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IF nothing else, this unwelcome international break at least allows Dream Team managers some time to reflect upon the start of the 2024/25 season.With that in mind, let’s analyse the most-popular outfield players who are yet to reach the 20-point mark.Van de Ven had a minor issue in Gameweek 3Credit: RexMicky van de Ven (£3.8m)15 points10.9% ownershipThe Dutchman missed Tottenham’s trip to St James’ Park just before the break but given Ange Postecoglou’s troops suffered a 2-1 defeat, it’s unlikely he would have got the five points required to evade this list.That being said, Van de Ven’s average of 7.5 points-per-game is very healthy indeed, albeit from a tiny sample size.Emile Smith Rowe (£2.8m)14 points11.7% ownershipThe former Arsenal midfielder’s transfer to Fulham made him the bargain option of choice for a significant chunk of Dream Team bosses.Smith Rowe has started all three of the Cottagers’ league games but he’s yet to play more than 72 minutes at any one time.Most read in FootballThe 24-year-old scored against Leicester in Gameweek 2 but he’s mustered just five points from his other three outings combined.At least he’s not too expensive…Credit: RexBruno Fernandes (£5.8m)13 points12.2% ownershipSmith Rowe’s relatively modest returns aren’t a huge problem because he doesn’t take up much budget but that’s certainly not the case for Manchester United’s main man, who is one of the most-expensive players in the game.Fernandes has excelled in Portugal colours during the international break and certain Dream Team managers will be desperate for him to translate that form to the club arena when he returns to English shores.The Red Devils have SIX fixtures to fulfil across the next three Gameweeks – surely it’s only a matter of time before Fernandes resumes normal service?Kobbie Mainoo (£3.4m)15 points12.4% ownershipAnother Man United asset makes the list.Old Trafford’s homegrown hero was heavily backed prior to Gameweek 1, perhaps as a result of his performances at Euro 2024, and he repaid that faith in Gameweek 1 by earning maximum bonus points (five) against Fulham.However, seven points in total across Gameweeks 2 and 3 represents a regression to the mean Mainoo established last season.Here’s a interesting fact: Man United and Ipswich are the only two teams without a single player on 20+ points at this stage.Man United assets have struggled so farCredit: GettyMarc Guehi (£3.3m)14 points13.9% ownershipLike Mainoo, the Crystal Palace centre-back was a popular man off the back of the Euros.We tried to tell gaffers that Daniel Munoz (£3.1m) was a better option at a cheaper price but that advice fell on too many deaf ears – the Colombian wing-back has pouched 18 points via an assist and a whopping 14 tackles (joint-most among defenders).Guehi was heavily linked with a summer move to Newcastle but remains for Eagle for now – his ownership has decreased steadily since Gameweek 1.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 NOWOllie Watkins (£5.6m)12 points16.6% ownershipAston Villa’s No11 played no part in pre-season following England’s European Championship campaign and has therefore had his minutes managed by Unai Emery so far.Watkins has played just over an hour in all three appearances this season and his withdrawal from the Three Lions’ squad confirmed that he’s not yet up to speed.His backers have a big decision to make as the Villains’ fixtures look ripe for points in the coming weeks with favourable match-ups around highly-anticipated Champions League nights.Watkins notched an assist in his last outing but he’ll be keen to score his first goal of 2024/25 as soon as possible – one at home to 20th-placed Everton this weekend would settle a few nerves.Odegaard may be facing a spell on the sidelinesCredit: SplashMartin Odegaard (£4.9m)12 points17% ownershipArsenal’s captain is the most-selected player yet to reach 20 points at the time of writing.But for how much longer?Odegaard suffered an ankle injury on duty for Norway on Monday night and was spotted on crutches Tuesday morning.The extent of the injury remains to be revealed but, at this stage, he seems likely to miss a handful of games at least.Gaffers uncertain what to do about Odegaard’s underwhelming returns across the first three Gameweeks have seemingly had their hand forced by this setback – a replacement will have to be identified before Saturday’s 11am deadline.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s still early days and all of the above assets (the non-injured ones at least) could rocket up the rankings with just one good performance.It’s up to Dream Team bosses to determine which players are worth sticking by and which need replacing ASAP.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 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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

BOTH Alexander Isak (£5m) and Anthony Gordon (£4.5m) are among the top five most transferred-out Dream Team players ahead of Gameweek 4.The former scored his first goal of the season just prior to the international break when Newcastle beat Tottenham 2-1 at St James’ Park.The Sweden striker has also provided two assists already in 2024/25.Isak still features in 27.5% of teamsCredit: GettyIsak’s tally of 25 points may pale in comparison to the humongous totals of Erling Haaland (£8.8m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) – who have plundered 59 and 45 points respectively – but it’s a healthy return from just three Gameweeks.Even so, only Declan Rice (£3.9m) and Phil Foden (£6.2m) have been ditched by more Dream Team managers during the break.As for Gordon, he has mustered 22 points to date; a respectable tally but one that doesn’t quite align with his immense pre-season popularity.The England international took Bournemouth for 13 points in Gameweek 2 with a lively showing but he’s made little impact in his other three outings so far.As a result he’s currently the fourth-most transferred-out asset ahead of Gameweek 4.Gordon produced a fine showing against the Cherries but has struggled for points elsewhereCredit: AlamyOn the surface, this may seem rather curious.Newcastle are fifth in the table, undefeated in all competitions, and due to face 18th-placed Wolves on Sunday.Most read in FootballOnly Everton have conceded more league goals than Gary O’Neil’s side at this stage – it would not come as a surprise if Isak and Gordon prospered at Molineux.However, dig a little deeper and it’s easier to understand why so many gaffers are changing strategy.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 NOWThe Magpies are one of just seven teams without two fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 4.After a full round of Premier League games, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa begin their Champions League campaigns in midweek with a further nine top-flight clubs in Carabao Cup action.This is partially readdressed in Gameweek 5 when Eddie Howe’s side will be among the ten teams with two fixtures: Fulham (a) and AFC Wimbledon (a).However, Gameweek 6 brings a meeting with Manchester City, which is about as unfavourable as it gets.Newcastle lack European commitments this seasonCredit: GettyThe broader picture is that Newcastle will play four games across the next three Gameweeks, including that tricky match-up with Pep Guardiola’s machine.For comparison, Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Villa, Spurs and Man United will fulfil SIX fixtures each in the same time frame.Fixture count isn’t the only thing to consider when making transfers but it’s certainly an important factor.Additionally, while Newcastle’s results have been healthy enough, their performances haven’t been all that convincing.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn fact, only Ipswich have registered fewer shots than Howe’s troops while no team have faced more shots.Isak and Gordon are excellent players but it’s hard to argue against gaffers who are now looking elsewhere.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

LUIS DIAZ (£4.7m) is currently the most transferred-in player ahead of Gameweek 4.Many Dream Team managers have wasted no time in recruiting the Liverpool winger following his brace at Old Trafford last time out.Luis Diaz is a popular man among Dream Team bosses prior to Gameweek 4Credit: Dream TeamThe 27-year-old took Manchester United for 16 points in Gameweek 3 to take his overall tally for the season to 35.At this early juncture, he is ranked first among assets in his position, although only narrowly as Eberechi Eze (£4.6m) and Bukayo Saka (£6.3m) are joint-second on 34 points each.Given Diaz’s form and the Reds’ performances as whole so far this season, it’s understandable that he has experienced a surge in popularity during the international break – his ownership has increased to 22.3%.However, gaffers should be conscious of the possibility of rotation in Gameweek 4.Diaz captained Colombia against Peru on Saturday and is expected to start against World Cup champions Argentina in Barranquilla on Tuesday night.Diaz bagged a brace at Old Trafford in Gameweek 3Credit: GettyBarring any complications, he should participate in Liverpool training at the end of the week but some South American internationals have had their workload managed after long-haul flights in previous seasons.Dream Team bosses would appreciate an update on Diaz’s condition and availability when Arne Slot attends his pre-match press conference.The Dutchman has been relatively consistent with his team selections to date – Diaz has started in the front three alongside Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) and Diogo Jota (£4.8m) for every game this term.Most read in FootballAnd Diaz’s backers will hope for the same again when Liverpool host Nottingham Forest on Saturday.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 NOWHowever, with a Champions League away day to Milan next Tuesday (also part of Gameweek 4) Slot may opt to make more use of his other attacking options – Cody Gakpo (£3.9m), Darwin Nunez (£4.2m) and Federico Chiesa (£4m) represent significant depth.To be clear, Diaz remains an excellent option and it may be the case that Liverpool aren’t overly concerned about such things at this early stage of the campaign; but it’s something for gaffers to bear in mind.Slot has favoured a front three of Salah, Jota and Diaz so farCredit: GettySimilarly, Joao Pedro (£3.8m) is the fourth-most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 4 at the time of writing but there are concerns about his minutes this weekend too.The Brighton forward was a late call up for Brazil and while he may not actually get on the pitch during this international break (he played zero minutes against Ecuador on Saturday) the schedule is somewhat against him.The Samba boys are due to play Paraguay in the early hours of Wednesday morning (UK time) which gives Pedro a tight turnaround to make the Seagulls’ home game against Ipswich at 3pm on Saturday.However, it’s entirely possible he will start even if he doesn’t train fully with the rest of the squad, it all depends on Fabian Hurzeler’s viewpoint on such issues.Again, Dream Team managers will hopefully be given an indication of Pedro’s availability later in the week.The 23-year-old has scored against Manchester United and Arsenal in his last two outings and will surely retain his place in the starting line-up if deemed unhindered by international duty.Brighton are also due to face Wolves in the Carabao Cup in Gameweek 4.Joao Pedro has started the season in fine formCredit: APAll internationals that have racked up plentiful air miles during this break have to be considered a minutes risk to some degree; we’ve only highlighted Diaz and Pedro because they are both among the most transferred-in players for Gameweek 4.READ MORE SUN STORIESRemember, transfers can be reversed before Saturday’s 11am deadline if such action is necessary. Prior to the managers’ press conferences, it seems likely that Diaz and Pedro will get decent run outs across Gameweek 4, especially with Liverpool and Brighton having two fixtures each, but those hoping for 180 minutes may be disappointed.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

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