the latter has looked bright in his two outings, without the points to show for it.The defending champions’ deadline day signing of Nico Gonzalez (£3.5m) from Porto might turn a few heads.In Rodri’s absence, midfield has been a problem area for Pep Guardiola in recent months and so the 23 year-old Spaniard could feasibly pin down a regular starting spot in double quick time if he hits ground running.It would be unrealistic to expect a new signing to immediately fill the boots of the current Ballon d’Or holder but the prospect of fresh blood at Man City is an intriguing one from a Dream Team perspective.Gonzalez is an adaptable midfielderCredit: AFPElsewhere, Mathys Tel (£3.5m) has agreed loan move to Tottenham with an option to buy in the summer.The teenage winger was linked to several Premier League clubs throughout the window but ultimately chose Spurs after a conversation with Ange Postecoglou.Tel has been limited to 253 league minutes for Bayern Munich this season, hence his desire to move, but will probably be thrown straight in at his new club amid Spurs’ injury crisis.The Frenchman is still a developing talent but highly rated by those who have followed his career closely.Categorised as a forward in Dream Team, it will be interesting to see how he is deployed by Postecoglou – attack-minded Spurs assets have done every well in Dream Team this season.Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United were also said to be interested in TelCredit: RexThe North Londoners have also strengthened in defence with the loan signing of centre-back Kevin Danso (£3.5m) from Lens.Although gaffers will be wary of Spurs defenders who don’t offer an attacking threat.Manchester United have added left-back Patrick Dorgu (£2.5m) to their ranks.The 20 year-old Denmark international’s place in the pecking order is not yet clear but he’s impressed at Lecce since making his professional debut last season.Finally, it will be interesting to see how Evan Ferguson (£2.7m) gets on at West Ham.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Irish striker has previously enjoyed spells of relative popularity in Dream Team but he scored just one goal in Brighton colours this season before his loan switch to East London.At the very least, Dream Team managers should be aware of new possibilities off the back of the January transfers window.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Schoolboy Error: Dream Team bosses eagerly recruiting hat-trick hero Chris Wood ahead of FA Cup weekend

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      GAMEWEEK 22 belongs to Chris Wood (£4m).Nottingham Forest’s No11 bagged a hat-trick against Brighton on Saturday in what proved to be the centrepiece of an emphatic 7-0 victory at the City Ground.Wood has surpassed expectations this seasonCredit: Dream TeamMorgan Gibbs-White (£4.2m), Neco Williams (£2.6m), Anthony Elanga (£2.9m) and several others produced performances worthy of individual praise but from a Dream Team perspective, Wood was the standout performer with a whopping 24 points to show for his efforts come full time.The New Zealand international’s 15th, 16th and 17th league goals of the season means he is currently the top performer of the Gameweek.Incredibly, only bonafide superstars Mohamed Salah (£8m) and Erling Haaland (£7.9m) are ahead of Wood in the Premier League Golden Boot race at the time of writing.There can be no doubt the 33-year-old is playing the best football of his career.Such is his reputation right now, he is currently Dream Team’s most transferred-in player ahead of Gameweek 23.Wood took Brighton for 24 points on SaturdayCredit: GettyWhile this may seem perfectly logical on the surface, it’s likely the eager gaffers recruiting Wood this week are guilty of a schoolboy error.Form is obviously a influential factor when making a transfer but Dream Team managers must remember to look forward as well as reflecting on recent events.Bringing Wood into the fold now means enlisting him for Forest’s FA Cup fourth round meeting with Exeter next Tuesday, their only fixture of Gameweek 23.Most read in FootballThe Grecians are on a terrible run of form that has seen them slip to 17th in League One. Wood would surely be a likely scorer if he were to be unleashed upon a defence that has conceded 13 goals in their last three outings but how likely is it that Nuno Espirito Santo will risk his top scorer in such a game?Nuno opted to rest Wood in the third round of the FA CupCredit: GettyForest’s phenomenal league campaign means they are genuine contenders to qualify for the Champions League, a lofty achievement that must now be top priority.Taiwo Awoniyi started up top against Luton in the FA Cup third round and is a strong contender to lead the line against Exeter next week.Wood was given the last 16 minutes against the Hatters last month (returning one point) but his game time is a major concern for Gameweek 23.Some gaffers would say that Forest are playing so well this season that they should aim to win the FA Cup – a fair point.It’s just that a second-string XI should be more than strong enough to beat an Exeter side without a win in their last eight League One fixtures.Perhaps Wood and other first-team regulars will be given more prominent roles in the competition if a place at Wembley comes into view but that’s largely irrelevant for gaffers who have recruited the in-form target man this week.It wouldn’t be a surprise if Wood didn’t feature at all in Gameweek 23Credit: EPALooking further ahead, Wood will start against Fulham in Gameweek 24 (if available) and would certainly be a viable Dream Team option.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter that, Forest are due to face Newcastle and Arsenal in Gameweek 25 in what is one of the most difficult doubler headers of the lot, on paper at least.Wood has exceeded all expectations this season but even by standards, he’ll have to produce something truly remarkable this month to justify this week’s flurry of transfers.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Revitalised Everton players emerge as surprise options for Dream Team managers ahead of Gameweek 23

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      THE mere concept of Everton success seemed ludicrous just a fortnight ago.But things change quickly in the world of Dream Team.On the rise!Credit: Dream TeamDavid Moyes has overseen three straight victories to dramatically change the outlook at Goodison Park.The Toffees blitzed Tottenham in Gameweek 20 and while their 3-0 half-time lead was pegged back to 3-2 come the final whistle, that performance proved to be the catalyst for a sharp upturn.They followed that up with a resilient 1-0 win away to Brighton, just the second time the Seagulls have lost a league game on home soil this season.Most recently, Everton totally outclassed Leicester with a comprehensive 4-0 victory in front of a jubilant home crowd.The defence was relatively solid under Sean Dyche but the attack far too blunt and unimaginative.Moyes is not known for expansive attacking football but he has instilled some much-needed potency and belief in the final third, in quick time too.Moyes has made a big impact since his return to MerseysideCredit: GettyWhether this is a new manager bounce or something longer lasting remains to be seen but Dream Team bosses would be foolish to ignore the increased output from Goodison Park.No fewer than six Everton players registered double-digit hauls against the Foxes on Saturday: Beto (£1.9m), Jordan Pickford (£3.9m), Abdoulaye Doucoure (£2.5m), Iliman Ndiaye (£4.4m), James Tarkowski (£3.6m) and James Garner (£2.3m).Most read in FootballNo team had more players reach double figures over the weekend, not even Nottingham Forest, who thumped Brighton 7-0.For many Dream Team managers, this won’t be enough to convince them of Everton’s viability as there are other factors to consider.But the stars have aligned to make Pickford and company as appealing as possible ahead of Gameweek 23.Pickford is the most in-form goalkeeper in Dream Team right nowCredit: ReutersEverton are one of just three teams set to fulfil two fixtures this coming Gameweek.Bournemouth are due at Goodison Park in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday before Liverpool make the short trip across Stanley Park for the rescheduled Merseyside derby next Wednesday.Given the Reds and the Cherries are both among the most in-form sides since the turn of the year, this can hardly be considered a favourable double header for Moyes’ side.It would certainly be bold back Pickford, Tarkowski or any other asset at risk of minus points if Mohamed Salah (£8m) and friends are at their free-flowing best come derby day.But Beto, Doucoure and Ndiaye are all tempting differentials, particularly the latter.Ndiaye is rising up the Dream Team rankings at a rapid rateCredit: GettyThe Senegal international is one of the game’s most in-form players having scored against Spurs, Brighton and Leicester for a return of 33 points from his last three outings.The skilful 24-year-old also ranks joint-fifth for bonus points among all players.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn Gameweek 23, the vast majority of clubs have just one fixture and heavy rotation is to be expected in the FA Cup fourth round; while Arsenal, West Ham and Brentford will BLANK entirely.Everton’s top stars are likely to play significantly more minutes than most their rivals and are therefore smart short-term options for gaffers who prioritise the schedule.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 22: Latest news on David Raya, James Maddison and others

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      DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 22 in one convenient location.David Raya is a doubt ahead of Arsenal’s highly-anticipated clash with Manchester City this weekend.Raya has more points than any other goalkeeper in Dream Team this seasonThe Spanish goalkeeper, who features in 19.5% of teams at the time of writing, didn’t feature against Girona in midweek and is due for an assessment on Saturday.Myles Lewis-Skelly had his much-discussed red card rescinded upon appeal and is therefore available.As for the defending champions, Pep Guardiola expects to have the same squad available from Wednesday night’s win over Club Brugge, meaning Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku remain sidelined.Oscar Bobb has resumed full training but it’s not clear when he will be reintroduced to the playing squad.Joe Gomez, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota all returned to training ahead of Liverpool’s double Gameweek but the trio will be assessed before Arne Slot makes final decisions.Maddison has a calf strainCredit: ReutersThomas Frank was pleased to confirm that Ethan Pinnock, Kevin Schade and Christian Norgaard will all be available to face Tottenham on Sunday.However, the unfortunate Rico Henry faces several weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.As for Spurs, James Maddison and Radu Dragusin are the latest names added to the club’s extensive injury list – the latter was forced off against Elfsborg on Thursday night with a jarred knee.Most read in FootballThe England midfielder is expected to be unavailable for two to three weeks with a calf strain – he’s currently the most transferred-out player in Dream Team ahead of Gameweek 22.In more positive news for North London outfit, Micky van de Ven made his comeback in the Europa League and several other players due to return in February.Van de Ven returned on Thursday nightCredit: RexUnai Emery offered an estimated recovery time of three weeks for Matty Cash in his Friday press conference.Aston Villa’s head coach also said that Tyrone Mings’ injury was “not really bad” but ruled the centre-back out of the Villains’ trip to Wolves.The hosts will be without striker Jorgen Strand Larsen at Molineux following his withdrawal at Arsenal last weekend with a hamstring issue – Joao Gomes is suspended.David Moyes told journalists that Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be sidelined for “a number of weeks” and revealed that Orel Mangala (ACL) is out for the rest of the season.But combative midfielder Tim Iroegbunam may be involved in Everton’s matchday squad for Leicester’s visit to Goodison Park on Saturday.Eze will not feature at Old Trafford this weekendCredit: GettyCrystal Palace will be without key man Eberechi Eze for their trip to Old Trafford.Oliver Glasner will be able to call upon midfield pair Adam Wharton and Matheus Franca if required but Cheick Doucoure and Chadi Riad are both ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.Lucas Paqueta is due for an assessment while Graham Potter is “hopeful” Jarrod Bowen may be able to play some part for West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, David Raya (doubt)Suspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Pau Torres, Amadou Onana, Tyrone Mings, Ross Barkley, Matty CashSuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Luis Sinisterra (doubt), Alex Scott, Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith, Evanilson, Enes Unal, James HillSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Igor Thiago, Rico HenrySuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Evan Ferguson (doubt), Mats Wieffer, Igor Julio, Solly March, Pervis EstupinanSuspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Romeo LaviaSuspensions: Mykhailo MudrykCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Joel Ward, Chadi Riad, Eberechi EzeSuspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Tim Iroegbunam (doubt), Dwight McNeil, Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Seamus Coleman, Orel Mangala, Dominic Calvert-LewinSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, Harry WilsonSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Conor Chaplin, Sammie Szmodics, Wes BurnsSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Ricardo Pereira, Abdul Fatawu, Mads Hermansen (doubt), Wilfred Ndidi Suspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Joe Gomez (doubt), Diogo Jota (doubt), Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb (doubt), Rodri, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, Jeremy DokuSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny EvansSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Callum Wilson, Harvey BarnesSuspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Ibrahim Sangare, Callum Hudson-OdoiSuspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Ross Stewart, Jack Stephens (doubt), Ryan Fraser, Nathan Wood-GordonSuspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Timo Werner, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, Radu DragusinSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen (doubt), Jean-Clair Todibo, Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville (doubt), Lucas Paqueta (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore (doubt), Yerson Mosquera, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Carlos Forbs, Leon ChiwoneSuspensions: Joao Gomes More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 22: Mohamed Salah to light up Carabao Cup semi-final?

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      DREAM TEAM managers must remember to select their captain for Gameweek 22 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.Generally speaking, it’s wise to stick the armband on a player with two point-scoring opportunities if possible.And so assets from Arsenal, Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham are in the spotlight as those four clubs are set to pull double duty in Gameweek 22, courtesy of the Carabao Cup semi-final second legs.Salah is the safe choice for a reasonCredit: Dream TeamMohamed Salah (£8m) is the first name that comes to mind as he leads the way with 339 points overall.Liverpool are due to face Bournemouth on Saturday before hosting Spurs on Thursday night.Two seasons ago, the Reds beat the Cherries 9-0 but a lot has changed since then.Right now, Bournemouth are arguably the Premier League’s most in-form side having dusted Newcastle 4-1 and thrashed high-flying Nottingham Forest 5-0 in their two most recent outings.Andoni Iraola’s side also boast the best defensive record in home fixtures this season.On paper, Salah faces a stern test this weekend.Bournemouth have outplayed several strong opponents this seasonCredit: GettyThat being said, the Egyptian superstar averages 10.6 points-per-game this season and even if he is constricted by Milos Kerkez (£3.6m) and company on the south coast then he may cash in against an injury-ravaged Spurs at Anfield a few days later.Most read in Dream TeamAnge Postecoglou’s side beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg and so Arne Slot is expected to name a strong starting line-up on Thursday night with a view to targeting his first trophy as Anfield boss.If Salah is going to be rested soon, it will surely be against Plymouth in the FA Cup fourth round.Many Dream Team bosses will be wary of overthinking captaincy this Gameweek and so the prolific 32-year-old provides a safe, logical option.Gaffers looking to take Salah on in Gameweek 22 would do well to consider Alexander Isak (£6.1m).A rare double Gameweek for Newcastle makes Isak an appealing optionCredit: GettyFulham (league) and Arsenal (cup) is far from a favourable double header for Newcastle but the Magpies are the only team with the luxury of two home games this Gameweek.The Toon’s Swedish striker has racked up 230 points via 19 goals this campaign – Salah and Erling Haaland (£7.9m) are the only names above him in the rankings.Isak will be up against two good defences this coming Gameweek but his blistering form means he almost transcends the schedule.Let’s not forget he banked 13 points against the Gunners in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.Arsenal have two big fixtures in Gameweek 22Credit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side are not to be underestimated but it would take a brave gaffer to confidently pick out a captain among their ranks at this juncture.Gabriel (£5m), Leandro Trossard (£3.9m) and Kai Havertz (£4.7m) have notched their fair share of points lately but Arsenal’s double header of Manchester City and Newcastle is a difficult one to predict.If Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) was fit and firing then he would be a strong candidate for the armband but sadly that’s not the case.It’s a similar story for Spurs.Son Heung-min (£5m), Pedro Porro (£4.2m) and Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m) have delivered plentiful points this term but it’s a stretch to think any of them are stronger captaincy options than Salah or Isak… isn’t it?A bold alternativeCredit: AFPCody Gakpo (£4.7m) is among the most popular recruits ahead of Gameweek 22 and his new owners might be tempted to slap the armband straight on him following his mighty 29-point return in Gameweek 21.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Dutchman is technically Liverpool’s most in-form player right now but again, it would take some courage to opt for him over Salah.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 NOWUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Transfer recommendations for Gameweek 22: Newcastle stars back among strong options

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      FOUR teams are set to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 22.Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Arsenal will compete in the Carabao Cup semi-final second legs in midweek after a full round of Premier League games.With that in mind, allow us to present some transfer recommendations.Both Isak and Gordon were on the scoresheet against Arsenal earlier this monthCredit: ReutersAlexander Isak (£6.1m) and Anthony Gordon (£5.3m)A rare double Gameweek for the Magpies means their top performers are once again in the spotlight.Isak has been a phenomenon this season and sits third in the overall rankings on 230 points having scored 19 goals in all competitions.Newcastle’s double header of Fulham (league) and Arsenal (cup) is far from favourable but they will have home advantage for both games and their top scorer is capable of breaching any defence on current form.As for Gordon, he’s tenth among midfielders at present but ranks seventh for bonus points among all players.Lewis Hall (£4.4m) and Bruno Guimaraes (£5m) are also viable one-week punts. Iliman Ndiaye (£4.2m)Only Morgan Rogers has completed more successful dribbles than Ndiaye this seasonCredit: RexAway from the double headers, Everton’s home game against Leicester might be a match-up to target.The Foxes beat an injury-ravaged Tottenham last weekend but lost their last seven league games prior.Most read in FootballWhereas David Moyes has overseen two consecutive victories with Ndiaye scoring the winner from the spot against Brighton last Saturday.The Senegal international has racked up 35 points in his last four outings and ranks joint-fifth for bonus points overall.Recruiting the ex-Marseille winger would also be a proactive move ahead of Gameweek 23, when the Toffees will face Bournemouth and Liverpool at a time when the vast majority of clubs will have just one fixture to fulfil.Cody Gakpo (£4.7m)When a plan comes together…Credit: AFPWe led last week’s transfer recommendations on Liverpool’s Dutch delight but a 29-point return in Gameweek 21 means he’s worthy of another mention.Gakpo bagged a brace against Ipswich (plus an assist) before he scored a penalty against former club PSV in midweek.Some gaffers may feel that a transfer now would be a futile act of chasing lost points but the 25 year-old forward remains a strong option because Arne Slot’s side have FOUR fixtures to complete across the next two Gameweeks.Rotation is a risk but Gakpo only played a combined 120 minutes across his two successful outings this Gameweek and should therefore be fresh enough to start for the Reds at Bournemouth this Saturday.Only Erling Haaland (£7.9m), Mohamed Salah (£8m) and the aforementioned Isak have scored more goals in all competitions at the time of writing.Confirm your transfers for Gameweek 22 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More