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      Matheus Cunha has ban EXTENDED and slapped with £50,000 fine after Wolves star ‘punched and headbutted’ Milos Kerkez

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      WOLVES striker Matheus Cunha has had his three-match red card ban extended by an FA commission.Brazilian Cunha was dismissed after a tear-up with Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez in the final minute of extra-time in the FA Cup fifth round tie.Matheus Cunha was sent off for a headbutt on Milos Kerkez earlier this monthCredit: GettyThe two players came to blows in the FA CupCredit: GettyThe volatile South American was dismissed by ref Sam Barrott for kicking out at Cherries’ left back Kerkez when the defender was on the ground following a skirmish between them.Cunha, who had earlier scored a brilliant long-range equaliser, then aimed a headbutt at Kerkez after both had got to their feet, before seemingly ignoring the red card as he refused to leave the pitch.It was the latter behaviour that saw him charged with misconduct and an independent disciplinary commission ordered him to serve an extra match suspension with a fine of £50,000 on top.The FA said the full written reasons behind the sanction would be published “in due course” while Cunha, who admitted the charge, will miss upcoming games against West Ham and Ipswich before being available to face Spurs on April 13.Read More in FootballBut the punishment was something of an escape given it was the second time this season that Cunha has fallen foul of Wembley disciplinary beaks.In December he was charged with misconduct following the flare-up at the end of Wolves’ home defeat by Ipswich when he got into a ruckus with one of the visitors’ security staff.While the commission which sat on that case found he deserved a three-match ban and £120,000 fine, both punishments were reduced by a third – to two matches and £80,000 – after it emerged he had offered to buy the Ipswich steward a new pair of glasses.Cunha has been heavily linked with a move away from Wolves in recent months.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal and Manchester United were understood to be among the clubs interested.But he instead revealed that he is happy at Molineux and penned a new contract.Wolves forward Matheus Cunha faces trial over ‘driving blunder’ More

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      Everton move to make peace with club legend, 64, after two-year exile from Goodison Park

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      EVERTON have moved to make peace with club icon Graeme Sharp by inviting him to attend one of the last matches at Goodison Park.The former director, who won two league titles, the FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup as the star striker for Howard Kendall’s all-conquering side in the 1980s, has not been to an Everton game for over two years due to safety fears.Graeme Sharp had been advised to stay away from Goodison ParkCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe club legend won two titles, an FA Cup and a Cup Winners’ CupCredit: PA:Empics SportSharp and the entire Everton Board were advised to stay away from Goodison due to a “real and credible threats” received before a home game against Southampton in January 2023.Sharp resigned from the Board at the end of that season, along with chief executive Denise Barret-Baxendale and strategy officer Grant Ingles, and has not been back to Everton since.The former Scotland international was criticised by some Everton fans for defending the unpopular ownership of Farhad Moshiri, who finally sold the club to the Friedkin Group last year.Banners featuring the words “Sharp Out” were brought by fans to several matches and he stood down after just 18 months on the Board.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSharp was unpaid non-executive director with no real influence over the club’s decision making however, with many at Everton feeling he was treated unfairly.Everton’s new owners are aware of the situation and have reached out to Sharp, making it clear he is welcome back as a guest at Goodison at any time.David Moyes’ side have just four matches left at their 137-year-old home before moving to their new £800million stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.Moyes is thought to be particularly keen to welcome Sharp back to the club as the pair got to know each other well during his previous spell in charge.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn an interview with the Scotsman last year Sharp said “I don’t see myself going back” as “the stick that I got was totally underserved,” although he had not been invited at that stage.The 64-year-old has also attended a number of Everton fan events in recent months and been well received, which friends of his say may prompt a change of heart.’Normally a bottle of red wine down’ – Moyes unhappy at unusual kick-off time More

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      ‘My daughter thought I was a referee’ says England legend Ashley Cole as he’s inducted into football Hall of Fame

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      ASHLEY COLE was an Arsenal Invincible, a European champion at Chelsea, a record seven-time FA Cup winner and a member of England’s exclusive 100 Club, once recognised as the best left-back on the planet. But ask him to reflect on that glorious career, after being inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame, and Cole highlights his regret at the “silly bitterness” which overshadowed a large part of his career.Ashley Cole was inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of FameCredit: PAEngland Under-21 assistant boss Cole won major awards with Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – GettyCole, now a well-respected assistant to England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley, insists he is a very different person now to the hot-headed player who left Arsenal under a cloud after being tapped up by Chelsea.Back then he infamously wrote in his autobiography that he “almost swerved off the road” when being informed that Arsenal were offering “only £55,000 a week”.And Cole, 44, admits: “I’ve grown up since then, from making silly mistakes, silly words, bitter words, feuds – I’m so grown and so over that now.“I respect the both clubs I was at, they gave me a lot, they gave me opportunities.Read More on Arsenal “There isn’t one memory that sticks out, I’ve won Premier Leagues, Champions League, created history in the FA Cup, I look back and say, ‘Yeah you’ve done well and they were your rewards’.“And competing for my country at World Cups and Euros was really important to me.”Cole’s career was one of English football’s finest but after his tumultuous high-profile marriage to pop star Cheryl Tweedy and the controversy over his move to Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, he shied away from speaking to the media.As a result he is often under-appreciated and it turns out that even extends to his own home.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeCole, who won 107 England caps, said: “I’ve got two young kids who are always asking me, ‘Was I a good player?’ My daughter thought I was a referee!“Getting this award did open my eyes as to what an achievement it was to get to the level I got to.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?“Working with these young [England Under-21] lads, I can see a lot of me in them. They are a very humble, hard-working group. It’s inspirational for me to watch these players grow and hopefully get into the senior team.“I look back at the journey from where I was as a 14, 15, 16-year-old, all the hard work and sacrifice. Then to make my debut for my boyhood club [Arsenal] and to win trophies and to grow as a player is something I won’t take lightly.“I really enjoyed the journey. There’s a message for the kids – keep working hard on the training pitch, keep persevering and hopefully you have a career like me.”Cole has urged patience with Arsenal’s teenage duo, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.I’ve grown up since then, from making silly mistakes, silly words, bitter words, feuds – I’m so grown and so over that now.Ashley ColeLeft-back MLS has gone straight into the England senior squad, while Nwaneri will make his Under-21 debut away to France under Carsley and Cole on his 18th birthday on Friday.Cole said: “I’ve seen Myles in the last year and a half. I’ve seen it with Ethan too. When you have so much talent, there is sometimes an urge to play them and do they sometimes fall short? These two haven’t.“Now he [Lewis-Skelly] is in the seniors, he has just got to continue to play well for Arsenal and continue to get himself in the senior squad.“But you’ve got to be careful with these young players. They are special and precious so you have to take your time sometimes.”After winning the last Under-21 Euros two years ago, Cole believes England are capable of retaining their crown in Slovakia this summer.Cole said: “That group two years ago, they had real pride in playing for the Three Lions, working for the badge.I’ve got two young kids who are always asking me, ‘Was I a good player?’ My daughter thought I was a referee!Ashley Cole“They were a great bunch and what they did in the last Euros showed a great team spirit and belief.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve told this group that they have left a legacy for you and we want to continue that and hopefully do well in the Euros and leave a legacy for the next generation.“Every day I watch them train, I see the hunger and desire and if we don’t win the Euros, I know they will have given everything.” More

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      Ant & Dec scream with joy and Alan Shearer loses his hat as Geordies go wild after Newcastle win Carabao Cup

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      ANT and Dec were seen screaming with joy as they celebrated Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win along with fellow Geordies.Meanwhile, Alan Shearer was also spotted losing his hat amid the excitement.Ant and Dec celebrating with fans after Newcastle’s first goalCredit: ReutersAlan Shearer cheering in the stands after the second goalCredit: Sky SportsHe was then seen retrieving his hat from the floorCredit: Sky SportsThe 2-1 win against Liverpool on Sunday constituted the first domestic win for the Magpies since the 1955 FA Cup final.In a video posted to their shared TikTok account, comedy duo Ant and Dec shouted: “We did it!”After briefly pausing, they threw their heads back and resumed their jubilant screaming, shouting “Ahhhhh!” before bursting into laughter.Ant joked “I’ve lost my voice” while Dec said “I cannot believe it!”read more football newsAnt then added “this is amazing” while Dec said: “This is the best day of my life, apart from the wedding and the kids and all that. “But it’s the best day of my life!”The pair, both sporting black and white scarves, then signed off the video with more chanting and shouting.Earlier snaps showed the duo jumping for joy after a header by Dan Burn took Newcastle to a 1-0 lead just moments before half-time.Most read in FootballAnt leapt high into the air, while waving his scarf, as Dec thrust his arm around a fellow fan in the crowd of frenzied supporters.Shortly after half-time, top goal scorer Alexander Isak thumped in a second goal to double his side’s lead – as ex-team member Shearer’s hat went flying.Liverpool 1 Newcastle 2: Jubilant Toon finally end 70 years of heartache to win Carabao Cup in week from hell for RedsIn clips shown on TV, he could be seen retrieving the black baker boy cap after the celebrations had subsided.Before kick-off, the Toon Army took over Covent Garden in preparation for the long-anticipated clash.Meanwhile, Wembley was met with a wall of noise and a display of 32,000 black-and-white scarves.Newcastle had lost five Wembley finals since Jackie Milburn & Co triumphed in 1955, so this was a long overdue trophy for their passionate supporters.Manager Eddie Howe had been presented with various challenges prior to the game – including an injured Lewis Hall and banned Anthony Gordon.But, despite Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa clawing back a goal in injury time, the side romped home to its first domestic victory in 70 years.This makes Howe the first English manager to win a major English trophy in 17 years – after Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth won the FA Cup in 2008.Burn’s scoring header comes just two days after he earned his first England call-up at the age of 32.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 6ft 7 former Asda worker, who is renowned as one of the nicest men in football, was drafted in by new England chief Thomas Tuchel for the Wembley World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Dec beamed at fellow fans during the gameCredit: ReutersAnt held up his scarf as he belted from the standsCredit: ReutersAlexander Isak celebrating with the trophyCredit: AlamyEddie Howe smiled for the cameras after the victoryCredit: Getty More

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      ‘My ear was destroyed’ – Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta opens up on Millwall horror and why he was ‘LUCKY’

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      JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA has opened up on his Millwall FA Cup ordeal.The Crystal Palace striker, 27, required 25 stitches on a severe laceration to his left ear following an ill-judged challenge by Lions stopper Liam Roberts.Jean-Philippe Mateta was kicked in the head by Liam RobertsCredit: ReutersThe Frenchman was stretchered off at Selhurst ParkCredit: GettyMateta received lengthy treatment on the pitch before being taken to hospital.The Frenchman has now revealed that he remained conscious throughout the incident, and actually feared that his injuries might have been even worse.Speaking to L’Equipe, Mateta said: “I was afraid I’d have broken bones or blood in my brain. But in fact, my ear was just destroyed.”A plastic surgeon came and took photos of my ear, which he refused to show me so they wouldn’t stay in my head.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMateta also astonishingly admitted that he wanted to play on.The prolific forward added: “At the last moment, I had the reflex to turn my face.”I was lucky because if I hadn’t, I would have taken his foot right in the head, and it would have been much worse.”After that, I never lost consciousness. I was lying on the ground, and I said to the doctor, ‘I’m fine, I want to play again.’Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”But he, seeing my ear, replied, ‘No, you have to go’.”During the BBC’s coverage of the match, which Palace won 3-1, Eagles chairman Steve Parish launched an impassioned rant about Roberts’ challenge.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starThe 59-year-old said: “There’s a lot of emotion in football but we need to talk about that challenge.”In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it. I looked to see how old the keeper is, he’s 30-years-old.”That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen. And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad.”Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.”Mateta has not played since suffering the injury on March 1.The forward travelled with Palace on their warm-weather training trip to Marbella this week.He trained alone while wearing a plaster on his left earlobe and a black headband.Palace boss Oliver Glasner is hopeful of having his star man, who has scored 12 Premier League goals this season, back in time for the FA Cup quarter-final clash with Fulham on March 29.The Austrian, 50 said: “Fortunately, he had no fractures and no concussion.“It’s a huge wound that was stitched. But the healing is going like we expected and hoped.“If everything goes how we expect and wish, he should be available for the Fulham game.“Everybody is in touch with JP and messaging him.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everybody knows he’s doing well. He’ll be back soon.”Millwall keeper was hit with a six-game ban after having his initial three-game suspension extended.Mateta travelled to Marbella with his team-mates earlier this weekCredit: Instagram / cpfc More

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      ‘We would have had a chance’ – Nikos Dabizas still haunted by ‘bitter taste’ of sliding doors Wembley miss for Newcastle

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      NEWCASTLE legend Nikos Dabizas still has a “bitter taste” over his sliding doors Wembley moment.The former Greek defender, famed for scoring the winner at Sunderland in 2002, nearly achieved an even greater feat four years earlier.Newcastle legend Nikolas Dabizas is still haunted by a Wembley momentCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe former defender will be at Wembley today to watch his beloved old clubCredit: GettyHe was part of Kenny Dalglish’s Toon side that lost 2-0 to double winners Arsenal in the FA Cup Final.No Newcastle player has managed a goal in a Wembley showpiece since Alan Gowling’s strike in the 1976 League Cup Final defeat.However, Dabizas almost ended that against the Gunners only to be denied an equaliser by the woodwork and has been left wondering what could have been ever since.He told Sun Sport: “If we would have equalised at that stage we would have had a chance. But we didn’t and in these kind of games you need these type of details to come with you.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”It’s one of two moments in my career I think about. The other was with the national team and a header when we played Denmark, with Peter Schmeichel, in goal. That left a bitter taste and I have that same feeling with the Arsenal one.”I had the privilege of scoring against Sunderland and that stays forever but to have scored at Wembley or win an FA cup with Newcastle would have been an absolute dream come true. “But football is like this. That’s why it makes it so special. It seems just centimetres between success and from defeat. “You need a little bit of luck and it can go with or against you. And history tells us that it wasn’t to be that day.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”The momentum was with us. When you score a goal and you’re on top, that can change easily. So of course it will be a completely different story if it would have gone in.”Dabizas, who spent five years at St James’ Park before moving to Leicester in 2003, would suffer two more Wembley disappointments in black and white.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-upHe lost in both the following season’s FA Cup Final to the treble-winning Manchester United side and then 2-1 to Chelsea in the semi-final of the same competition in 2000.The 51-year-old is now one of the top commentators on Greek TV and will be at Wembley to watch Eddie Howe’s team try and conquer the trophy drought.Although he feels his presence could be a bad omen having also watched Toon lose two years ago against Manchester United from the gantry.He half-joked: “I was thinking about keeping away to be honest. I don’t have the best memories.”If anyone is to end the alleged curse on the club and fire Newcastle back to glory then surely it is Alexander Isak.How Howe turned Toon around WITHOUT Saudi billionsBY GARY STONEHOUSEEDDIE HOWE has got “the richest club in the world” fighting for honours regularly again despite not being able to blow the big Saudi bucks.The 47-year-old achieved legendary status at Bournemouth by guiding the then-skint Cherries all the way from League Two into the Premier League promised land.Now he is potentially on the verge of writing his name into Newcastle’s history books if he can end their 70-year wait for a major trophy.Howe came mightily close two years ago when he and the Magpies suffered heartbreak in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.Qualifying for the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish softened that blow, and now he is eyeing more than just another Wembley outing as he takes Toon to Arsenal for the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semis.Of course, it has been nothing like those early days at Bournemouth for Howe since he took charge in November 2021 just weeks after their Saudi takeover.There was a big outlay that January transfer window in order to assure the club’s Premier League status, but despite reaching the Champions League, PSR rules have delayed their path straight to football’s top table.Though, despite the purse strings being tightened and even being forced to sell young starlets against his wishes, Howe still has Newcastle punching with the big boys for silverware.The question is though – how has he done it and how far can he go?Dabizas played with the greatest striker in Toon’s history in Alan Shearer, whose statue now stands outside their stadium.Fan favourite Dabizas believes Isak still has work to do to be compared with Shearer – but admits the Swede could get a statue himself if he bags the Wembley winner.He said: “I think Alan is a different story because we have to judge them equally over longevity.“Alexander probably is one of the best strikers in the world and would fit in the first 11 of maybe Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich even if they already have top strikers.“They are completely different types of players with different styles and Alan scored so many goals in his career.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But at the end of the day, if Alexander scores on Sunday then everything goes out of the window. He will be a hero.“Combine that with if he can lift the trophy or get the winning goal then yeah [statue].”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More

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      If Newcastle beat Liverpool it could be the catalyst for a new dynasty, the first trophy in a new golden era

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      JUNE 11, 1969, is not a date most football fans will remember.Unless, of course, you support Newcastle.A few weeks later, Neil Armstrong would take his giant leap for mankind on the moon but, for Newcastle, it marked the start of a big step backwards.Eddie Howe is desperate to end Newcastle’s decades of hurtCredit: GettyAlexander Isak is set to lead the Toon’s hopes in attackCredit: GettyThe Toon Army sank several battalions of Newcastle Brown Ale in 1969 as it was the last time their club — by common consent one of the best supported in the land — actually won a trophy.Winning the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, the forerunner of the Uefa Cup and Europa League, came so long ago that the match was only covered for TV in black and white.The Magpies beat Hungary’s Ujpesti Dozsa 6-2 over the two-legged final but have since had to endure heartbreak, false dawns and decades of near misses.That could all change this weekend, 56 years later.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould they win the League Cup at Wembley on Sunday, Toon boss Eddie Howe will achieve Tyneside immortality as the manager who finally brought home silverware.Many have tried, all have failed, but Howe could be the one to end 56 years of hurt for Newcastle.This match represents so much more than just a trophy.It’s about proving that Newcastle are a serious force again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd that the investment under their new owners is translating into real success —  that this is just the beginning, not the end, of a new era for the club.Howe has done a remarkable job turning Newcastle from relegation candidates into genuine contenders for silverware in just a few seasons.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-upWinning this final would be a statement of intent, a sign that they are not just here to challenge but to dominate.Yet they have one major obstacle — and that’s the best team in the country at the moment, Liverpool.Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup — you name it, they’ve won it.Tuesday’s unexpected Champions League exit means there’s no doubt they will approach this game like wounded tigers — dangerous and determined.Quiz question? How many trophies have Liverpool won since 1969. I looked it up.The Reds have lifted 12 league titles and are almost certainly about to make it another.They have also racked up six European Cups, seven FA Cups, ten League Cups, three Uefa Cups and a Club World Cup.That’s 39 major trophies, to Newcastle’s none. Liverpool, quite simply, are a club that knows how to win.Arne Slot hopes Liverpool bounce back quickly from their PSG exitCredit: RexI suspect many neutrals will be wanting a Newcastle victory to end that tale of woe and the Toon Army hope and pray this weekend finally ends that astonishing streak.Newcastle’s last domestic success came even further back, when they won a third FA Cup in just five seasons in 1955.For a club which gets 52,000 into St James’ Park every home game, they are on a remarkably bad run — especially when you consider some of the managers who have been on Tyneside, including the late Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan.They both got very close to trophies but Howe could be the one who finally delivers.It will be fascinating to see how Arne Slot’s Liverpool react to their European exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in midweek. It could galvanise the players to show their boss that PSG was just a blip on an otherwise memorable season that sees them poised to win a record-equalling 20th league title, level with their local rivals Manchester United.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Newcastle, losing this final would be gut-wrenching. Another painful chapter in a long history of near-misses.But if they win? It could be the catalyst for a new dynasty, the first trophy in a new golden era for the club. More

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      Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 28: Justin Kluivert and Chris Wood among strong options

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      DREAM TEAM managers have until the leisurely time of 1:30pm this Saturday to confirm their transfers for Gameweek 28.The first thing to note is that Aston Villa and Crystal Palace will BLANK this coming Gameweek, prompting many gaffers to ditch the likes of Morgan Rogers (£3.9m) and Ollie Watkins (£5.2m)Villa do not have a fixture in Gameweek 28Credit: GettyWhen deciding upon your transfers, it might be wise to also take Gameweek 29 into account.That’s a while away yet as there’s an international break to endure first but you should be aware of the fact there are just five teams with three fixtures to fulfil across the next two Gameweeks.And it’s this point of interest that informs our latest transfer recommendations.Chris Wood (£3.9m)18 goals and countingCredit: GettyNottingham Forest are due to play Ipswich, Brighton and Manchester United across the next two Gameweeks.This weekend’s meeting with the Tractor Boys has to be considered a favourable match-up for the big New Zealand striker, statistically the most clinical finisher (measured by performance against xG) in the Premier League this season.Wood has scored 18 goals in 2024/25, a tally only bettered by Mohamed Salah (£8m), Erling Haaland (£8.1m) and Alexander Isak (£6.4m).Nuno Espirito Santo’s side beat Manchester City last time out and they could make mincemeat of an opponent 15 places below them in the table this Saturday.Wood isn’t guaranteed to start against the Seagulls after the break as Taiwo Awoniyi (£2.2m) has led the line in the previous FA Cup games but the former may get some bonus minutes off the bench before reclaiming his spot in the starting XI against the Red Devils.Most read in FootballJustin Kluivert (£3.9m)A midfielder in fine formCredit: ReutersBournemouth’s No19 has amassed 200 points via 13 goals and seven assists this season.12 of those goal involvements have come in his last 11 appearances.The Dutchman is due to face Brentford this Saturday before taking on Man City (FA Cup) and Ipswich (Premier League) in Gameweek 29.The Cherries have the benefit of three consecutive home games across the next two Gameweeks.Kluivert is a particularly appealing Dream Team asset as Bournemouth’s first-choice penalty taker.Josko Gvardiol (£4.3m)Gvardiol poses a goal threatCredit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side have found clean sheets hard to come by throughout this uncharacteristically average season.Even so, City’s Croatian left-back ranks seventh among defenders with 188 points to his name.This is mainly because of the attacking threat Gvardiol poses in the final third.No Dream Team defender has scored more goals than the 23-year-old at this late stage of the campaign – he also ranks joint-third for shots on target and joint-seventh for bonus points in his position.City host an in-form Brighton this weekend before a potentially tricky trip to Bournemouth in the FA Cup but a home game against relegation-bound Leicester in Gameweek 29 sweetens the deal.Many Dream Team bosses will be on the hunt for a defender after Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) suffered an injury against PSG and Gvardiol might fit the bill.Joao Pedro (£3.7m)Joao Pedro’s penalties are a bonusCredit: GettyBrighton’s No9 is statistically the most in-form forward in the game right now having banked 44 points from his last four outings.This fruitful run has included three goals and two assists.Like Kluivert, Pedro benefits from being his side’s penalty taker, a very good one at that.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn terms of match-ups, the Seagulls’ next two Gameweeks are far from favourable – Man City (a), Nottingham Forest (h), Aston Villa (h) – but Fabian Hurzeler’s side have won six games in a row in all competitions.Pedro currently features in just 1.3% of teams.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