Captain Hugo Ekitike along with a Three-Pronged Gunners Defence – The Fantasy Premier League Squad for the Round
The quantity of Liverpool assets might you squeeze into your squad in the upcoming gameweek?
Jurgen Klopp's side have notched a pair of triumphs and boast a red-hot attacker in their French frontman going into a fixture with Wolves that are heading towards a historically poor Premier League campaigns ever.
For managers who held onto a portion of your Africa Cup of Nations transfers , with the budget to spend following the injury to the injured Manchester United's playmaker, consequently assets from Anfield players should be the primary focus.
The ideal squad is chosen based on latest Fantasy Premier League costs to stay under a £100m cap, simulating using a Free Hit.
What Was the Performance of Our Recent Team?
Captain Erling Haaland (a massive haul) , combined with the productive pair of Bournemouth's forward (10 points) and Hugo Ekitike propelled the selection to a handsome total – enhanced by a 10-point cameo from Fulham's defender as a substitute.
This Week's FPL Selection for Gameweek 18
Goalkeeper and Defence
David Raya, the Gunners, goalkeeper, £6m – vs Brighton & Hove Albion (H).
The North London side's defence had a minor wobble after the absence of their Brazilian defender, but they have recorded two shutouts over their last four matches , with nine already with not even half the season gone.
Mikel Arteta's side have let in goals in all but three fixtures at the Emirates this season. The strikes they conceded were scored by Erling Haaland, a spectacular strike from Richarlison and a late goal from Tolu Arokodare.
Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) and Piero Hincapie (£5.5m), Arsenal – vs Brighton (H).
This week features a triple-up on the Gunners' backline.
As well as being the best defence in FPL, with a clean sheet in more than half of their fixtures, they face a Brighton team who have drawn a blank in their last two matches.
Brighton have only managed nine strikes across eight matches on the road.
Timber continues to be a solid pick each gameweek , possessing increased offensive potential operating as the full-back role.
The Ecuadorian has registered 'defcon' points over his last four starts, which included two clean sheets.
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool, £5.9m – vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H).
One could select half a dozen Liverpool players this week if allowed.
Gary O'Neil's team were shut out for the tenth occasion this season during Saturday's two-nil home loss to Brentford.
They have only managed nine goals this campaign, with only two away from home. This is as safe a shutout bet possible.
Omar Alderete, the Black Cats, £4m – vs Leeds (H).
Despite the Yorkshire club's better goalscoring upturn – and the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin – we're selecting a Stadium of Light shutout on home soil.
It would be their third consecutive , with Alderete is cementing himself as the best value defender option. Managers can select him confidently in most games, given his potential for 'defcon' points.
Midfielders
Mason Mount, Manchester United, £5.9m – vs Newcastle United (H).
The English midfielder is expected to take on a significant responsibility for Old Trafford over the coming fixtures, due to Bruno Fernandes out injured.
Over the past three games, Erik ten Hag's team boast the best expected goals (xG) statistically by a comfortable distance – 8.78 compared to the next best Leeds' 5.68.
Their opponents are a Newcastle United side who have not excelled in away matches – with just one win from seven attempts.
Mount is likely to take over many of Fernandes' playmaking duties, notably from dead-ball situations, and might feature in the number 10 role.
Florian Wirtz, the Reds, £8.1m – vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H).
The German playmaker is on the verge of a major point return , with a fixture at Anfield versus Wolves presenting an ideal opportunity for that to happen.
Wirtz has posted points in three of his past four fixtures – two assists and one 'defcon' display.
Over that time his chance creation stands at 10 chances, the most of any Liverpool, and his xG totals 0.88.
Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa, £7.2m – vs Chelsea (A).
With 30 points across two gameweeks, the midfielder's form cannot be overlooked.
He's Villa's key attacker, with an ability to scoring a strike from half a yard of room in the box.
A fixture at Stamford Bridge might seem a difficult proposition, but Villa have emerged victorious at that ground twice during the last three campaigns.
Forwards
Hugo Ekitike (Captain), the Reds, £8.9m – vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H).
Given his fixture, a lack of rivalry for his place, coupled with scored a five-goal haul over three matches, the French striker receives the captaincy this week.
Erling Haaland, City, £15.1m – vs Forest (A).
One cannot consider omitting Haaland, but with him having a more difficult away game in this round, I'm willing to bet against him with the captain's role.
Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m