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

    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against Girona in midweek and is due for an assessment on Saturday.Myles Lewis-Skelly had his much-discussed red card rescinded upon appeal and is therefore available.As for the defending champions, Pep Guardiola expects to have the same squad available from Wednesday night’s win over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?

    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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    Score Predictor stats and facts ahead of Matchweek 21 – £250 cash prize up for grabs!

    MATCHWEEK 21 appears to be a stiff test for Score Predictor users.It might be the case that the winner of the £250 weekly prize is someone prepared to think outside the box.Play now!Credit: Dream TeamSimply enter your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you amass the most points then you’ll claim the cash prize!Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture to help inform your decisions in what looks a tricky week on paper.Wolves v Aston VillaVitor Pereira’s side have slipped into the relegation zone having lost every league game this month.Only Southampton have conceded more goals than Wolves at this stage; Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers will be licking their lips ahead of their Saturday afternoon jaunt to Molineux – the latter bagged a hat-trick against Celtic on Wednesday night.The Villains have struggled to balance Champions League commitments with the relentless churn of league fixtures this term and have won just one of their previous seven games that immediately followed a European night.However, the lone win among that set came against Wolves back in September.Our Prediction: 2-1 to Aston VillaMost read in FootballRogers excelled against CelticCredit: GettyBrentford v TottenhamThis is a meeting of two teams that have endured miserable starts to the new year.The Bees’ only win this month came against Southampton while Spurs have lost to Newcastle, Liverpool, Arsenal, Everton and Leicester on their way down to 15th in the table.Brentford have suffered rotten luck in regards to injuries this season but nothing like what Ange Postecoglou is currently dealing with – James Maddison is the latest player to be deemed unavailable.Spurs are due to host Elfsborg in the Europa League this evening and with so few senior players fit, there’s every chance fatigue may be a factor when they visit the Gtech on Sunday.Only Liverpool and Arsenal have earned more points at home than Thomas Frank’s mob while Southampton are the only team to have lost more league games on the road than Spurs.Our Prediction: 3-2 to BrentfordHard timesCredit: GettyManchester United v Crystal PalaceThe Red Devils have won just one of their last six league meetings with the Eagles.And there’s every chance of Palace extending their good record this weekend as no team in the top flight have earned more points from their last six away days.Marc Guehi and company have really tightened up at the back lately and four goals conceded from their last six outings is the lowest tally among all teams.Factor in Man United’s Thursday night trip to Romania to face FCSB and it’s easy to envisage a beleaguered Ruben Amorim looking forlorn on his haunches as Eberechi Eze pokes holes in the hosts’ defence come Sunday lunchtime.Our Prediction: 1-0 to Crystal PalacePalace have looked much better recentlyCredit: GettyArsenal v Manchester CityA massive match-up that has been a potential title-decider in recent years.This edition doesn’t possess the same status as Liverpool are firmly in control at this stage but all eyes will be on the Emirates this Sunday nonetheless.John Stones scored a 98th-minute equaliser in the reverse fixture, an entertaining contest that saw the Gunners attempt a full rearguard for the entire second half following Leandro Trossard’s much-discussed dismissal.Since then, Man City have suffered a severe dip in form and partially recovered with their current run of unbeaten league games having reached six, though even their most partisan fans would admit some vulnerabilities persist.It hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Arsenal either but they are still very difficult to beat and remain the only side yet to lose a league game at home in 2024/25.Mikel Arteta would love for William Saliba to be passed fit for this encounter and we’d be inclined to back a home win if Bukayo Saka was available but as it is we’ll position ourselves uncomfortably on the fence.Our Prediction: 1-1 drawTensions boiled over back in SeptemberCredit: APChelsea v West HamThere’s no doubt the Blues are going through a bad patch at present.Defeat at the Etihad last weekend means Chelsea’s victory over Wolves remains their only win in the league since mid-December.This slump has seen Enzo Maresca’s side drop to 15th in the form table.Not that the Hammers have made huge strides in that time either.Graham Potter’s side showed signs of progress in the second half against Aston Villa last time out but there’s still plenty of room for improvement – their goal difference of minus 16 is rather damning.The hosts should feel confident of a win on Monday night but they’ve won just five of their 11 league games at Stamford Bridge this season – a record not befitting a team with hopes of Champions League qualification.It’s always difficult to judge a match-up between two units out of form but we’ll edge it to the team eight places higher in the table.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 2-1 to ChelseaShow us how it’s really done by entering your predictions for Matchweek 21 now!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 European play-offs could dramatically change Dream Team landscape in February

    THE league phases of the Champions League and Europa League will reach a dramatic conclusion this week.Amid all the excitement, Dream Team managers should pay careful attention to how it all plays out as the results could have a dramatic impact on the game’s landscape.Keep a keen eye on tonight’s actionCredit: Dream TeamLiverpool are one of only two teams (alongside Barcelona) to have already secured automatic qualification for the Champions League round of 16.Only a disaster for Arsenal away to Girona (combined with unfortunate results elsewhere) will prevent the Gunners from joining Arne Slot’s side in the last 16.However, Aston Villa’s fate is less certain ahead of their clash with Celtic at Villa Park.A win over the Scottish giants will give them every chance of an automatic spot but they’ll also need at least one of Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta, Milan, Atletico Madrid or Inter to falter to a certain degree.Emery has overseen four wins from seven in the Champions League this seasonCredit: ReutersAs for Manchester City, the 2023 winners of the competition are at risk of elimination following defeat to PSG last week.Pep Guardiola’s troops are currently 25th in the table but will earn a play-off spot with a win over Club Brugge at the Etihad this evening.Hypothetically, let’s say both Villa and Man City end up finishing between 9th-24th in the table and progress to the play-off round.The first legs of the Champions League play-offs are schedule for February 11th/12th and the second legs for February 18th/19th.Most read in FootballThis would mean double headers for Villa and Man City in Gameweeks 23 and 24.Man City’s stuttering campaign may create an opportunity for Dream Team bossesCredit: GettyAt present, Liverpool and Everton are the only teams set to pull double duty in Gameweek 23 (due to the rescheduled Merseyside derby) but additional fixtures for the likes of Erling Haaland (£7.9m), Phil Foden (£6.6m), Morgan Rogers (£3.5m), Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) and others would change the outlook considerably.It’s a similar situation in the Europa League with the play-off legs for the continent’s secondary competition also scheduled for Gameweeks 23 and 24.However, both Manchester United and Tottenham are in strong positions to qualify for the last 16 automatically after wins over Rangers and Hoffenheim respectively in Gameweek 20.The Red Devils are fourth ahead of their trip to FCSB, who are also pushing for a top-eight finish, while sixth-placed Spurs host Swedish outfit Elfsborg knowing a positive result will ensure they avoid the stress of the play-offs.Man United’s late winner against Rangers delivered a huge boostCredit: GettyMore than a few Dream Team bosses will be hoping things go awry for Man United and Spurs on Thursday night as that will mean more point-scoring opportunities for Bruno Fernandes (£6.3m), Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m) and company next month.Make no mistake, the addition of extra fixtures for any of the aforementioned teams in February will affect transfer and captaincy strategy.Dream Team’s Match Centre will update as required once the European play-offs are confirmed but it’s never too early to start formulating potential plans.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor example, Haaland is currently second among the most transferred-out players prior to Gameweek 22 but those managers will probably be scrambling to bring him back in if City end up in the Champions League play-offs.All eyes on the Etihad this evening…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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    Rare Newcastle double Gameweek opens doors for Dream Team bosses seeking short-term gains

    DREAM TEAM managers should give Newcastle players due consideration ahead of Gameweek 22.Without European fixtures to bolster their schedule this season, the Magpies have had fewer point-scoring opportunities than the teams active in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, limiting the viability of their top assets.Newcastle’s stars will be on the right side of a fixture deficit in Gameweek 22Credit: ReutersHowever, their presence in the Carabao Cup semi-finals means Eddie Howe’s troops have two games in the diary for Gameweek 22, when the vast majority of teams will play just once.And of the four teams set to pull double duty, only Newcastle have the luxury of two home fixtures – a useful bonus factor.Fulham are due at St James’ Park on Saturday before Arsenal make their way to Tyneside on Wednesday night.Newcastle already have one foot in the Carabao Cup final having won 2-0 at the Emirates in the first leg earlier this month.Alexander Isak (£6.1m) and Anthony Gordon (£5.3m) were the goalscorers that day and the pair should be considered the best options for Dream Team bosses looking to target the Toon’s rare double Gameweek.The Swedish striker is up to third in the overall rankings having taken Southampton for 18 points last time out.He’s amassed 230 points at an average of 9.2 per game via 19 goals and seven assists – hugely impressive stats.Isak is one of the game’s most in-form playersCredit: ReutersGordon is currently ranked ninth among midfielders with 179 points to his name.Most read in FootballThe ex-Everton winger is one of the most prolific bonus point accumulators in the game – only six players have earned more than his tally of 29 at the time of writing.Newcastle’s double header isn’t the most favourable of the campaign by any means.Fulham are an organised outfit while the Gunners sit second in the Premier League table.But the fact players of Isak and Gordon’s quality are on the right side of a fixture deficit for once makes them super appealing this coming Gameweek.Bruno Guimaraes offers several routes to pointsCredit: GettySome Dream Team bosses might be tempted by the differential options among Newcastle’s squad in search of short-term gains.Bruno Guimaraes (£5m) appears in just 3.2% of teams and has taken 24 points from his last three outings.The all-action midfielder has quietly reached double figures for goal involvements (two goals, eight assists) but that’s only one string to his bow.He also ranks highly for tackles and bonus points, the latter stemming from the fact he wins an almight number of free-kicks for his team – 88 so far this season when only three other players have registered more than 50.READ MORE SUN STORIESHall averages 5.6 points-per-game this seasonCredit: GettyElsewhere, Lewis Hall (£4.4m) is evidently the optimum selection for those keen on a Newcastle defender for Gameweek 22.The England left-back ranks joint-fifth in his position for total points (161) having supplemented his 11 clean sheets with five assists and 21 bonus points.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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    Cody Gakpo continues to provide smart solutions to Dream Team problems

    DREAM TEAM managers who opted to recruit Cody Gakpo (£4.7m) ahead of Gameweek 21 have already been handsomely rewarded.The Liverpool scored two goals and assisted another in 68 minutes against Ipswich on Saturday for a 21-point haul, his best single-game return of the season.Gakpo capitalised against Ipswich on SaturdayCredit: Dream TeamGakpo got the ball rolling with a deep cross to the back cross that was converted by Mohamed Salah (£8m).Nine minutes later, he popped up in the right place at the right time to tap home a rebound from close range to give the Reds a 3-0 lead at half time.Midway through the second half, the Dutchman latched onto a trademark Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6m) cross to head home his second for a pleasing brace.Only Bournemouth’s hat-trick hero Dango Ouattara (£3.4m) banked more points than Gakpo among all Dream Team assets over the weekend.There’s every chance the Liverpool forward will finish as Gameweek 21’s top performer if he gets substantial minutes against former club PSV on Wednesday night.206 Dream Team points and countingCredit: GettyAt the risk of blowing our own trumpet, Gakpo headlined our transfer recommendations article last Thursday and gaffers who acted on that recommendation will have been immensely satisfied with Saturday’s outcome – any returns in Eindhoven will be a nice bonus.Gakpo isn’t just a short-term punt either, he appears to be a smart selection for Gameweeks 22 and 23 as well.Arne Slot’s side are due to face Bournemouth and Tottenham next Gameweek and are currently one of just two teams set for a double header in Gameweek 23 in the form of Plymouth and Everton – although the schedule may change depending on this week’s European results.Most read in FootballThe point being, Gakpo has more point-scoring opportunities than most over the next three weeks or so.Liverpool have four fixtures to fulfil across the next two GameweeksCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old has completed 90 minutes six times from 32 appearances this season so his owners will have to make their peace with regular substitutions.But the numbers are looking good in the metrics that really matter.Gakpo is one of just four forwards on 200+ points this stage, alongside Salah, Erling Haaland (£7.9m) and Alexander Isak (£6.1m).He ranks third for big chances created, sixth for shots on target, fifth for bonus points, and seventh for tackles among players in his position.At the top line, he’s scored 14 goals and provided five assists.The Salah-Gakpo double up is a viable strategyCredit: GettyA few weeks back we asked whether Gakpo had surpassed Luis Diaz (£3.7m) to become Liverpool’s next-best attacking option in the world of Dream Team, with Salah being the clear number one.Given he’s outscored his Colombian team-mate by 25 points since the start of Gameweek 18, the answer to that question has to be a resounding YES!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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    Which Dream Team defenders provide the most attacking threat?

    DREAM TEAM managers should ensure at least one of their defenders provides a certain degree of threat going forward.Clean sheets are important but comparatively rare and so gaffers should make use of individuals who also chip in with their fair share of goal involvements.More than just defendersCredit: Dream TeamAt the time of writing, just eight players have reached double figures for clean sheets in Dream Team this season.Whereas 21 players have notched at least ten goals with two standout stars, Erling Haaland (£7.9m) and Mohamed Salah (£8m), on 20+ in all competitions.Defenders who have multiple avenues to points are worth their weight in gold.With that in mind, let’s analyse which individuals have provided the greatest attacking threat from the back so far this season.MOST GOALS AMONG DEFENDERS THIS SEASON:5 – Gabriel5 – Josko Gvardiol4 – Toisin Adarabioyo4 – Rayan Ait-Nouri4 – Fabian Schar4 – James JustinArsenal’s Brazilian centre-back is a top-tier defender because not only is he ranked joint-fourth for clean sheets, he doubles up as a potent threat from set pieces.The Gunners have honed their corner routine to devastating effect this season and Gabriel is generally the primary target, hence his handy return of five goals to date.Most read in FootballManchester City have struggled in defence this season but Gvardiol remains a top ten defender in terms of total points because he persistently takes up advanced positions from left-back.The Croatia international has banked 152 points while only one other City defender (Rico Lewis) has more than 81 to his name.Gabriel’s aerial threat is a huge boostCredit: GettyMOST SHOTS ON TARGET AMONG DEFENDERS THIS SEASON:13 – Pedro Porro11 – Josko Gvardiol11 – Daniel Munoz9 – Trent Alexander-Arnold9 – Rayan Ait-Nouri9 – James JustinTottenham’s right-back is encouraged to influence play in the final third by Ange Postecoglou and he’s certainly not shy when it comes to testing the opposition goalkeeper.Some Spurs fans might say Porro is overly shot-happy but from a Dream Team perspective, his unwavering desire to contribute in attack is a huge plus.The Spaniard has registered just six clean sheets in 2024/25, fewer than Ashley Young (£2.9m) and Tino Livramento (£2.8m), but he’s currently second among defenders overall with 171 points to his name, such is the value of his offensive play – he’s also a bonus point magnet.Crystal Palace’s Munoz averages a mightily impressive 6.2 points-per-game this season – the third highest rate among players in his position.The Colombian wing-back gets through mountains of defensive work – only Noussair Mazraoui (£2.7m) has made more tackles – but his role in the Eagles’ set-up means he often occupies shooting areas.A dual threatCredit: GettyMOST ASSISTS AMONG DEFENDERS THIS SEASON:9 – Antonee Robinson 8 – Trent Alexander-Arnold8 – Pedro Porro5 – Rayan Ait-Nouri5 – Nathan Collins5 – Lewis HallFulham’s left-back leads the way in this metric; a hugely impressive feat without additional European fixtures to bolster his schedule.The USA international also comes out on top for bonus points (29) in his position.Robinson deserves plenty of praise but he’ll have to produce something special to keep Liverpool’s No66 at bay in the final third of the campaign…Robinson has played superbly this season but has perhaps been a tad lucky in regards to his assist tallyCredit: GettyMOST BIG CHANCES CREATED AMONG DEFENDERS THIS SEASON: 15 – Trent Alexander-Arnold13 – Lucas Digne10 – Leif Davis8 – Tyrick Mitchell7 – Andy Robertson7 – Kostas Tsimikas7 – Yukinari SugawaraAlexander-Arnold has long rubbed shoulders with Dream Team’s best playmakers in the creative department and so it’s no surprise to see him leading the way here.He remains Liverpool’s best passer and crosser of a ball in Liverpool’s ranks.Robinson’s absence from his list suggests he’s been rather fortunate to amass nine assists – his team-mates have been clinical from his service.Aston Villa should have made more of Digne’s service this season and the Frenchman’s backers probably deserve a flurry of assists at some point in the coming months.Ipswich’s forward-thinking left-back produced a shed-load of assists in the Championship and he’s doing his best to carve out opportunities in the top flight but the Tractor Boys’ defensive vulnerabilities means Davis isn’t truly a viable option for Dream Team bosses.A playmaking giant from right-backCredit: GettyMOST GOAL INVOLVEMENTS (GOALS + ASSISTS) AMONG DEFENDERS THIS SEASON:10 – Trent Alexander-Arnold10 – Pedro Porro9 – Antonee Robinson9 – Rayan Ait-Nouri7 – Gabriel7 – Nathan CollinsAit-Nouri features in all but one of the above lists but much like Davis, his attacking contributions are negated by his team’s broader problems in defence.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt would be interesting to see what the 23-year-old could do as a regular starter for one of the league’s stronger teams.Combining goals and assists probably gives the fairest reflection of attacking threat as Alexander-Arnold and Porro have been the standout defenders in this regard, hence why they are ranked first and second in the position for total points right now.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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    Dream Team bosses scuppered as most popular recruit James Maddison absent against Leicester

    THE Dream Team gods can be so cruel.James Maddison (£4.2m) was the most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 21 but the best laid plans of almost 20% of managers were left in tatters when the midfielder was missing from Tottenham’s matchday squad against Leicester on Sunday.A maddening weekend for many Dream Team bossesCredit: Dream TeamRumours of a disagreement between Maddison and Ange Postecoglou started to circle social media after the team was announced but the Australian tactician explained that the playmaker was merely a fitness concern following Thursday night’s win over Hoffenheim, the latest availability headache in a long list for Spurs this season.”He’s still a bit sore from the other night,” Postecoglou revealed prior to kick-off. “It took a fair bit out of the group and he just wasn’t 100%.”It’s up to the 59-year-old coach to reveal or conceal availability news as he sees fit but Dream Team bosses certainly would have appreciated a word or two on Maddison’s condition prior to the Gameweek 21 deadline.Postecoglou gave no indication that the England international was a doubt in his Friday press conference.Postecoglou was without Maddison as he watched his side lose 2-1 to the FoxesCredit: PAWith Spurs due to face Leicester and Elfsborg in Gameweek 21, it’s easy to see why Maddison was such a popular option when he was assumed fully fit.The 28 year-old playmaker scored one goal and assisted another in Germany last Thursday to help boost his side’s chances of automatic qualification for the Europa League round of 16.A 14-point haul took Maddison’s overall total to 197 for the season, a tally only bettered by four midfielders at the time of writing.He’s scored nine goals, registered nine assists, and his total of 35 bonus points is second only to Youri Tielemans (£3.8m).Most read in FootballSpurs have desperately struggled in the league this term but Maddison has thrived in Dream Team, as have several of his team-mates.On paper, he was a strong option for Gameweek 21, which makes his unexpected absence even more painful.Postecoglou said Maddison should return “next week”Credit: GettyIt’s all eyes on Thursday night when Spurs host Elfsborg in their final league phase fixture of this Europa League campaign.If Maddison is fit enough to play against the Swedish outfit then he may be able to offset his weekend blank to some degree.Looking further ahead, Spurs also have two fixtures in Gameweek 22 but it’s a comparatively difficult double header in the form of back-to-back away days to Brentford (Premier League) and Liverpool (Carabao Cup).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