Captain Hugo Ekitike along with a Triple Arsenal Defence – The Fantasy Premier League Squad for the Round
What number of The Reds selections can you accommodate inside your lineup for this round?
The Merseyside club have notched a pair of triumphs and boast a in-form striker in Hugo Ekitike going into a fixture with Wolves that are heading towards one of the worst top-flight seasons on record.
If you've held onto some of your AFCON free transfers , with the cash to upgrade after losing the sidelined Bruno Fernandes, then Liverpool players ought to be your top priority.
This weekly selection is chosen according to current Fantasy Premier League valuations to comply with a 100 million pound spending limit, as if activating a one-week wildcard.
How Did Last Week's Team?
Skipper Manchester City's striker (a massive haul) and the productive pair of Antoine Semenyo (10 points) and Hugo Ekitike propelled the selection to a respectable score – supplemented by a double-digit contribution from Antonee Robinson off the bench.
Our Fantasy Premier League Ideal Squad for Gameweek 18
Keeper & Defence
David Raya, the Gunners, goalkeeper, £6m – vs Brighton (H).
Arsenal's defence experienced a slight stumble following an injury to Gabriel, however, they've recorded two clean sheets recently and have 9 to their name with not even half the season completed.
Mikel Arteta's side have let in goals in all but three home games campaign. The strikes they conceded were scored by Erling Haaland, a long-range strike from Richarlison , plus a late header from Wolves' attacker.
Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) and Piero Hincapie (£5.5m), Arsenal – vs the Seagulls (H).
This week features a three-pronged from the Arsenal backline.
As well as being the strongest defensive unit in the game, with a clean sheet in the majority of their fixtures, they host a Brighton team that has failed to score in their past two games.
Brighton have a mere 9 goals across eight fixtures away from home.
Timber remains a solid pick each gameweek , with increased offensive potential since returning to the full-back role.
Hincapie has collected 'defcon' points in his past four appearances, which included two clean sheets.
Virgil van Dijk, the Reds, £5.9m – vs Wolves (H).
Managers would love half a dozen Anfield players this week if the rules permitted.
Gary O'Neil's team failed to score once again so far in Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Molineux to the Bees.
The Midlands side have only managed nine strikes this campaign, with only a couple away from home. That makes this as safe a shutout bet available.
Omar Alderete, Sunderland, £4m – vs Leeds (H).
Even with Leeds United's recent offensive form – highlighted by their striker – the pick is a Stadium of Light shutout at home.
This would secure a third in a row and the Paraguayan defender is cementing himself as the best budget defensive pick. You can select him with assurance in most games, given his consistent 'defcon' points.
Midfield
Mason Mount, Manchester United, £5.9m – vs Newcastle (H).
Mount is expected to take on a significant role for Manchester United in the next few games, following Bruno Fernandes out injured.
Over the past three games, United boast the greatest xG statistically by a significant margin – 8.78 against the next best Leeds United's 5.68.
Their opponents are a Newcastle United team that has not excelled on the road – with just a single victory in seven.
Mount may inherit many of Fernandes' playmaking duties, notably from dead-ball situations, and might play as an attacking midfielder.
Florian Wirtz, the Reds, £8.1m – vs Wolves (H).
Wirtz is due a major point return , with a home match versus the struggling Wolves presenting a perfect time for that to happen.
He has registered attacking returns in three out of his past four games – a pair of assists and one defensive contribution performance.
In that period his chance creation stands at 10 chances, a team-high among all Liverpool, while his xG totals 0.88.
Morgan Rogers, Villa, £7.2m – vs Chelsea (A).
After recording 30 points in two games, Rogers' current form demands attention.
He is Aston Villa's main goal threat, who can creating a strike from minimal space inside the area.
An away trip to Stamford Bridge may appear a tough assignment, the Birmingham club have won there on two occasions in recent years.
Forwards
Hugo Ekitike (Captain), Liverpool, £8.9m – vs Wolves (H).
Due to his fixture, having no rivalry for his place, and having bagged five goals in three games, the French striker receives the captain's armband for this round.
Erling Haaland, Manchester City, £15.1m – vs Forest (A).
It is unthinkable to dropping Haaland, although with him having a tougher away game this week, we are opting to bet against him for captaincy.
Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United, £7.6m