Skipper Ekitike and a Triple Gunners Defence – The FPL Squad for the Round
What number of The Reds selections are you able to accommodate in your squad for this round?
Jurgen Klopp's side have secured two consecutive victories , featuring a in-form forward in their French frontman preparing for a fixture with Wolves who are on course for one of the worst Premier League seasons in history.
For managers who held onto a portion of your Africa Cup of Nations transfers , with the funds to upgrade by replacing the injured Bruno Fernandes, then Liverpool options ought to be the primary focus.
The ideal squad is chosen according to latest Fantasy Premier League prices to fit within a 100 million pound cap, mirroring using a Free Hit.
What Was the Performance of The Previous Squad?
Skipper Manchester City's striker (32 points) , combined with the productive pair of Antoine Semenyo (10 points) as well as Hugo Ekitike guided the team to a respectable 82 points – supplemented by a double-digit contribution from Antonee Robinson from the replacements.
This Week's Fantasy Premier League Selection for Gameweek 18
Goalkeeper and Defence
David Raya, Arsenal, keeper, £6m – vs Brighton (H).
The North London side's backline suffered a slight stumble following an injury to their Brazilian defender, yet they've secured two shutouts over their last four matches , with nine so far before half the season completed.
Mikel Arteta's side have let in goals in all but three home games this season. Those goals were scored by a Manchester City superstar, a long-range effort from Richarlison , plus a late goal from Tolu Arokodare.
Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) & Piero Hincapie (£5.5m), Arsenal – vs Brighton (H).
This week features a triple selection on the Gunners' backline.
As well as being the best defensive unit statistically, with a clean sheet in more than half of their matches, they host a Brighton team that has failed to score in their last two outings.
The South Coast club have a mere 9 goals across eight away games.
The Dutch defender is a solid option each gameweek , with more offensive potential operating as right-back.
The Ecuadorian has earned defensive contribution points over his last four appearances, which included a pair of shutouts.
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool, £5.9m – vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H).
One could select half a dozen Liverpool assets for this fixture if allowed.
Wolves were shut out for the tenth occasion in 17 games during Saturday's two-nil defeat at Molineux to the Bees.
They have a paltry 9 goals this campaign, including a couple on the road. It represents as safe a clean sheet prospect possible.
Omar Alderete, the Black Cats, £4m – vs Leeds United (H).
Even with Leeds United's improved goalscoring upturn – highlighted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin – I'm backing a Stadium of Light clean sheet at home.
That would mark a third in a row and the Paraguayan defender is cementing himself as the best low-cost defensive pick. You can select him with assurance across many fixtures, given his consistent defensive contribution returns.
Midfield
Mason Mount, Manchester United, £5.9m – vs Newcastle United (H).
The English midfielder should play a key role for Old Trafford over the coming fixtures, due to their Portuguese maestro being sidelined.
Recently, United have generated the greatest expected goals (xG) statistically by over three goals – 8.78 compared to second-best Leeds United's 5.68.
They welcome a Newcastle side who have struggled in away matches – with just one win from seven attempts.
The former Chelsea man may assume many of the injured star's creative responsibilities, particularly from dead-ball situations, and could operate in the number 10 role.
Florian Wirtz, Liverpool, £8.1m – vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H).
Wirtz is on the verge of a big haul , with a home match versus Wolves being an ideal time for it.
He has posted points across four recent games – two assists plus a 'defcon' performance.
During that spell his chance creation stands at 10 chances, a team-high among all Liverpool, while his xG is 0.88.
Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa, £7.2m – vs the Blues (A).
Boasting 30 points across two gameweeks, the midfielder's form cannot be overlooked.
He is Aston Villa's main goal threat, who can creating a goal with minimal space in the box.
An away trip at Chelsea may appear a challenging proposition, but Villa have emerged victorious there in two of the last three campaigns.
Strikers
Hugo Ekitike (Captain), Liverpool, £8.9m – vs Wolves (H).
Given facing an abysmal Wolves side, a lack of competition for his place, and having scored five goals over three matches, Ekitike earns the captaincy this week.
Erling Haaland, City, £15.1m – vs Forest (A).
One cannot consider omitting the Norwegian goal machine, although because he has a tricky fixture on the road in this round, I'm willing to pass over him with the captain's role.
Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m