Fantasy Football

DREAM TEAM managers would do well to remember that Phil Foden is the reigning king of Dream Team.Manchester City’s No47 racked up 392 points last season via 26 goals and 13 assists to top the rankings when all was said and done.PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR FREE NOW AHEAD OF THE 2024/25 SEASON – £50,000 TOP PRIZE PLUS WEEKLY CASH WINNERS!If you come for the king, you best not missCredit: Dream TeamHis efforts propelled Pep Guardiola’s side to their fourth consecutive Premier League title and he claimed the FWA Footballer of the Year award as well as the Premier League Player of the Season gong – two of the big three individual awards on these shores.Consequently, Foden has been slapped with a hefty price tag of £6.5m ahead of the new Dream Team campaign to reflect his lofty status.Only superstar forwards Erling Haaland (£8.5m) and Mohamed Salah (£7m) cost more than Foden (once again categorised as a midfielder) among all assets.Despite his high starting value, the 24-year-old currently appears in 29.8% of teams created, making him the sixth-most selected player in the game.However, it’s notable that he’s less than half as popular as Cole Palmer (£6m), who boasts a massive ownership of 60.5% at the time of writing.Foden often appeared frustrated on England duty this summerCredit: AFPThis may be a knock-on effect from Euro 2024.Foden didn’t register a single goal or assist in England colours this summer and his role in the team was the subject of much debate among fans and pundits alike.Most read in FootballWhereas Palmer impressed despite his limited minutes in Germany, notably providing the assist for Ollie Watkins’ (£6m) semi-final winner against Netherlands before scoring the Three Lions’ only goal in the final.Plus, the Chelsea hero amassed 368 points in Dream Team last term, a gargantuan effort without European fixtures to bolster his schedule.Still, it’s somewhat curious that he is twice as popular as Foden given the latter’s numbers in 2023/24 – both he and Palmer averaged eight points-per-game.Some gaffers will have selected both players in their midfield but many will only have the budget for one and this head-to-head is amplified by the fact Chelsea are set to host Man City in Gameweek 1.Saka, Foden and Palmer all achieved 350+ points last seasonCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunElsewhere, Bukayo Saka (£6m) falls into the same category as his international team-mates.Arsenal’s No7 is the same price as Palmer, a fraction cheaper than Foden, having banked 363 points last season.Combining all three heavy-hitting midfielders would require an investment of £18.5m, 37% of the £50million starting budget – it’s possible but not certainly not comfortable.As the new campaign approaches, almost every gaffer will have to make a big decision in regards to Foden, Palmer and Saka – which is the best option/combination?Phil Foden was named FWA Footballer of the YearCredit: PANo doubt the former will be relishing the prospect of club football having looked considerably less effective in Gareth Southgate’s set-up.As well as his mountainous tally of goal involvements, Foden ranked in Dream Team’s top five for shots on target and bonus points in 2023/24.READ MORE SUN STORIESSimpy put, he was a must-have asset for most of last season but, as it stands, 70% of Dream Team bosses are prepared to go without him in Gameweek 1.It will be interesting to see Foden’s ownership come August 16th.Three reasons why Phil Foden is world-class More

DREAM TEAM managers will once again have three Boosters at their disposal in the 2024/25 season.Each Booster has a special effect which will result in plentiful points if played at the opportune moment.But remember, each Booster can only be played ONCE throughout the course of the campaign and each one lasts the duration of just one Gameweek – it’s generally a good idea to wait for juicy double Gameweeks to maximise your chances of a big haul.It’s also important to note that Boosters can only be played one at a time, never in combination with one another.PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR FREE NOW AHEAD OF THE 2024/25 SEASON – £50,000 TOP PRIZE PLUS WEEKLY CASH WINNERS!The new Goal Bonus Booster should suit Mr HaalandCredit: Dream TeamGOAL BONUSThis Booster is new for the 2024/25 season, replacing Park the Bus.Goal Bonus increases the value of each goal scored by your players by three points.This means each goal is worth NINE points when Goal Bonus is activated!It goes without saying that this Booster should be played when your team is stacked with in-form goal threats.Most read in Dream TeamErling Haaland (£8.5m) scored 38 goals in all competitions last season and Manchester City’s No9 will surely be a must-have asset for gaffers when playing Goal Bonus.12th MANThis Booster allows you to select an additional player to score points for your team for one Gameweek only.You can select a player from any position to be your 12th Man, regardless of your formation.For example, if your team is set up in a 3-4-3 formation, you could activate 12th Man and select a fourth striker – a tempting strategy.And don’t worry about budget, your 12th Man comes for free!Gaffers should wait for double Gameweeks when activating their BoostersCredit: GettyMAX CAPTAINThis Booster ensures that the player who scores the most points in your team ends up with the captain’s armband and therefore has their score doubled.Say Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.5m) scores eight points for you in the first fixture of the Gameweek, he will have his score doubled to 16 by Max Captain.If Ollie Watkins (£6m) then banks 12 points for you in the 3pm kick-offs, he will automatically be selected as skipper and his scored will be doubled to 24 – in this instance, Alexander-Arnold’s score would return to eight as he would no longer be your top performer.And this process would continue until the end of the Gameweek, guaranteeing you the best possible captaincy selection.READ MORE SUN STORIESGenerally, Max Captain is best deployed when there are several appealing captaincy options, each with two fixtures to fulfil in the same Gameweek.Dream Team will be on hand throughout the season to highlight certain Gameweeks that appear well suited to Boosters.Dan Burn wears glove on hand missing a finger leaving Newcastle team-mates in stitches More

GAMEWEEKS and transfers are two huge aspects of Dream Team’s season fantasy game.Here’s everything you need to know about both subjects ahead of the 2024/25 season.PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR FREE NOW AHEAD OF THE 2024/25 SEASON – £50,000 TOP PRIZE PLUS WEEKLY CASH WINNERS!Revision timeCredit: Dream TeamGAMEWEEKSGameweeks make up the framework of the campaign with each one acting as a scoring period.You will need to make sure your team is set up for the upcoming Gameweek prior to the deadline, which typically falls 90 minutes before the first fixture (usually Friday night or Saturday lunchtime).However, please be aware that the first deadline of the season is 8pm on August 16th, when Manchester United v Fulham kicks off to get the new Premier League campaign underway.Prior to each deadline, you will need to confirm any transfers you wish to make, select your captain (and vice captain), and activate any Boosters you want to play.Any changes made after the deadline won’t go through until the following Gameweek.It will often be the case that some teams have more fixtures to fulfil than others in a given Gameweek.Most read in FootballFor example, 13 top-flight clubs will feature in the second round of the Carabao Cup during midweek in Gameweek 2 – all these clubs will therefore have two games in GW2 while Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea will only play once.Soon after, the European competitions will get underway, ensuring plenty of double Gameweeks for the top clubs.More fixtures equals more point-scoring opportunities and so it’s generally wise to tailor your team to the schedule and target these double Gameweeks.The upcoming Gameweek deadline is displayed in app and on site and the fixtures for each Gameweek can be viewed in the Match Centre.Aston Villa will have Champions League fixtures this coming campaignCredit: ReutersTRANSFERSOnce the season is underway, you will need to make transfers to react to the unfolding drama.Whether’s it’s ditching injured/suspended players or replacing under-performing flops with in-form gems, transfers should help keep your team in tip-top condition.Prior to the start of the season, you can make as many transfers as you like as you experiment with various combinations, formations, etc.Once the action begins, you will have two transfers available per Gameweek.If you decide not to make a transfer (which can be a wise decision) then one transfer will rollover to the following Gameweek.After that, you can rollover another transfer but four is the maximum.Please be aware that rollover only occurs if you don’t make any transfers at all – for example, if you have two available transfers and only use one, you will have a total of two transfers available the following Gameweek, not three.You can reverse transfers any time before the deadline.Say you replace Alexander Isak (£5m) with Ollie Watkins (£6m) on Wednesday night but later find out the Aston Villa forward is a major doubt for the weekend, you can reverse the transfer on Friday afternoon and either stick by the Newcastle man or seek an alternative replacement prior.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe’ll be on hand every week with transfer suggestions as well as other tips and stats that should inform your strategy throughout the season.For more information of Gameweeks and transfers, please see the Game Rules.Manchester United’s top transfer targets More

EVERY Dream Team manager needs to know how points are scored as our fantastic fantasy football game returns for the 2024/25 season.Here’s a full breakdown of how players are able to earn (and lose) points:PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR FREE NOW – CASH PRIZES, GREAT FUN!A new season awaits!Credit: Dream TeamALL PLAYERSGoal +6 pointsAssist +3 pointsAppearance (0-59 minutes) +1 pointAppearance (60+ minutes) +1 pointShot on target +1 pointBig chance created +1 pointTackles +1 point per twoYellow card -1 pointRed card -3 pointsPenalty miss -3 pointsOwn goal -2 pointsGOALKEEPERS & DEFENDERS ONLYClean sheet (minimum 60 minutes played) +5 pointsEach goal conceded over one goal -1 pointGOALKEEPERS ONLYSaves +1 point per twoPenalty save +3 pointsIt’s important to note the increased value of goals and assists compared to last season’s game – make sure you’ve got plenty of firepower at all times!Most of the actions listed above should be self-explanatory but the full definitions can be found in the ‘Scoring’ section of the Game Rules.Phil Foden scored the most points in 2023/24Credit: GettyBONUS POINTSIn addition to the core points detailed above, players are also able to earn bonus points; zero, one, three or five per fixture.Most read in FootballBonus points are determined by a combination of the following stats that contribute to player performance marks (PPM): completed crosses, successful dribbles, pass completion rate, interceptions, blocks, fouls won and goals scored from outside the area.Offsides, fouls conceded and errors leading to goals will negatively impact a player’s PPM.Goalkeepers can also earn player performance marks through successful claims, keeper sweeps and successful punches.5-7 PPM = 1 bonus point8-11 PPM = 3 bonus points12+ PPM = 5 bonus pointsThe reason goals and assists (and shots on target, big chances created, etc) don’t impact bonus points is because players are already rewarded with suitable returns for such actions.Essentially, bonus points recognise positive contributions not already covered by core points, ensuring a fairer reflection of each player’s overall performance.For reference, these are the players who earned the most bonus points last season:Bruno Guimaraes – 83 ptsMohammed Kudus – 70 ptsPascal Gross – 58 ptsJeremy Doku – 57 ptsPhil Foden – 55 ptsEzri Konsa – 54 ptsJames Ward-Prowse – 54 ptsBukayo Saka – 52 ptsConor Gallagher – 52 ptsEberechi Eze – 48 ptsBruno Guimaraes racked up bonus points for fun last seasonCredit: GettyAll the relevant stats are provided by Opta, who review their data after the conclusion of each game.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis occasionally results in post-match changes in points awarded to players but rest assured any alterations are made to more accurately reflect each individual’s performance.The cut-off for any changes (except to address technical issues or missing data) is 12 hours from the final whistle of the relevant fixture. We live next to a Premier League training ground – players are constantly swearing, blast out music & parking is CHAOS More

THE Sun Dream Team’s fantasy football game has returned!Wannabe managers can now play for free via our app or website ahead of the 2024/25 season.Whether you’re new to the world of Dream Team or an experienced gaffer returning for the umpteenth time, here’s everything you need to know about the latest edition of the best fantasy football game in the world.PLAY THE SUN DREAM TEAM’S FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME FOR FREE NOW!The Sun’s Dream Team Fantasy Game is back with even more ways to win!Credit: DREAM TEAMTeam Entry & Prize PoolFirst things first, you are limited to just one team which should demand your full attention throughout the campaign.This season’s overall winner will take home £50,000 with ten runners-up each banking £1,000.Excitingly, the weekly prize has more than doubled to £250, with a bumper £5,000 prize for Gameweek 1.Just one points-laden weekend could seriously enhance your bank account!As always, we encourage you to compete for bragging rights by playing in Mini-Leagues alongside your friends, colleagues, family members, etc – why not spice things up by introducing a forfeit for the loser?Team SelectionYou will have an initial budget of £50million to select a team of eleven Premier League players.Most read in Dream TeamFor reference, the most-expensive player in the game at £8m is – who else? – two-time Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland.When selecting your XI, you have the choice of seven formations: 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-5-1, 3-4-3, 3-5-2, 5-4-1 or 5-3-2.If you initially select 4-3-3 but later decide to switch to a back three, simply remove a defender and choose a midfielder as a replacement – your formation will change dynamically as you make changes.Haaland is Dream Team’s most-expensive player ahead of the 2024/25 campaignCredit: GettyScoring SystemDream Team’s scoring system recognises individual performance in great detail, ensuring players receive just rewards for their efforts.All PlayersGoal +6 pointsAssist +3 pointsAppearance (0-59 minutes) +1 pointAppearance (60+ minutes) +1 pointShot on target +1 pointBig chance created +1 pointSuccessful tackles +1 point per twoYellow card -1 pointRed card -3 pointsPenalty miss -3 pointsOwn goal -2 pointsGoalkeepers & Defenders OnlyClean sheet (minimum 60 minutes played) +5 pointsEach goal conceded over one goal -1 pointGoalkeepers OnlySaves +1 point per twoPenalty save +3 pointsPlayers are also able to earn bonus points, based on other actions such as blocks, successful dribbles, interceptions, etc – see the Game Rules for a full breakdown.TransfersOnce the season is underway, transfers become the most important aspect of the game as they allow you to change under-performing players for in-form replacements – that’s the aim anyway.You will have the opportunity to make two transfers per Gameweek.If you choose not to make any transfers then one will carry over to the following Gameweek.It’s possible to carry over again but four is the maximum number of transfers you’ll have available at any one time.Hypothetically, if you were to only use one of your two weekly transfers then you would have two available again the following Gameweek – transfers only carry over if you don’t use any at all. The deadline for each Gameweek now falls 90 minutes before the first fixture kicks off – any transfers made after the cut-off time will not go through until the following Gameweek.The exception is Gameweek 1 – you can make changes right up until 8pm (BST) on Friday 16 August, when Man United v Fulham is due to kick off.You can make as many transfers as you like prior to that, so get tinkering straight away!Arsenal defenders racked up plenty of points through clean sheets last seasonCredit: GettyCaptaincyEach Gameweek you will be invited to select one of your players as Captain – the chosen player will receive DOUBLE points for the duration of the Gameweek.If you Captain doesn’t play for any reason, your elected Vice Captain will have their score doubled.BoostersYou have three Boosters at your disposal, each with a special effect, that will deliver bumper points if used activated at the opportune moments.Each Booster can only be played once per season and applies for the duration of a single Gameweek.GOAL BOOST: Each goal scored is worth NINE points (instead of the usual six)12TH MAN: Select an additional player to score points for your teamMAX CAPTAIN: Whichever player earns the most points will automatically be made Captain, scoring doubleBoosters can only be played once at a time, never in combination with another.Timing is key here! You’ll want to activate your Boosters so they coincide with double Gameweeks.But, be warned, whenever you play a Booster you become ineligible to win a weekly prize for that Gameweek.Cole Palmer was one of just ten players who registered 300+ points last seasonCredit: GettyEligible CompetitionsOne of the reasons Dream Team is such a rewarding fantasy football game is that scoring is not limited to the Premier League. The league fixtures make up the bread and butter of the season but players also score points in the domestic cups and European competitions.The 2024/25 season will feature Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa in the Champions League while Tottenham and Manchester United will participate in the Europa League.Chelsea will make it to the Europa Conference League if they win their play-off (which is not included in Dream Team scoring).We’ll be on hand with plenty of tips, tricks, stats and facts via articles, newsletters and push notifications from now until start of the season and beyond.READ MORE SUN STORIESWait are you waiting for? Play now!PLAY THE SUN DREAM TEAM’S FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME FOR FREE NOW! More