Fantasy Football

MANCHESTER CITY reasserted their dominance over their neighbours thanks to another inspired display from Phil Foden (£5.7m) on Sunday.Manchester United took an unexpected lead at the Etihad through Marcus Rashford’s (£3.5m) long-range piledriver but the defending champions dominated the game and eventually ran out 3-1 winners.It was the hosts homegrown talent who emerged as the hero with a brilliant brace that prompted Pep Guardiola to hail Foden as “the best player in the Premier League right now” in his post-match interview.A world-class talentCredit: Dream TeamThe decorated tactician’s claim triggered a widespread debate among football fans on social media but it’s an opinion substantiated by the Dream Team rankings.Foden banked 20 points when all was said and done on derby day to take his overall tally for the season to 287, two more than his nearest rival, team-mate Erling Haaland (£7.7m).The Norwegian poacher missed an open goal when his team were 1-0 down but he later scored his obligatory goal to the seal the win in stoppage time.However, the striker’s eight-point haul wasn’t enough to preserve his number one ranking in Dream Team, such was the impressive nature of Foden’s outing.Bukayo Saka (£5.9m) previously held top spot and Arsenal’s No7 will have the chance to usurp his international team-mate this evening when he faces Sheffield United – he’ll need 17 points to jump above Foden.Foden dethroned Haaland in Dream TeamCredit: GETTYDespite the scintillating form of Ollie Watkins (£4.6m), the top three have started to pull away from the chasing pack of late.DREAM TEAM’S TOP PERFORMERS 2023/24Most read in Football
Phil Foden (£5.7m) – 287 points
Erling Haaland (£7.7m) – 285 points
Bukayo Saka (£5.9m) – 271 points
Ollie Watkins (£4.6m) – 234 points
Jarrod Bowen (£4.7m) – 231 points
Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) – 222 points
Joao Pedro (£4.3m) – 216 points
Julian Alvarez (£4.2m) – 216 points
Cole Palmer (£4.3m) – 213 points
Darwin Nunez (£4.5m) – 211 points
Foden’s attacking output has been nothing short of extraordinary this season.After Sunday’s brace, he’s now scored 17 goals in all competitions – the joint-most among midfield assets.The 23-year-old has also registered 47 shots on target, comfortably the most among players in his position.287 points and countingCredit: PAHe ranks highly in the playmaking department too having created 14 big chances (third among midfielders) and provided 11 assists (joint-seventh).As if that wasn’t enough, only Bruno Guimaraes (£4.4m) has produced more bonus points than Foden at this stage of the campaign.Best in the Premier League, best in Dream Team… Foden has the world at his feet right now.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 26 in one easily digestible dose.Darwin Nunez (£4.5m) and Dominik Szoboszlai (£3.9m) are both in contention for Liverpool’s trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday having returned to training on Thursday.Mohamed Salah (£6.7m), however, has again been ruled out – key players Alisson (£3.4m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.1m) also remain sidelined.In more positive news, Andy Robertson (£3.5m) and Wataru Endo (£2.3m) participated in training today.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S PREMIER LEAGUE ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!Not fit to returnCredit: AlamyNo timescale has been given for Jack Grealish’s (£3.2m) return after the Manchester City midfielder limped off against Luton in midweek.Josko Gvardiol (£3.3m) is Pep Guardiola’s only other doubt – Sunday’s Manchester derby will probably come too soon for the Croatia international.As for Erik ten Hag’s side, Bruno Fernandes (£4.8m) and Raphael Varane (£2.4m) successfully shrugged off niggles to feature in the FA Cup in midweek but no other players are expected to return.A late decision will be made on Dominic Solanke (£4m) following the Bournemouth striker’s absence in the FA Cup.”It’s true he has pain in the knee,” Andoni Iraola told journalists. “At least with the MRI, everything is clear. Tomorrow I find out if we have a chance with Dom. It’s a matter of [whether] he still feels the pain or if it’s improved.”Mikel Arteta revealed that Thomas Partey (£2.6m) is likely to be among Arsenal’s squad on Monday night while late decisions will be made on Takehiro Tomiyasu (£2.7m) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (£3.4m).A late decision will be made on SolankeCredit: Dream TeamKauro Mitoma (£3.5m) will unfortunately miss the remainder of the season with a back injury.In better news for Brighton fans, Evan Ferguson (£2.2m), Tariq Lamptey (£2m) and Joel Veltman (£2.3m) are all said to be available for Saturday’s trip to Craven Cottage.Roberto De Zerbi told reporters: “If you watch the game against Wolves, [Simon] Adingra didn’t play well… maybe he is tired. Facundo [Buonanotte] is the same, Pascal Gross suffered cramp at the end of the game. Lewis Dunk can’t play 90 minutes every three days.”First-choice defenders Ezri Konsa (£3.1m) and Pau Torres (£2.9m) will be included in Aston Villa’s squad to face Luton on Saturday but Unai Emery will judge the pair’s capacity to start closer to kick-off.Ben Mee (£2.4m) is the latest Brentford player to join the long-term injury list after he was forced off against West Ham on Monday night.The centre-back fractured his ankle against the Hammers and is therefore likely to be out for the rest of the campaign.Mitoma is out for the rest of the seasonCredit: AlamyRicharlison (£3.5m) won’t be available for “two to three weeks” after picking up a knee injury.Ange Postecoglou believes Destiny Udogie (£2.8m) has a chance to feature at home against Crystal Palace but Pedro Porro (£3.6m) will probably need another week of recovery.The Eagles will be boosted by the return of Eberechi Eze (£3.9m) to the matchday squad – Joachim Andersen (£2.2m) is also thought to be fine despite a minor concern earlier in the week.Hwang Hee-chan (£3.3m) tweaked his hamstring in midweek and will not travel with Wolves to Newcastle on Saturday.ARSENALInjuries: Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko (doubt), Takehiro Tomiyasu (doubt)Suspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia, Jhon Duran, Boubacar Kamara, Diego CarlosSuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Ryan Fredericks, Tyler Adams, James Hill, Max Aarons, Enes Unal (doubt), Dominic Solanke (doubt), Lloyd Kelly (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Kevin Schade, Bryan Mbeumo, Josh Dasilva, Ethan Pinnock, Ben MeeSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: Solly March, Joao Pedro, James Milner, Jack Hinshelwood, Kaoru MitomaSuspensions: Billy GilmourBURNLEYInjuries: Luka Koleosho, Jordan Beyer, Nathan Redmond, Lyle Foster, Aaron Ramsey, Jordan Beyer (doubt)Suspensions: Josh BrownhillCHELSEAInjuries: Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwo, Reece James, Marc Cucurella (doubt), Beniot Badashile, Carney Chukwuemeka, Thiago Silva (doubt), Christopher NkunkuSuspensions: NoneCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Rob Holding, Michael Olise, Marc Guehi, Jesurun Rak-SakyiSuspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Dele Alli, Andre Gomes, Arnaut Danjuma, Amadou Onana (doubt), Lewis Dobbin (doubt), Idrissa Gueye (doubt)Suspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Raul JimenezSuspensions: Joao PalhinhaLIVERPOOLInjuries: Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip, Dominik Szoboszlai (doubt), Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Curtis Jones (doubt), Mohamed Salah (doubt), Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez (doubt), Andy Robertson (doubt), Wataru Endo (doubt)Suspensions: NoneLUTONInjuries: Tom Lockyer, Marvelous Nakamba, Mads Juel Andersen, Elijah Adebayo, Jacob Brown, Gabriel Osho (doubt), Amari’i Bell (doubt), Dan Potts (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Josko Gvardiol (doubt), Jack GrealishSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Anthony Martial, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire (doubt)Suspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Matt Targett, Nick Pope, Joelinton, Sven Botman (doubt), Callum WilsonSuspensions: Sandro TonaliNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Chris Wood, Ibrahim Sangare, Willy Boly, Ola Aina, Nuno TavaresSuspensions: NoneSHEFFIELD UNITEDInjuries: Daniel Jebbison, John Egan, Chris Basham, George Baldock (doubt), Ben Brereton Diaz, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Max Lowe, Cameron Archer, Anis Ben SlimaneSuspensions: Mason HolgateTOTTENHAMInjuries: Ryan Sessegnon, Manor Solomon, Fraser Forster, Destiny Udogie (doubt), Pedro Porro, RicharlisonSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Maxwel Cornet Suspensions: NoneWOLVESInjuries: Matheus Cunha, Hwang Hee-chanSuspensions: NonetalkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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DREAM TEAM managers have a lot to mull over ahead of Gameweek 26 but the captaincy debate is likely to be a short one.Erling Haaland (£7.5m) plundered 41 points in Gameweek 25, over twice as many as the next-best performer, via an emphatic five-goal exhibition at Luton’s expense.Next in the Norwegian poacher’s sights are Manchester United and Copenhagen, who both face the daunting task of a visit to the Etihad in the coming days.In-form players from Liverpool, West Ham, Brighton and Aston Villa all look set for profitable outings this coming Gameweek but it’s almost impossible to look past Haaland for the armband after what he produced at Kenilworth Road.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S PREMIER LEAGUE ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!Bradley appears in 2.9% of teams at presentCredit: Dream TeamIf the captaincy conversation is cut-and-dried then what about Booster options?Many gaffers are yet to activate Park the Bus, the most-powerful Booster in the game, and Gameweek 26’s fixtures look rather appealing on paper.Liverpool face Nottingham Forest and Sparta Prague in what has to be considered a favourable double header on current form.Conor Bradley (£3.2m) and Virgil van Dijk (£3.9m) racked up 18 points each in Gameweek 25 while Joe Gomez (£3.5m), Kostas Tsimikas (£3.4m), Ibrahima Konate (£2.8m) and Andy Robertson (£3.5m) also registered double-digit hauls.Jurgen Klopp’s side kept their sheets clean against Chelsea and Southampton in what was a high-scoring week for the Reds.Most read in Dream TeamThe only issue is that identifying Liverpool defenders who will definitely start both fixtures this coming Gameweek is deceptively difficult.A popular man ahead of Gameweek 26Credit: GettyVan Dijk is the safest bet but it’s worth noting the Dutchman has played just 90 minutes of European football this season – surely Klopp is likely to call upon his skipper in a knockout environment?Bradley is probably a double starter as well with Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.1m) expected to be sidelined until after the international break – rotation is more likely at left-back.Elsewhere, Emerson (£2.8m) is a potentially shrewd option ahead of West Ham’s trips to Everton and Freiburg.Granted, the Hammers don’t keep all that many clean sheets but the industrious left-back has made more tackles (91) than any other defender in the game at this season.Add in four goal involvements plus 20 bonus points and Emerson boasts a respectable tally of 144 points in total – he’s certainly capable of a satisfying double-digit haul in Gameweek 26.Generally speaking, it’s best to target defenders with two fixtures when building a Park the Bus back line but with Arsenal up against Sheffield United this weekend, including one of Ben White (£3.6m), William Saliba (£3.4m) or Gabriel (£4.1m) could yield healthy returns.A couple of tempting optionsCredit: ReutersCombining Van Dijk, Bradley, Emerson, Gabriel and, say, Ruben Dias (£3.5m) would look pretty good as a Park the Bus back five.Ezri Konsa (£3.1m) is another defender to keep an eye on after he was pictured in training.The Villa man is a favourite of Unai Emery’s and a keen bonus point collector but it’s currently unclear whether he’s ready to start one game, let alone two.All that being said, it’s worth noting that Liverpool, West Ham, Brighton and Aston Villa all have back-to-back away games this Gameweek so waiting until Gameweek 27 to activate Park the Bus, when all four sides have two home fixtures, might be the smarter move.12th Man?Credit: APGaffers interested in playing a 12th Man this Gameweek would do well to peruse the players we recommended as transfer options.Ollie Watkins (£4.5m) has banked 60 points across his last six outings and therefore seems likely to thrive against Luton and Ajax, assuming he’s selected in the Europa Conference League round of 16 first leg in Amsterdam.Jarrod Bowen (£4.5m) bagged a hat-trick last time out and is once again a fantastic option now he’s been reunited with Lucas Paqueta (£4.1m) and Mohammed Kudus (£4.6m).READ MORE SUN STORIESKevin De Bruyne (£6.2m) is also a tempting 12th Man candidate for those gaffers who haven’t yet recruited him on a permanent basis.Remember to lock in your captaincy, transfers and any Boosters you wish to play before Saturday’s 2pm deadline.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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ERLING HAALAND’S (£7.5m) mega haul ensured Gameweek 25 was a high-scoring affair but focus now turns to Gameweek 26.Manchester City, Liverpool, Brighton, West Ham and Aston Villa are the only five teams with two fixtures to fulfil and so Dream Team managers should probably shop around these clubs when weighing up their next transfers.Allow us to put forward some recommendations.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S PREMIER LEAGUE ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!A popular choice this weekCredit: Dream TeamOllie Watkins (£4.5m)It wasn’t that long ago gaffers were ditching the Aston Villa striker in their droves amid a downturn in form.But Watkins’ lean spell seems a lifetime ago now he’s banked 60 points across his last six games via five goals and four assists.The England international has gone to another level under Unai Emery and his season tally of 31 goal involvements is only bettered by Haaland after 25 Gameweeks.On Saturday, Watkins and company travel to Kenilworth Road where Luton shipped six goals to Man City last time out.Then on Thursday night, the Villains visit Ajax for the first leg of their Europa Conference League round of 16 tie – the Dutch giants are without a win in their last four league games.Most read in FootballAt the time of writing, Watkins is the most-popular recruit ahead of Saturday’s deadline and justifiably so.Jarrod Bowen (£4.5m)Hat-trick heroCredit: PATipping a player who just scored hat-trick isn’t exactly a shrewd insight (might as well suggest Haaland!) but it’s worth underlining West Ham’s top scorer ahead of Gameweek 26.Chasing lost points can be a futile endeavour but the Hammers’ double header of Everton and Freiburg looks ripe for further returns.Monday night’s win over Brentford ended a miserable run for David Moyes’ side and while it’s probably sensible to remain somewhat unconvinced, it’s simply a fact that the East Londoners play so much better when they’re able to field their first-choice front three of Mohammed Kudus (£4.6m), Lucas Paqueta (£4.1m) and Bowen.The difference between the latter’s returns with and without his partners in crime is stark and it’s no coincidence that the Brazilian’s return from injury coincided with his side’s win over the Bees.Remember, Bowen is generously categorised as a midfielder in Dream Team despite the fact he’s predominately played as a centre-forward this season.This is a key factor in him being the top goalscorer (17 goals) in his position.Only Watkins has been transferred into more teams than Bowen so far this week.Pascal Gross (£4.5m)Change the record…Credit: APRegular readers of our content are probably sick to death of us tipping Brighton’s No13 so we’ll keep this brief.The German midfielder is simply one of Dream Team’s most in-form players (45 points across last four Gameweeks) and also one of the game’s most-passionate bonus point hoarders – only three players have earned more than his 40 this season.The Seagulls travel to Fulham at the weekend before flying to the Italian capital to face Roma in the Europa League.It’s worth noting here that Brighton, West Ham, Liverpool and Aston Villa are the only teams with FOUR fixtures across the next two Gameweeks due to the scheduling of the European competitions.Gross will play Nottingham Forest and Roma (both at home) in Gameweek 27.Caoimhin Kelleher (£2m)An excellent short-term solutionCredit: AFPLiverpool’s schedule is certainly one to target but injury concerns mean it’s not all that clear which specific players are best placed to take advantage.However, the Reds’ Irish goalkeeper is surely a guaranteed starter all the while Alisson (£3.4m) is sidelined – the Brazilian isn’t expected back until after the international break.The 25-year-old bagged 19 points in Gameweek 25 and will be hopeful of healthy returns against Nottingham Forest and Sparta Prague in Gameweek 26.Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) and Darwin Nunez’s (£4.5m) absences against Chelsea and Southampton mean both have to be considered major doubts.Barring an encouraging update from Jurgen Klopp, it’s probably best to stay clear of the forwards for now.At this juncture it’s worth repeating our tip from last week in Luis Diaz (£4.1m).READ MORE SUN STORIESIn defence, Virgil van Dijk (£3.9m) and Conor Bradley (£3.2m) appear the best options – both pocketed 18 points each in Gameweek 25.Lock in your transfers before Saturday’s 2pm deadline!talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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PRIOR to Manchester City’s trip to Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night, it was Bukayo Saka (£5.9m) who sat atop the Dream Team rankings.On 271 points after another impressive showing against Newcastle, the Arsenal winger held a slender lead over Phil Foden (£5.7m), who moved onto 267 points with his winner against Bournemouth.
Some gaffers may have even seen contest for top spot as a two-horse race between the England internationals as third-placed Erling Haaland (£7.5m) was a further 25 points adrift of his team-mate after the weekend’s action.

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It was only a matter of timeCredit: Dream Team
But Dream Team bosses should know by now that the Norwegian poacher is capable of extraordinary feats.
Selected to start against Luton in the FA Cup fifth round, he scored FIVE goals in a 6-2 win to bank 34 points and reclaim his place on the Dream Team throne.
Having scored his 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th goals of the season in all competitions, Haaland is now five points clear of Saka and nine ahead of Foden.
The prolific 23-year-old produced one of his best ever performances at the Hatters’ expense, an exhibition of movement, strength, pace, hold-up play and finishing.
Incredibly, four of his goals were assisted by Kevin De Bruyne (£6.2m).
The Belgian playmaker has registered 11 assists in ten appearances since returning from injury – that boils down further to one every 49 minutes!
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A powerful pairCredit: Getty
Tuesday night’s remarkable outcome is what happens when a generational goalscorer combines with a world-class creator under the watch of a master tactician.
Dream Team managers would have been well aware of De Bruyne and Haaland’s attributes but this latest display from the pair comes as a timely reminder of their combined pedigree.
City’s No9 features in 78.7% of teams and it goes without saying that the 21.3% of gaffers who missed out on his 40-point haul in Gameweek 25 (he notched six against the Cherries) are now firmly behind the eight ball.
Even those who have Haaland in their XI but didn’t captain him this Gameweek have been heavily punished.

“Just the five goals for me last night…”Credit: Getty
Haaland averages 9.9 points-per-game in 2023/24 – only two other players, the aforementioned Saka and the injury-prone Michael Olise (£4.1m), average more than eight points-per-game.
Joao Pedro (£4.3m) and Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) are his closest rivals in terms of goals scored but the pair are now eight behind on 19 each.
He’s also in a league of his own for shots on target (worth one point each).
MOST SHOTS ON TARGET THIS SEASON (ALL COMPS):

Erling Haaland – 68
Darwin Nunez – 50
Mohamed Salah – 43
Phil Foden – 43
Julian Alvarez – 43
Ollie Watkins – 40
Matheus Cunha – 37
Cole Palmer – 37
Jarrod Bowen – 35
Bruno Fernandes – 34

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Man City face Manchester United and Copenhagen in Gameweek 26 and it will take a brave (foolish) gaffer to captain anyone other than Haaland.
He is inevitable.

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VERY few Dream Team managers would have predicted the extent of Douglas Luiz’s (£3.9m) success this season.In his latest outing, the Aston Villa midfielder took advantage of a Nottingham Forest defence in disarray to bag a first-half brace on home soil.
The hosts eventually registered a 4-2 win on Saturday to strengthen their position in fourth place and Luiz was the biggest beneficiary as he banked a whopping 18 points by the final whistle.
At the time of writing, only hat-trick hero Jarrod Bowen (£4.5m) has scored more points in Gameweek 25.

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An underrated gemCredit: Dream Team
Naturally, Luiz’s season-best haul has propelled him up the Dream Team rankings.
The Brazilian is now sixth in his position having racked up 192 points in total this campaign.
The list of midfielders who have scored fewer points to date includes Bruno Fernandes (£4.8m), Martin Odegaard (£4.4m), Luis Diaz (£4.1m) and a host of other popular individuals.
Luiz features in 4.5% of teams and is currently the fourth most-popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 26.
Some gaffers may view this as a snap reaction to his 18-point haul at the weekend – chasing lost points is often futile – but a quick look at the schedule suggests it may be a viable strategy.
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Unai Emery’s side face Luton and Ajax in Gameweek 26 in what has to be considered a favourable double header.
The Hatters fight tooth and nail but the reality is they’ve earned just 20 points from 25 league games since promotion while the Dutch giants have been way off it throughout 2023/24 – they’ve won ten of their 23 Eredivisie fixtures this term.
A popular man ahead of Gameweek 26Credit: Getty
Ollie Watkins (£4.5m) will justifiably be the first port of call for many gaffers who intend to target Villa’s upcoming fixtures but adding Luiz to the mix may also be worthwhile.
The 25-year-old used to be an out-and-out defensive midfielder but his role has changed in the last year.
Having scored seven goals in 122 appearances under Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard, he’s scored 15 goals in 64 games under Emery.

The former Manchester City youth player is now encouraged to arrive late in the penalty box in support of Watkins – as evidenced by his first goal against Forest.
And of course, his improved goal tally is also down the fact he’s been instated as Villa’s primary penalty taker.
Add in seven assists, 27 bonus points plus a heap of tackles and it’s no wonder Luiz is mixing it with Dream Team’s top midfielders right now.
Leon Bailey (£3m) and John McGinn (£3.7m) are also worth a mention ahead of Gameweek 26 – the former now has 20 goal involvements in 2023/24.

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