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Newcastle United are believed to be the favourites to complete the signing of a “fantastic” striker with 29 goals in 56 international caps.

Newcastle eyeing new signings

The Magpies may be seventh in the Premier League, suggesting that things have been going solidly on the pitch this season, but performances have flattered to deceive too often. A lack of transfer activity in the summer window has caused plenty of frustration among the fanbase, also seemingly affecting the relationship between Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell.

It is still clear that Newcastle’s squad is in need of additional quality all over the pitch, with Lille striker Jonathan David one player who has been mooted as an option to come in. Talks are said to have taken place over a move for the Canada international, who could replace Callum Wilson when his time at St James’ Park comes to an end.

Meanwhile, the Magpies are reportedly interested in signing Monaco attacker Maghnes Akliouche, too, with none other than Thierry Henry an admirer of the 22-year-old, having managed him for France at the 2024 Olympics earlier this year.

On the flip side, there are some Newcastle players whose time at the club could be coming to an end soon, including Kieran Trippier. The Englishman could join AC Milan, according to one update, with his best days now arguably behind him.

Newcastle favourites to sign attacking star

According to a fresh update from Tutto Juve [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are the favourites to sign David from Lille, with a January move not out of the question despite the fact he will be available for nothing next summer.

The Magpies are “ready to pay the most” in the next transfer window, instead of waiting until the summer, and they are ahead of Serie A giants Juventus and Inter Milan in the race to acquire the 24-year-old’s signature. Neither have the financial power of the Premier League side, putting them in a strong position to get their man.

David is a huge talent who could forge a devilish striker partnership with Alexander Isak at Newcastle, having already achieved such impressive goalscoring feats in his career. The Canadian has 91 goals in 194 appearances for Lille, proving to be one of Ligue 1’s most deadly attacking players, and he has also netted 29 times in 56 caps for his country. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig is a big admirer of David and has been for some time, once taking to X to laud his various abilities as a footballer.

If Newcastle could pip Juve and Inter to David’s signing it would be a massive coup, given the two clubs’ stature in European football, and it would give Howe the added firepower he craves in the final third, with Isak out injured too often and Wilson expected to move on soon.

The NFL legend and NJ/NY Gotham FC co-owner turned to his championship-winning NWSL team for some kicking advice

• Manning was preparing for $10 million Kick of Destiny challenge
• NJ/NY NJ/NY Gotham FC players offered tips on technique and more
• Event highlights the growing collaboration between NFL and NWSL

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED

  Two-time Super Bowl champion and NJ/NY Gotham FC co-owner Eli Manning looked for advice from NJ/NY Gotham FC players ahead of his challenge. The 44-year-old was up against his older brother and rival, Peyton, and thus wanted to get as much of an advantage as he could get.

  The likes of Midge Purce and company had some good advice for the former professional quarterback and things did work out as the younger Manning walked away with the trophy.

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• WHAT MANNING, GOTHAM PLAYERS SAID

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  This was the third edition of the and in a hard fought contest, Eli Manning beat his older brother Peyton Manning. While both brothers missed their attempt from 25 yards, the younger Manning managed to win it on his 20-yard attempt after his older brother hit the bar.

  The brothers replaced former tight-end Rob Gronkowski in the campaign, who failed to hit a field goal in either 2023 or 2024.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NJ/NY GOTHAM FC?

  The NWSL side are currently enjoying their preseason training as the 2025 NWSL season doesn’t kick off until March 16. The club has already played one preseason friendly, against SK Brann Kvinner, beating the Norwegian side 2-1 in February.

  They start their 2025 NWSL season with a road trip against Seattle Reign FC before a home game against Orlando Pride.

Glasgow Rangers return to domestic action on Sunday following the recent international break.

The Light Blues face a tricky away trip to Kilmarnock in the Premiership as Philippe Clement looks to secure another three points for the club.

Between now and the next international break, the Gers play seven times, including two European ties along with a League Cup semi-final. If Clement can lead his side to seven victories, it could set the tone for the remainder of the campaign.

Securing all three points against Killie on Sunday is the priority for the Belgian, especially as the Light Blues trail both Celtic and Aberdeen in the Premiership title race.

Ridvan Yilmaz, Rabbi Matondo and Danilo are still missing from the first team squad, while Ross McCausland could also miss out.

With this in mind, here’s a look at the starting XI that Clement could unleash at Rugby Park on Sunday afternoon, with two potential changes from the side that saw off St Johstone last time out.

1

GK – Jack Butland

The experienced goalkeeper has started every single match for the club this season, keeping eight clean sheets in 13 games, conceding only 11 goals in that time frame.

Since the 3-0 defeat to Celtic at the start of September, Butland has kept three successive clean sheets in the Premiership and Clement will be hoping this can extend to the fourth game in a row tomorrow.

It looks as though he is returning to the form which saw him impress during his first few months at Ibrox. Having Butland at his best will be a major bonus for the club, that’s for sure.

2

RB – James Tavernier

Following the 4-1 defeat to Lyon in the Europa League at the start of the month, many expected Tavernier to be dropped for the clash against St Johnstone. He ended up starting the game and playing the full 90 minutes.

In 13 games this term, the captain has scored just once and grabbed three assists, indicating that his form in front of goal has dipped dramatically from last season.

Can he score his second of the campaign against Killie? Only time will tell.

3

CB – John Souttar

The centre-back has featured in every game this season, like Butland and Tavernier, firmly establishing himself as Clement’s number one option at the heart of the defence.

Steve Clarke called him up to the Scotland squad for the games against Croatia and Portugal, with Souttar shining against the latter.

Indeed, the defender won 100% of his duels, made five clearances and lost possession just six times during the game, where he also shackled Cristiano Ronaldo for the full 90 minutes.

Clement will be hoping for a repeat performance at Rugby Park.

4

CB – Robin Propper

The Dutchman arrived from FC Twente in the summer and has since formed a solid partnership with Souttar at the heart of the defence.

Propper was in wonderful form against St Johnstone a couple of weeks ago. Not only did he win six of his nine attempted duels, but the centre-back also succeeded with 91% of his passes and committed zero fouls.

He and Souttar will be keen on keeping yet another clean sheet domestically.

5

LB – Jefte

The Brazilian has been an impressive stand in for Yilmaz at left-back, making ten appearances for the club in all competitions.

Earmarked as one for the future, Jefte is showing his class right now. With the Turk not set for a return against Killie, the 20-year-old will continue his run in the starting XI.

6

CM – Connor Barron

The Scot was rested against St Johnstone, but he will come back into the side on Sunday afternoon as the first potential alteration.

Barron has arguably been one of Clement’s finest pieces of transfer business, arriving on a free transfer once his Aberdeen contract expired.

Having played a part in every match this term, Barron is the undisputed first choice midfielder in the squad.

7

CM – Nicolas Raskin

Raskin started over Barron against the Perth side last time out and enjoyed a decent performance, thus meaning he keeps his place in the lineup.

He succeeded with 91% of his passes, won nine of his 15 ground duels and made one key pass, the Belgian was impressive during the match, something which Clement will hope continues against the Rugby Park side on Sunday.

8

RW – Vaclav Cerny

With McCausland unlikely to play a part, Cerny will start on the right wing tomorrow. During the international break, he featured against both Albania and Ukraine.

He scored twice during the last Premiership clash and if unleashed tomorrow, Clement will be expecting a performance similar to the one displayed against St Johnstone.

9

AM – Tom Lawrence

Ianis Hagi returned to the squad last time out following a contract saga which had stretched out for months. The Romanian ended up grabbing an assist before being sent off against the Saints, which means he is ruled out of Sunday’s tie.

This means Lawrence will likely return to the lineup as the second change. Across 11 games this term, the Welshman has scored four goals already, finally showcasing his talents after an injury-hit first couple of seasons at Ibrox.

Previously lauded for his “lightening” feet by journalist Josh Bunting, the £22k-per-week star will hope to make an impact again tomorrow.

10

LW – Nedim Bajrami

Although usually deployed as a number ten, Bajrami has been forced out wide by Clement due to injuries to Matondo and Oscar Cortes, but the Albanian has still impressed.

He scored after just 55 seconds against Malmö and his performances have been excellent so far during his short stint at the club.

Arsenal have gone from strength to strength over the past several years, and though Mikel Arteta has not added to the FA Cup trophy he clinched in his first full term with the Gunners – a season he joined in December – the progress has been astounding.

The past two seasons in the Premier League have ended in late-stage misery as the Manchester City machine churns on, collecting its fourth successive league title in May, but there’s growing optimism around north London that this could be the year.

While injury should never be wished upon a professional athlete, the season-ending blow suffered by Rodri last month does open up a new world of possibility for competitors like Arsenal and Liverpool. He’s that good, and his absence will be felt keenly.

Of course, Arsenal haven’t fallen that far short in recent years, and with a youthful crop now blooming into world-class quality, it’s starting to feel like it might, maybe, be the year.

Arsenal's new generation

Arteta, still only 42, is probably the finest young manager in the world at the moment, but just like his Arsenal team, in its sixth season with the Spaniard at the helm, he’s maturing.

The likes of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, two of the finest players in the world in their respective positions, are both now 23 but have spent recent years developing their nascent ability and directing it toward something that is capable of dethroning the all-conquering machine that is Man City.

Saka, for example, has produced breathtaking results across the opening months of the 2024/25 term, posting three goals and seven assists across ten matches in all competitions. Saliba, meanwhile, continues to rival Virgil van Dijk as the finest centre-back in English football, exceptionally winning 71% of his ground duels in the Premier League so far, as per Sofascore.

As you can see, Arsenal’s average age in the top flight has been creeping upward over the past four seasons, which is principally down to the fine balance that Arteta has crafted. A core clutch, including Saka and Saliba, have started to float away from youthful potential and into the conversation for the best players that Europe has to offer. They are high and central in such debates, in fact.

Arsenal are on the up indeed. But there’s still progress to be had. Every department of Arteta’s squad is packed with quality, but one player who must be ditched in 2025 has got to be Thomas Partey, with the Ghana international failing to live up to the lofty price tag.

The 31-year-old is part of the reason that the Emirates side’s average age has bobbed up, and while this isn’t a flaw in itself, it’s indicative of the midfielder’s dwindling performance level that doesn’t justify the financials.

Thomas Partey's Arsenal career in numbers

It was October 2020, and Arsenal purchased Partey from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid after activating the player’s £45m release clause. He’s since chalked up 124 appearances, having been frequently disrupted by injuries, albeit enjoying a renaissance this year, starting all seven Premier League matches so far.

For a player who was supposed to revolutionise the centre of the park, he’s failed to live up to the price tag and the expectations. Despite this, of course, the Gunners have skyrocketed toward elite status on the continent, but as Arterta’s influence has waxed, so too has the dynamo’s role been diminished.

At his best, the occasional defender brings strength and steel to the team, with an imposing physicality that still, to this day, Arsenal don’t have in surplus. Declan Rice is an elite athletic, sweeping up, controlling, driving – a regular force of nature. He’s not, however, a ‘defensive’ midfielder, and needs a partner like Partey to hit the height of his skill.

But alas, Arsenal must turn their gaze elsewhere, for Partey is entering the twilit stage of his career in the English capital.

Why Arteta must axe Thomas Partey

This is a case of ‘what if?’ since Partey is clearly an exceptional talent. The sticking point loops back to his injury record, precluding his chances of reaching his zenith.

Football.london suggested before the summer transfer window that Partey would be one of the players that sporting director Edu and Arteta would seek to ship on, looking to claim some cashback before his contract expires, as it is due to at the end of the season.

Injuries have foiled much of the fluency that Partey’s natural skillset suggests can be offered, but for such a lofty price tag and the weight of expectation that followed the Ghanaian from Atletico Madrid, there’s a rueful tinge to the whole thing for sure.

Ah, and that’s without even addressing the salary situation. As you can see above, Partey is one of Arsenal’s highest earners, pocketing £200k-per-week.

Partey has played a part for Arsenal over the years and can’t quite be branded a flop, but he’s hardly proving himself to be a man whose contract is worth renewing – and given that he’s taking home more than superstars Saka and Saliba, it’s probably time to go.

Given the direction that Arsenal are heading in, it’s only right that Partey is cut loose in 2025. He’s played a part but Arteta is looking to craft a team that is capable of competing and winning the biggest prizes in football.

Expect attention to the midfield next year, with an exciting upgrade made on Partey, partnering Rice and pushing the club ever closer to the top position on the continent.

Arsenal wasted £56m on a bad signing who earned more than Timber

Arsenal have unfortunately had some notable duds throughout the years.

By
Matt Dawson

Oct 14, 2024

Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka could be set to miss another couple months of action having had hamstring surgery in mid-December.

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• Saka could miss further two months
• Underwent surgery in December
• Arsenal not keen on forcing return

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Arsenal can't seem to get a break from injuries this season as Mikel Arteta's side's season started with multiple major injuries in defence. However, that injury crisis has now progressed into the attack of the Gunners with Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz having picked up major injuries. Jesus and Havertz have been confirmed to be out for the rest of the season, while Saka is expected to return towards the end of the season.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Saka underwent hamstring surgery in December and was expected to return in March, however, The Sun has now reported that the England international could miss another couple of months as Arsenal are reluctant to risk having their star player relapse due to returning too quickly.

• Getty Images
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Saka was able to resume mild training while the team was in Dubai for the midseason. The England international has hastened his preparations in anticipation of his expected return by travelling to Dubai with his teammates for their winter training camp.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR SAKA?

  Arsenal are yet to confirm when Saka will be able to return, however, the expectations are that April could be the month when the England international finally returns to action for Arteta's side.

Alan Shearer has suggested a training incident with Darwin Nunez might've annoyed Arne Slot which led the manager to openly criticise the forward.

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• Liverpool were held to 2-2 draw by Villa
• Nunez failed to convert a sitter in final moments
• Slot slammed the forward for his work rate

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Nunez has come under increased scrutiny after failing to convert two crucial chances in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Slot’s frustration was evident in his post-match comments, where he revealed that he intended to speak with Nunez not about the misses but about his attitude and effort levels.

  "I will tell him that you can miss a chance but you cannot miss out on work rate," Slot told reporters. "That is the life of a striker, he will miss chances and score some. It is part of the job of a No 9, you miss when people expect you to score. It is not part of the job of a No 9 to slow down in work rate. And that is something we will talk about."

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• AFP
  

  WHAT SHEARER SAID

  Former England striker Shearer weighed in on the situation, speculating that Slot’s remarks may have been influenced by something more than just Nunez’s erratic finishing.

  "I don’t know Darwin Nunez as an individual, but I understand the manager being frustrated with him, because of the chances he misses," he said during an interview with

  "He’s not a natural finisher, however, having said that, I remember when he came on at Newcastle a year or two ago, he scored two great goals. His finishes were magnificent then."

  The Premier League legend also raised the possibility that the criticism from Slot stemmed from issues beyond just match performance.

  "It’s not often you see that sort of thing from a manager, but I don’t know what’s gone on behind the scenes before, or if anything has gone on in the dressing room which we don’t know about," Shearer added.

  "Maybe he doesn’t like what he’s seen from Nunez in training and is trying to get a response out of him. I can’t remember a time, if any, where a manager would have criticised my attitude or work rate."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Following Slot’s remarks, Nunez took to social media where he vowed to turn around his form at the earliest.

  He wrote: "I wasn't the best three weeks ago, and I'm not the worst now. If I fall, I get up. You'll never see me give up. I'm going to give it my all until the last day I'm here in Liverpool. Resilience! 💪🏼".

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Nunez has struggled to deliver the consistent goal-scoring returns expected from him since his big-money move to Anfield. In 35 appearances across all competitions this season, he has managed just six goals and five assists, with only four of those strikes coming in the Premier League. Given Liverpool’s title ambitions, his struggles in front of goal have become a growing concern.

Manchester City have shortlisted Barcelona’s Raphinha as a potential transfer target but face stiff competition, according to a new report. The Blues had a rather quiet summer transfer window, but that may have been in preparation for a busy January or 2025 summer transfer window.

Wolves fans spot new Chris Kavanagh mistake before Man City's goal (Video)

Wolves fans will be even more furious with Sunday’s defeat to Man City after seeing this incident.

By
Brett Worthington

Oct 21, 2024

Man City news and updates

Pep Guardiola’s side is going to have a firm focus on the upcoming games, but there is news away from the football that may have some supporters interested. The Blues appear to be keeping a close eye on potential transfer targets, as City are showing an interest in Facundo Buonanotte.

The Blues are not the only side interested in the Brighton player, who is currently out on loan at Leicester City, as Liverpool are also keeping an eye on the Argentine. Buonanotte has been rather impressive for the Foxes, and there is a possibility he could leave Brighton next summer, but only if they get an offer of around £25 million, which is a fee that both City and Liverpool are willing to pay.

Away from transfers, the future of Guardiola is another hot topic at the Etihad, and while they will be doing everything they can to extend his stay beyond this season, they also appear to be lining up potential replacements. Former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is a potential candidate to replace Guardiola should he decide to leave. The Italian took over at French side Marseille in the summer and has made an impressive start, so much so that he is being linked to replacing one of the best managers the game has seen.

While City keep an eye on Buonanotte at Leicester, the Blues also have their eye on a Brazilian playing at Guardiola’s former club.

Latest on Man City links to "amazing" Raphinha

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester City have shortlisted Barcelona’s Raphinha as a target but will face competition for his signature. The 27-year-old, who has been labelled as “amazing” by writer Ben Mattinson in the past, has been at Barça since July 2022, when he joined from Leeds United.

The Brazilian has been a key contributor since joining the Spanish giants, and that hasn’t changed this season, even under Hansi Flick. His performances have put him on the radar of City, with reports claiming that they could look to sign him should Xabi Alonso replace Guardiola as manager.

However, City’s interest in Raphinha has been the case since the club was linked with Alonso. The Blues gathered information on the winger in the summer of 2023 as they looked at a possible replacement for Riyad Mahrez, and he remains a player of interest.

City have followed the Brazilian for over a year and a half now, and he remains on their shortlist, but at this stage he isn’t considered a priority target. For Barça, even though he has been so important to them, they are “reluctantly open” to selling Raphinha as he is one of several “sacrificable” players, as they look to improve their finances.

The Premier League side don’t have the most concrete interest in the player, as that comes from Saudi Arabia and Al-Nassr, as they have continued to keep an eye on him since 2023, when they had an offer turned down.

Manchester United and Manchester City are set to battle it out in the transfer market to sign Sporting CP's star winger Francisco Trincao.

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• Manchester giants eye move for Trincao
• Amorim and Viana to play key role in pursuit
• Sporting CP want to offer player new deal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Amid their disappointing outings in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, United and City will be looking to rebuild their squad in the summer transfer window and have already started their preparations. reports that the Premier League giants have shown concrete interest in Sporting CP winger Trincao and are ready for battle in the transfer market.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Trincao joined Sporting on loan from Barcelona in the summer of 2022 and his transfer was made permanent by the Liga Portugal giants the following year. Then-Sporting manager Ruben Amorim and sporting director Hugo Viana played important roles in signing the attacker from Barcelona. At present, Amorim is managing United while Viana will soon join City as their director of football.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Before moving to Portugal, Trincao had spent a year in the Premier League as he joined Wolves from the Blaugrana in the 2021-22 season. In the current campaign, the 25-year-old has appeared in 40 matches across all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing 13 assists.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR FRANCISCO TRINCAO?

  Amid strong interest from England, Sporting are planning to approach the player and offer him a new contract as the Portuguese giants want to hold on to one of their top performers this season.

In Fantasy Premier League (FPL), bonus points are allocated after each match to outstanding performers.

They are calculated via the Bonus Points System (BPS), which utilises various statistics supplied by Opta such as goals, successful crosses and pass completion percentage to create a performance score for every Premier League player. The players with the top three BPS totals in each match are then given bonus points.

Three are awarded to the highest-scoring player, two to the second-best, and one to the third.

But who are the best at grabbing bonus points? We’ve listed the top 12 players with the most bonus points in FPL so far this season, with the amount of BPS points used as a tiebreaker, alongside other bonus points statistics.

The 10 most popular FPL players this season

Here are the players everyone has picked for their fantasy teams this year.

By
Barney Lane

Oct 31, 2024

All data correct as of 1st November 2024.

12

Harvey Barnes (Newcastle)

Midfielder, 8 bonus points

Newcastle United midfielder Harvey Barnes enjoyed a fine run of personal form earlier this season. After getting an assist in the Magpies’ draw with Bournemouth, he then scored three goals in three games against Tottenham, Wolves and Fulham.

His performances across those four matches saw him earn a total of 33 FPL points, eight of which were bonus points.

Since then, his form hasn’t been quite as good, with the Englishman having failed to register a single goal contribution in any of Newcastle’s last four top-flight games ahead of the visit of Arsenal.

11

Yoane Wissa (Brentford)

Forward, 8 bonus points

Despite being injured for three games this season, Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has already scored an impressive 39 points in FPL, eight of which have been bonus points.

The DR Congo international has scored five times for the Bees, including twice in their recent 4-3 win over Ipswich Town – with the Bees winning an appeal over Wissa’s second, which had initially been given as an own goal.

10

Luis Diaz (Liverpool)

Midfielder, 8 bonus points

Like Barnes, Liverpool winger Luis Diaz has scored eight FPL bonus points so far this season, which he earned during the wins over Brentford, Manchester United and Bournemouth. The Colombian was on the scoresheet on all three occasions.

In total, Diaz has already earned 60 FPL points this term. Only five players – Bukayo Saka, Bryan Mbeumo, Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer and Mohamed Salah – have earned more. It’s no wonder he’s a popular pick among FPL players.

9

Matheus Cunha (Wolves)

Forward, 9 bonus points

Gary O’Neil’s Wolves are struggling this season, having picked up just two points from nine Premier League games. Striker Matheus Cunha, however, has been a ray of hope thanks to his four goals and all-round impressive displays.

In FPL, the Brazilian has scored a total of 41 points, including nine bonus points, which he earned in games against Aston Villa, Brentford and Brighton.

Cunha will need to keep up his good form if Wolves are to avoid relegation come the end of the campaign.

8

Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)

Forward, 9 bonus points

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been in fine form this season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in nine Premier League games for the Blues.

As a result, he’s already earned an impressive 57 FPL points, nine of which have been bonus points. Six of those bonus points came from Chelsea’s wins over West Ham and Newcastle, while he also scored a point in games against Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Wolves.

Jackson’s six goals this term means he’s now scored as many Premier League goals for Chelsea as Fernando Torres.

7

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Midfielder, 10 bonus points

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is one of the highest-scoring players in FPL this season, having already picked up 63 points in total.

The Englishman, who has three goals and seven assists in nine games for the Gunners, has been awarded bonus points in six separate games. He earned the maximum three in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Southampton and two in the recent 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

6

Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)

Midfielder, 12 bonus points

Finding goalscoring midfielders is key for FPL players, and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is just that.

This season, the Cameroon international has scored eight Premier League goals in just nine games, making him the division’s second-highest scorer behind Erling Haaland. His performances have earned him 68 FPL points so far – 29 of which came in just two games against Southampton and Ipswich Town.

5

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Midfielder, 12 bonus points

Cole Palmer was the king of FPL last season. He finished the campaign with a total of 244 points, which was more than any other player.

The Chelsea midfielder has continued this season in the same vein, having already picked up a whopping 79 points, 12 of which have been bonus points.

4

Danny Welbeck (Brighton)

Forward, 13 bonus points

Danny Welbeck is ageing like a fine wine.

Now 33, the former England international is in the form of his life, having netted six goals in nine Premier League games for Brighton this season. It’s already his joint-best top-flight return for the Seagulls, and there are still 29 games to play.

In FPL, he’s scored 57 points, including 13 bonus points, which have been spread across six games.

3

Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)

Forward, 13 bonus points

Nottingham Forest are the division’s surprise package this season and Chris Wood has been their star man. After nine games, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, who only narrowly avoided relegation last year, are seventh in the Premier League table, having lost just once.

Wood has scored seven goals already, and his form has earned him 59 FPL points – 13 of which have come as bonuses.

However, Forest (and FPL players) could be without the New Zealand striker this weekend after he picked up a knock in Forest’s 3-1 win over Leicester City.

GOAL breaks down why the 20-year-old striker is suddenly in the mix with the USMNT

There's nothing good about an injury crisis, and the U.S. men's national team is experiencing one at the striker position right now.

Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi are out. Haji Wright and Daryl Dike, two others based in Europe, are just coming back, with the latter's absence being extremely long-term. The MLS season is just starting and Josh Sargent is fit for now, making him the defacto starter right now, but his own injury history doesn't exactly inspire confidence given the matches that separate the U.S. men's national team and the CONCACAF Nations League later this month.

Even in a crisis, though, there could be a silver lining, and if that silver lining is an introduction for Damion Downs, maybe this will all be worth it.

As he continues to make waves in the 2. Bundesliga, where he's scored nine goals, Downs has been included in Mauricio Pochettino's 60-man preliminary squad for the CONCACAF Champions League. There is no guarantee that he'll be in the squad, but his inclusion does send Downs a strong message about a potential U.S. future.

Thus far, Downs has flip-flopped between the USMNT and Germany on the youth level, which means the 20-year-old's international future remains up in the air. There's no clear path to minutes on either side. The USMNT, for the first time in a while, has multiple legitimate starting candidates at striker whereas Germany is, well, Germany.

The CONCACAF Nations League could end up being Downs' big break, though, and it could end up being the turning point for a dual national whose stock continues to rise thanks to his goals this season.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  American roots

  Funnily enough, Downs very easily could have fallen into the other kind of football. Given his size at 6-4, maybe it could have worked out. He'd have had a chance, for sure, if he remained in Texas, the American football hotbed where he spent much of his childhood.

  Downs was born in Germany to an American father and a German mother but moved to the U.S. at around a year old. He spent the next eight years there before his parents divorced, leading him back to Germany. It was only after moving back to Germany that he was introduced to soccer, and he took to it quickly.

  “We lived in Texas, and I have a lot of memories," he told American Soccer Now. "All good memories. It was fun living in the States…When I was in the States, I was playing American football. I didn't have much of a connection to soccer.”

  "I'd been speaking English first," he continued. "And then when I was like eight, nine, 10, that's when I started to learn German… I started soccer at like eight or nine when I moved to Germany because where I was living, there were no real American football clubs. It was pretty much a small town, a small village — and obviously, in Germany, there are a lot more kids playing soccer.  I just had to choose a new sport."

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• 2. Bundesliga breakout

  Downs is a youth product of FC Schwienfurt and FC Ingolstadt. Over the last five years, though, he climbed the ladder at FC Koln, where he's emerged as this year's breakout star in the 2. Bundesliga.

  That breakout actually began last year, when he scored two goals in 10 Bundesliga appearances. His first goal came last March against Borussia Monchengladbach. His second several months later: a stoppage-time winner over Union Berlin.

  After Koln's relegation to the second division, the club handed the baton to Downs and he's more than run away with it. He's scored nine goals in 21 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga, while adding one more goal and even an assist in a narrow 3-2 extra-time loss to top-flight side Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB Pokal. Just 20 years old, Downs is tied for 10th in the league in goals.

  With Downs helping to lead the charge, Koln are firmly in the 2. Bundesliga title race. They currently sit fifth, but just one point behind league leaders Hamburg. There's a cluster at the top, with 10 teams within seven points in an extremely competitive 2. Bundesliga. For Koln to push for promotion, Downs will need to be a key figure and, at least so far, he has been.

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  Style of play

  One thing stands out immediately about Downs: he’s massive. He towers over nearly everyone on the field. But it’s not just his height — at nearly 180 pounds, he moves like a freight train once he gets going.

  Downs has plenty of pace, which he’s showcased multiple times this season when breaking in on goal. Yet, given his frame, he’s not just a counterattacking striker. He uses his size effectively to shield the ball and link up play when Köln retains possession. That’s why the team deploys him in a 3-4-2-1 system, with two attacking midfielders behind him—either feeding him into space or making runs off his hold-up play.

  Beyond his work in the attack, Downs has been a consistent scoring threat, averaging just over a goal every two games—a strong return for a young player. He’s not Köln’s designated penalty taker, so all his goals have come from open play.

  He does most of his damage inside the box, displaying a poacher’s instinct. Of his 48 shots this season, 42 have come from inside the 18. While seven have been headers, he’s also shown balance with his feet, taking 23 shots with his right and 18 with his left.

  All of this makes Downs a well-rounded striker — one with obvious physical tools and the versatility to impact a game in multiple ways.

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  International allegiance

  Downs' inclusion on the USMNT's Nations League preliminary roster could mean something. It means, at the very least, that manager Mauricio Pochettino is paying attention. It's no guarantee of anything, though. Downs' international future is still somewhat up in the air, as his past has indicated plenty of times.

  Downs holds dual citizenship with both the U.S. and Germany and has played for both countries in his youth career. So far, though, it's been a series of close calls and near misses for both sides. He was part of the U.S. U-20s ahead of the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship but didn't make the final team. He was part of the Germany U-19s before the 2023 U-19 Euro qualifiers but, again, didn't make the final team. He was then left off the U.S. Olympic squad after training with the team last summer before joining up with Germany's U-20s this past November amid his 2. Bundesliga breakout. He went on to score two goals in a 2-0 win over England.

  “When I moved to Germany, it was pretty much my whole German family,” Downs told ASN just before being left out of the Olympic squad. “We were mostly watching the German national team. But I always kept an eye on the American national team and how they were playing.”

  The U.S. is now keeping an eye on him. We'll find out when the CONCACAF Nations League squad is unveiled if that turns into something more.