More stories

  • in

    Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 16: Erling Haaland serious doubt, Anthony Gordon to be assessed

    DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 16 in one easily digestible dose.Barring any late developments, Christopher Nkunku (£4m) is expected to be among Chelsea’s squad for the first time this season.
    However, Robert Sanchez (£2.6m) and Marc Cucurella (£2.7m) have been added to the list of the Blues’ absentees, as has Reece James (£3.7m).
    Pep Guardiola left some room for interpretation when talking about Erling Haaland’s (£7.9m) status but the decorated tactician did state: “I don’t think he will be ready to play this weekend.”
    Dream Team’s most-selected player is the game’s most transferred-out player this week.

    CLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN A £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!

    Haaland almost certainly won’t play against PalaceCredit: Rex
    Thomas Frank has revealed that Bryan Mbeumo (£3.8m) will undergo surgery on his ankle and will be sidelined for a further 12 weeks – the Cameroon international will therefore not partake in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
    Key players Lucas Digne (£2.9m) and Douglas Luiz (£3.7m) are suspended for Aston Villa’s visit to Brentford on Sunday.
    Unai Emery is hopeful Leon Bailey (£3.2m) and Youri Tielemans (£2.8m) will recover from niggles in time for the trip to West London but the pair are considered doubts.
    Eddie Howe once again kept his cards close to his chest during his Friday press conference.
    The Newcastle boss told reporters that Anthony Gordon (£4m) “will be assessed” before a final decision is made on the winger’s involvement this weekend.
    The Magpies’ No10 started against Milan in midweek but appeared in discomfort before he was replaced.
    Speaking earlier in the week, Howe said: “He [Gordon] said he had an awareness of something in his hamstring. We’re not sure if it’s an injury because he could still sort of play, but he couldn’t play to the very high level that he has played for a long time.”
    Gordon’s backers have a decision to makeCredit: Dream Team
    Kieran Trippier (£5.3m) is suspended for Fulham’s visit to St James’ Park having picked up his fifth domestic yellow card against Tottenham.
    Harry Maguire (£2.9m) and Anthony Martial (£2.4m) have been ruled out of Manchester United’s meeting with Liverpool but Luke Shaw (£4.6m) and Marcus Rashford (£4.3m) are thought to be available.
    Gabriel Martinelli (£4.7m) has got over his illness and is in contention to feature for Arsenal against Brighton this weekend.
    Mohamed Elneny (£1.4m) was forced off against PSV in midweek while Emile Smith Rowe (£2.3m) returned from his layoff with a substitute appearance.
    As for the Seagulls, Roberto De Zerbi made a point of mentioning the importance of managing his players’ minutes, making specific reference to Kaoru Mitoma (£3.5m), but no specific team news is known.
    Odsonne Edouard (£2.8m), Sam Johnstone (£2.1m) and Jefferson Lerma (£2.2m) have been added to Crystal Palace’s increasingly lengthy injury list.
    In more positive news for the Eagles ahead of their trip to Manchester City, Tyrick Mitchell (£2.7m) is back in contention to start at left-back.
    Giovani Lo Celso (£2.2m) is not available for Spurs this evening.
    Martinelli has recovered from illnessCredit: PA
    ARSENAL
    Injuries: Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, Fabio Vieira, Takehiro Tomiyasu
    Suspensions: None
    ASTON VILLA
    Injuries: Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia, Bertrand Traore, Leon Bailey (doubt), Youri Tielemans (doubt)
    Suspensions: Douglas Luiz, Lucas Digne
    BOURNEMOUTH
    Injuries: Ryan Fredericks, Emiliano Marcondes (doubt), Tyler Adams, Alex Scott, Max Aarons, Lloyd Kelly, Hamed Traore (doubt)
    Suspensions: None
    BRENTFORD
    Injuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Rico Henry, Kevin Schade, Nathan Collins, Mathias Jensen (doubt), Bryan Mbeumo
    Suspensions: Ivan Toney
    BRIGHTON
    Injuries: Julio Enciso, Pervis Estupinan, Solly March, Danny Welbeck (doubt), Tariq Lamptey, Adam Webster, Ansu Fati
    Suspensions: None
    BURNLEY
    Injuries: Lyle Foster, Jack Cork, Luka Koleosho, Josh Cullen, Michael Obafemi (doubt), Aaron Ramsey (doubt)
    Suspensions: Charlie Taylor
    CHELSEA
    Injuries: Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia (doubt), Ben Chilwell, Malo Gusto (doubt), Lesley Ugochukwo, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez
    Suspensions: None
    CRYSTAL PALACE
    Injuries: Dean Henderson (doubt), Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Cheick Doucoure, Eberechi Eze, Jefferson Lerma, Rob Holding, Sam Johnstone, Odsonne Edouard
    Suspensions: Jordan Ayew
    EVERTON
    Injuries: Dele Alli, Andre Gomes, Seamus Coleman (doubt), Ashley Young, Michael Keane (doubt)
    Suspensions: Jarrad Branthwaite, Idrissa Gueye
    FULHAM
    Injuries: Adama Traore, Tim Ream
    Suspensions: None
    LIVERPOOL
    Injuries: Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, Andy Robertson, Diogo Jota, Joel Matip, Alexis Mac Allister
    Suspensions: None
    LUTON
    Injuries: Dan Potts, Reece Burke, Cauley Woodrow
    Suspensions: Marvelous Nakamba
    MANCHESTER CITY
    Injuries: Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku (doubt), Erling Haaland
    Suspensions: None
    MANCHESTER UNITED
    Injuries: Amad Diallo (doubt), Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial
    Suspensions: None
    NEWCASTLE
    Injuries: Javier Manquillo, Harvey Barnes, Sven Botman, Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson, Matt Targett, Joe Willock, Nick Pope, Anthony Gordon (doubt)
    Suspensions: Sandro Tonali, Kieran Trippier
    NOTTINGHAM FOREST
    Injuries: Taiwo Awoniyi, Murillo (doubt)
    Suspensions: None
    SHEFFIELD UNITED
    Injuries: Rhys Norrington-Davies, Daniel Jebbison, John Egan, Chris Basham, Tom Davies, Rhian Brewster
    Suspensions: Jack Robinson
    TOTTENHAM
    Injuries: Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon, Alfie Whiteman, Manor Solomon, James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur, Eric Dier, Giovan Lo Celso
    Suspensions: None
    WEST HAM
    Injuries: Alphonse Areola (doubt), Michail Antonio, Edson Alvarez (doubt)
    Suspensions: None
    WOLVES
    Injuries: Joe Hodge, Pedro Neto
    Suspensions: None

    talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
    Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
    18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
    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. Begambleaware.org More

  • in

    Captaincy options for Gameweek 16: Erling Haaland’s expected absence creates open field

    Erling Haaland (£7.9m) is unlikely to feature against Crystal Palace on Saturday.Manchester City’s No9 has been the most-popular captain every Gameweek this Dream Team campaign but his foot injury has blown the field wide open this week.
    Let’s run through the best options for Gameweek 16.

    CLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN A £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!

    A reliable alternative to HaalandCredit: Dream Team
    Mohamed Salah (£6.7m)
    Let’s not beat around the bush, more Dream Team bosses will captain Liverpool’s main man this Gameweek than at any other stage of the season with Haaland sidelined.
    On Sunday, the Reds host a injury-hit Manchester United side with a soft underbelly – Bruno Fernandes (£5.6m) is suspended.
    Jurgen Klopp’s side have won every home game in 2023/24 (all competitions) and so it’s difficult to envisage anything other than an enjoyable day out for the league leaders with Salah best placed to take advantage.
    The Egyptian superstar averages 7.6 points-per-game this season having scored 14 goals and provided eight assists.
    And there’s a chance Salah may also get some minutes against West Ham in midweek, depending on how Klopp views the Carabao Cup this season.
    Most read in Dream Team
    Son Heung-min (£4.4m)
    Dare you opt to double Son’s points tonight?Credit: Rex
    Tottenham’s captain is among the most-popular recruits this week and with good reason.
    Son took Newcastle for 17 points last time out and his impressive Premier League record makes him a particularly good option for the festive period – at least until he departs for the Asian Cup in January.
    And it may be that the in-form forward is worthy of the captain’s armband ahead of Spurs’ trip to Nottingham Forest on Friday night.
    Steve Cooper’s side haven’t won since November 5th, losing four of their five games since.
    Only Haaland and Salah have scored more league goals than Son this season and Ange Postecoglou has made it clear he will continue to encourage his side to be ultra attacking no matter the situation.

    Vitaliy Mykolenko (£3.2m)
    If Salah and Son are a little too mainstream for your taste then consider Everton’s left-back a rogue wildcard.
    The Ukraine international has banked 26 points across his last three outings with the Toffees having beaten Forest, Newcastle and Chelsea without conceding a goal this month.
    Sean Dyche has genuinely crafted one of the most resolute defences in the top flight – only Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City have conceded fewer league goals at this stage.
    Everton face 19th-placed Burnley this weekend and they will host Fulham in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
    If Mykolenko starts both games then his backers will be hopeful of a double-digit haul given his current form.
    Phil Foden (£5.2m)
    Foden has registered 13 goal involvements already this seasonCredit: AFP
    Haaland’s absence doesn’t automatically mean Dream Team bosses should look shy away from the contest at the Etihad.
    Roy Hodgson’s men gave Liverpool a good game last weekend but the reality is they’ve lost four of their last five games – hardly form that suggests they’re likely to upset Pep Guardiola’s side.
    Foden is currently fourth in the Dream Team rankings having amassed 149 points via seven goals, six assists and 29 bonus points.
    The England international has been particularly productive of late having notched 82 points across the last six Gameweeks!
    Read more on The Sun
    Select your captain before Friday’s 7pm deadline!

    talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
    Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
    18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
    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. Begambleaware.org More

  • in

    Pau Torres & Mohamed Salah feature in Gameweek 15’s best XI – one Dream Team gaffer now £100 richer!

    ONE Dream Team gaffer’s Christmas shopping just became a whole lot easier.Sean Conquer is £100 richer after his XI ‘Bonkers Conquers’ racked up 130 points in Gameweek 15, the highest score among managers worldwide!
    Let’s take a closer look at how he did it…

    CLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN A £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!

    Incredible faith in Aston VillaCredit: Dream Team
    Sean had immense faith in Aston Villa in Gameweek 15 and Unai Emery’s men didn’t let him down.
    The Villains may be on a mightily impressive streak of home wins but it was still a gutsy move to activate Park the Bus ahead of Arsenal’s trip to the Midlands.
    As it happened, the hosts won 1-0 with Emi Martinez (£3.1m), Lucas Digne (£2.9m), Ezri Konsa (£3.1m) and Pau Torres (£2.8m) contributing to the clean sheet.
    Matty Cash (£3m) came off the bench but didn’t play enough minutes to earn clean sheet points but that was put right on Thursday night when the Poland international started against Zrinjski Mostar in the Europa Conference League.
    Cash and Torres were helpfully substituted before Villa conceded a late equaliser to the Bosnia and Herzegovina outfit, meaning they kept their clean sheets points.
    The Spanish centre-back was Sean’s best-performer and his 14 points were doubled to 28 by the Park the Bus Booster.
    Most read in Football
    Generally, it’s wise to switch to a formation with five defenders when activating Park the Bus but it’s hard to criticise Sean too much given he’s just won £100 from a fantasy football game.
    Pau Torres banked 14 points in Gameweek 15Credit: Dream Team
    The consistently impressive Phil Foden (£5.2m) was Sean’s best midfielder by virtue of an eight-point return against Luton – a decent effort considering he didn’t score or assist either of Manchester City’s goals.
    The England star scooped three bonus points, registered two shots on target, earned one point for two tackles, and played 89 minutes.
    Bukayo Saka (£6.7m) is the only player with more bonus points than Foden this season.
    Arsenal’s No7 earned three of them at Villa Park despite his side’s defeat.
    Lucas Paqueta (£4.1m) chipped in with seven points across his two fixtures against Fulham and Freiburg.
    West Ham suffered a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of the Cottagers but they rallied to beat the Bundesliga side 2-0 on Thursday night to finish top of their Europa League group.
    Only Joao Palhinha (£3.4m) has made more tackles than Paqueta in all competitions this season.
    Salah stepped up for Dream Team gaffers in Haaland’s absenceCredit: Rex
    Erling Haaland’s (£7.9m) unexpected absence in Gameweek 16 caught the vast majority of Dream Team managers off guard.
    The prolific poacher was also the most-popular captain by a wide margin and his foot injury is the main reason Gameweek 16 was a low-scoring affair across the board.
    Alexander Isak (£4.3m) didn’t contribute much to Sean’s success either with just three points against Tottenham and Milan.
    Fortunately, the ever-reliable Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) came through with a goal and assist against Crystal Palace for a ten-point return.
    Read more on The Sun
    The Egyptian superstar didn’t get on the pitch against Union Saint-Gilloise but he will surely be a key figure for Liverpool during the knockout stages when he returns from the Africa Cup of Nations.
    Fair play, Sean, your unwavering faith in Aston Villa’s defence against a strong Arsenal side proved to be a stroke of genius – spend the cash wisely!

    talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
    Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
    18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
    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. Begambleaware.org More

  • in

    Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 16 – Everton & Tottenham stars now viable

    EIGHT teams are set to pull double duty in Gameweek 16.However, with starting line-ups for the Carabao Cup quarter-finals difficult to predict, Dream Team managers are best served focusing on the weekend’s Premier League action.
    Allow us to recommend some transfer recommendations…

    CLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN A £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!

    Punching above his weightCredit: Dream Team
    Vitaliy Mykolenko (£3.2m)
    Everton have beaten Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Chelsea this month without conceding a goal.
    Consequently, the Toffees’ left-back is now Dream Team’s fourth-best defender having moved onto 98 points, 26 of which have come across his last three outings.
    The Ukraine international has made the most tackles among assets in his position, contributed to six clean sheets, and even chipped in with two goals and an assist.
    It was easy to overlook Everton assets while the European group stages were ongoing but with the continental competitions set to pause for approximately two months, gaffers should be open to in-form assets from any top-flight outfit.
    Sean Dyche returns to Turf Moor on Saturday and will feel confident of a positive result given his side boast the fourth-best defensive record in the league this season.
    Most read in Football
    Mykolenko features in 1.8% of teams at the time of writing but he has more total points than Kyle Walker (£3.3m), Matty Cash (£3m), Virgil van Dijk (£4m) and a host of other popular defenders.
    Everton are also due to face Fulham in midweek so there’s a chance Mykolenko may get two run outs.
    Son Heung-min (£4.4m)
    Ten goals and countingCredit: PA
    A lack of European fixtures was the only semi-justifiable reason to stay clear of Tottenham’s captain but now that’s not a factor, it’s all systems go.
    Only three players have earned more points in Premier League games than Son in 2023/24.
    The 31-year-old banked 17 points against Newcastle last weekend and his backers will be hopeful of another double-digit haul against Nottingham Forest on Friday night.
    Among strikers, only Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) and the injured Erling Haaland (£7.9m) average more points-per-game than Son this season – plus, we’ve now had confirmation he’s on penalties.
    Spurs’ No7 is clearly a great option for the remainder of December but gaffers should be aware that he’s due to meet up with South Korea for the Asian Cup in early January.

    Pedro Porro (£3.3m)
    Porro has been in great form of lateCredit: Reuters
    Much of what applied to Son is also relevant to Spurs’ right-back.
    Impressively, Porro has made his way up the rankings in recent weeks despite the fact Ange Postecoglou’s side haven’t kept a clean sheet since October 23rd.
    Only Kieran Trippier (£5.3m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) have provided more assists and created more big chances than the Spaniard among defensive assets.
    Given Newcastle’s right-back is suspended for Fulham’s visit to St James’ Park at the weekend, even a short-term punt on Porro could yield healthy returns.
    Dominik Szoboszlai (£3.8m)
    Liverpool should ease to victory over Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex
    First things first, Salah and Alexander-Arnold remain the best Liverpool options – that should go without saying.
    Many Dream Team bosses will already have the Reds’ two most-popular players in their XI and may feel there are even more points to be had from Jurgen Klopp’s troops in Gameweek 16.
    In that case, Szoboszlai could fit the bill.
    The Hungary captain is comfortably his side’s best-performing midfielder this season having brought up a century of points last weekend.
    Read more on The Sun
    Liverpool host a beleaguered, injury-hit Manchester United on Sunday before welcoming West Ham to Anfield in midweek.
    Klopp’s side have won every single game at home this season in all competitions so Gameweek 16’s double header should be ripe for returns.

    talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
    Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
    18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
    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. Begambleaware.org More

  • in

    Somebody must win £500 Amazon gift card with Score Predictor this weekend – read our top tips now!

    ONE savvy football fan will take home an early Christmas present this weekend courtesy of Score Predictor – why not you?Simply enter your predictions for five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracy; if you outperform all other users you’ll win a £500 Amazon gift card!

    CLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN A £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!

    Get involved now for a chance to win a £500 Amazon voucher this weekendCredit: Dream Team
    For clarity, you don’t have to predict the exact outcomes of all five games to land the top prize – that would be asking too much – you simply have to outscore your rivals, meaning somebody must win.
    Some of our previous winners this season landed amazing prizes having submitted their predictions in ten seconds through sheer gut instinct – it takes no time at all to play and it’s completely free.
    Check out our predictions for Matchweek 18 below…
    Manchester City v Crystal Palace
    The Eagles have been something of a bogey team for Pep Guardiola’s side in recent times – at least relative to the other bottom-half teams.
    However, Roy Hodgson’s side aren’t particularly well equipped for a trip to the Etihad right now having lost four of their last five games.
    Granted, they gave Liverpool a decent contest last time out but with several key players injured and recent defeats to Everton, Luton and Bournemouth fresh in the mind, a comfortable home win seems likely on Saturday.
    Most read in Football
    At this stage, Erling Haaland isn’t expected to feature at the weekend but the treble winners still have plenty of firepower at their disposal.
    Only Sheffield United have scored fewer league goals than Palace this season so we’re backing an overdue City clean sheet.
    Our Prediction: 2-0 to Man City
    Overdue a clean sheetCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Burnley v Everton
    Roll up, roll up, it’s the Sean Dyche derby!
    The Clarets have mustered just eight points from 16 games since they returned to the top flight, although half of those have come in their last three outings in fairness.
    The Toffees are only two places above Burnley in the table but that’s because of their ten-point deduction, without punishment they would be in the top half.
    Everton have beaten Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Chelsea this month without conceding a single goal.
    Dyche’s side also boast the fifth-best away record in the league this term.
    Our Prediction: 2-0 to Everton
    InevitableCredit: GETTY
    Arsenal v Brighton
    Roberto De Zerbi’s enterprising outfit have scored the same number of league goals as the Gunners, Newcastle and Tottenham in 2023/24 but they’ve also conceded more goals than Fulham, Wolves, Palace and Forest.
    The Seagulls are yet to keep a Premier League clean sheet this season but they’ve also scored in every game they’ve played – we’re looking at both teams to score as a foundation for this prediction.
    Arsenal came unstuck at Villa Park last weekend, but doesn’t every team?
    Prior to that, Mikel Arteta’s side had won four league games in a row.
    Brighton have a modest record on the road this season having taken ten points from seven away days – with 16 goals conceded.
    Our Prediction: 3-1 to Arsenal
    Dream Team’s second-best player this seasonCredit: Getty
    West Ham v Wolves
    The Hammers completed a classic smash-and-grab against Tottenham a week ago but the celebrations were cut brutally short when they lost 5-0 to Fulham on Sunday.
    With progression to the Europa League knockouts already assured, David Moyes may opt to give several key players a much-needed rest against Freiburg this evening ahead of Wolves’ visit to East London.
    Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta make up the mainstays of a threatening attack but West Ham have actually conceded more league goals than they’ve scored this season.
    Pedro Neto’s absence hinders the dynamism of Gary O’Neil’s attack but Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan are not to be underestimated.
    That being said, Wolves’ recent results (1-0 win over Burnley, 1-1 draw with Forest) have been very: last on Match of the Day.
    Our Prediction: 1-1 draw
    Under pressureCredit: Getty
    Liverpool v Manchester United
    The big one.
    In November, there was a sense that the Red Devils’ results flattered them as even their most partisan supporters acknowledged flaws in the performances.
    This month, things have evened out with three losses from four games in all competitions, including a humbling 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
    Fans will be fearing a thorough thrashing at Anfield on Sunday amid injury absentees – Bruno Fernandes is also suspended for the big clash.
    Jurgen Klopp’s men haven’t been at their fluent best of late, nonetheless, they’ve risen to the top of the table by virtue of their 100% home record.
    Liverpool have won all seven league games at Anfield this campaign, scoring 21 goals and conceding five.
    Our Prediction: 3-0 Liverpool win
    Read more on The Sun

    Think you know better? You almost certainly do!
    Play Score Predictor for free now to put yourself in contention for the £500 Amazon voucher!

    talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
    Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
    18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
    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. Begambleaware.org More

  • in

    Which players have taken the most Dream Team points from Premier League fixtures this season?

    THE Dream Team season has reached a pivotal turning point.Once Gameweek 15 is in the record books, there will be no more European fixtures until February.
    Dream Team managers should therefore prioritise domestic form above all else when devising their latest strategies.

    CLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR FOR FREE – £500 AMAZON VOUCHER MUST BE WON THIS WEEKEND!

    Domestic specialistsCredit: Dream Team
    With that in mind, allow us to present the list of players who have taken the most points from Premier League fixtures so far in 2023/24.
    Points in Premier League games this season:
    1st Erling Haaland (£7.9m) – 141 pts2nd Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) – 134 pts3rd Bukayo Saka (£6.7m) – 132 pts4th Son Heung-min (£4.4m) – 123 pts5th Jarrod Bowen (£5.3m) – 116 pts6th Ollie Watkins (£4.7m) – 111 pts7th Kieran Trippier (£5.3m) – 104 pts8th Matheus Cunha (£3.1m) – 103 pts9th Phil Foden (£5.2m) – 101 pts10th Bryan Mbeumo (£3.8m) – 100 pts=10th Anthony Gordon (£4m) – 100 pts12th John McGinn (£3.8m) – 94 pts=12th James Ward-Prowse – 94 pts=12th Pedro Porro (£3.3m) – 94 pts15th Abdoulaye Doucoure (£3m) – 93 pts=15th Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) – 93 pts17th Dominic Solanke (£3.6m) – 92 pts=17th Douglas Luiz (£3.7m) – 92 pts=17th James Maddison (£4.2m) – 92 pts20th Declan Rice (£3.9m) – 88pts=20th Raheem Sterling (£3.8m) – 88pts=20th Julian Alvarez (£4.2m) – 88pts
    Naturally, there’s a considerable amount of overlap with the true rankings, starting with Manchester City’s No9 at the top of the pile.
    But it’s the differences to which Dream Team bosses should pay attention.
    Tottenham’s captain certainly catches the eye in fourth.
    Most read in Football
    Son is joint-11th overall but only because he doesn’t have European fixtures to enhance his schedule.
    The South Korean superstar has to be considered a top-tier asset during this period between the end of the European groups stages and before he joins up with his international team-mates in January ahead of the Asian Cup.
    Alvarez’s points total owes plenty to his Champions League effortsCredit: Getty
    Take note of Alvarez’s ranking of equal 20th alongside Rice and Sterling in this list.
    The World Cup winner is currently the sixth-best performer in Dream Team but that’s largely because of the points he’s earned against Man City’s favourable Champions League opponents.
    The Argentina international has not been slack in the league by any means but the stats suggest he’s likely to be overtaken by several rivals in the coming Gameweeks.
    Few Dream Team managers would have realised the extent of Cunha’s domestic success.
    The Wolves forward has earned all of his 103 points in the league, putting him above the likes of Foden, Ward-Prowse and Alexander-Arnold in top-flight competition.
    The Brazilian’s lofty position on this list should serve as a stark example of how the dynamics of Dream Team will change throughout the festive period and into the new year.
    The same could be said for Porro, Doucoure and Solanke, who have all outscored some big names in the Premier League arena this campaign.

    Solanke has scored nine goals already this seasonCredit: Reuters
    Conversely, assets such as Bruno Fernandes (£5.6m), Martin Odegaard (£5.1m) and Joao Pedro (£3.1m) are absent from this list, indicating they have been heavily reliant on European fixtures to date.
    This doesn’t necessarily mean they will struggle in the coming Gameweeks but it’s worth noting.
    Read more on The Sun
    Finally, a word for Maddison who features in this list despite the fact he’s been injured since Gameweek 11 – his league form was truly magnificent until that point.
    Expect him to be a popular recruit later in the season if he returns from injury smoothly.

    talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
    Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
    18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
    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. Begambleaware.org More

  • in

    John McGinn and the other best Dream Team performers who feature in less than 5% of teams

    TIME to shine a light on Dream Team’s underrated gems.In reverse order, here are the top seven players (based on total points) who currently feature in less than 5% of teams.

    CLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR FOR FREE – £500 AMAZON VOUCHER MUST BE WON THIS WEEKEND!

    Everton are on the charge!Credit: Reuters
    7 Vitaliy Mykolenko

    £3.2m
    1.5% ownership
    98 points

    Every Dream Team manager should be monitoring Everton’s in-form leff-back now the European group stages are drawing to a close.
    Mykolenko is currently the fourth-best defender in the game having plundered 26 points from his last three outings.
    The Toffees have beaten Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Chelsea this month without conceding a goal and only Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City boast a better defensive record in the top flight this season.
    The Ukraine international has made 51 tackles, the most among defenders at the time of writing.
    6 Abdoulaye Doucoure
    Most read in Football

    £3m
    1.4% ownership
    101 points

    Another underestimated Goodison Park resident.
    The 30-year-old is above the likes of Jeremy Doku (£4.1m), Gabriel Martinelli (£4.7m) and Kaoru Mitoma (£3.5m) in the rankings having brought up his century with an eight-point haul against Chelsea at the weekend.
    Playing in a more advanced role where he can crash the box, Doucoure has scored six goals and provided three assists already in 2023/24 – he’s on course for the best season of his career in terms of attacking output.
    Quietly brilliantCredit: Getty
    5 Matheus Cunha

    £3.1m
    0.2% ownership
    103 points

    The Wolves forward has been on a tear of late having amassed 67 points across eight outings since the start of Gameweek 9!
    And his most recent performance, a 14-point return against Nottingham Forest, was his best of the campaign to date.
    In fact, Cunha is statistically the most in-form striker in Dream Team right now in terms of points-per-game average across the last three fixtures.
    The Brazilian 24-year-old has scored five goals and provided three assists and no forward has registered more successful dribbles this season.
    4 Bryan Mbeumo

    £3.8m
    4.7% ownership
    104 points

    Brentford’s No19 was relatively popular prior to his injury so he doesn’t truly fit among the other underrated gems in this list.
    The remaining 4.7% of gaffers with Mbeumo still in their teams either had more pressing issues last week or they’ve simply given up on Dream Team – the Second Shot competition is coming up!
    Jarrod Bowen (£5.3m) and Bukayo Saka (£6.7m) are the only midfield assets to have scored more goals than the Cameroon international this season.
    Many Dream Team bosses will be eagerly awaiting his return from injury.
    The Premier League’s most underrated player?Credit: Reuters
    3 Pascal Gross

    £3.9m
    1.4% ownership
    106 points

    Brighton’s perennially underrated midfielder was fairly well backed at the start of the campaign and his returns were more than healthy but an injury setback in late September caused his ownership of plummet.
    Upon Gross’ return, his points were initially underwhelming and so he never enjoyed a resurgence in popularity but 21 points across his last two outings should have raised a few eyebrows.
    The Germany international has actually played as a full-back lately to cover for absentees but, if anything, it’s only improved his attacking returns.

    2 Dominic Solanke

    £3.6m
    0.9% ownership
    106 points

    Bournemouth’s No9 scored his ninth goal of the season against Manchester United at the weekend.
    The Cherries are top of the Premier League form table across the last five games and no team has generated more xG in the same time frame.
    Having looked limp throughout the first three months of the campaign, something has clicked for Andoni Iraola’s men in recent weeks.
    If they can extend their good form through the Christmas period, Solanke may well prove to be a smart differential option for Dream Team bosses – he’s outscored Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) across his last three games!
    The Villains’ heroCredit: Dream Team
    1 John McGinn

    £3.8m
    4% ownership
    117 points

    Who else but Villa Park’s fan favourite to top this list?
    The Scotland international was the Villains’ match-winner against Arsenal on Saturday.
    An all-round midfield general, McGinn got through 11 tackles across the victories over the Gunners and Manchester City – an effort that earned him five points.
    Remarkably, the 29-year-old has scored six goals from just nine shots on target.
    Read more on The Sun
    For comparison, Bruno Fernandes (£5.6m) has scored five goals from 20 shots on target.
    McGinn is Dream Team’s outright top performer among assets with an ownership below 5%.

    talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
    Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
    18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
    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. Begambleaware.org More

  • in

    Why Dream Team will change dramatically once the European group stages finish

    DREAM TEAM gaffers will be hopeful of plentiful points from their European players this week.Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle and Manchester City will fulfil their final Champions League group fixtures across Tuesday and Wednesday before West Ham, Brighton and Liverpool dot the i’s and cross t’s in the Europa League on Thursday.
    Aston Villa will also complete their Europa Conference League group stage campaign against Zrinjski Mostar on Thursday.
    But once this week’s European fixtures are over, the landscape of Dream Team will change dramatically.

    CLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR FOR FREE – £500 AMAZON VOUCHER MUST BE WON THIS WEEKEND!

    Broaden your horizons this festive periodCredit: Dream Team
    The knockout stages of the three continental competitions are schedule to begin in mid-February.
    During this two month hiatus, gaffers should be more open to successful players who represent clubs without European commitments this season.
    A quick look at the rankings highlights the importance of the European games in the world of Dream Team to date.
    At the time of writing, Son Heung-min (£4.4m) is the only player in the top 20 who hasn’t been active in either the Champions League, Europa League or the Europa Conference League this term.
    More playing time equals it’s more points – the logic is simple.
    Most read in Football
    However, with the European competitions essentially paused for two months, there’s nothing to perturb Dream Team bosses from shopping around the other 12 Premier League clubs.
    Tottenham’s captain is a prime example.
    Son averages 7.3 points-per-game this season compared to Ollie Watkins (£4.7m) and Julian Alvarez’s (£4.2m) shared average of 6.2 points-per-game.
    The only reason the South Korean superstar is below those two strikers in the overall rankings is because of Aston Villa and Man City’s European commitments.
    With that factor removed, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Son surged up the rankings – at least until he departs for the Asian Cup.
    124 points and countingCredit: Reuters
    Dream Team managers should now prioritise domestic form above all else, bringing teams like Everton and Bournemouth firmly into the conversation.
    Liverpool are the only team to have earned more points than the Toffees across their last six league games.
    In fact, Sean Dyche’s side have won three games on the bounce this month without conceding a goal.
    As for the Cherries, no team has generated more xG in the top flight across the last five games, with Dominic Solanke (£3.6m) leading the way for non-penalty xG among individuals in the same period.
    Bournemouth’s No9 has banked 39 points across the last four Gameweeks via four goals with Andoni Iraola’s men having suddenly clicked.
    Not to be underestimatedCredit: Getty
    Then there’s players like Hwang Hee-chan (£3.2m), who has scored more goals than the aforementioned Alvarez and Darwin Nunez (£4.3m) this season.
    There are value-for-money gems everywhere you look!

    The domestic cups will still create a certain degree of schedule variance but, historically, this hasn’t had as much impact on Dream Team as the European competitions.
    Read more on The Sun
    This is because most Premier League managers opt to rotate their squad in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
    Gaffers won’t want to be caught out by the return of the European competitions in February and so they will need to plan ahead at some stage but for the next few Gameweeks at least, domestic form is everything.

    talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
    Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
    18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
    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. Begambleaware.org More