Fantasy Football

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

GAMEWEEK 2 was a high-scoring affair across the board but Dream Team managers must resist complacency.Gameweek 3 features a full round of Premier League games but gaffers should have one eye on the other side of the international break when the European fixtures will commence, starting with the Champions League in Gameweek 4, not to mention another batch of Carabao Cup match-ups.Swap shopCredit: Dream TeamAs usual, we won’t waste anyone’s time tipping the likes of Erling Haaland (£8.5m), Cole Palmer (£6m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.2m) when putting forward transfer recommendations – such stars don’t require justification.But here are some other suggestions worthy of consideration…Morgan Rogers (£2.5m)The Aston Villa midfielder has mustered just eight points across the first two Gameweeks but those who have watched him in action will know he has deserved more.The 22-year-old caught the eye at home to Arsenal last Saturday as he danced through the league’s best defence on a couple of occasions.Rogers would have registered a well-deserved assist against the Gunners had Ollie Watkins (£5.8m) remembered his shooting boots.Rogers looked lively against ArsenalCredit: GettyThe Villains’ fixtures appear relatively favourable from now until October with European commitments ensuring some juicy double Gameweeks.If Rogers continues to start and get plenty of minutes, he has to be considered one of the best bargain options in the game.Most read in FootballAll he needs is some points to match his lively performances – this weekend’s trip to Leicester would be a good place to start.Noni Madueke (£3m)A hat-trick away at Molineux earns the Chelsea winger a mention ahead of Gameweek 3.In combination with Cole Palmer (£6m), Madueke ripped Wolves apart on the counterattack to bank 26 points by the final whistle – no player posted more points in Gameweek 2.Madueke has been called up for England this weekCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca has an abundance of options but he’s made it clear certain players are surplus to requirements with Madueke now firmly among the viable selections.The 22-year-old also scored against Servette in the first leg of the Blues’ Conference League play-off and has since been called up to the England squad by Lee Carsley – his stock has never been higher!Madueke’s minutes are not guaranteed but four goals in as many days has surely propelled him up the pecking order.This weekend, Chelsea host a Crystal Palace side yet to register a point this season.Gaffers who like to dabble in the Dream Team stock market will realise that Madueke can be recruited now and sold after the deadline for a tidy profit.Andy Robertson (£4.6m)Robertson has raced to 17 pointsCredit: AlamyMany Dream Team bosses will view Liverpool’s left-back as a blindingly obvious recommendation but his current ownership of 4.8% suggests he’s worth highlighting.Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) remains the defender of choice – he’s the only player to have created three big chances across the first two Gameweeks – but his quality comes at an eye-watering cost.Robertson is hardly cheap but he ticks a lot of the same boxes at a more affordable price.The Scotland captain bagged ten points at Brentford’s expense last time out via a clean sheet, bonus point and two shots on target.Manchester United away has been a bogey fixture for Liverpool in recent times but their schedule looks relatively friendly beyond the international break.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 NOWAntonee Robinson (£3.1m)We promise this is the last time we suggest Fulham’s left-back for a while.Without wanting to repeat ourselves, the USA international really is a solid selection – only Everton’s Tim Iroegbunam (£1.8m) has made more tackles so far.Robinson provided an assist against Leicester last weekend on his way to a nine-point return.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’s set to take on Ipswich in Gameweek 3 which has to be considered a favourable match-up for a defender right now – the Tractor Boys have registered the fewest shots in the top flight after two games.Confirm your transfers for Gameweek 3 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

WE’RE giving away another £250 to the Score Predictor user who earns the most points in Matchweek 3.Remember, you don’t have to get all five scores exactly correct – that only happened once all of last season – you just have to outperform everyone else.It takes just a few seconds to submit your predictions for the five selected Premier League fixtures if you opt for sheer gut instinct – a strategy employed by many of our previous winners.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR FOR FREE AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – £250 UP FOR GRABS!Play Score Predictor now!Credit: Dream TeamFor those who would like some stats and context for each match-up, look no further…Leicester v Aston VillaThe Foxes have mustered one point from their first two outings upon their return to the top flight and their underlying numbers aren’t all that encouraging either.Only Everton and Ipswich have generated fewer expected goals (xG) with the Tractor Boys being the only team to have registered fewer shots.And so we’re inclined to back a comfortable away win under the assumption Ollie Watkins has sharpened his finishing – he squandered two golden chances against Arsenal last weekend.Our Prediction: 2-0 to Aston VillaMost read in FootballWatkins should have buried one of his chances against the Gunners last weekendCredit: ReutersWest Ham v Manchester CityThe Hammers are without a league win against Pep Guardiola’s side in their last 17 meetings and it’s almost a decade since they took three points off City on home soil.It’s early days but the defending champions have already made their way to the top of the table, thanks to a 4-1 win over Ipswich last time out.Ominously, Erling Haaland already has four goals to his name and looks well refreshed after a Euros-less summer.West Ham’s first-choice XI is bursting with talent but it takes a brave Score Predictor user to bet against City.Our Prediction: 3-1 to Man CityHaaland has burst out of the blocksCredit: GettyChelsea v Crystal PalaceThe Blues notched an impressive 6-2 win at Molineux last weekend in what was an exhibition of ruthless counterattacking, with Cole Palmer and hat-trick hero Noni Madueke in particularly fine form.That being said, Enzo Maresca’s side conceded their fair share of chances too so both teams to score seems a likely outcome at Stamford Bridge this Sunday.The Eagles boosted morale with a straightforward 4-0 victory over Norwich in the Carabao Cup but they’re one of just five Premier League teams yet to register a point in 2024/25.Is it too early to say how much they miss Michael Olise?Our Prediction: 3-2 to ChelseaScore 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 NOWNewcastle v TottenhamThis has been a proper bogey fixture for Spurs in recent times.They lost 4-0 at St James’ Park back in April and 6-1 the visit before just short of a year previous.Recent history may be against the visitors but Ange Postecoglou’s have looked the better of the two sides this term.Fabian Schar’s red card meant the Magpies endured a backs-to-the-wall opener against Southampton before their draw at Bournemouth – a relatively strong side didn’t look all that effective against Nottingham Forest in the cup either, although they did progress via a penalty shootout.It’s a difficult match-up to judge this early in the campaign.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawSon took advantage of Everton’s injury-hit defence last time outCredit: PAManchester United v LiverpoolEnglish football’s answer to El Clasico headlines the Matchweek 3 fixtures.The Merseyside giants have been a level above their rivals in recent times but their record at Old Trafford has remained modest.Liverpool have won away to the Red Devils just twice in their last 13 visits with both those results coming in 2021 when the gulf between the two clubs was particularly wide.Perhaps more relevantly, Arne Slot’s troops lead the way for total shots and xG in the top flight after two rounds of fixtures – they’re one of four sides with a 100% record intact at this early stage.As for Man United, defeat at the death to Brighton last time out dampened the mood but they have looked more solid and organised than they did at the back end of last season.That being said, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz have all started the campaign in lively form…READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 2-1 to LiverpoolEnter your predictions before Saturday’s 3pm 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

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