Fantasy Football

DREAM TEAM managers will need to make a final decision on their transfers for Gameweek 31 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.As always, the focus is on the double headers with the following seven teams set to play twice: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Newcastle.Before we recommend some underrated differentials, let’s make it abundantly clear that the obvious star names attached to the aforementioned clubs should be the top priorities, in particular: Cole Palmer (£5.4m), Bruno Fernandes (£7m), Alexander Isak (£6.2m) and Morgan Rogers (£4.2m).Not bad for Plan BCredit: Dream TeamMikel Merino (£4.4m)Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) should also be considered a high priority if he’s passed fit – the Arsenal winger limped off against Real Madrid in the week.As did free-kick hero Declan Rice (£4.5m), who is also a good option when available.We’re choosing to shine a spotlight on Merino as his ownership remains a modest 1.2% despite the fact he’s banked 75 points in his last ten outings.Categorised as a midfielder in Dream Team, the Spaniard has been deployed as a makeshift striker lately in response to an injury crisis.And Mikel Arteta could not have wished for better results as Merino has scored six goals at a rate of one every 132 minutes since tasked with leading the line.Gaffers who recruit the 28-year-old essentially add an extra forward to their XI – a sneaky yet perfectly legitimate trick.Jacob Murphy (£3.8m)Murphy cashed in against LeicesterCredit: ReutersA rare double Gameweek for Newcastle opens up other possibilities for Dream Team bosses.Most read in FootballIsak is rightly the first port of call but with the Magpies having the luxury of back-to-back home games it wouldn’t be overkill to double up on attacking threats.Murphy bagged a brace against the Foxes last time out for a season-best return of 16 points.More broadly, the long-serving winger has contributed ten goal involvements in his last 16 games.Statistically one of the most in-form midfielders in the game, Murphy (1.3% ownership) has to be considered a tempting differential ahead of Man United and Crystal Palace’s visits to St James’ Park.Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4.3m)A real threatCredit: GettyPalace are one of just three teams with four fixtures to fulfil across the next two Gameweeks and only Liverpool have earned more points in the Premier League this calendar year.Simply put, it’s a great time to back the Eagles.We’ve tipped Daniel Munoz (£5.4m) and Eberechi Eze (£4.7m) a lot in recent weeks and the pair are relatively popular, justifiably so.But Mateta’s ownership of 3.9% seems a tad low for a striker who has scored nine goals in his last 13 appearances.Granted, his upcoming double header of Manchester City and Newcastle is a tricky one on paper but he’s among the most in-form finishers in the top flight at present.Youri Tielemans (£3.9m)Bonus ballCredit: RexPredicting Unai Emery’s starting line-up against Southampton this weekend is no easy feat.Aston Villa are 3-1 down on aggregate to PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals with the second leg to come on Tuesday night.It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Villains rested key players against an already-relegated Saints outfit with a view to throwing everything at the French giants.That being said, Tielemans has been virtually rotation-proof all season long having started every game in the league and Europe.The Belgian midfielder leads Dream Team for bonus points right now with 49 to his name.Read More on The SunA 15-point haul in Gameweek 30 (via two assists) has reminded Dream Team bosses of his credentials.Rogers is undoubtedly first in the pecking order but doubling up on Villa midfielders is a viable strategy this month.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

GAMEWEEK 31 features another open-ended captaincy debate.With Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Newcastle set to pull double duty, there are several viable candidates for the all-important armband.Isak has the luxury of two home fixtures this coming GameweekCredit: Dream TeamA rare double Gameweek for the Magpies presents Dream Team managers with a long-awaited opportunity to double Alexander Isak’s (£6.2m) points.The Swedish striker averages 8.4 points-per-game this season, a rate only bettered by three players at this moment in time.Isak has scored 24 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions.The only strikers with more points are Mohamed Salah (declining form) and Erling Haaland (injured).Eddie Howe’s side have the luxury of two home fixtures in Gameweek 31: Manchester United and Crystal Palace.The Toon’s head coach declared that Isak was “100% fit” after his side’s win over Leicester on Monday night so there’s seemingly no need to worry about availability scares.Palmer’s Gameweek 31 appears very favourableCredit: GettyElsewhere, Cole Palmer (£5.4m) should be considered a strong captaincy option.At the time of writing, Chelsea still have to play the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final against Legia Warsaw but, barring an injury to the 22 year-old midfielder, he seems well placed to deliver plentiful returns this coming Gameweek.Most read in FootballLike Newcastle, the Blues have back-to-back home games with Ipswich due at Stamford Bridge before the aforementioned Polish outfit visit London next Thursday.Enzo Maresca rang the changes against Brentford last time out when he dropped Palmer and four others to the bench but his bold selection yielded a dull 0-0 draw.Given Chelsea are still competing for Champions League qualification, it would be a huge surprise if the England international didn’t start against the Tractor Boys this Sunday.And if there’s still a job to do against Legia Warsaw in midweek then Palmer could be looking at two run outs against favourable opposition.A class act but a potential minutes riskCredit: AFPVilla couldn’t have asked for a more friendly league fixture this weekend as they will travel to Southampton, a match-up that usually offers plentiful points for the visiting team.However, with the Villains 3-1 down on aggregate to PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals, Unai Emery may rest key players against Saints.Morgan Rogers (£4.2m) banked 21 points in Gameweek 30 and would probably have a field day against the top flight’s worst defence but the risk of a benching is enough to provoke reluctance.Marco Asensio (£4.1m) and Ollie Watkins (£4.9m) both have a good chance of starting this weekend having only featured as substitutes in Paris.357 points and countingCredit: EPAMany gaffers will stick the armband on Bruno Fernandes (£7m) for Gameweek 31.The Red Devils travel to Newcastle before hosting Lyon in what is a tricky double header on paper.That being said, the Portuguese playmaker is leaps and bounds ahead of his team-mates and has proven himself capable of healthy returns in losing efforts this season.He remains among the game’s most in-form players.Eze is in fine formCredit: AFPThe Eagles’ double header is a tough one as they will travel to Manchester City and Newcastle.However, it’s worth noting that Oliver Glasner’s side have actually performed better on the road this season.Furthermore, only champions elect Liverpool have earned more points than Palace since the turn of year.Read More on The SunDaniel Munoz (£5.4m), Eberechi Eze (£4.7m) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4.3m) are all great assets to own in Gameweek 31 but whether any of them are worthy of being captain is another matter.Be sure to select your captain (and vice captain) 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

SCORE PREDICTOR Matchweek 27 features five mouthwatering Premier League match-ups.Play for free ahead of Saturday’s 5:30pm deadline and you could be £250 richer by Monday night.Play Score Predictor now!Credit: Dream TeamSimply enter your predictions for the selected fixtures and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you earn the most points then you’ll claim the cash prize!PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR NOW!Allow us to present some key stats and facts to help inform your decisions…Arsenal v BrentfordThe Gunners are riding high after an emphatic victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals and one suspects Mikel Arteta will already be prioritising the second leg.Truth be told, there’s little jeopardy left for Arsenal in the Premier League as they are unlikely to catch Liverpool or be caught by those behind them.The Bees are entering on-the-beach territory too, positioned 12th in table with an outside chance of claiming the Conference League spot but seemingly set for a comfortable mid-table finish.Brentford famously announced themselves in the top flight with a win over Arsenal but the North Londoners have had the better of this match-up ever since having won six of the last seven meetings.Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have impressed this season but the goals have dried up for Thomas Frank’s side of late with just four in their last five league outings.Most read in FootballBrentford have conceded more shots than any other side in the league this season while Arsenal have allowed the fewest shots.Our Prediction: 1-0 to ArsenalArsenal impressed against Real MadridCredit: GettyLiverpool v West HamThe Reds are in danger of finishing an otherwise superb season in limp fashion having lost three of their last four games in all competitions.However, Arne Slot will feel confident of restoring the party mood at Anfield this weekend as the Hammers are without a win in their last four.Graham Potter still has a lot of work to do at the London Stadium and with Wolves in decent form there’s a real danger that West Ham will finish 17th with just Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton below them.Liverpool have a positive goal difference of 21 in home league games this term while West Ham have conceded seven goals more than they’ve scored on the road.Our Prediction: 2-0 to LiverpoolPotter needs to find solutionsCredit: ReutersWolves v TottenhamNo team have taken more points from their last six league games than Vitor Pereira’s resurgent troops.Not only will the hosts head into Sunday’s clash full of confidence, they will also be boosted by the return of Matheus Cunha from suspension.To say this is a potential banana skin for Spurs is a huge understatement.The fact this game falls between two Europa League quarter-final legs for Spurs may also work in Wolves’ advantage.If Ange Postecoglou is to save face at the end of this turbulent campaign he will have to prioritise Europe, his last route to silverware.Our Prediction: 3-2 to WolvesCunha is set to return for in-form WolvesCredit: GettyNewcastle v Manchester UnitedThe Red Devils have won just four league games away from this season – yet another statistic that illustrates the extent of their downfall.In their defence, they came closer than Man City to winning last weekend’s drab derby but fans and neutrals alike are trying to forget that non-contest.Man United’s performances still leave a lot to be desired but technically they’ve lost just one of their last nine games in all competitions.It’s worth noting that Ruben Amorim’s side play in Lyon before they make the trip to St James’ Park.As for the Magpies, they’re peaking at a good time with four consecutive wins, including victory in the Carabao Cup final.Newcastle won 2-0 at Old Trafford earlier this season and we’re inclined to back a repeat.Our Prediction: 2-0 to NewcastleNewcastle strolled to victory against Leicester on Monday nightCredit: GettyBournemouth v FulhamThe Cherries’ push for European qualification has stalled as they’re without a league win since mid-February.Andoni Iraola’s side have also fared better on the road than at home this season.Whereas the visitors head to the south coast having beaten Liverpool last time out.Fulham rank third for xG conceded behind Liverpool and Arsenal while Bournemouth rank third for xG generated behind the Reds and Chelsea.Monday night’s match-up smells like a competitive stalemate.Read More on The SunOur Prediction: 1-1 drawShow us how it’s really done by entering your own predictions for Matchweek 27 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

ALL eyes were on Alexander Isak (£6.2m) at the King Power on Monday night but it was Jacob Murphy (£3.8m) who starred for Newcastle in their win over Leicester.While the Swedish striker, who features in 35.4% of teams, had to settle for just two points, the Toon’s long-serving winger bagged a brace to pocket a cool 16 points.Murphy has contributed 19 goal involvements in all competitions this seasonCredit: Dream TeamMurphy’s goals came from two predatory finishes, the likes of which fans would expect from Isak.The 30-year-old was well positioned at the back post to convert a wicked Tino Livramento (£2.9m) cross from close range inside the first two minutes.Then in the 11th minute, he followed up an audacious long-range effort from Fabian Schar (£2.9m) and was perfectly placed when the ball cannoned back off the bar to gift him an unmissable chance with the home side’s defenders in a different postcode.Harvey Barnes (£2.6m) inflicted further pain on his former club in the 34th minute as Newcastle essentially completed the job with an hour to spare.It was another miserable night for the Foxes, who have now lost eight league games in a row without scoring a single goal in response!Newcastle made light work of Leicester at the King PowerCredit: GettyMurphy’s 16-point haul has only been bettered by Brennan Johnson (£2.8m) in Gameweek 30 thus far but that may change as there are five European fixtures still to come.The aforementioned Livramento, Schar and Barnes also notched double-digit hauls and Dream Team managers would do well to consider Eddie Howe’s troops ahead of Gameweek 31.Newcastle are among the select group of seven clubs set to pull double duty next Gameweek and one of just two teams (Chelsea being the other) with the luxury of two home fixtures.Most read in FootballThe Carabao Cup winners welcome Manchester United and Crystal Palace to St James’ Park as they continue their quest for Champions League qualification.Newcastle are fifth in the table with a game in hand on those around themCredit: ReutersMurphy has to be considered a viable differential option for this double header as he currently features in just 1.1% of teams.He has registered ten goal involvements in 16 games since the turn of the year.In fact, Murphy is statistically the fourth-most in-form midfielder in the game right now with only Morgan Rogers (£4.2m), Eberechi Eze (£4.7m) and Bruno Fernandes (£7m) having taken more points from their last three outings.Naturally, gaffers inclined to target Newcastle’s fixtures in Gameweek 31 will consider Isak first and foremost.The prolific 25-year-old was a doubt prior to kick-off on Monday night having complained of a groin niggle against Brentford last time out but he was fit enough to start against Leicester.Howe declared Isak 100% fit after the final whistle on Monday nightCredit: GettyWhile Isak wasn’t able to capitalise on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s beleaguered troops, Howe provided a positive update on his condition after the final whistle.”I think he’s 100% fit,” Newcastle’s head coach said of his star striker. “I wouldn’t have taken any risks with him tonight if he wasn’t. “I don’t think we’ll have to manage him from this point onwards, fingers crossed he’ll be fine.”Read More on The SunExperienced Dream Team bosses will know to take Howe’s availability updates with a pinch of salt but it seems as if Isak will get two proper run outs in Gameweek 31.This is big news in the world of Dream Team as Isak is currently the most transferred-out player ahead of Saturday’s 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

THIS is an uncomfortable conversation.It may be the case that no Dream Team player in history has had more credit in the bank than Mohamed Salah (£7.5m) does right now.That being said, it’s time for gaffers to question whether Liverpool’s No11 is still worthy of his place in a competitive XI.Say it ain’t soCredit: Dream TeamSalah is by far and away the top performer this season with 462 points to his name, 105 more than his closest rival.He’s scored 32 goals and provided 22 assists in all competitions as the leader in both key metrics.Just three weeks ago, the faintest whisper of doubt about Salah’s viability would have been shot down by any right-minded Dream Team manager.But things change quickly in this game and not even the most dominant players are immune from fluctuations in form.Salah has mustered just 11 points from his last four games in a run that has featured just two shots on target.The goals have dried up for Dream Team’s outright top performerCredit: AlamySALAH’S FORM DIPGameweek 27: 3 pts v PSG (h)Gameweek 28: 2 pts v Newcastle (h)Gameweek 29: 4 pts v Everton (h)Gameweek 30: 2 pts v Fulham (a)Given the Egyptian superstar averages 10.3 points-per-game across 2024/25 as a whole, his recent returns have been bitterly disappointing.Most read in FootballSalah’s dwindling form is not the only cause for concern as the schedule also demands attention.Arne Slot’s side remain heavy favourites to lift the Premier League trophy but they suffered notable defeats in the other three competitions in the space of five dramatic weeks.Liverpool’s defeat to PSG has had a significant knock-on effectCredit: GettyIn February, the Reds were upset by Plymouth in the FA Cup fourth round while March saw them humbled by PSG in the Champions League prior to defeat in the Carabao Cup final at the hands of Newcastle.Consequently, Liverpool have a maximum of seven fixtures remaining before the end of the season.This fixture deficit will be starkly apparent in the coming days when Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea will all fulfil European quarter-final first legs while Salah and friends twiddle their thumbs.Furthermore, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Aston Villa all have an additional domestic fixture over Liverpool in the form of an FA Cup semi-final, with two progressing to the final.Simply put, Salah has fewer point-scoring opportunities ahead of him than several other productive talents.Dream Team bosses will be reluctant to ditch SalahCredit: AFPReduced returns combined with a relatively relaxed schedule would usually be enough for Dream Team bosses to lose patience with an individual but Salah’s immense record means this is not a decision to take lightly.It would not come as a surprise if the prolific 32-year-old banked shed-loads of points against West Ham and Leicester across Gameweeks 31 and 32.Read More on The SunHowever, there are enough factors to justify what would have previously been viewed as an unthinkable transfer.Salah is currently the most popular player in the game with an ownership of 61.5% – nobody else features in the majority of teams – but it will be interesting to see if that’s still the case in a fortnight’s time.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

SUCH is the nature of Tottenham’s season that even their wins are tarnished to some degree.The North Londoners condemned Southampton to relegation on Sunday thanks to a Brennan Johnson (£2.8m) brace but the Wales international was visibly upset at full time having been denied the chance to score his first hat-trick for the club.Johnson produced two accomplished finishes but wasn’t given the chance to bag a hat-trickCredit: ReutersJohnson produced two excellent finishes in the first half, the first an emphatic strike and the second a deft effort of considerable composure.When he suckered Saints defender Welington into an ill-judged challenge in the box deep into stoppage time, it looked for all the world as if he would end up taking the match ball home.With Spurs leading and first-choice penalty taker Son Heung-min (£4.5m) having been substituted, Johnson clearly expected to take the spot-kick he earned.However, after a discussion that involved several players, Mathys Tel (£3.1m) took charge and converted the penalty, much to Johnson’s frustration.Tel scored from the spot in stoppage timeCredit: PADespite this missed opportunity, the 23-year-old banked 19 Dream Team points when all was said and done as he was credited with a fantasy assist for his side’s third goal having drawn the foul.He is Gameweek 30’s top performer as it stands.MOST POINTS EARNED IN GAMEWEEK 30 SO FAR19 pts – Brennan Johnson16 pts – Evanilson16 pts – Alex Iwobi15 pts – Mateus Fernandes12 pts – Pablo SarabiaMost read in FootballJohnson is the only player in the top five with another fixture to fulfil before the end of the Gameweek.Ange Postecoglou’s side are due to host Frankfurt in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday night.Johnson may have earned a promotion in the pecking orderCredit: RexThe Australian coach has varied his team selections all season long but Johnson’s impressive brace has surely improved his chances of starting against the Bundesliga outfit.The former Nottingham Forest man has jumped up to 11th in the midfield rankings, with a total of 229 points to his name.With 16 goals in all competitions, he is Tottenham’s top scorer this season.In fact, only four Dream Team assets have scored more goals in 2024/25 to date.Add in seven assists and Johnson’s output is certainly not to be sniffed at, even if he has blown hot and cold throughout the campaign.The Europa League is Postecoglou’s last possible route to a trophy this seasonCredit: ReutersHaving grabbed the headlines at the weekend, Johnson has to be considered a viable option for Gameweek 31, when Spurs will travel to Wolves before the second leg of their European quarter-final in Frankfurt.They are one of just seven clubs set to pull double duty next Gameweek.The main limiting factor to his viability is that his minutes are far from assured.JOHNSON’S GAME TIME SINCE GAMEWEEK 2745 minutes vs Bournemouth (h)12 minutes vs AZ Alkmaar (h)45 minutes vs Fulham (a)26 minutes vs Chelsea (a)90 minutes vs Southampton (h)For many gaffers, those numbers simply won’t do – players can’t earn points if they’re not on the pitch.Read More on The SunWho will line up in Spurs’ front three against Frankfurt?Credit: ReutersBut if Johnson does get the nod in Gameweek 31 then he may well add to his healthy goal tally.Thursday night’s game in North London will give Dream Team bosses a clearer indication of Postecoglou’s pecking order before the 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