Fantasy Football

CONGRATULATIONS to Dream Team manager Rob Feeny!He’s the latest gaffer to claim some cash off with a brilliant performance in Gameweek 3.Rob’s XI ‘Chilli Con Arne Slott’ racked up 153 points to claim the £250 weekly prize.Rob’s successful XICredit: Dream Team51 Dream Team bosses earned more points in Gameweek 3 but they all achieved mammoth scores by playing a Booster.Remember, you are only eligible to win the weekly prize if you don’t activate a Booster.Let’s analyse how Rob amassed his points.Lucas Digne produced nine points in a low-scoring Gameweek for defendersCredit: GettyRob’s defensive assets didn’t set the world alight in Gameweek 3 but that was generally the case across the board as only Liverpool kept a clean sheet in the Premier League.Lucas Digne (£3.1m) pulled his weight with a nine-point return against Leicester thanks primarily to an assist for Jhon Duran’s (£2.6m) winner.Anthony Gordon (£4.5m) mustered just four points but he was the only member of Rob’s front seven not to register a double-digit haul.The ever-reliable Bukayo Saka (£6.3m) returned 11 points after he set up Arsenal’s only goal against Brighton on Saturday.Most read in FootballThe Gunners’ No7 also registered three shots on target, two tackles and a bonus point.Luis Diaz bagged a brace at Old TraffordCredit: GettyLuis Diaz (£4.7m) enjoyed his brace at Old Trafford and banked 16 points in the process.Liverpool’s Colombian winger is now Dream Team’s top-performing midfielder with an overall total of 35 points.But Diaz was only the second best midfield asset in Gameweek 3 as Bryan Mbeumo (£3.6m) topped the pile with a whopping 19-point return.Brentford’s talisman created two big chances and notched three shots on target on his way to a brace at Southampton’s expense.The Cameroon international has started the season in fine form but he may find it hard going at the Etihad after the international break.Mbeumo has three league goals to his name alreadyCredit: GettySpeaking of Manchester City, Erling Haaland (£8.8m) has already tapped into some deeply ominous form.The prolific poacher scored his second hat-trick in as many games to add another 26 points to his total – doubled to 52 for those who captained him like Rob – this time at West Ham’s expense.Haaland has raced to 59 points in the blink of an eye – extraordinary even by his standards!Elsewhere, Kai Havertz (£4.6m) has picked up where he left off last season with two goals and an assist in three outings.The German forward produced a confident finish against the Seagulls before the game somewhat unravelled for Mikel Arteta.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 NOWLast but by no means least, Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) bagged his customary goal against Manchester United after twice assisting the aforementioned Diaz for a well-deserved 19-point haul.Liverpool’s Egyptian superstar has three goals and three assists from his first three appearances of the campaign – only Haaland is above him in the rankings.45 points and countingCredit: GETTYAnd that’s how Rob earned himself £250 – simple, eh?READ MORE SUN STORIESWe’re giving away the same amount again in Gameweek 4 after the international break so make sure your team is set up nicely prior to the 11am deadline on September 14th.But remember, if you’re targeting the weekly cash prize – no Boosters!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 in free bets — HERE*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

JARROD BOWEN (£5m) has quietly gone about his usual business at the start of this season.A reliable Dream Team performer for over three years now, West Ham’s No20 has banked 31 points across the first three Gameweeks.Hammer time!Credit: Dream TeamAt the time of writing, only Erling Haaland (£8.8m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) have more points among forwards – the superstar duo are the game’s top two point-scorers overall.TOP DREAM TEAM FORWARDS SO FAR THIS SEASONErling Haaland – 59 ptsMohamed Salah – 45 ptsJarrod Bowen – 31 ptsSon Heung-min – 28 ptsJoao Pedro – 26 ptsDanny Welbeck – 26 ptsKai Havertz – 25ptsNicolas Jackson – 25 ptsYoane Wissa – 25 ptsAlexander Isak – 25 ptsJean-Philippe Mateta – 25 ptsOn paper, the Hammers have one of the hardest openings to the new campaign, which makes Bowen’s returns to date even more impressive.Julen Lopetegui’s side have already faced Aston Villa and Manchester City in the Premier League, half of last season’s top four, and they were one of only four teams to be drawn against another top flight outfit (Bournemouth) in the second round of the Carabao Cup.Bowen mustered just two points against the Villains first up but he’s pounced 29 in three outings since, making him one of the game’s most in-form assets.Bowen has scored two goals and registered an assist in his last three outingsCredit: PAThe England international scored against both Crystal Palace and the Cherries in Gameweek 2.And he was credited with an assist for forcing Ruben Dias (£4.5m) into an own goal last weekend.Most read in FootballLooking forward, West Ham’s schedule still looks rough for a little while longer.A trip to Fulham after the international break isn’t all that concerning but Gameweek 5 brings a double header against Chelsea (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 NOWWithout European commitments, West Ham assets may need to go deep in the domestic cups if they are to be viable options in Dream Team but a trip to Anfield in the third round is anything but a favourable draw.Even so, Bowen’s strong start with minimal fuss should be acknowledged.The 27-year-old has scored 53 goals and provided 30 assists in all competitions since the start of 2021/22 at an average of 0.54 goal involvements per appearance.He currently features in 4.5% of teams.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 in free bets — HERE*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

WHO needs Ivan Toney when Bryan Mbeumo (£3.6m) is in form?Brentford’s No19 inspired his side to their third win in four games with a brace against Southampton on Saturday.31 points and countingCredit: Dream TeamThe Cameroon international produced an impressive all-round performance to pocket 19 Dream Team points as Thomas Frank’s side beat Saints 3-1 in West London.Only hat-trick hero Erling Haaland (£8.8m) added more points to their total than Mbeumo in Gameweek 3.The 25-year-old has 31 points in total which puts him joint-fifth among midfielders but it’s incredibly tight at the top of the rankings at this early stage of the season – outright leader Luis Diaz (£4.7m) is just four points ahead.Mbeumo also scored against Crystal Palace on the opening weekend of the campaign and his overall tally of three goals is only bettered by the aforementioned Haaland, who has raced to seven in the blink of an eye.Mbeumo currently features in 5.3% of teamsCredit: GettyThe Bees’ talisman is yet to register an assist but not for lack of trying.He’s created four big chances across the first four Gameweeks – the joint-most among all assets alongside Cole Palmer (£6.3m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.3m).Had his team-mates been even slightly more efficient in front of goal, Mbeumo would be Dream Team’s top midfielder right now.Brentford lost at Anfield in Gameweek 2 but they’ve beaten Palace, Colchester (Carabao Cup) and Southampton in what has been an encouraging start to the season.Most read in FootballHowever, Dream Team bosses keen on Mbeumo would do well to look ahead at the September schedule before committing blindly.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 NOWAfter the international break, Frank’s troops are due to face Manchester City at the Etihad – a match-up that rarely yields many points for the visitors.Pep Guardiola’s side have started 2024/25 in ominous form.Man City look strong once againCredit: GettyGameweek 4 also includes a Carabao Cup game against Leyton Orient but Mbeumo has to be considered a rotation risk for that fixture given he didn’t feature at all in the last round of the competition.Gameweek 5 then brings another tricky away day in the form of Tottenham.And so gaffers face an age-old conundrum where a player’s sparkling form makes them an appealing option but their upcoming fixtures temper expectations.What’s clear is that Mbeumo is not a player to underestimated but recruiting a player just before they face Man City away feels counterproductive.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 in free bets — HERE*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

ARNE SLOT could not have asked for a better August.Tasked with filling Jurgen Klopp’s shoes, the Dutchman has endeared himself to Liverpool fans in quick time by overseeing three straight victories, capped with a 3-0 win over old enemies Manchester United at Old Trafford.Slot will be delighted with how Liverpool have started the seasonCredit: GETTYManchester City may be top of the table by virtue of goal difference – Erling Haaland (£8.8m) has raced to seven goals via two hat-tricks – but the Reds hold the distinction of being the only Premier League side yet to concede a goal.Naturally, this achievement has translated to plentiful Dream Team points.Three consecutive clean sheets has yielded 25 points for Alisson (£4.9m), who sits atop the goalkeeper rankings.Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.8m) is the outright best defender on 27 points after three Gameweeks.Anfield’s homegrown hero could have been further ahead of his rivals had his team-mates converted one of the three big chances he’s created – he also had a goal overturned by VAR against the Red Devils.Andy Robertson (£4.8m) is joint-second in his position on 24 points with Virgil van Dijk (£5.2m) one point behind in joint-fourth.Alisson is yet to pick the ball out of his netCredit: GettyAlisson and Liverpool’s first-choice defenders come at a significant cost but gaffers who forked out for them prior to Gameweek 1 have been handsomely rewarded so far.Slot’s troops are well represented in the attacking positions too.Most read in FootballAfter his brace at Old Trafford for a 16-point return, Luis Diaz (£4.7m) is now Dream Team’s top midfielder, one point clear of Bukayo Saka (£6.3m) and Eberechi Eze (£4.6m).And up top, only Haaland (59 pts) boasts a greater points total than Mohamed Salah’s (£7.3m) tally of 45.The Egyptian superstar has burst out of the blocks with three goals and three assists in his first three outings.Salah always seems to score at Old TraffordCredit: GettyThat these players have had success throughout the first month of the season is hardly a surprise but there was a certain degree of uncertainty about Liverpool in pre-season due to Klopp’s departure.It’s still early days but on current evidence there’s no reason for Dream Team bosses to shy away for Salah, Alexander-Arnold and company.In Gameweek 4, Liverpool host Nottingham Forest before starting their Champions League campaign with a trip to Milan – their first double Gameweek of the season.Alexander-Arnold had a goal at Old Trafford disallowed but still leads the way among Dream Team defendersCredit: GettyLooking further ahead, Slot’s side take on Bournemouth, Wolves, Bologna and Crystal Palace between Gameweeks 5 and 7 before the second international break of 2024/25 – there’s also a Carabao Cup meeting with West Ham to squeeze in at some stage.All things considered, Liverpool’s fixtures appear relatively favourable for the foreseeable future. BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 in free bets — HERE*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 3 in one easily digestible dose.Arsenal new singing Mikel Merino will have to wait for his debut as the combative midfielder suffered a shoulder injury in training.The Euro 2024 winner is said to be out for “a few weeks” after the unfortunate collision; the Gunners will also be without Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus.Arsenal fans will have to wait for a look at their new midfielderCredit: Dream TeamPep Guardiola told reporters that Phil Foden “still doesn’t feel good” following his absence through illness in Gameweek 2.In brighter news for Manchester City fans, Rodri has trained this week and is expected to make the matchday squad at the very least – Mateo Kovacic has shaken off his minor issue too.Dominic Solanke won’t return for Tottenham until after the international break but should be in contention for the North London derby in Gameweek 4 barring any setbacks.Richarlison will be sidelined for longer and so Son Heung-min is likely to lead the line again at St James’ Park following his brace against Everton last time out.Sandro Tonali returned from his lengthy suspension in midweek when Newcastle edged out Nottingham Forest on penalties to progress in the Carabao Cup.The ex-Milan midfielder is therefore in line to feature against Spurs but the Magpies still have a few absentees (see below) with Joe Willock the latest to be deemed unavailable.Tonali is available for selection againCredit: GettyMason Mount has joined Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Rasmus Hojlund and Tyrell Malacia on Manchester United’s injury list ahead of Liverpool’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday.As for Arne Slot’s troops, Curtis Jones is a major doubt while new signing Federico Chiesa is unlikely to feature having trained with the Reds for the first time today.Everton were bolstered by the returns of Seamus Coleman, James Garner and Ashley Young on Tuesday night but key defender Jarrad Branthwaite remains sidelined alongside Nathan Patterson and Youssef Chermiti.Elsewhere, Crystal Palace will be without Chadi Riad this weekend after the defender incurred an injury on Carabao Cup duty in midweek.The Eagles are expected to keep hold of Marc Guehi on deadline day despite strong rumours linking him to Newcastle.Chelsea rested a number of players against Servette in midweek including Pedro Neto, Wesley Fofana and Malo Gusto – all three could start against Palace on Sunday.Chiesa is unlikely to make his debut for Liverpool this weekendCredit: GettyWes Burns, Harry Clarke, Nathan Broadhead and George Hirst are all unavailable for Ipswich but Kalvin Phillips is in contention to make his debut for the Tractor Boys having been unavailable to face his parent club last weekend.Pervis Estupinan and Bart Verbruggen return for Brighton against Crawley last time out but new arrival Matt O’Riley lasted just nine minutes before he was replaced.The Denmark international is set to undergo surgery and will be out for some time having been on the receiving end of a reckless challenge.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, Kieran Tierney, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus Suspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Robin Olsen, Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara, Matty CashSuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Enes Unal, Tyler Adams, David Brooks (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Josh Dasilva, Igor ThiagoSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: Solly March, Matt O’Riley, Mats Wieffer (doubt), Brajan Gruda (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Romeo LaviaSuspensions: Reece JamesCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Matheus Franca, Chadi RiadSuspensions: EVERTONInjuries: Nathan Patterson, Jarrad Branthwaite, Youssef ChermitiSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: NoneSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Wes Burns, Nathan Broadhead, Harry Clarke, George HirstSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Patson Daka, Jakub StolarczykSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Curtis JonesSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Phil Foden, Rodri (doubt), Oscar BobbSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund, Mason MountSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Callum Wilson, Lewis Miley, Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Joe WillockSuspensions: Fabian ScharNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Danilo, Ryan Yates (doubt)Suspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart (doubt), Kamaldeen Sulemana (doubt)Suspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Richarlison, Dominic SolankeSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Aaron CresswellSuspensions: NoneWOLVESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Leon Chiwome, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar TraoreSuspensions: NoneBetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 in free bets — HERE*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

THE captaincy debate is an open-and-shut case for many Dream Team managers ahead of Gameweek 3.Erling Haaland (£8.5m) is the default selection and given the prolific poacher bagged a hat-trick against Ipswich last time out, there’s seemingly no need to deviate from the norm.InevitableCredit: Dream TeamManchester City travel to West Ham on Saturday with Haaland hoping to extend his record of three goals in two visits to the London Stadium.However, it’s worth noting that the Norwegian striker did not top score in Gameweek 2 – that accolade went to Noni Madueke (£3m) after his hat-trick at Wolves.Although selecting the Chelsea winger as captain would have required superhuman foresight.The point is that it’s worth discussing the alternatives to Haaland, if only as a courtesy. Cole Palmer (£6m)Fancy a cold one?Credit: GettyMadueke grabbed the spotlight at Molineux but Palmer was equally effective with a goal and three assists.The Blues’ talisman pocketed 19 points by the final whistle and he has to be considered a decent captaincy option this weekend.Enzo Maresca’s side are due to host Crystal Palace on Sunday with the Eagles still seeking their first point of the new campaign.Most read in Dream TeamChelsea remain somewhat unpredictable as their emphatic 6-2 win over Wolves was countered by a 2-1 defeat to Servette in the Conference League play-off second leg on Thursday night, though they won the tie 3-2 on aggregate.But Palmer has been one of the most reliably brilliant Dream Team assets for almost a year now.Mohamed Salah (£7.2m)New manager, same resultsCredit: GettyThe much-discussed transition from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot hasn’t bucked the trend of Liverpool’s No11 flying out the blocks at the start of a new season.Salah has notched two goals and an assist in his first two outings for a return of 26 points – only the aforementioned Haaland is above him in the rankings.The Reds travel to Manchester United on Sunday for the first blockbuster match-up of the campaign and while their recent record in this fixture isn’t all that good, Salah has been the scourge of the Red Devils for years.In fact, no visiting player has scored more Premier League goals at Old Trafford.More broadly, the 32-year-old has contributed to 18 goals in his last 11 appearances against Man United.Bryan Mbeumo (£3.8m)An underrated gemCredit: ReutersHere’s a left-field suggestion for gaffers who love to play Dream Team their own way.Brentford’s No19 is an underrated asset and it may surprise some to learn that he averaged a goal or assist every 130.7 minutes in the league last season.He scored against Palace on the opening weekend and will be relishing the prospect of taking on Southampton in West London this Saturday having been limited at Anfield last time out.Saints conceded a whopping 23 shots at home to Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 2.Plus, Mbeumo should be the Bees’ first-choice penalty-taker with Ivan Toney expected to leave the club today.READ MORE SUN STORIESScore 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 NOWFamiliar names such as Bukayo Saka (£6.3m), Son Heung-min (£5m) and Ollie Watkins (£6m) deserve mentions too but, let’s be clear, Haaland is the most-popular choice for a reason.Lock in your captain (and vice-captain) before Saturday’s 11am deadline.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 in free bets — HERE*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More