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The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Daniel Munoz, Bryan Mbeumo and other winners of Dream Team's end-of-season awards for 2024/25!
ROLL out the red carpet and pop the champagne, it's time for Dream Team's end-of-season awards! We've got eight gongs to dish out in total so let's crack on. 9 BEST NEWCOMER Our first award goes to the most impactful new addition and so only players who graced Dream Team for the first time this season are eligible. A mention for Noussair Mazraoui who, despite Manchester United's woes, will finish the campaign as the sixth-best defender. The Morocco international got through a mountain of defensive work, making 177 tackles in all competitions - the highest tally among all players. For a while it seemed as if Marco Asensio would claim this award as he scored eight goals in the space of seven games soon after agreeing a loan move to Aston Villa in January. Unfortunately, the Spaniard's points dried up in the last two months of the season. And so our winner is Omar Marmoush! Man City's expensive January acquisition frustrated Dream Team bosses in the FA Cup final but he's otherwise impressed with eight goals and three assists at a rate of one goal involvement every 141.4 minutes since his transfer from Frankfurt. The Egyptian forward finishes the season with an average of 6.3 points-per-game and there's a feeling he could rack up big numbers in 2025/26. WINNER: OMAR MARMOUSH 9 SURPRISE PACKAGE Several players made our shortlist for this one with Jacob Murphy, Brennan Johnson and Chris Wood all having performed well above expectations. It would be fitting to give the award to a Nottingham Forest representative given their transformation from relegation battlers to Champions League hopefuls but there can only be one winner in the grand scheme of things. Daniel Munoz was the only defender who earned 300+ points this term, beating the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Josko Gvardiol, Pedro Porro and Virgil van Dijk to top the rankings in his position. This is an extraordinary achievement given Crystal Palace did not have European commitments to bolster their schedule. The Colombian wing-back was a beast in defence (17 clean sheets, 152 tackles) and a huge threat in attack (six goals, eight assists). It will be very interesting to see how he goes next season. 9 BEST VALUE-FOR-MONEY Munoz could have easily scooped this award too but we've decided to recognise the efforts of Morgan Rogers to share the love around. Having been a bit-part player in 2023/24, the ex-Middlesbrough midfielder established himself as one of Unai Emery's most trusted assets from the get-go this season. Rogers started the season at just £2.5m and was available even cheaper than that after a relatively slow start but he quickly became a fantastic enabler. Once he started converting his talent into points, he essentially became a must-have player as his bargain price allowed for heavy investment into the likes of Erling Haaland, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Mohamed Salah. When all was said and done, Rogers racked up 318 points via 14 goals and 16 assists to finish as Dream Team's fourth-best midfielder. He certainly won't start at £2.5m next season! WINNER: MORGAN ROGERS 9 MOST OVERLOOKED This award goes to the player who, no matter how hard they tried, simply couldn't convince Dream Team managers they were worthy of a place in a competitive XI. For whatever reason, several players went overlooked by the vast majority of gaffers for months on end despite their undeniably impressive returns. Youri Tielemans spent most of the season among the highest ranked midfielders (thanks to his sizeable bonus point count) but his ownership remained modest throughout - perhaps because the aforementioned Rogers covered Villa's fixtures nicely. Elsewhere, only six players averaged more points-per-game than Jarrod Bowen (7.7) but most Dream Team bosses flat out refused to entertain the idea of recruiting anyone associated with West Ham. Our winner, however, is none other than Matheus Cunha. Granted, the Brazilian's disciplinary troubles were a concern but even when he was available and at his swaggering best, approximately 97% of gaffers were happy to go without him. Only Salah and Haaland averaged more points-per-game than Cunha in 2024/25 - an incredible statistic. One suspects he will appear in many, many more teams when he joins Manchester United. 9 DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH This award recognises a standout individual who thrived in Dream Team despite the broader failings of their team. The aforementioned Cunha and Bowen were among the nominees, as were several Tottenham players before victory in the Europa League final changed the entire complexion of their season. But Bruno Fernandes is clearly the most deserving winner. The Portuguese playmaker amassed 443 points (only Salah earned more) via 19 goals and 20 assists while representing a team that ultimately finished 15th in the league and no trophies to show for their extracurricular activities. Where would the Red Devils be without him? WINNER: BRUNO FERNANDES 9 THE BREXIT AWARD To qualify for the Brexit award, players must have nothing to do with Europe. In other words, only those who did not participate in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League are eligible. Once again, Munoz is in the conversation but three players earned even more points than Palace's wing-back without European fixtures: Eberechi Eze, Bryan Mbeumo and Alexander Isak. Newcastle's star striker notched the most points (340) of the lot having scored 27 goals but given the spirit of the award is about defying schedule disadvantages, we believe Brentford's talisman is most worthy. Whereas Isak and Eze benefited from domestic cup successes, Mbeumo was limited to just three Carabao Cup outings and one FA Cup appearance. The Cameroon international was phenomenal in the Premier League all season long. Depending what Palmer does in the Conference League final, Mbeumo will either finish second or third among Dream Team midfielders - an outstanding effort. 9 BIGGEST FLOP Generally, we prefer to celebrate the most successful players but it would be remiss to ignore the darker side of Dream Team altogether. Emile Smith Rowe was initially among the most popular midfielders in the game following his transfer from Arsenal to Fulham but the 24-year-old delivered just 135 points overall, fewer than Bilal El Khannouss, Lewis Cook and Adama Traore. During his heyday, Raheem Sterling once finished as Dream Team's top performer for the season but he scored just one goal for Arsenal in 2024/25 and has become a punchline among the Emirates faithful. Elsewhere, Darwin Nunez conspired to average just 3.6 points-per-game while representing the best team in the country. However, the most disappointing element in Dream Team this season was the severe drop-off of Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side recovered to finish third in the league but as a collective they provided far fewer points than gaffers have come to expect. Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol were worthy of their popularity but it says a lot that Phil Foden was City's third-highest points scorer as most would agree the England international was under par this season. The FA Cup finalists conceded 71 goals in all competitions, severely damaging the viability of their defensive assets. In fact, Gvardiol was the only City defender in the top 30, a far cry from previous seasons. WINNER: MAN CITY'S DEFENCE (EXCLUDING GVARDIOL) 9 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER (MVP) We finish with the most prestigious award and the most clearcut winner. Mohamed Salah was already a Dream Team legend but this season he reached an otherworldly level. When Liverpool's hero equalised against Brighton in Gameweek 37, he made it 57 goal involvements for the campaign in all competitions! This obscene tally was the primary reason he ended as a quintuple centurion, with 503 points to his name to be exact - Bruno Fernandes was the only other player to achieve 400+ points. Simply put, Salah was in a league of his own. 9 Who knows what starting price the Egyptian superstar deserves in 2025/26...
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Manchester United vs Aston Villa predictions, odds and betting tips
AFTER a dismal night in Bilbao, Manchester United will be hoping to end their season on a positive note when they host Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday. The Red Devils may have nothing but pride to play for, but Aston Villa have the small matter of needing points if they are to have any hope of qualifying for next season's Champions League. Quick Man Utd vs Aston Villa tips Aston Villa to win - Bruno Fernandes to score or assist - Marco Asensio to score or assist - Man Utd vs Aston Villa predictions Find the latest football betting odds for Manchester Utd vs Aston Villa. Our odds are provided by the Man Utd vs Aston Villa predictions Manchester United gambled everything on winning the Europa League, but their hopes came crashing down in Bilbao, as they suffered a dismal 1-0 defeat to Spurs in Wednesday's final. To be fair to the Red Devils, they weren't the main culprits in what was a dire spectacle of a match - but that offers little comfort to Ruben Amorim and his team, who left Spain empty-handed. United now have one final opportunity to salvage a sliver of pride from the season. Even a victory over Aston Villa, however, won't be enough to disguise what has been a thoroughly awful campaign. Only Spurs separate United from the relegation zone. With 18 defeats in 37 games, just 39 points on the board, and a goal difference of -12, it's hard to find any positives. The best the club can do now is get through this final fixture and turn their focus to rebuilding for next season. As for Aston Villa, a season that once promised Champions League football could now end in disappointment. After a strong run in Europe, missing out on a top-five finish would sting - but the likely consolation prize is a Europa League spot, where manager Unai Emery's track record speaks for itself. Villa will enter their final match of the season in fine form. They have won seven of their last eight Premier League games. Their only recent setback was a narrow 2-1 defeat away to Manchester City. Most recently, the Villains claimed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Spurs at Villa Park. Man Utd vs Aston Villa betting tips Aston Villa are just 7/10 to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are 3/1 to win on home soil. That sounds crazy, but given the recent form of both teams, the odds are hard to argue with. Have the bookies got it right? Check out our Man Utd vs Aston Villa match betting tips below: Aston Villa to win With the Europa League done and dusted, United have no reason to rest or rotate players. The problem they have is that literally no one is in form. Bruno Fernandes, for so long United's only hope, was poor on Wednesday, and if he's stopped performing, then just who do the Red Devils turn to? United are capable of producing performances. They've held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Anfield and Arsenal to a 1-1 stalemate at Old Trafford. They could raise their game against Villa, and odds of 21/20 for a United draw or win in the double chance is tempting. But, how can we back against Villa? They have won seven of their last eight and they need the points. We have to go for an away win. ➡️ Bruno Fernandes to score or assist Bruno Fernandes had a night to forget against Spurs on Wednesday. Had he performed as well as he moaned in Bilbao, Manchester United might have returned home with the trophy. Not only did the club's Player of the Season squander a golden opportunity to equalise with a second-half header, but he also endured the embarrassment of giving the ball away in the lead-up to Tottenham's winning goal. To his credit, Fernandes has often been the one to step up when United have needed a leader this season. If the Red Devils are to take anything from their final fixture, they'll likely need another big performance from their captain. ➡️ Marco Asensio to score or assist This is a stage that looks set for Marco Asensio. It could be the Spaniard's last match for Villa, and if it is, he will want to go out on a high. What better setting for Asensio to go out on a positive note than at the Theatre of Dreams. Back the on-loan PSG man to be involved in a goal against the Red Devils. ➡️ 📺 How to watch Manchester United vs Aston Villa Location : Old Trafford, Manchester, England. Date and time : Sunday 25th May, 4pm. How to watch : TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. About the author Craig Mahood Craig Mahood is an expert in sports betting and online casinos and has worked with the company since 2020. He joined the Betting & Gaming team at The Sun in June 2022 and works closely with the leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to provide content on all areas of sports betting and gaming. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter at the Scottish Sun, covering Scottish football with particular focus on Celtic and Rangers, As well as football, he has covered horse racing, boxing, darts, the Olympics and tennis for the Sun. Responsible gambling A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry, or depressed Problem gambling – Gamble Aware – Help with gambling addiction If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland. Most read in Betting
Forbes
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Aston Villa Goalkeeper's Goodbye Hints At Transfer Window Problem
As Aston Villa's players walked around the pitch at full time of their final home match of the season, Emi Martinez looked particularly emotional. The Argentinean goalkeeper was teary, suggesting there might be some legitimacy to the speculation linking him with a summer switch to Saudi Arabia. Was this goodbye? Martinez has been a key part of the Aston Villa team for five seasons. He has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League during that time and has become one of the biggest characters in the Villa Park dressing room. Unai Emery has relied on Martinez in the biggest moments for some game-defining saves. 'We will see,' said Emery when asked about the emotional reaction of Martinez after the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur and whether that meant the goalkeeper had played his final match at Villa Park. 'Of course, it is the last match here [this season] The summer departure of Martinez would give Aston Villa a problem to solve in the transfer window. Goalkeepers at the level of the World Cup winner aren't easy to find and those who are at a similar level cost a lot. Villa has Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) concerns to keep in mind and so its summer business could be restricted. Villa already has to consider the future of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford, both of whom will return to their respective parent clubs at the end of the season. Aston Villa reportedly has an option to make Rashford's loan move from Manchester United permanent, but would that money be better spent on a new goalkeeper if Martinez is leaving? Champions League qualification will also be a big factor in what Villa can spend this summer. Friday's win over Tottenham Hotspur kept Emery's team in contention for a top five spot, but Manchester City still has a game in-hand. Aston Villa could be squeezed out such is the level of competition near the top of the Premier League table. One of Villa's greatest successes in recent seasons has been its ability to renew and improve season-on-season. It has lost key players before and still managed to stay competitive at the top level of English and European soccer. The loss of Martinez, however, would be its biggest transfer market challenge to date. He could be irreplaceable.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Aston Villa have all the tools to establish themselves among the elite
Marco Asensio, Unai Emery and Marcus Rashford are in the midst of a chase for the Champions League. Composite: Guardian pictures Most teams in the battle for Champions League qualification are staggering to the line, battered, exhausted, done in by a season which feels like it finished in February but somehow still has a month to run. But as they falter, Aston Villa have seemingly found another gear. Advertisement Liverpool are secure in the Champions League qualification slots and Arsenal soon will be, which leaves the remaining three places between five contenders who are separated by just two points, although Nottingham Forest face Tottenham on Monday. Forest, though, have won just three of their last eight in the league. Newcastle had won six in a row in all competitions before Saturday's 4-1 defeat to Villa. Manchester City are unbeaten in five in the league. Chelsea have won five of their last 11 in the league and have a notably tough run in. But Villa have won 10 of 11 in all competitions, the only blip their Champions League defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain. There is no question that they are the side in form. Villa's performance in beating Newcastle was one of their best under Unai Emery, perhaps not quite as good as in last season's 1-0 win over Manchester City, but just as relentless, just as remorseless. There was an intensity and ferocity Newcastle couldn't live with. Their stand-in manager, Jason Tindall, blamed the fact his side had had to play three games in six days – which up to a point is fair enough; everybody is exhausted. But Newcastle have not played European football this season, while Villa had just fought through a gruelling Champions League quarter-final second leg against PSG on Tuesday, and have an FA Cup semi-final to come against Crystal Palace next Saturday. Fatigue is an excuse for everybody – and thus for nobody. Related: Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend's action It was also striking how cleverly Villa played, repeatedly going direct to Ollie Watkins to bypass the Newcastle press, and focusing their attacks down their left (almost four times as many as down the right), targeting the space behind Newcastle's Kieran Trippier. This, like so much of Villa's progress over the past three years, was a triumph for Emery. Even his insistence that Villa should be 'angry' after their Champions League exit, brilliantly well as they played, proved a masterstroke. It would have been very easy for Villa to be flat on Saturday, for there to be a sense of anticlimax; instead they produced their best performance of the season. Advertisement Received wisdom has it that January signings are best avoided, that they are a sign of desperation. Villa turned that theory on its head. Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio in particular have added edge and dynamism, while Donyell Malen has also weighed in with a couple of useful goals. But perhaps most significantly, they have added depth. Where other sides have tired, Villa have a bench that has given them variety and freshness. Watkins admitted to being furious not to start either PSG game; the result was that, fuelled by the desire to prove a point, he played with zip and drive and scored within the first minute against Newcastle. Whether Villa will be able to sign with Rashford or Asensio on a permanent basis is unclear. Quite apart from anything else, Manchester United may decide they don't want to let Rashford go, now he has been rejuvenated. Villa lost £85.9m ($114m) in the last financial year, the biggest deficit of any English club, taking losses over the past three years to £206m, well beyond the £105m threshold for SPR compliance. There are, though, £90m of acceptable deductions, and a tweak to their accounting period probably brings them just inside the limits. But they are close to the line, which could restrict spending in the short term and qualification for the Champions League would give them additional breathing space. The owners, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, who bought the club completely from Tony Xia in August 2019, may have invested heavily, but there is still disquiet among fans, both about ticket prices and the way certain sections of the ground have been reallocated for corporate guests. This is a huge gripe more generally in the Premier League. Returning from Anfield last week, I heard two US visitors expressing bewilderment that the market didn't just take its course which, given demand, would inflate prices three or fourfold for the top clubs. From a purely capitalistic point of view, of course, they are right, but football clubs in England have always been more than soulless vehicles for the enrichment of their owners; it's only this new breed of owners who disdain their community role, what they mean for the people brought up in the shadows of their stadiums whose families have been going for generations. However valid those concerns about the ownership may be, though, they are at least partially quelled when there is success on the pitch. And Villa, at the moment, are playing extremely good football under an extremely good manager. Back-to-back qualifications for the Champions League would go a long way towards establishing the club among the elite.
BBC News
19-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Sutton's predictions: Aston Villa v Newcastle
Newcastle are the Premier League's momentum monsters, especially since winning the Carabao Cup, but their excellent form goes back further than Aston Villa are also in great shape, on a run of four successive league wins, and although they lost the tie overall, they were sensational in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Paris comeback on the night, to win 3-2 after falling 2-0 down, took me by surprise but they really showed what they are made of. I think PSG will win this season's Champions League, but Villa pushed them all the is going to be a cracking game, and also a feisty one with what is at stake in the top-five race. Who or what decides it might come down to fine margins, and who makes the most of their chances, because both teams are going to get will score, whoever they play up top, although maybe they should take Marco Asensio off penalties. He missed two spot-kicks last weekend against Southampton after I told everyone to watch out for him on the Fantasy 606 pod, which sums up my FPL season and predicting ability in one fell could make an argument for both teams here, but I am going with Newcastle, because of how good they were when I watched them at St James' Park on Wednesday to beat Palace Barnes was electric, just unbelievably good down the left, and the same goes for Jacob Murphy on the other flank - his opening goal was absolutely amazing, because who shoots from there?With those two playing the way they are, Newcastle are going to keep on prediction: 1-2Read the full predictions and have your say here
