Fantasy Football

DREAM TEAM managers have been presented with an opportunity to repeat a useful trick.Guglielmo Vicario (£3.1m) has been ruled out for the foreseeable future having undergone surgery on a fractured ankle.Toittenham’s No1 sustained the injury against Manchester City on Saturday and bravely played through the pain to keep a clean sheet at the Etihad and contribute to his side’s impressive 4-0 victory.No timescale has been given in regards to the Italian goalkeeper’s rehabilitation at the time of writing but he will surely be unavailable for several weeks.Are you watching closely?Credit: Dream TeamDream Team bosses don’t like to see players get injured and most will wish Vicario a speedy recovery but it’s simply a fact that incidents such as this create an opportunity in the world of fantasy football.Suddenly, Fraser Forster (£1.8m) is in line to start between the sticks for Spurs over the busy festive period.The 36-year-old is the established deputy having played three games this season, two in the Europa League and one in the Carabao Cup.Currently available for just £1.8m, he is ridiculously affordable for a player who is now a starter for one of the more prominent Premier League clubs.TOTTENHAM’S DECEMBER FIXTURES:Fulham (h)Bournemouth (a)Chelsea (h)Rangers (a)Southampton (a)Manchester United (h)Liverpool (h)Nottingham Forest (a)Wolves (h)Most read in FootballForster should get plenty of minutes across the next few GameweeksCredit: GettyIf this strategy sounds familiar it’s because many Dream Team bosses have followed the same path with Caoimhin Kelleher (£2.6m) recently.The Irish keeper has deputised for the injured Alisson (£5.1m) with aplomb across the last five Gameweeks.In that time, Kelleher has notched 40 points from seven outings via three clean sheets and 19 saves, including one to deny Adam Armstrong (£2.7m) from the penalty spot.The 26-year-old is currently level with Andre Onana (£4.2m) as the most in-form asset in his position.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 NOWKelleher has provided excellent value for money while Alisson has been sidelinedCredit: GettyGaffers who opted to recruit Kelleher not only freed up some budget to invest elsewhere, they have been rewarded with a steady stream of points.However, with Alisson having returned to training, Kelleher’s time as starting keeper for the Reds is coming to an end.In this sense, Forster’s emergence as a viable option is perfectly timed.Granted, this latest interpretation of the reserve goalkeeper trick is not quite as appealing as Spurs are not as strong as Liverpool and, with all due respect, Forster is not as reliable as Kelleher – the latter would be first choice at several other top flight clubs.That being said, Forster’s current price of £1.8m is hugely inviting.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 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 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 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

MATHEUS CUNHA (£4.8m) is a popular man here at Dream Team HQ.We’re forever singing the Wolves forward’s praises and tipping him as a smart differential option when appropriate.And it’s time to beat that drum again after a thoroughly deserved 20-point haul on Saturday.A man in formCredit: Dream TeamCunha stole the show at Fulham with an assist and two goals as Gary O’Neil’s side won 4-1 at Craven Cottage.The hosts took the lead in West London but struggled to contain Cunha’s brilliance as the game progressed.The former Atletico Madrid player displayed a Bergkamp-esque first touch to facilitate the visitors’ equaliser while his second goal came in the form of a sumptuous curled effort from 20 yards out.In between those two efforts, he found Joao Gomes (£2.8m) with a neat pass into the box for his third assist of the campaign.Truth be told, Cunha has deserved considerably more assists this season as he’s created nine big chances for his team-mates in total, a tally only bettered by four players.For comparison, Manchester City’s Savinho (£4.1m) has created the same number of big chances but has twice as many assists (six).108 Dream Team points and countingCredit: RexAfter his brace against the Cottagers, Cunha has seven goals to his name this term, putting him level with Kai Havertz (£4.5m) and Nicolas Jackson (£4m) among strikers.Most read in FootballThe 25-year-old is undoubtedly his side’s talisman and his all-round contribution to Wolves’ attacking play is reflected in his tally of eight bonus points – Son Heung-min (£5.3m) is the only player in his position above him in the metric.In fact, Cunha ranks among the top three forwards for successful dribbles, accurate crosses, interceptions, fouls won and goals scored from outside the area among – he does it all!When discussing Wolves’ brilliant No10 we are usually forced to state the caveat that his viability is limited by the schedule.He doesn’t have European commitments to bulk out his fixture list and O’Neil’s troops were eliminated from the Carabao Cup in the third round, meaning he’s confined to just league games until the top flight clubs enter the FA Cup in the new year.Generally speaking, it’s wise to target as many fixtures as possible and so it’s understandable why so many Dream Team bosses are hesitant to select Cunha over the likes of Dominic Solanke (£4.3m), Ollie Watkins (£5.3m) and Havertz.Wolves are due to face Bournemouth and Everton in Gameweek 13Credit: GettyHowever, Gameweek 13 is a double Gameweek for all 20 Premier League clubs with Wolves set to take on Bournemouth and Everton.Given that Mohamed Salah (£7.4m) and Erling Haaland (£8.6m) are the only forwards with more points than Cunha right now, the latter surely has to be considered a fantastic option ahead of two games against bottom-half opposition.A lack of European fixtures may limit him in the long run but he’s well placed to deliver plentiful returns in Gameweek 13.Cunha’s current ownership? A mere 2.4%…BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 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 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 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

SOMETHING unthinkable is happening.Dream Team managers are turning their backs on Erling Haaland (£8.6m).Say it ain’t soCredit: Dream TeamIncredibly, the Norwegian poacher is currently the most transferred-out player ahead of Gameweek 13.Things could change with the deadline still a few days away and a full round of European fixtures to come in midweek but it’s remarkable that Manchester City’s downturn in results has prompted a significant portion of gaffers to ditch arguably the best goalscorer in the world football.Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten 4-0 for Tottenham at the Etihad on Saturday for what was their fifth consecutive loss in all competitions – a crisis for a coach and squad who pride themselves on sky-high standards.Needless to say, it was a disastrous afternoon for the likes of Josko Gvardiol (£4.6m), Rico Lewis (£3.4m) and the other defenders.In fact, those two named individuals are also among the most transferred-out players in the wake of the weekend’s action.Guardiola has serious issues to addressCredit: ReutersBut it really can’t be understated how remarkable it is that Haaland, of all people, has suffered a notable dip in popularity.Despite City’s woes, their No9 remains the top scorer in the Premier League and all competitions this season with 15 goals to his name.And his tally of 164 points is only bettered by Mohamed Salah (£7.4m) among all Dream Team assets at this stage.Most read in FootballTo say the gaffers prepared to ditch Haaland are making a bold move is a huge understatement.That being said, it’s simply true that he has mustered 20 points across his last four outings which, while respectable, is not a return befitting the most expensive player in the game.For comparison, 18 forwards are above Haaland in regards to form (most points across last three games) including Sammie Szmodics (£2.5m), Jordan Ayew (£2.5m) and Jorgen Strand Larsen (£3.6m).Tough timesCredit: GettyThe usually prolific 24-year-old has been uncharacteristically wasteful in recent weeks having scored just once in his last four appearances – this run includes a missed penalty against Sporting CP.Then there’s the issue of the schedule.Three league defeats in a row has left Man City eight points adrift of Liverpool ahead of their trip to Anfield at the weekend.On current form, Arne Slot will be very hopeful of a victory over the defending champions.The Reds also boast the best defensive record in the top flight, limiting Haaland’s viability for Gameweek 13 further.Plenty of gaffers are also rushing to ditch GvardiolCredit: AlamyThere are enough reasons for Dream Team bosses to justify replacing Haaland but such a move comes with significant risk.Across his time with Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund and Man City, he’s scored 220 goals in 231 games – he has the pedigree to severely punish his doubters.It should be noted that even after a flurry of transfers in reaction to his latest blank, Haaland remains Dream Team’s most popular asset by a wide margin.READ MORE SUN STORIESGaffers don’t have to rush this decision as City are due to play again (against Feyenoord at the Etihad) before the Gameweek 13 deadline.It will be interesting to see how many Dream Team managers join the turning of the tide if Haaland fails to provide suitable points against the Dutch outfit on Tuesday night.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 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 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 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 12 in one easily digestible dose.Both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice participated in Arsenal training today but neither fulfilled a fully intensive session.A late decision will be made on the England internationals ahead of Nottingham Forest’s visit to the Emirates but Mikel Arteta seemed relatively optimistic.Leandro Trossard “seems to be okay” despite a knock in Belgium colours and Riccardo Calafiori is expected to return to the squad but the Gunners will be without Ben White for the foreseeable future following knee surgery.Long-term absentees Danilo and Ibrahima Sangare are the only known players missing for the Nuno Espirito Santo’s side but the Portuguese gaffer alluded to other doubts without naming any individuals.Saka is pushing to be available this weekendCredit: GettyTottenham will be without both first-choice centre-backs at the Etihad this weekend with Cristian Romero joining Micky van de Ven on the sidelines.The World Cup winner compounded an existing injury on duty for Argentina but may return as early as Gameweek 13.Rodrigo Bentancur starts a seven-game ban after he was found guilty of using racially insensitive language about team-mate Son Heung-min.As for Manchester City, they see to be over the worst of their injury crisis with Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji all in strong contention to feature against Spurs in some capacity.Rodri, Oscar Bobb and Ruben Dias remain notable absentees, with Mateo Kovacic added to the list.Most read in FootballIt would be a big surprise if Alexander-Arnold featured against SouthamptonCredit: AFPAlisson was initially expected to make his comeback after the international break but Gameweek 12 comes too soon for Liverpool’s No1 and so Caoimhin Kelleher will retain his place between the sticks.The Reds may also be without Trent Alexander-Arnold, who hasn’t trained following his premature substitution against Aston Villa a fortnight ago.Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are definitely unavailable for the trip to Southampton.In more positive news, Arne Slot told reporters that Virgil van Dijk is “all good” despite concerns during the break with Harvey Elliott possibly in contention having resumed training.Saints will have to face the league leaders without first-choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Poland international Jan Bednarek.Elsewhere, key players Antoine Semenyo and Milos Kerkez have been passed fit for Bournemouth ahead of their game against Brighton on Saturday but Ryan Christie is suspended having picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign before the international break.Palmer is expected to play this weekendCredit: GettyCole Palmer was pictured in Chelsea training alongside Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill and Jadon Sancho – the former pulled out of England duty but is expected to start against Leicester on Saturday.Blues captain Reece James has incurred yet another hamstring injury and faces a spell on the sidelines.As for the Foxes, the unfortunate Abdul Fatawu has been ruled out for the rest of the season having suffered an ACL tear.Facundo Buonanotte is suspended while Jamie Vardy is a doubt – the veteran striker has taken part in “modified training” this week.Oliver Glasner confirmed that Eberechi Eze has returned to training but the talented midfielder will not travel to Villa Park this weekend.Ezri Konsa, Jacob Ramsey, Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara are said to be Aston Villa’s absentees with Matty Cash and Ross Barkley back in contention.Unai Emery didn’t offer an update on either Pau Torres or Ian Maatsen and so both are presumed available.Gameweek 12 comes too soon for EzeCredit: GettyThomas Frank expects to be able to call upon Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Ethan Pinnock for Brentford’s trip to Everton.Summer signing Igor Thiago may also make his debut for the Bees this weekend having played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly.Sean Dyche is hopeful of Jarrad Branthwaite’s chances of a return with Dwight McNeil also coming off a “good week” of training.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: Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Declan Rice (doubt), Bukayo Saka (doubt), Leandro Trossard (doubt)Suspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Boubacar Kamara, Ezri Konsa, Amadou Onana, Jacob RamseySuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Luis Sinisterra, Alex Scott, Dango Ouattara, Julian AraujoSuspensions: Ryan ChristieBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Rico Henry, Kristoffer AjerSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: Solly March, James Milner, Adam Webster, Lewis Dunk (doubt), Yasin Ayari (doubt), Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood (doubt), Tariq LampteySuspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Reece James, Levi Colwill (doubt), Romeo Lavia (doubt), Wesley Fofana (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Matheus Franca, Chris Richards (doubt), Chadi Riad, Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze, Jefferson Lerma, Eddie Nketiah, Daichi KamadaSuspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner, Seamus Coleman, Jarrad Branthwaite (doubt)Suspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Harrison ReedSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: George Hirst, Jacob Greaves, Chiedozie Ogbene, Jack Taylor, Janoi Donacien, Nathan Broadhead (doubt), Wes Burns (doubt), Kalvin Phillips (doubt)Suspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Jakub Stolarczyk, Ricardo Pereira, Jamie Vardy (doubt), Abdul Fatawu, Bobby De Cordova-Reid (doubt), Jordan Ayew (doubt)Suspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Harvey Elliott (doubt), Federico Chiesa, Alisson, Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Ruben Dias, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Luke Shaw (doubt), Leny Yoro (doubt), Tyrell Malacia (doubt), Kobbie Mainoo (doubt), Harry Maguire, Amad Diallo (doubt), Lisandro Martinez (doubt), Victor LindelofSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Callum Wilson (doubt), Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth, Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier (doubt)Suspensions: Dan BurnNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Danilo, Ibrahim SangareSuspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart, Flynn Downes, Aaron Ramsdale, Jan BednarekSuspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner, RicharlisonSuspensions: Rodrigo BentancurWEST HAMInjuries: Niclas FullkrugSuspensions: Mohammed KudusWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore, Bastien Meupiyou (doubt), Yerson Mosquera, Hwang Hee-chan (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 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 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 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