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      Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 28 – Mohamed Salah, Spurs stars and other options

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      GAMEWEEK 28 marks an intriguing juncture in the Dream Team calendar.A mix of FA Cup games, Premier League fixtures and a handful of blanks means gaffers will have to think carefully about their transfers.Dream Team bosses should also have one eye on Gameweek 29 with every team set to play twice in quick succession after the international break.Enough preamble, let’s run through some transfer recommendations.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!A must-have asset when fit?Credit: Dream TeamMohamed Salah (£6.5m)The Egyptian superstar has been eased back in since recovering from injury and he may not play the full 90 minutes against Manchester United in the FA Cup this weekend but he’s likely to feature in some capacity.The Red Devils beat Everton last time out but they once again allowed their opponents plenty of chances and a similar performance against Jurgen Klopp’s free-wheeling attack could get messy.Salah is essentially a must-have asset when fit and gaffers who resist recruiting him this week will sure have to give into temptation ahead of Liverpool’s double header against Brighton and Sheffield United (both at home) in Gameweek 29.The 31-year-old has registered 29 goal involvements in 30 games this season – enough said.Most read in Dream TeamSimilarly, Darwin Nunez (£4.8m) owners will be hopeful of bumper returns in the coming weeks.Son Heung-min (£4.6m)Spurs stars should be popular ahead of Gameweek 28Credit: GettyTottenham haven’t played all that many fixtures recently but the schedule has now turned in their favour.They travel to Fulham this weekend having beaten Aston Villa 4-0 on the road last time out before a a relatively favourable double header of Luton and West Ham in Gameweek 29.A home fixture against 17th-placed Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 30 means the next month looks rather appealing for Ange Postecoglou’s troops.Spurs’ skipper is therefore ultra viable, not least because he bagged 16 points against the Villains via two assists and a goal.Few players are able to keep pace with Son in the league this season – he’s scored 14 goals and provided eight assists.That boils down further to a goal involvement every 90.8 minutes in the top flight!While we’re on the subject of Spurs stars, Pedro Porro (£3.6m) is worthy of a mention ahead of Gameweek 28.The Spanish right-back is one of the most attack-minded defenders in the game, as evidenced by his tally of eight assists, and he also gets through plenty of tackles.The most eye-catching stat relating to Porro is his mighty average of 6.4 points-per-game – the highest rate among assets in his position at the time of writing.We might as well shout out James Maddison (£4m) while we’re at it.The creative playmaker averages 7.2 points-per-game this season and is therefore a decent option for a friendly run of fixtures.Cole Palmer (£4.4m)13 goals and 13 assists in 2023/24Credit: GettyChelsea’s golden boy is the most-popular recruit ahead of Saturday’s deadline as it stands and it’s easy to see why.His latest impressive showing featured a goal and an assist as he took Newcastle for 12 points on Monday night.Palmer now has 26 goal involvements to his name since his transfer to Stamford Bridge – undoubtedly one of the best signings this season.Maurico Pochettino’s side have the luxury of three consecutive home games up next, starting with an FA Cup meeting with Leicester.Championship sides don’t come much stronger than the Foxes but their form has fallen away of late and one suspects they wouldn’t be all that heartbroken to be eliminated from the cup as they’re primarily focused on automatic promotion back to the Premier League.Chelsea will then ease back into the swing of things after the international break with a game against relegation-bound Burnley.Palmer will be licking his lips on current form.Rayan Ait-Nouri (£2.6m)An outside-the-box optionCredit: GettyA differential wildcard to finish.Many gaffers won’t be aware that the Wolves defender is now operating in a hybrid role, as is the fashion these days.As a result, he spends a lot of time in midfield areas and his chance creation numbers have steadily increased.He scored against Fulham in his most recent outing to register 31 points across the last three Gameweeks – he’s among the most in-form defenders in the game right now.READ MORE SUN STORIESAit-Nouri currently features in 0.3% of teams and he’s arguably got the most-favourable fixture in Gameweek 29 with Gary O’Neil’s side set to host Coventry in the FA Cup.Lock in your transfers before Saturday’s 11:15am deadline!talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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      Graeme Souness lands shock return to punditry after Sky Sports exit with Liverpool legend back on air this weekend

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      GRAEME SOUNESS is in line for a shock return to punditry this weekend.The Liverpool legend, 70, left Sky Sports last year after working with the broadcaster for 15 years.Souness will be returning as a pundit on ITVCredit: ITVAnd now he is set to return to viewers’ screens with ITV.The former midfielder will be offering his insights on Liverpool’s trip to Manchester United in the quarter-final of the FA Cup.He will be alongside Roy Keane, his former sparring partner at Sky Sports.The two memorably clashed at the 2022 Qatar World Cup over Argentina’s 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening group stage game, which was also broadcast by ITV.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey disagreed over whether a penalty should have been awarded in the match with Souness saying it was “fact” and not a matter of “opinion” as to whether it should have been given.An angry Keane replied: “Well I’m here to give my opinion – that’s not a penalty.”The stakes will no doubt be raised due to Keane being a former Manchester United captain and Souness being ex-Liverpool skipper.The Scot has never formally retired from punditry and declared himself “still very much open for business” after he left Sky.Most read in FA CupCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL He most recently appeared on viewers’ screens for England’s clash with Scotland at Hampden Park last year, which England won 3-1.The fixture was played to mark the 150th anniversary of the first international fixture.Graeme Souness fights back tears as he announces emotional retirement on Sky Sports after 15 yearsIan Wright will also be part of the line-up, with Mark Pougatch presenting the action. More

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      Footie chiefs forced to draw up emergency plans for FA Cup final in case Leicester or Coventry reach Wembley showpiece

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      FOOTBALL chiefs have been forced to draw up emergency plans for the FA Cup final due to two Championship teams reaching the quarter-finals.The final of the FA Cup is set to be played on Saturday May 25 with the Championship play-off final coming a day later.Leicester’s and Coventry’s FA Cup runs could see the Championship play-off final movedCredit: APWith both Leicester and Coventry still in the FA Cup, they would in theory face the prospect of playing two finals in the space of 24 hours at Wembley – which would be impossible.Leicester are currently top in the Championship, but only four points ahead of Ipswich who are in a play-off spot – meaning it’s entirely possible they finish in a play-off position.They play Chelsea in the FA Cup this weekend and will fancy their chances of an upset given the Blues’ recent form.Likewise, Coventry are eighth in the Championship but are just one point off sixth placed Norwich.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey take on Wolves in the FA Cup on Saturday with a place in the semi-final up for grabs.The Mirror report that football chiefs are considering a date switch for the play-off final as a result of both Coventry and Leicester’s Cup runs.The play-off final is regarded as one of the most important games in the football calendar and is referred to as the £100million game.Bosses would therefore be reluctant to move the game but it could become a necessity.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Extra dates at Wembley have been pencilled-in should Leicester or Coventry go all the way.Complicating things is the fact that the national stadium will be hosting the Champions League final on Saturday June 1.Part of the requirements for hosting a Champions League final sees a stadium effectively handed over to UEFA in the days before and after the final.Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title raceThis has already seen the England national team be forced to move one of their Euro 2024 warm-up friendlies from Wembley.Their game against Bosnia and Herzegovina had been scheduled to take place in the North-West London venue on June 3 but will now be played at St James’ Park. More

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      Jimmy Husband dead at 76: Everton legend who won First Division and guided Toffees to FA Cup final dies after illness

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      EVERTON legend Jimmy Husband has died at the age of 76.The club announced the death of Husband in a heartfelt tribute on their website.Everton have paid tribute to Jimmy Husband, who has died at the age of 76Credit: GettyHusband won the title with Everton in 1970Credit: Times Newspapers LtdA statement on their website said: “Everton Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of 1969/70 League Championship winner Jimmy Husband.”Jimmy, 76, died peacefully on Saturday following a short illness.”Born in October 1947, Husband won the First Division title with the Toffees in 1970. He starred at Goodison Park between 1963 and 1973, scoring 55 goals in 199 appearances for the first team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis career path had seen him star for a number of top clubs academy sides, including Aston Villa, Leeds, Sunderland, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Burnley and Everton where he turned professional.In 1968, Husband was instrumental as Everton reached the FA Cup final, scoring twice in the quarter-final against Leiceste.But a bad miss in the final against West Brom would prove pivotal as the Baggies won the game 1-0.Two years later the winger was a key man in Harry Catterick’s team who stormed to the First Division crown, though an injury prevented him from playing in the run-in.Most read in FootballHis absence in the second leg of Everton’s European Cup quarter-final against Panathinaikos in 1971 after being injured early in the second leg was also cited as a big part of the teams elimination.Husband left Everton for Luton in 1973, helping the Hatters to promotion in the 1973/74 season.He played 162 games for the Kenilworth Road outfit, scoring 48 goals.His football career in England would end in 1978, before he headed to the United States and featured for Memhis Rogues, indoor team Cleveland Force and Oklahoma City Slickers.Husband played for England Under 23s but never made an appearance for the senior team, partly due to Sir Alf Ramsey’s reluctance to use wingers.After retiring Husband was a regular sight at the Everton Former Players Foundation Christmas Lunch and was a special guest in 2020 when John Hurst was presented with the Dixie Dean award.Everton concluded: “The thoughts of everyone associated with the Club are with Jimmy’s family at this sad time.” More

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      Major broadcasting change to FA Cup with decision made between BBC and ITV after TNT Sports bought rights

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      THE BBC have retained the rights for live FA Cup matches until 2029, according to reports.But TNT Sports will replace ITV in showing fixtures from the 2025-26 season.A new four-year deal for the FA Cup TV rights has been struckCredit: GettyGary Lineker is the current host of the live BBC FA Cup coverageCredit: GettyTNT paid a whopping £264million last month to secure a four-year deal with The FA to become the main broadcaster of the famous cup competition.That left the BBC and ITV to battle it out for the secondary spot.And according to the Daily Mail, it is the Beeb who have come out on top.The new rights package will see the BBC show two FA Cup matches from each round up to the quarter-finals.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey will then get one of the two semi-finals and the final. In a further boost for fans, any FA Cup ties from the third round that do not kick off during the Saturday afternoon blackout will be televised live.Part of The FA’s recent contract with TNT stated that a certain number of matches per round needed to be available on free-to-air TV. And although they could have live-streamed on YouTube or used their Freeview channel Quest, they were open to striking a partnership with a major public broadcaster. Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt is also reported that the BBC will continue to keep its Match of the Day highlights programme for the FA Cup. TNT will also show the Community Shield and FA Youth Cup final as part of the new deal. Fans can’t believe what Alan Shearer said about Man Utd live on BBC commentary during FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest The tournament – on terrestrial TV only from 2021 to 2025 – will return to a subscription channel following previous spells on BT Sport, Sky Sports, Setanta and ESPN. The BBC have the rights to two of the four FA Cup quarter-finals this month.Chelsea vs Leicester and Manchester City vs Newcastle will both be on the Beeb, with the ITV having Wolves’ clash with Coventry and the standout tie – Liverpool’s trip to Manchester United.The new FA Cup contract for the BBC comes after the broadcaster sealed a deal to show live Super League rugby league action on Saturday evenings. More

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      Wales to resist calling up Liverpool wonderkid despite impressive performances

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      WALES are expected to resist the urge to fast-track Lewis Koumas if the forward continues to star for Liverpool.Koumas, 18, scored his first goal for the Reds on his senior debut in last Wednesday’s 3-0 FA Cup fifth round win over Southampton at Anfield.Koumas was on the bench for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final triumphCredit: RexThe son of ex-Wales international Jason, 18, has played for the Dragons U19 side alreadyCredit: RexThe attacker was also on the bench for Saturday’s 1-0 controversial win for Liverpool at Nottingham Forest.But SunSport understands the son of ex-Dragons star Jason is unlikely to promoted to Robert Page’s senior squad this month for their crunch Euro 2024 play-off bid.It is believed Koumas, who has played for Wales Under-19s, could land himself a first Under-21 call instead.Senior Welsh management are well aware of his promising talent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Wales’ seniors play Finland in their Euro play-off semi-final on March 21 in Cardiff.Then comes a potential final against either Poland or Estonia, also in the Welsh capital five days later.Koumas could even get the chance to train for a session with the likes of Brennan Johnson, Ben Davies and Ethan Ampadu with the U21s also based in south Wales that week.Matty Jones’ U21s have a home clash with Lithuania in Newport on March 22.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChester-born Koumas is eligible to play for three countries: Wales due to his dad, who won 34 international caps for the Dragons, England due to his birthplace and also Cyprus through his grandfather.Wales have also adopted a gradual integration process in the past with the likes of Reading’s Charlie Savage.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveThe 20-year-old won his first senior cap against Gibraltar last October but has returned to the U21s.Koumas has been in and around the Liverpool squad for a few months now.He was on the bench for Jurgen Klopp’s men for the Prem visit of Burnley on February 10 as well as the Carabao Cup final triumph over Chelsea last weekend.But the attacker grabbed his chance with both hands against the Saints on his debut in midweek by scoring the opening goal before fellow teen star Jayden Danns, 18, added two goals. More

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      FA Cup quarter-final TV fixtures confirmed with Man Utd vs Liverpool and Chelsea vs Leicester on at bizarre times

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      THE FA Cup quarter-final fixtures have been confirmed with Manchester United vs Liverpool taking place on a Sunday.But the clash will kick-off at the unusual time of 3:30pm.The FA Cup quarter-final takes place on the weekend of March 16-17Credit: ReutersChelsea’s tie with Leicester also kicks off at the rarely-seen time of 12:45pm.Premier League matches on Sunday usually take place at 2pm and 4:30pm.But in recent weeks there has been an increase in 3:30pm games, with Sunday’s Manchester Derby set to take place at the time.United’s tie with Liverpool is set to air on ITV with Leicester’s trip to Chelsea live on the BBC.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe BBC will also broadcast Manchester City vs Newcastle on Saturday March 16, with the clash pencilled in for 5:30pm.The FA Cup weekend gets underway with Wolves taking on Coventry at Molineux at 12:45pm.Chelsea’s involvement in the FA Cup means their clash against Arsenal has been moved.That means the Gunners will have a gap of 19 days between their match against Porto on March 12 and their next game against City on March 31.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat is partly because there is no club football for two weeks while international matches take place.Meanwhile Chelsea’s visit to Sheffield United in the Prem on April 7 has also been rescheduled for a different time.Jurgen Klopp compares Liverpool youngster Jayden Danns to darts sensation and Man Utd fan Luke Littler More

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      Leeds fan who fell from upper tier of Stamford Bridge revealed as hooligan jailed for punching ex-England star on pitch

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      THE LEEDS UNITED fan who fell from the upper tier at Stamford Bridge is said to have been a hooligan that was previously jailed for punching an England international.The shock incident occurred on Wednesday in the 3-2 FA Cup defeat away to Chelsea.A Leeds fan received treatment after falling from the upper tier at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyA report has now claimed it is the same man who punched ex-England goalie Chris KirklandCredit: Enterprise News and PicturesDuring the game, a supporter fell from the upper tier at the corner of the away end at Stamford Bridge while celebrating a Leeds goal.Medical staff and police quickly gathered around the injured fan while play continued.Then, after being treated by medics, the individual was taken away to hospital as fellow supporters looked on in concern.Now the Daily Mail has reported on the identity of the fan hurt at Chelsea.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey state that it is the thug that was jailed for punching goalkeeper Chris Kirkland live on TV in 2012.The 33-year-old Aaron Cawley got four months behind bars and was handed a six-year football banning order for that attack.He raced onto the pitch and attacked the then-Sheffield Wednesday star.Cawley, who is believed to be still recovering in hospital, had his banning order lifted in 2016 after he successfully appealed against it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLeeds have now confirmed that he is still banned from their matches after the Kirkland incident.But they were unable to confirm the name of the fan who fell because of patient confidentiality.Chelsea 3 Leeds 2: Gallagher nets last-gasp winner ease pressure on Pochettino as Blues edge out brave Whites in FA CupHowever, he was previously spotted by TV cameras at a Leeds match in 2016.That was when he hugged Pontus Jansson after the former defender had equalised in a match against Norwich.Cawley was also banned from football for three years aged 16 for violence. More