Fantasy Football

HERE at Dream Team HQ we consider it our duty to flag up successful players who may be flying under the radar.Take Mathias Jensen (£3.2m) for example.
At the time of writing, Brentford’s No8 is the ninth-best midfielder in the game having collected 52 points from seven Gameweeks.
Pulling weight and them someCredit: Dream Team
This impressive total puts him above the likes of Bruno Fernandes (£5.9m), Phil Foden (£4.5m), Pedro Neto (£3.2m), Dominik Szoboszlai (£3.8m), Moussa Diaby (£3.4m) and several other assets who have deservedly received praise so far this season.
In fact, Jensen is the Bees’ best performer at this stage, having recently surpassed Yoane Wissa (£2.3m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£3.6m) – two players considered smart options during the opening month of the campaign.
Thomas Frank’s side were undefeated in their first five games of the season (all competitions) but results have tailed off lately.
Defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park was followed by a shock loss to Everton and elimination from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Arsenal.
On Sunday, Brentford drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest, extending their winless run to seven games.
However, despite this drop-off as a collective, Jensen has pulled twice his weight in the middle of the park.
The Denmark international’s assist at the City Ground was his fifth goal involvement of 2023/24.
Most read in Football
Brentford are without a win in the league since August 19thCredit: Getty
He scored against the Toffees, Bournemouth and Newport in addition to his other assist against Tottenham in Gameweek 1.
This increase in attacking output is something the 27-year-old has developed in the last year or so.
He wasn’t a regular scorer in the Championship and he registered just two assists (and zero goals) in all competitions upon promotion to the top flight in 2021/22.
Last season, he registered a very respectable eleven goal involvements (five goals, six assists) and he’s on course to beat that personal best return this term.

Jensen’s minuscule ownership of 0.3% is understandable; Brentford’s form is on the slide and without European fixtures to bolster his schedule it will be a tough ask for him to maintain his lofty position in the coming weeks.
But he evidently deserves to be acknowledged for his efforts to date – the numbers don’t lie.

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

DREAM TEAM managers are turning their backs on Brighton players in droves this week.With several fixtures still to play before Gameweek 7 is complete, Pervis Estupinan (£3.4m) and Kaoru Mitoma (£3.8m) are among the most transferred-out players ahead of Gameweek 8.

CLICK HERE TO PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THE WEEKEND’S ACTION

A dip in popularityCredit: Dream Team
Only the suspended Rodri (£4.2m) has been shipped out of more teams than the Ecuador left-back this week, with the Japan winger third in the list of recently ditched assets.
Clearly this is a response to the Seagulls’ capitulation at Villa Park on Saturday.
Ollie Watkins (£4.1m) inspired Aston Villa to an emphatic 6-1 win in what many anticipated to be a competitive contest.
It was a particularly brutal encounter for Estupinan, who missed a gilt-edged chance early on and was then all over the shop defensively before being hooked at half time.
The 25-year-old incurred minus one point to continue what has been a relatively lean period of late.
He burst out of the blocks with 18 points in his first two outings but has mustered just 15 points across the five Gameweeks since.
Dream Team bosses are looking elsewhere this weekCredit: Rex
As for Mitoma, he claimed just one point at the weekend.
Most read in Football
The skilful dribbler has more credit in the bank as he pouched 15 points the previous Gameweek, mostly through his match-winning display against Bournemouth.
Roberto De Zerbi’s enterprising tactics ensure plenty of goals but clean sheets are few and far between, so perhaps it’s understandable that so many gaffers feel there are better alternatives to Estupinan.
Mitoma’s popularity dip feels harsher but, with an ownership of 20.4%, it’s worth noting he’s still the fourth-most selected midfielder in the game.
Perhaps Dream Team bosses are moving away from Brighton assets because of the fixture list.
Having suffered a heavy defeat to the Villains, De Zerbi’s side suddenly look vulnerable ahead of Liverpool’s visit to the south coast this coming weekend.
And a trip to Manchester City first up after the international break has to be considered among the most-difficult match-ups in world football at present.

Brighton will hope to respond with a win in the Europa League on Thursday nightCredit: Getty
However, it may not be long before Mitoma and company are back in favour as Brighton’s league fixtures from the end of this month through to mid-December look rather friendly.
They’re due to host Fulham at the end of October and will then face: Everton, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Brentford, Burnley.
Read More on The Sun
There’s also the small matter of Europa League commitments to consider.
Gaffers would also do well to remember that Brighton won five of their six league games prior to their Villa Park humbling and they remain the league’s top scorers.

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

CRYSTAL PALACE were soundly beaten by Manchester United in the Carabao Cup last week but the Eagles took their revenge at the weekend in fine style.Roy Hodgson returned to Old Trafford with a full-strength XI and left with three points thanks to Joachim Andersen’s (£2.9m) winner.
The Denmark international executed his finish with uncharacteristic expertise for a centre-back and of course he was a key contributor to the visitors’ clean sheet as well.
Having been influential and both ends of the pitch, it’s no wonder Andersen departed Manchester 15 Dream Team points richer.
The joy of a clean sheetCredit: Dream Team
The 27-year-old has scored two goals this season, registered three clean sheets, and his tally of seven bonus points is only bettered by six defenders at this stage.
Add in some extra points for tackles, shots on target plus appearances and Andersen has amassed 51 points overall – only Ben White (£4.3m) and Kieran Trippier (£5.5m) are above him in the rankings among defenders.
And he’s not the only Palace player punching above his weight in 2023/24.
Sam Johnstone (£1.8m) also benefited from the clean sheet at Old Trafford, his third of the campaign, to the tune of eight points.
The 30-year-old was the bargain choice among many of the elite Dream Team gaffers prior to Gameweek 1 and he’s proven to be a seriously smart selection.
Three clean sheets and countingCredit: Getty
His season total of 35 points is only bettered by three goalkeepers with Andre Onana (£3.6m) only one ahead in the rankings at the time of writing.
Most read in Football
Factor in value-for-money and the England international undoubtedly has be considered among the top two assets in his position so far this season, alongside Nick Pope (£4.2m).
In midfield, Eberechi Eze (£3.7m) has been rubbing shoulders with the game’s most-popular stars since Gameweek 1.
Palace’s No10 is a truly brilliant dribbler and among the league’s most accurate crossers this term – a combination that has allowed him collect 22 bonus points, the most among all players.
His overall tally of 63 points put him fourth among midfielders, sandwiched between James Ward-Prowse (£4.1m) and Martin Odegaard (£5m).

Collects bonus points for funCredit: Getty
Up front, Odsonne Edouard (£2.9m) scored five goals before his frustratingly-timed injury.
The Frenchman missed both fixtures at Old Trafford but still he’s sixth among strikers with 53 points to his name.
Again, when value-for-money is taken into account, Edouard simply has to be considered among the best Dream Team performers in his position so far this season.
Only Erling Haaland (£8m) and Son Heung-min (£4.7m) have scored more goals in all competitions.
Read More on The Sun
Whether Hodgson’s boys will be able to maintain such lofty rankings without European fixtures to bolster their schedule (they’re also out the Carabao Cup) remains to be seen but the fact Palace have a top-tier asset in every position is remarkable.
Selhurst Park is the destination of choice for gaffers in need of bargain options.

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

THERE’S a new king in town!Since Erling Haaland (£8m) joined Manchester City, he has spent most of time at the top of the Dream Team rankings but the Norwegian poacher was dethroned this past weekend.
Bukayo Saka (£6.4m) took Bournemouth for ten points to leapfrog his rival as the treble-winner mustered just three points against Wolves.
Arsenal’s No7 now has 81 points overall, two more than Haaland at the time of writing.
Top of the pileCredit: Dream Team
This development was particularly engrossing because the England winger was the most transferred-out player prior to Gameweek 7!
Only Kevin De Bruyne (£6.7m) has been removed from more teams in one week than Saka was recently – following the Belgian playmaker suffered a long-term injury on the opening weekend.
A sizeable chunk of Dream Team gaffers were duped by Mikel Arteta, who confirmed that Saka had not trained all week prior to the Spanish tactician’s press conference on Friday.
The 22-year-old has been playing through an Achilles injury for some time and he looked seriously hampered at the back end of the North London derby in Gameweek 6.
He then skipped the Gunners’ Carabao Cup game at Brentford in midweek, leading many to assume he would be given time to recover at the weekend.
However, come Saturday, Saka was once again selected to start and while he appeared in discomfort at times before he was substituted in the 76th minute, his opening goal initiated what was ultimately a comfortable win for Arsenal over the Cherries.
Most read in Football

Saka scored his side’s first goal on SaturdayCredit: Getty
Needless to say, many of the Dream Team bosses who used a transfer to ditch Saka were left feeling shortchanged.
Except those who followed our advice and brought in Martin Odegaard (£5m) as a direct replacement – the Norway international banked 16 points at the Vitality Stadium.
It will be interesting to see what team Arteta selects to start against Lens on Tuesday night.
The French side are currently 15th in Ligue 1 and while Arsenal will undoubtedly want to try their best in the Champions League after a few years absent from the prestigious competition, Man City are due to visit the Emirates this coming Sunday.
The Gunners probably wouldn’t need Saka in the initial line-up to take three points from their trip to France but he generally starts if available, even if only half fit, as evidenced by his presence at Bournemouth.
Arteta must know he’s taking a risk heaping more minutes on his star player’s problematic Achilles but perhaps this just underlines Saka’s importance to the team.
Some fans have criticised Arteta for not resting SakaCredit: Getty
Dream Team’s top performer has five goals and four assists to his name but he’s also earned eight points from tackles a great effort for such an attack-minded asset.
He’s also pocketed 13 bonus points, an aspect of the game in which he has a clear edge over Haaland, who is rarely involved in the action outside penalty-box chances.
No doubt many, many Dream Team gaffers will be transferring Saka back in this week…

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

ASTON VILLA registered a statement victory over Brighton on Saturday.The Seagulls had won five of their six Premier League games before what many expected to be a relatively even match-up on paper but Unai Emery’s side swaggered to a mightily impressive 6-1 win thanks mostly to an Ollie Watkins (£4.1m) masterclass.

PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR WITH DREAM TEAM THIS SEASON – FREE TO PLAY, EXCELLENT WEEKLY PRIZES!

Different gravyCredit: Dream Team
Roberto De Zerbi’s side simply couldn’t handle the Villains’ forward, who took the match ball home after bagging a ruthless hat-trick.
Not only was Watkins clinical in front of goal, he registered two assists to notch FIVE goal involvements in all.
This dominant performance resulted in a 25-point haul – the best return from a single game among all Dream Team players this season.
Prior to Gameweek 7, Watkins merely simmered in the realm of Dream Team without fully capitalising on the chances presented to him.
He scored a hat-trick against Hibernian in the first leg of Villa’s Europa Conference League qualifying play-off but that wasn’t a Dream Team eligible fixture.
Domestically, he didn’t score his first goal of the campaign until Gameweek 6, his side’s winner against Chelsea, but that effort was partially undermined by a goose egg at home to Everton in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
Villa thrashed Brighton on SaturdayCredit: Getty
According to the xG models, Watkins was among the most-wasteful finishers in the league at one point but his fantastic display against Brighton has readdressed the balance – he’s now over-performing against his xG.
Most read in Football
The 27-year-old was already among the leaders in the creative department with four assists in his first five outings but he’s kickstarted his Dream Team campaign in emphatic fashion with the demolition of De Zerbi’s troops.
Watkins now has four goals and six assists to his name; his combined tally of ten goal involvements is the joint highest at the time of writing – he’s level with Erling Haaland (£8m) and Julian Alvarez (£4.5m).
Needless to say, a 25-point haul has catapulted him up the Dream Team rankings.
The England international is now fifth among strikers with 58 points in total, just two fewer than Son Heung-min (£4.7m) and four fewer than Mohamed Salah (£6.7m).
And Watkins has a superb chance to leapfrog the South Korea international this week if selected to play any part against Zrinjski Mostar on Thursday night – Tottenham obviously don’t have European commitments this season.

Villa’s form has been brilliant since Emery took chargeCredit: Getty
Villa are now up to fifth in the league table and, somewhat ironically, only Brighton have scored more goals in the top flight this term.
Factor in their excellent form in the second half of last season and it’s clear there are plenty of points to be had backing the likes of Watkins, Moussa Diaby (£3.4m) and attacked-minded full-back Matty Cash (£3m).
Villa’s fixtures for the upcoming Gameweeks look rather favourable too: Wolves, West Ham, AZ Alkmaar (x2), Luton, Nottingham Forest, Fulham.

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

DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 7 in one easily digestible dose.Bukayo Saka (£6.3m) hasn’t trained this week and the 47.4%-owned midfielder is a serious doubt for Arsenal’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday.

PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR FOR FREE AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – FANTASTIC PRIZES UP FOR GRABS!

Mikel Arteta told reporters that Declan Rice (3.7m), Leandro Trossard (£3m) and Gabriel Martinelli (£4m) have also been absent from training and are therefore doubts for this weekend and the Gunners’ midweek clash with Lens.
William Saliba (£3.6m) is also among those carrying a knock – the French centre-back didn’t feature against Brentford in midweek as a precaution.
As for the Cherries, Andoni Iraola will have to make a late decision on Dominic Solanke (£3.3m) depending on how the in-form striker comes through the week’s final training session – the 26-year-old has been involved in all but one goal of his side’s league goals this season.
Dream Team bosses are sweating on Saka’s fitnessCredit: Dream Team
James Maddison (£4.4m) has trained this week but the 31.8%-owned midfielder will be assessed again before Tottenham v Liverpool on Saturday.
Spurs’ No10 appeared to jar his knee in the North London derby but is said to be hopeful of pulling through for the weekend’s standout fixture.
Son Heung-min (£4.7m) is also being monitored closely while Brennan Johnson (£2.6m) has been ruled out of Gameweek 7 with a minor injury.
As for the Reds, Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.4m) is expected to be available having seamlessly returned to training.
Leon Bailey (£2.8m) picked up an injury on Carabao Cup duty while Jacob Ramsey (£2.8m) is touch-and-go as Aston Villa prepare to welcome Brighton to Villa Park on Saturday.
Alex Moreno (£2.5m) is still building up his fitness so Lucas Digne (£2.5m) is almost certain to continue as the Villains’ starting left-back.
Evan Ferguson (£3.4m) is expected to play some part for the Seagulls but this weekend will probably come too soon for Pascal Gross (£4m) – the German midfielder may be involved against Marseille in midweek.
Maddison is Dream Team’s second-most popular midfielder at the time of writingCredit: AP
Rodri (£4.4m) is the most transferred-out player in Dream Team this week with the Spaniard set to serve the second of his three-game domestic suspension this weekend.
Other than that, Pep Guardiola will be able to call upon the same squad as last week when Manchester City travel to Molineux.
Odsonne Edouard (£3m) remains unavailable for Crystal Palace’s repeat visit to Old Trafford – the 25-year-old is currently Dream Team’s fourth-best striker.
Manchester United’s injury crisis in defence has worsened with Lisandro Martinez (£3.1m) expected to be out for an “extended period” while Sergio Reguilon (£1.9m) has joined fellow left-backs Luke Shaw (£4.9m) and Tyrell Malacia (£3m) on the sidelines.
Ben Chilwell’s (£3.8m) hamstring injury is to be assessed further but Mauricio Pochettino told journalists it’s “not good news” regarding the England international’s availability.
On a more positive note for Chelsea, Reece James (£4.5m) may be available next week while Carney Chukwuemeka (£1.6m) and Noni Madueke (£2.7m) could be involved in some capacity on Monday night when the Blues face local rivals Fulham.
Barnes faces a spell on the sidelinesCredit: Getty
Eddie Howe confirmed that Harvey Barnes (£3.2m) faces approximately three months on the sidelines having sustained a “substantial” foot injury.
The Newcastle gaffer also revealed both Callum Wilson (£4.2m) and Sven Botman (£3.9m) will be “given every chance” of making the squad for Burnley’s visit to St James’ Park but final decisions will have to be made on the day.
Alexander Isak (£3.7m) will also be checked closer to kick-off on Saturday.
Both Mikkel Damsgaard (£1.9m) and Kevin Schade (£1.7m) have undergone surgery meaning Brentford have seven players on the sidelines in total this weekend.

ARSENAL
Injuries: Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Martinelli (doubt), William Saliba (doubt), Bukayo Saka (doubt), Leandro Trossard (doubt), Fabio Vieira (doubt), Declan Rice (doubt)
Suspensions: None
ASTON VILLA
Injuries: Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia, Tim Iroegbunam, Diego Carlos, Jacob Ramsey (doubt), Alex Moreno (doubt), Leon Bailey
Suspensions: None
BOURNEMOUTH
Injuries: Alex Scott, Ryan Fredericks, Emiliano Marcondes, Chris Mepham, Lloyd Kelly, Dominic Solanke (doubt)
Suspensions: None
BRENTFORD
Injuries: Josh Dasilva, Shandon Baptiste, Rico Henry, Mikkel Damsgaard, Ben Mee, Kevin Schade
Suspensions: Ivan Toney
BRIGHTON
Injuries: Julio Enciso, Evan Ferguson (doubt), James Milner (doubt), Pascal Gross (doubt)
Suspensions: None
BURNLEY
Injuries: Michael Obafemi, Hjalmar Ekdal, Darko Churlinov, Nathan Redmond, Manuel Benson
Suspensions: Lyle Foster
CHELSEA
Injuries: Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Christopher Nkunku, Beniot Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Marcus Bettinelli, Carney Chukwuemeka (doubt), Romeo Lavia, Noni Madueke (doubt), Ben Chilwell
Suspensions: Malo Gusto, Nicolas Jackson
CRYSTAL PALACE
Injuries: Michael Olise, Matheus Franca, Naouirou Ahamada, James Tomkins, Jefferson Lerma, Dean Henderson, Odsonne Edouard, Jairo Riedewald (doubt)
Suspensions: None
EVERTON
Injuries: Seamus Coleman, Dele Alli, Andre Gomes, Vitaliy Mykolenko (doubt)
Suspensions: None
FULHAM
Injuries: Tosin Adarabioyo, Adama Traore (doubt), Calvin Bassey (doubt), Kenny Tete (doubt)
Suspensions: None
LIVERPOOL
Injuries: Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic
Suspensions: None
LUTON
Injuries: Dan Potts, Jordan Clark, Gabriel Osho, Ross Barkley (doubt), Albert Sambi Lokonga, Tom Lockyer (doubt)
Suspensions: None
MANCHESTER CITY
Injuries: Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Bernardo Silva
Suspensions: Rodri
MANCHESTER UNITED
Injuries: Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Tyrell Malacia, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen (doubt), Scott McTominay (doubt)
Suspensions: None
NEWCASTLE
Injuries: Joe Willock, Emil Krath, Harvey Barnes, Sven Botman (doubt), Callum Wilson (doubt), Alexander Isak (doubt), Bruno Guimaraes (doubt)
Suspensions: None
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Injuries: Danilo, Nuno Tavares
Suspensions: None
SHEFFIELD UNITED
Injuries: Rhys Norrington-Davies, Daniel Jebbison, Rhian Brewster, John Fleck (doubt), Max Lowe, Ben Osborn, Will Osula (doubt), George Baldock, Gustavo Hamer (doubt)
Suspensions: Oli McBurnie
TOTTENHAM
Injuries: Ivan Perisic, Rodrigo Bentacur, Ryan Sessegnon, Bryan Gil, Giovani Lo Celso, Alfie Whiteman, James Maddison (doubt), Son Heung-min (doubt), Brennan Johnson
Suspensions: None
WEST HAM
Injuries: Aaron Cresswell (doubt)
Suspensions: None
WOLVES
Injuries: None
Suspensions: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde

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