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      Dream Team managers must be aware of double headers and blanks ahead of Gameweek 26

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      GAMEWEEK 25 is not done yet with a full round of Premier League fixtures still to come but Dream Team managers should already have one eye on Gameweek 26.That’s because the upcoming Gameweek features both double headers and blanks, creating an imbalance that can be worked to one’s advantage.Fernandes will be busy while Mbeumo restsCredit: Dream TeamGameweek 26 features seven FA Cup games and six European fixtures spread across the three Uefa competitions.The two teams still active in the cup and Europe are Aston Villa and Manchester United.Therefore, the Villains and the Red Devils are the only two sides with TWO fixtures in Gameweek 26.Unai Emery’s side will host Cardiff on Friday night before flying to Belgium to face Club Brugge in the Champions League round of 16.Amid a busy spell for Villa, extensive rotation is probably to be expected against Championship opposition in the fifth round of the FA Cup.It would be a surprise if popular assets such as Morgan Rogers (£3.8m), Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) Youri Tielemans (£4m) and Lucas Digne (£3m) were given substantial minutes against the Bluebirds.Will Watkins feature against Cardiff on Friday night?Credit: GettyEven so, Villa’s relatively favourable European match-up means their best performers are certainly viable.As for Man United, their double header comes in the form of Fulham (h) and Real Sociedad (a).Most read in FootballNot even the most partisan members of the Old Trafford faithful will be feeling particularly confident during this increasingly disappointing campaign but Bruno Fernandes (£6.2m) continues to thrive in Dream Team nonetheless.The Portuguese playmaker earned 16 points against Everton at the weekend to take his overall total for the season to 260.At the time of writing, only Mohamed Salah (£8.3m) and Erling Haaland (£8.1m) are above him in the rankings.Fernandes banked 16 points at Goodison ParkCredit: PASuch is Fernandes’ importance to Ruben Amorim’s side, he will surely be required to start both fixtures in Gameweek 26.Dream Team’s leading midfielder is therefore an excellent option at this point in time, despite his team’s broader struggles.Some gaffers might be able to identify another Man United player with the potential to cash in against Fulham and Real Sociedad but we certainly wouldn’t feel confident putting any other names forward at this stage.In contrast to the double headers, the following teams will all BLANK in Gameweek 26: Brentford, West Ham, Everton, Southampton and Leicester.Mbeumo is the fourth-most selected midfielder in Dream TeamCredit: RexFirst and foremost, this should prompt Bryan Mbeumo’s (£4.7m) owners to take action.The Bees’ talisman has scored 15 goals on his way to 243 points in what has been a sensational campaign to date but he’ll be watching the cup action from his sofa this weekend.Jordan Pickford (£4.1m) ranks fourth among Dream Team goalkeepers at present but he too is without a fixture in Gameweek 26.As are in-form forwards Beto (£2.7m) and Jarrod Bowen (£5.4m) – Dream Team bosses keen on these tempting differentials should keep their powder dry for now.The other 13 teams have one fixture each, split between the FA Cup and the European competitions.Liverpool travel to PSG in Gameweek 26Credit: GettyGAMEWEEK 26 FIXTURES:FRIDAYAston Villa v CardiffSATURDAYCrystal Palace v MillwallBournemouth v WolvesManchester City v PlymouthSUNDAYNewcastle v BrightonManchester United v FulhamMONDAYNottingham Forest v IpswichTUESDAYClub Brugge v Aston VillaPSV v ArsenalWEDNESDAYPSG v LiverpoolTHURSDAYAZ Alkmaar v TottenhamReal Sociedad v Manchester UnitedCopenhagen v ChelseaREAD MORE SUN STORIESMake sure you take the schedule into consideration when making your transfers for Gameweek 26.The fact Fernandes plays twice while Mbeumo is without a fixture could result in some decisive swings in Mini Leagues worldwide. More

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      Dominik Szoboszlai six times less popular than Luis Diaz in Dream Team despite superior form for champions elect

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      LIVERPOOL have become Premier League champions elect after victory over Manchester City on Sunday.The Reds’ 2-0 win at the Etihad, coupled with Arsenal’s defeat to West Ham, has made them overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy come May.One hand on the trophyCredit: GETTYMohamed Salah (£8.3m) was once again the star of the show against Pep Guardiola’s side as he scored one goal and assisted another for a 16-point return – only Alexander Isak (£6m) earned more points over the weekend among all Dream Team assets.But Dominik Szoboszlai (£4.3m) deserves his time in the spotlight too having also scored and assisted in Manchester.The Hungary international banked 13 points for his efforts to continue his fine form of late.He has notched 59 points in his last seven outings via three goals and two assists.What’s interesting is that Szoboszlai features in just 6.2% of teams at the time of writing, a relatively low ownership for an in-form starter for the best team in the land.Salah and Szoboszlai combined twice against Man CityCredit: GettyFor comparison, Luis Diaz (£3.5m) appears in 38.8% of teams, making him the fourth-most popular player in the game, despite his dwindling returns since the turn of the year.The Colombian winger has mustered just 26 points from his last seven appearances, 33 fewer than Szoboszlai.Widening the lens, Diaz has produced 44 points in 13 games this calendar year, which works out at an average of 3.4 per fixture.Most read in FootballThese stats are not befitting a player who features in well over a third of all teams.Dream Team bosses who want a Liverpool midfielder, an understandable inclination, should certainly consider pivoting from Diaz to Szoboszlai.Diaz’s points-per-game average has dropped since the turn of the yearCredit: GettyArne Slot’s side are due to host Newcastle at Anfield on Wednesday night and the outlook would change again if the Reds’ No8 picked up an injury or Diaz produced a decisive performance – both feasible possibilities.Either way, any transfers made this week wouldn’t come into effect until Gameweek 26, when Liverpool’s only fixture is a trip to PSG in the Champions League round of 16.The Ligue 1 leaders have won 13 of their 14 games in all competitions and made a statement in their European play-off with a 10-0 aggregate triumph over Brest.Gameweek 26 represents a tough test for Salah and company but, looking further ahead, Gameweek 27 could yield lorry-loads of points.Szoboszlai and friends are due to play PSG in the last 16 of the Champions LeagueCredit: GETTYLiverpool will be one of just six teams to pull double duty in Gameweek 27 and they have the luxury of back-to-back home games against relegation-bound Southampton and PSG.Previous comments about the Parisians’ form remain pertinent but that match-up becomes more appealing when the venue shifts to Merseyside.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarring a disaster in the French capital, Dream Team managers should aim to be well stocked with Liverpool players come Gameweek 27.It wouldn’t be overkill to have five, six or even seven of Slot’s favourites in the ranks for that double header and Szoboszlai’s recent returns suggest he’s worthy of selection. More

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      Marco Asensio’s timely brace tempts Dream Team bosses ahead of Aston Villa’s double Gameweek 26

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      MARCO ASENSIO (£3.2m) was Aston Villa’s hero against Chelsea on Saturday.The 29-year-old, signed on loan from PSG in January, scored twice to help the Villains overturn a half-time deficit and take all three points.Asensio earned 16 points against ChelseaAsensio’s brace yielded 16 Dream Team points, more than enough to catch the eye of a few managers.In fact, the Spain international is currently the third-most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 26.A lot can change before Friday’s deadline, especially with a full round of Premier League fixtures still to come before Gameweek 25 is complete, but a certain portion of Dream Team bosses have made their intentions clear.At the time of writing, only Alexander Isak (£6m) has scored more points than Asensio this Gameweek.Asensio is enjoying a popularity boost this weekCredit: GettyThe former Real Madrid midfielder has impressed since his switch to the midlands but, prior to Saturday, he wasn’t rewarded with points to show for his efforts.But a decisive 16-point return from his first full 90 minutes in Villa colours has changed the outlook.Asensio’s heroic performance is rather timely too as Unai Emery’s side are one of just two teams set to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 26.Rotation is to be expected against Cardiff in the FA Cup fifth round on Friday night but next Tuesday’s trip to Club Brugge in the Champions League has to be considered one of the more favourable European match-ups in Gameweek 26.Most read in FootballGranted, the Belgian side did beat Villa 1-0 back in November but they also finished 24th in the league phase, scraping through to the play-offs by the skin of their teeth.Rashford has made an impact at VillaCredit: GettyAsensio’s minutes are a slight concern but a match-winning brace will surely stand him in good stead for the Gameweek to come – it will be interesting to see whether he gets the full 90 minutes again at Selhurst Park on Tuesday.Marcus Rashford (£3.4m) set up both goals against Chelsea having come off the bench at half time.The 27 year-old England international has flexed his creative muscles since his loan move with three assists in four outings at an average of one every 45.3 minutes.Having been frozen out at Manchester United, Rashford has notched 23 points in three Gameweeks since his much-needed change of scenery.Rogers is a doubt for Tuesday’s game against PalaceCredit: AlamyOllie Watkins (£5.2m) and Morgan Rogers (£3.8m) have been Villa’s two best performers in Dream Team this season and both are among the most selected players in their respective positions right now.The latter picked up a minor injury at the weekend and is a doubt to face Crystal Palace but he should be available again in Gameweek 26 – the trip to Belgium is still eight days away. More

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      Dream Team’s top midfielder continues to deliver plentiful points despite Manchester United’s weaknesses

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      WHERE would Manchester United be without Bruno Fernandes (£6.2m)?The Red Devils are languishing in 15th having mustered just 30 points from 26 games in the Premier League this season and yet their club captain is now Dream Team’s best-performing midfielder.Dream Team’s new midfield kingCredit: Dream TeamA 16-point haul at Goodison Park meant Fernandes leapfrogged Cole Palmer (£5.8m) to go third in the rankings overall at the weekend, behind superstar forwards Mohamed Salah (£8.3m) and Erling Haaland (£8.1m).It seemed as if Ruben Amorim’s side were going to suffer their third consecutive defeat in the top flight when they went 2-0 down to Everton after 33 minutes.However, the Portuguese playmaker inspired the visitors to a second-half comeback with a sweetly struck free-kick, followed eight minutes later by Manuel Ugarte’s (£3m) equaliser.One could reflect upon Man United’s weaknesses for hours on end but Dream Team managers should focus on Fernandes’ impressive returns when weighing up his viability.He is statistically the most in-form midfielder in the game right now having banked 34 points in his last three outings.Manchester United are ultra reliant on their skipperCredit: GettyFernandes has scored ten goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions this season but that tally only tells half the story.The 30-year-old is primarily an attack-minded midfielder but only seven players in his position have made more tackles, most of them being combative ball-winners who contribute few goal involvements.He also ranks ninth in his position for shots on target and third for big chances created.Most read in FootballFactor in 27 bonus points, seven of which have come in his last three outings, and it’s no wonder Fernandes has worked his way up to the top of the midfield rankings.Granted, he has played ten games more than Palmer and seven more than third-placed Bryan Mbeumo (£4.7m) but the fact he takes on such a high workload is what makes him such an appealing Dream Team asset.From Amorim’s point of view, his over reliance on Fernandes is a huge concern but it’s a helpful factor for Dream Team bosses as it ensures minutes on the pitch.Amorim has plenty of problems to solve but Fernandes continues to supply pointsCredit: GETTYGameweek 25 is only half complete as there’s a full round of Premier League fixtures to come in midweek, with Man United set to host 18th-placed Ipswich on Wednesday night.Looking further ahead, Fernandes might be among a tiny minority of players who plays twice in Gameweek 26.Man United and Aston Villa are the only two teams set to pull double duty on account of them still being active in the FA Cup and their respective European competitions.The former are due to face Fulham and Real Sociedad in quick succession – can Amorim really afford to go without Fernandes in either fixture given the current situation at Old Trafford?Fernandes looks to be a smart option for Gameweek 26Credit: ReutersIt’s early days but Fernandes, who features in 19.6% of teams, is currently the most popular recruit ahead of the Gameweek 26 deadline.Another bumper haul against the Tractor Boys will only boost his popularity further. More

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      Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 25: Latest on Erling Haaland, Son Heung-min and others

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      DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 25 in one convenient location.Erling Haaland is considered a doubt for Sunday’s huge match-up between Manchester City and Liverpool.Haaland is a doubt to face Liverpool this weekendCredit: Dream TeamThe Norwegian No9, who features in 53.9% of teams at the time of writing, was substituted against Newcastle last weekend and didn’t come off the bench against Real Madrid in midweek.When asked about Haaland’s availability, Pep Guardiola told reporters today: “Don’t know yet… tomorrow we will know.”John Stones is definitely sidelined and may even require surgery but Nathan Ake returned at the Bernabeu.As for the Reds, Cody Gakpo has not yet trained with the rest of the squad having been unfit in Gameweek 24.read more on footballArne Slot said on Thursday that it will be a “close call” in regards to the Dutch forward.Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez have been ruled out with the latter expected to be unavailable until near the end of the season.Bradley is unlikely to feature against either Man City or NewcastleCredit: PANoni Madueke has been added to Chelsea’s injury list ahead of their trip to Villa Park on Saturday.Ezri Konsa will be in contention to start for the hosts if he makes it through today’s training session without complaint.Most read in Dream TeamAxel Disasi is ineligible to play against his parent club.Christian Eriksen, Lenny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte are all likely to make Manchester United’s squad at Goodison Park.However, Kobbie Mainoo is not yet ready to return for the Red Devils.Lewis Dunk remains a doubt for Brighton but Fabian Hurzeler will be able to call upon Pervis Estupinan and Solly March ahead of the Seagulls’ trip to Southampton.Son will be available for Spurs this weekendCredit: AFPAnge Postecoglou provided a positive update on Son Heung-min, Kevin Danso and Rodrigo Bentancur.Speaking to journalists, the Tottenham boss said: “The three guys who picked up knocks last week… are all good, we’ve had a full week to recover and prepare.”West Ham will be without Lucas Paqueta at Arsenal this weekend following an unfortunate “training incident” with team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Oliver Glasner believes Eberechi Eze is “ready to start” against Fulham on Saturday and reported no new concerns.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai HavertzSuspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Pau Torres, Ross Barkley, Amadou Onana, Ezri Konsa (doubt), Boubacar KamaraSuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith, Evanilson, Enes Unal, James Hill (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Igor Thiago, Rico Henry, Sepp van den BergSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Igor Julio, Lewis Dunk (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, Noni MaduekeSuspensions: Mykhailo MudrykCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Joel Ward, Chadi RiadSuspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Dwight McNeil, Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Seamus Coleman, Orel Mangala, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman Ndiaye, Nathan PattersonSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, Harry WilsonSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Conor Chaplin (doubt), Christian Walton, Wes Burns, Julio EncisoSuspensions: Axel TuanzebeLEICESTERInjuries: Ricardo Pereira, Abdul Fatawu, James JustinSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Cody Gakpo (doubt), Tyler Morton, Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley (doubt)Suspensions: Curtis JonesMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Erling Haaland (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Altay Bayindir, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Tom Collyer, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad DialloSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, JoelintonSuspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Carlos MiguelSuspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Ross Stewart, Ryan Fraser (doubt), Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Adam LallanaSuspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Cristian Romero, Timo Werner (doubt), Dominic Solanke, Radu Dragusin, Richarlison, Micky van de VenSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Vladimir Coufal, Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville, Lucas PaquetaSuspensions: NoneWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Yerson Mosquera, Jorgen Strand Larsen (doubt), Leon Chiwone, Hwang Hee-chan, Sam Johnstone (doubt), Rodrigo Gomes (doubt), Emmanuel Agbadou (doubt)Suspensions: None More

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      Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 25: Bryan Mbeumo among several tempting midfield options

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      ALL 20 Premier League clubs will be in action TWICE in double Gameweek 25!As a result, Dream Team managers are spoiled for choice when deciding upon their transfers before Friday’s 6:30pm deadline.Cole Palmer faces Aston Villa and Southampton in Gameweek 25Credit: GettyBefore we rattle off some specific transfer recommendations, a quick word for top-tier midfielders Cole Palmer (£5.9m) and Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m).We wouldn’t usually insult your intelligence by including such obvious players in our transfer recommendations but the pair are worth a mention as they remain strong selections despite Chelsea and Manchester United’s faltering form.Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4.4m)A man in formCredit: ReutersThe beautiful thing about a full double Gameweek is that it opens up a host of options from clubs that are usually overlooked.Crystal Palace are a great example as they have improved dramatically in the last two months, producing plenty of Dream Team points in the process.The Eagles’ lack of European fixtures would usually be a hindrance but that’s irrelevant in Gameweek 25 and so Mateta has to be considered a strong differential given his form of late.The French forward, who features in just 3.4% of teams, has scored seven goals in his last seven games in a fruitful spell that has yielded 72 points.Palace are due to face Fulham and Aston Villa this coming Gameweek.Daniel Munoz (£5.2m) is a super viable option too as Dream Team’s most in-form defender.Most read in FootballLooking further ahead, Oliver Glasner’s side have an FA Cup fifth round tie with Millwall in Gameweek 26 – they’re one of only three top-flight teams due to face lower-league opposition.Bryan Mbeumo (£4.7m)A popular transfer this weekCredit: GettyYou probably don’t need a second invitation to back Brentford’s talisman.Only the aforementioned Palmer and Fernandes have outscored the Cameroon international among midfielders to this point, a remarkable statistic given the Bees have no European commitments.Not only does Mbeumo have the luxury of a rare double Gameweek, he’ll kick things off against Leicester on Friday night – only Southampton have conceded more league goals than the Foxes in 2024/25.Yoane Wissa (£3m) and Kevin Schade (£3.1m) will also be licking their lips but Mbeumo is surely the most likely man to take advantage at the King Power – he’s scored 14 league goals this term.Kaoru Mitoma (£3.6m)Fresh off a Goal of the Season contenderCredit: GettyLike Mbeumo, Brighton’s No22 will be unleashed upon relegation-bound opposition in the first of his two fixtures this Gameweek.The Seagulls travel to St Mary’s to face a Southampton side still in need of some points to scrape past Derby’s record-low total of 11 from 2007/08.Mitoma has scored four goals in his last six games and will fancy his chances of extending his good form when he meets the top flight’s worst defence on Saturday.Bournemouth will provide a tougher test in midweek.See also: Yankuba Minteh (£2.5m) and Georginio Rutter (£3.2m)Matheus Cunha (£5m)Talent to burnCredit: PAArne Slot recently claimed Wolves’ No10 was good enough to play for any of the Premier League’s top five teams and the Dutchman has a point.Cunha ranks in the top three forwards for big chances created, tackles and bonus points.And that’s just the additional extras he has provided on top of his 17 goal involvements.Without over complicating it, the Brazilian is Dream Team’s most in-form player ahead of Gameweek 25 and that alone makes him a strong option.READ MORE SUN STORIESGranted, a double header against Bournemouth and Fulham is a tricky proposition this season but Cunha took 12 points off Liverpool last time out, proof he has the ability to cash in against any opponent.Amazingly, the 25-year-old appears in just 3.4% of teams at the time of writing.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 NOW More

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      Score Predictor tips for Matchweek 23: Stats and facts ahead of Manchester City v Liverpool

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      MANCHESTER CITY v Liverpool headlines Matchweek 23 but Score Predictor users have four other fixtures to decipher before Sunday’s main event.Once again, we’re putting up £250 as the weekly prize for our free-to-play game that takes just seconds to enter. Play now!Credit: Dream TeamSimply enter your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you amass the most points then you’ll claim the cash prize!Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture to help inform your decisions…Arsenal v West HamThe Hammers won at the Emirates last season but the likelihood of a repeat this time around is slim to none.The Gunners haven’t lost in the league since November 2nd and their last two meetings with West Ham (at the London Stadium) yielded emphatic wins: 6-0 and 5-2.Even accounting for injured absentees in the forward line, Mikel Arteta’s side should have enough to overpower Graham Potter’s troops, who have lost to Chelsea and Brentford this month.Arsenal are the only top-flight team yet to taste defeat on home soil this campaign.Our Prediction: 2-0 to ArsenalMost read in FootballEthan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino stepped up for Arsenal at Leicester last weekendCredit: GettyIpswich v TottenhamThe Tractors Boys’ 2-1 victory in North London back in November is arguably the high point of their entire season.However, Kieran McKenna’s boys look increasingly resigned to relegation having mustered just 17 points from 25 games to date.Only Southampton have allowed their opponents more xG than Ipswich this term.As for Spurs, this month’s low-scoring wins and clean sheets against Brentford and Manchester United were uncharacteristic of the Ange Postecoglou era but warmly received by fans.Their injury list isn’t as lengthy as it was a fortnight ago and while there’s still plenty of room for improvement, Saturday’s trip to Portman Road represents a golden chance to register three consecutive league wins for the first time in 2024/25.Ipswich average just nine shots per 90 minutes this season, the lowest rate in the league.Our Prediction: 2-1 to SpursMaddison scored the game’s only goal when Spurs beat Man United last time outCredit: GettyAston Villa v ChelseaThe Villains have made good progress in the Champions League and FA Cup but Wednesday night’s draw against Liverpool means they’ve now gone five leagues games without a win.In that time they’ve lost to Wolves and drawn to West Ham and Ipswich – three of the current bottom five in the table.It’s a similar story for Cole Palmer and company, who have celebrated just two wins in their last nine league games in a run that stretches back before Christmas.Saturday’s 5:30pm kick-off is very much a meeting of two teams in search of better domestic form.Clean sheets have been few and far between for both sides of late.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawChelsea are heading in the wrong directionCredit: GettyNewcastle v Nottingham ForestLast season’s game at St James’ Park was notable for the fact it featured a Chris Wood hat-trick.And that was before the big New Zealander tapped into the clinical form he’s displayed throughout the current campaign.Defeat to Fulham last time out brought Nuno Espirito Santo’s side back down to Earth after their 7-0 triumph over Brighton but Forest are still very much in Dreamland, nestled between Arsenal and Manchester City in third.The Magpies are making waves in the domestic cups this season but defeat at the Etihad last weekend was their third loss in their last four league fixtures.Newcastle away is usually a daunting prospect but only Liverpool and Arsenal have earned more points than Forest on the road this season.A tough one to call.Our Prediction: 1-1 drawWood returned to haunt his old club upon his last visit to St James’ ParkCredit: PAManchester City v LiverpoolThis match-up has produced some of the most entertaining games of the modern era but rarely have Pep Guardiola’s side looked as vulnerable as they do at present.City produced a meek display in Madrid on Wednesday night and were soundly beaten by Arsenal at the start of the month, an indication that they are not equipped to resist top teams at this moment in time.Arne Slot’s side may have dropped points to Everton and Villa – not forgetting a shock elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of Plymouth – but they remain clear favourites to lift the Premier League trophy come May.Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool the win at Anfield back in early December and in the Egyptian superstar, Sunday’s visitors have a cheat code.Salah is five goals clear of Erling Haaland (an availability doubt for this weekend) and five assists ahead of Antonee Robinson and Bukayo Saka as the outright leader in both metrics.The 32-year-old is on course for his best ever season in terms of pure goal involvements – and that’s a high bar to clear.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 3-1 to LiverpoolVirtually unstoppableCredit: ReutersProve you know better by entering your predictions for Matchweek 23 now!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 NOW More

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      Should Dream Team bosses remain loyal to Cole Palmer amid Chelsea’s faltering form?

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      COLE PALMER (£5.9m) is the second-most popular player in Dream Team right now.Only Mohamed Salah (£8.3m) currently appears in more teams than Chelsea’s talisman, who is experiencing a popularity spike this week despite the Blues’ faltering form.Palmer features in 55.8% of teamsCredit: Dream TeamEnzo Maresca’s side find themselves in the bottom half of the form table having won just two of their last nine games in the Premier League.Despite this downturn in form, Palmer’s ownership is increasing ahead of double Gameweek 25, when he will take on Aston Villa and Southampton.Having not been included in Chelsea’s initial Conference League squad and frequently rested in the domestic cups, the England international has pulled double duty just twice in 2024/25 to date.In Gameweek 16, he notched 19 points across outings versus Everton and Fulham.And in Gameweek 13, he produced a combined haul of 28 points against the Villains and Saints – the exact reverse fixtures of those coming up in Gameweek 25.Palmer can’t do it all on his own at ChelseaCredit: PANot only is Palmer set for a rare double header, his recent record against said opponents is hugely encouraging.It’s no wonder Dream Team managers are backing him for a sizeable haul this coming Gameweek but there’s no doubt Chelsea’s downturn is a limiting factor to consider.Palmer has averaged 5.4 points-per-game across his last five appearances, way down on his overall season average of 9.5.Most read in FootballThe 22-year-old has provided two assists in that time, not to mention six bonus points, but it’s now over a month since his last goal.Palmer’s record is impressive but his numbers are heading in the wrong directionCredit: ReutersThis is not to say Palmer should be criticised for his tangible output as he has been an absolute superstar in that department ever since his move to Stamford Bridge.He has scored 14 goals and registered nine assists in 26 outings this season – remarkable figures.But recent data suggests that even Palmer has been hindered by the broader issues dogging Chelsea of late.Earlier in the campaign, he dovetailed with Nicolas Jackson (£3.7m) to great effect but the Senegalese striker went off the boil and then picked up an injury.More importantly, Maresca has struggled to replicate the dynamic football that caught the eye in the first half of the campaign.Palmer scored against both Aston Villa ad Southampton back in Gameweek 13Credit: AlamyPalmer owners may have a decision to make in the near future if his returns continue to stagnate but hopes are high for Gameweek 25 – he could feast at home to relegation-bound Southampton next Tuesday.It’s also worth noting that while Chelsea won’t have an FA Cup fifth round fixture in Gameweek 26, the first leg of their Conference League round of 16 tie will be added to Match Centre once the draw has taken place later this week.Palmer did not participate in the league phase due to “load management” but he has been added to the squad for the knockout stage.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith all due to respect to Uefa’s tertiary club competition, the prospect of mismatches against the likes of Heidenheim, Jagiellonia Bialystok and Celje would be hugely appealing to Dream Team gaffers.If only Chelsea would sort themselves out…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 NOW More