TOON OUT
Both Alexander Isak & Anthony Gordon among most transferred-out players ahead of Gameweek 4
From a Dream Team perspective, Newcastle's schedule takes a turn for the worst after the international break
BOTH Alexander Isak (£5m) and Anthony Gordon (£4.5m) are among the top five most transferred-out Dream Team players ahead of Gameweek 4.
The former scored his first goal of the season just prior to the international break when Newcastle beat Tottenham 2-1 at St James' Park.
The Sweden striker has also provided two assists already in 2024/25.
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Isak's tally of 25 points may pale in comparison to the humongous totals of Erling Haaland (£8.8m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) - who have plundered 59 and 45 points respectively - but it's a healthy return from just three Gameweeks.
Even so, only Declan Rice (£3.9m) and Phil Foden (£6.2m) have been ditched by more Dream Team managers during the break.
As for Gordon, he has mustered 22 points to date; a respectable tally but one that doesn't quite align with his immense pre-season popularity.
The England international took Bournemouth for 13 points in Gameweek 2 with a lively showing but he's made little impact in his other three outings so far.
As a result he's currently the fourth-most transferred-out asset ahead of Gameweek 4.
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On the surface, this may seem rather curious.
Newcastle are fifth in the table, undefeated in all competitions, and due to face 18th-placed Wolves on Sunday.
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Only Everton have conceded more league goals than Gary O'Neil's side at this stage - it would not come as a surprise if Isak and Gordon prospered at Molineux.
However, dig a little deeper and it's easier to understand why so many gaffers are changing strategy.
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The Magpies are one of just seven teams without two fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 4.
After a full round of Premier League games, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa begin their Champions League campaigns in midweek with a further nine top-flight clubs in Carabao Cup action.
This is partially readdressed in Gameweek 5 when Eddie Howe's side will be among the ten teams with two fixtures: Fulham (a) and AFC Wimbledon (a).
However, Gameweek 6 brings a meeting with Manchester City, which is about as unfavourable as it gets.
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The broader picture is that Newcastle will play four games across the next three Gameweeks, including that tricky match-up with Pep Guardiola's machine.
For comparison, Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Villa, Spurs and Man United will fulfil SIX fixtures each in the same time frame.
Fixture count isn't the only thing to consider when making transfers but it's certainly an important factor.
Additionally, while Newcastle's results have been healthy enough, their performances haven't been all that convincing.
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In fact, only Ipswich have registered fewer shots than Howe's troops while no team have faced more shots.
Isak and Gordon are excellent players but it's hard to argue against gaffers who are now looking elsewhere.
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