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EVEN the most partisan Aston Villa fan would admit Ollie Watkins (£5.8m) has looked undercooked during the opening exchanges this season.And there’s a good reason for that.The England international didn’t feature at all for the Villains in pre-season after being granted an extended summer break to compensate for the Three Lions’ lengthy Euro 2024 campaign.Stick or twist?Credit: Dream TeamWatkins has started both Premier League games so far but Unai Emery has replaced him just after the hour-mark on both occasions – another indication he’s not yet up to speed.As a result, the 28-year-old has mustered just five points in Dream Team to date – a bitterly disappointing return for one of the most-selected strikers in the game.Watkins was among the most transferred-out players prior to Gameweek 2 but even now his ownership remains a very healthy 18.2%.Erling Haaland (£8.5m), Alexander Isak (£5m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.2m) are the only forwards who appear in more teams at the time of writing.Raya produced an excellent save to deny Watkins his first goal of 2024/25Credit: ReutersGaffers who stuck by Watkins after Gameweek 1 would have been frustrated by his showing against Arsenal on Saturday.He fluffed a golden chance in the first half and was denied by a superb David Raya (£4.7m) save in the second when it looked for all the world he would head the hosts’ into the lead.Watkins’ wasteful finishing ultimately proved costly as the Gunners won 2-0 at Villa Park to exorcise some demons from last season.Most read in FootballAlmost a fifth of Dream Team bosses now have a big decision to make ahead of Gameweek 3.On the one hand, Watkins is yet to rediscover his best form while having his minutes managed but on the other hand, Villa’s fixtures appear to be massively favourable for the foreseeable future.Emery’s side travel to newly-promoted Leicester this Saturday and resume after the international break with a home game against Everton, who are bottom of the table after two fixtures.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 NOWGameweek 4 also brings the return of the Champions League and while that may pit Watkins and company against a difficult opponent (the draw is schedule for this week) it’s generally a wise idea for gaffers to target double Gameweeks in all guises.Gameweek 5 sees Wolves visit Villa Park while Gameweek 6 features a trip to Ipswich and the club’s second European fixture of 2024/25.In simple terms, Villa’s schedule from now until October appears ripe with potential.The question is: can Watkins take advantage?Villa’s fixture appear favourable until OctoberCredit: GettyIf he’s able to get up to speed either this week or after the international break then he should provide plenty of points – he’s been one of Dream Team’s top performers since Emery took charge.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut there’s no doubt his backers are having their patience tested at the start of this season.Stick or twist?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

TOTTENHAM registered their first win of the season in fine style on Saturday.Having been frustrated by Leicester last weekend, Ange Postecoglou’s side converted their dominance against Everton into an emphatic 4-0 victory on home soil.Son Heung-min (£5m) bagged 18 Dream Team points via a brace but the South Korean superstar didn’t finish as the game’s top performer.That accolade went to Cristian Romero (£3.4m).Romero was a class above against EvertonCredit: Dream TeamSpurs’ combative centre-back excelled in every aspect of the game to pocket 19 points in one fell swoop!He was integral to the hosts’ clean sheet, making a whopping six tackles to keep the Toffees at bay.But his coup de grace came in the 71st minute when he outmuscled everyone else in the vicinity to head home an in-swinging corner from close range.Romero’s goal was his sixth in the Premier League since the start of last season – a record high among defenders.Romero leapt highest to make it 3-0 against EvertonCredit: GettyThe Argentina international is a persistent aerial threat at set-pieces but he’ll also attempt to take the game by the scruff of the neck from open play late on if Spurs need a goal.This attacking edge sets him apart from most centre-backs in the top flight and certainly makes him more viable in Dream Team.Most read in FootballRomero’s 19-point haul has propelled him up the rankings to the very top among assets in his position – he’s now two points clear of Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) though of course it’s still early days.Truth be told, Pedro Porro (£4.2m) is probably the Spurs defender of choice for gaffers as he’s encouraged to get forward from the get-go – he too has already scored a goal this campaign.But the Spanish full-back is more expensive than Romero, who is available ahead of Gameweek 3 for just £3.4m.Dream Team bosses can expect his price to rise after Saturday’s deadline following his 19-point haul and so it’s no wonder he’s currently among the most-popular recruits this week.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 NOWSpurs are set to face Newcastle at St James’ Park before the international break, a fixture that has not been kind to them in recent seasons.However, Eddie Howe’s side don’t appear quite up to speed just yet so it may not be a bad time to face the Magpies on Tyneside.Gameweek 4 brings a North London derby and so it has to be said that Romero’s clean sheet hopes aren’t all that high for his next two outings.Romero scored five league goals last seasonCredit: ReutersLooking further ahead, Gameweek 5 appears to be an excellent time to back Spurs to the hilt.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat’s when they begin their Europa League campaign with the first fixture coming a few days after a home game against Brentford – an appealing double Gameweek.It will be interesting to see where Romero ranks among defenders by the time Gameweek 5 rolls around.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

IT takes a special effort to upstage an Erling Haaland (£8.5m) hat-trick in the world of Dream Team.And that’s exactly what Noni Madueke (£3m) did when he claimed a match ball of his own on Sunday.Hat-trick heroCredit: Dream TeamChelsea’s No11 benefited from his side’s ruthless counterattacking to take Wolves for 26 points (two more than Manchester City’s No9 notched against Ipswich) via five shots on target, one big chance created, and three goals.In combination with the brilliant Cole Palmer (£6m), Madueke ripped the hosts apart in transition and found the net three times from his position on the right flank.The 22-year-old didn’t feature against Pep Guardiola’s side in Gameweek 1 but a goal against Servette in the Blues’ Conference League play-off earned him a start at Molineux.To say Madueke capitalised on his opportunity is an understatement – he’s the top performer in Gameweek 2 at the time of writing.Chelsea thrashed Wolves on SundayCredit: GettyWith a senior squad in excess of 40 individuals, Chelsea have left many onlookers scratching their heads in recent times.Enzo Maresca has made it clear that almost half of the squad are working separately from those deemed surplus to requirements for the season ahead.The Blues’ off-field management has prompted much discussion but a 6-2 win on the road has reminded everyone that, for all the chaos, this team has more than enough talent to make waves on the pitch.Naturally, Madueke’s hat-trick has prompted a tidal wave of early transfers in the realm of Dream Team.Most read in FootballHis ownership has already risen to 7.1% having been the subject of twice as many transfers as the aforementioned Palmer, who is currently the second-most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 3.It wouldn’t be a surprise if Madueke features in over 10% of teams by the time Saturday’s 11am deadline rolls around, especially with Chelsea set to face a Crystal Palace side that have lost their first two games of the campaign.It may take Maresca a while to determine his primary approach but a hat-trick has surely propelled Madueke well up the pecking order – his minutes should be relatively secure for the foreseeable future.Palmer banked 19 points via a goal and three assistsCredit: GettyNoni Madueke says ‘I’m sure Wolverhampton is a lovely town’ after Chelsea star’s accidental X-rated postChelsea travel to Switzerland for the second leg of their Conference League play-off on Thursday night and, assuming they convert their aggregate lead into qualification for the league stage, they will have European fixtures from early October.Needless to say, Dream Team managers should be aware of this potential avenue to points.In previous seasons, Leicester, West Ham and Aston Villa assets have provided healthy returns in Europe’s tertiary competition.If Madueke is still in form and assured of minutes once Chelsea’s European campaign begins in earnest, he could be a very smart option indeed.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 2 in one easily digestible dose.Tottenham will be without Dominic Solanke when they host Everton on Saturday.The 13.5%-owned striker featured in all 38 of Bournemouth’s league games last season but a knock to the ankle in his competitive debut for Spurs has sidelined him.Solanke is out but Porro has been passed fitCredit: Dream TeamIn more positive news for Ange Postecoglou, Pedro Porro has been passed fit.The Spanish right-back looked uncomfortable late on against Leicester and was eventually substituted but he’s expected to play against the Toffees.As for Sean Dyche’s side, their availability issues in defence have worsened as James Tarkowski is deemed a doubt while Ashley Young is suspended.Cole Palmer was seen clutching his hamstring at the end of Chelsea’s win over Servette in the Conference League play-offs but Enzo Maresca is hopeful the Blues’ star man will be available for their trip to Molineux.”He felt something but he looks fine.” The Italian coach told journalists after the final whistle. “They already checked him, he looks fine and okay.”Pedro Neto is unlikely to start two games in quick succession and may have to be content with a substitute cameo against his former club.Robert Sanchez is expected to retain his place between the sticks in the league while new signing Joao Felix could be involved in some capacity having joined from Atletico Madrid on Thursday.Palmer should be fine for Chelsea’s trip to Wolves on SundayCredit: GettyPep Guardiola revealed that Rodri is “getting better” but the midfielder is yet to resume full team training and is therefore unlikely to be among Manchester City’s squad on Saturday.Winger Savinho is a minor doubt having been replaced at half time last weekend.Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah, who was hooked at half time against Ipswich last time out, missed a training session in midweek and is considered a doubt for Brentford’s appointment at Anfield.Ivan Toney is among the most transferred-out players this week having missed Brentford’s opening fixture amid transfer speculation.Speaking about the target man ahead of Gameweek 2, Thomas Frank told reporters: “He could be involved, he could not be involved.”Toney is being linked with a move away from BrentfordCredit: GettyNewcastle will have the same squad available for their trip to Bournemouth minus Fabian Schar, who starts his three-game suspension following his dismissal against Southampton.Nottingham Forest will be without Danilo for a long while after the Brazilian suffered a broken ankle against Bournemouth – the 23-year-old is due to have surgery next week.Nuno Espirito Santo gave no updates regarding Ola Aina or Anthony Elanga, who both came off prematurely against the Cherries.Yankuba Minteh is available for Brighton despite his precautionary concussion withdrawal on debut.Fulham have a clean bill of health but new signing Sander Berge is not available to face Leicester.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, Fabio Vieira (doubt)Suspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Robin Olsen (doubt), Tyrone Mings, Boubacar KamaraSuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Enes Unal, Tyler Adams, David BrooksSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Josh Dasilva, Igor ThiagoSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: Pervis Estupinan (doubt), Evan Ferguson (doubt), Tariq Lamptey (doubt), Bart Verbruggen, Julio Enciso, Solly MarchSuspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: NoneSuspensions: Reece JamesCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Matheus Franca, Will Hughes (doubt)Suspensions: EVERTONInjuries: Nathan Patterson, Seamus Coleman, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Garner, James Tarkowski (doubt), Youssef ChermitiSuspensions: Ashley YoungFULHAMInjuries: NoneSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Arijanet Muric (doubt), Wes Burns, Nathan Broadhead, Harry Clarke, George HirstSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Patson Daka, Conor Coady, Jakub StolarczykSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Jarrell Quansah (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Savinho (doubt), Rodri, Oscar BobbSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus HojlundSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Callum Wilson, Lewis Miley, Jamaal Lascelles, Sven BotmanSuspensions: Sandro Tonali, Fabian ScharNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Danilo, Anthony Elanga (doubt), Ola Aina (doubt)Suspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Gavin Bazunu, Adam Lallana, Juan Larios, Ross Stewart, Kamaldeen SulemanaSuspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Rodrigo Bentancur, Dominic SolankeSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Edson Alvarez (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWOLVESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Leon Chiwome, Enso GonzalezSuspensions: Nelson SemedoBetMGM 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

ALL Dream Team managers should be aware that player prices will vary throughout the season.Our boffins have been tweaked the algorithm that determines price changes for the 2024/25 campaign.Here’s how it works.Each Gameweek, every player is assessed by comparing the points he earned against his ‘expected score’.We can’t reveal the exact formula but past performances and current price are both taken into account when expected scores are calculated.Haaland started the season as the most-expensive player in Dream TeamCredit: GettyTop-tier assets such as Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka will have a higher expected score than the likes of Danny Ings, Beto and Will Hughes (with all due respect to those players).If a player outperforms their expected score, they will increase in price.Conversely, if a player performs below expectations by failing to match their expected score, they will decrease in price. Like last season, prices are updated on a weekly basis and can fall or rise either £0.1m, £0.2m or £0.3m – or stay the same.A player will have to significantly outperform their expected score to earn the maximum price increase of £0.3m but such a performance will result in an increased expected score for the subsequent Gameweek, making another big rise a little harder, but still possible.Of course, this works the other way too – a significant underperformance will decrease the given players’ expected score for the following Gameweek.This will ensure the market remains relatively stable while also reflecting recent form.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 NOWIf a player features in two fixtures in any given Gameweek, their average points from the two outings is what’s measured against their expected score, not their cumulative total.For example, if you own Son Heung-min and he scores 12 points in the Premier League at the weekend then four points in the Europa League on Thursday night, his average for the Gameweek would be eight – because 12 plus four equals 16 and 16 divided by two equals eight – and that figure is what would be measured against his expected score to determine his next price change.Of course, the broader picture in this scenario is that the Tottenham forward has earned you 16 points throughout the Gameweek – this is more noteworthy than a potential price change.It’s important to note that players are only subject to price changes if they play at least ten minutes (not including injury time).This is to prevent late substitutes from being unfairly penalised for failing to positively impact the game with such little time at their disposal – a regular occurrence.Although, again, this works both ways – players who come on at the death and end up with a healthy points return will also not be considered for a price change.Dream Team bosses should be smart with their money, just like… Todd Boehly?Credit: PAPlease be aware that price changes come into effect when a Gameweek starts – that’s AFTER your transfers have gone through.Finally, it’s worth stressing that predicting price changes is part of the game.Work the Dream Team stock market to your advantage by taking gambles on low-priced players on the way up or snapping up star players who have become more affordable.Remember, the initial £50million budget was only relevant prior to Gameweek 1.If price changes result in your team total rising above £50m, not only is that absolutely fine, it means you’re doing something right!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

WE’RE putting up £250 in Score Predictor this weekend!It doesn’t matter if you didn’t play in Matchweek 1 amid all the excitement of the Premier League’s return, if you earn the most points in Matchweek 2 you’ll pocket the cash prize.Simply gaze into your crystal ball and foresee the scores of five selected top flight fixtures and you’ll earn points based on the accuracy of your predictions.Remember, you don’t have to get all five scores exactly correct – that requires almost superhuman foresight- you just have to outperform everyone else.CLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR FOR FREE – £250 CASH PRIZE MUST BE WON!Play for free today!Credit: Dream TeamFor full transparency, these are our predictions for Matchweek 2.Manchester City v IpswichThe fixture computer have dealt the Tractor Boys a brutal baptism of fire with a trip to the champions’ lair hot on the heels of Liverpool’s visit to Portman Road.It’s essentially a free hit for Kieran McKenna’s mob but it’s difficult to envisage anything other than a comfortable home win given Ipswich were in League One two seasons ago while Pep Guardiola’s side have won four consecutive league titles.Erling Haaland will certainly fancy his chances of getting on the scoresheet – when does he not?Most read in FootballPrediction: 4-0 to Man CityIpswich, beware!Credit: GettyTottenham v EvertonThe Toffees suffered the heaviest defeat in Matchweek 1, a 3-0 loss at home to Brighton.It wasn’t just the result that was a concern but the open nature of their defence, something we don’t expect from a team organised by Sean Dyche.As for Saturday’s hosts, they were held to a 1-1 draw at Leicester on Monday night despite dominating the first hour – chance conversion has been an issue ever since Ange Postecoglou took charge.Only Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal won more home games than Spurs in the league last term.Prediction: 2-1 to SpursDyche would have been concerned how easily Brighton sliced through his teamCredit: ReutersAston Villa v ArsenalThe standout match-up of the weekend and one that the Gunners won’t be relishing.Unai Emery did the double over his former club last season and the Villains’ win at the Emirates in April remains the Arsenal’s only defeat in the league this calendar year.Both teams won their opening games, knocking off West Ham and Wolves respectively, so it’s a difficult one to call.Mikel Arteta’s side should be favourites but Villa have been their bogey team of late.Prediction: 1-1 drawScore 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 NOWWolves v ChelseaIs there a harder Premier League team to gauge than the Blues right now?From the outside, the club seems chaotic beyond belief with almost half the senior players branded as unwanted outcasts but it’s also true Enzo Maresca has a number of talented assets at his disposal.Among them, Pedro Neto, who returns to Molineux a week on from his departure.A winner from the Portuguese winger seems just cliched enough to come true.Prediction: 2-1 to ChelseaIt’s inevitable isn’t it?Credit: ReutersLiverpool v BrentfordThe Bees have lost every game they’ve played at Anfield since late 1937.Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa may pose a threat on the counterattack but their defence will have to play out of their skin to keep the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz at bay in Merseyside.A fairly regulation win for the Reds, we reckon…READ MORE SUN STORIESPrediction: 3-1 to LiverpoolCLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR FOR FREE – £250 CASH PRIZE MUST BE WON!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