Skipper Hugo Ekitike and a Triple Arsenal Backline – The Fantasy Premier League Squad for the Round
How many Liverpool players might you squeeze in your squad for this round?
Jurgen Klopp's side have notched back-to-back wins , featuring a sizzling attacker in Hugo Ekitike preparing for a fixture with a struggling Wolves side currently heading towards an abysmal top-flight seasons on record.
For managers who held onto a portion of your AFCON wildcards , with the budget to reinvest following the injury to the unavailable Bruno Fernandes, then assets from Anfield options ought to be the primary focus.
The ideal squad is chosen based on latest FPL costs to comply with a £100m budget, simulating using a Free Hit chip.
A Look Back at Our Recent Selection?
Skipper Manchester City's striker (32 points) and the productive duo of Bournemouth's forward (10 points) plus Liverpool's frontman led the squad to a respectable total – with a bonus a 10-point contribution from Antonee Robinson from the replacements.
This Week's FPL Team of the Week for Gameweek 18
Goalkeeper & Defenders
David Raya, the Gunners, keeper, £6m – vs Brighton & Hove Albion (H).
Arsenal's defence had a minor wobble after the absence of Gabriel, but they have secured two shutouts recently and have nine so far before half the season gone.
The Emirates Stadium outfit have conceded in only three matches at home this season. The strikes they conceded were scored by Erling Haaland, a long-range effort from Richarlison and a surprise header from Wolves' attacker.
Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) and Piero Hincapie (£5.5m), Arsenal – vs the Seagulls (H).
This week features a three-pronged on the Gunners' defence.
Not only are they the strongest defensive unit in FPL, with a clean sheet in over 50% of their matches, they face a Roberto De Zerbi's team who have failed to score in two consecutive matches.
Brighton have scored just 9 strikes from eight matches on the road.
The Dutch defender is a steady option each gameweek and has greater goal threat now he is right-back.
The Ecuadorian has registered 'defcon' points in his past four appearances, which included a pair of shutouts.
Virgil van Dijk, the Reds, £5.9m – vs Wolves (H).
One could select half a dozen Anfield assets for this fixture if allowed.
Wolves were shut out for the 10th time in 17 games in Saturday's two-nil home loss to the Bees.
They have only managed nine strikes all season, including a couple away from home. This is as safe a shutout opportunity possible.
Omar Alderete, Sunderland, £4m – vs Leeds (H).
Despite Leeds United's improved goalscoring upturn – and the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin – we're selecting a Sunderland shutout at home.
That would mark a third in a row , with the Paraguayan defender establishing himself as the best budget defensive pick. You can select him with assurance in most games, thanks to his consistent 'defcon' returns.
Midfield
Mason Mount, Manchester United, £5.9m – vs Newcastle United (H).
The English midfielder is expected to take on a bigger responsibility at Old Trafford over the coming fixtures, following their Portuguese maestro out injured.
Recently, Erik ten Hag's team boast the best expected goals (xG) statistically by over three goals – 8.78 against second-best Leeds' 5.68.
They face a Newcastle team that has been poor away from home – with just a single victory in their last seven.
Mount may assume a large share of Fernandes' creative responsibilities, especially from dead-ball situations, and could feature in the number 10 role.
Florian Wirtz, Liverpool, £8.1m – vs Wolves (H).
The German playmaker is poised for a major point return , with a home match versus Wolves presenting a perfect opportunity for it.
Wirtz has delivered returns across his last four fixtures – two assists plus a 'defcon' display.
Over that time he's made 10 chances, the most among all his teammates, while his expected goals totals 0.88.
Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa, £7.2m – vs the Blues (A).
Boasting 30 points across two gameweeks, the midfielder's hot streak demands attention.
He is Villa's main goal threat, capable of producing a strike from minimal room inside the area.
An away trip to Chelsea could be viewed as a challenging assignment, the Birmingham club have emerged victorious at that ground on two occasions in the last three campaigns.
Forwards
Hugo Ekitike (Captain), Liverpool, £8.9m – vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H).
Given facing an abysmal Wolves side, having no rivalry for a starting spot, and having bagged a five-goal haul in three games, Ekitike receives the captain's armband for this round.
Erling Haaland, City, £15.1m – vs Forest (A).
There's no omitting Haaland, however with him having a tricky fixture on the road this week, the choice is to look elsewhere for the armband.
Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m