Captain Ekitike along with a Triple Gunners Backline – The Fantasy Premier League Squad for the Round
How many The Reds assets can you accommodate in your lineup for this round?
Jurgen Klopp's side have notched a pair of triumphs , featuring a in-form striker in Hugo Ekitike ahead of a encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers currently on course for an abysmal Premier League campaigns on record.
For managers who retained a portion of your Africa Cup of Nations free transfers , with the budget to spend following the injury to the injured Manchester United's playmaker, in that case Liverpool options should be the main consideration.
This ideal squad is constructed according to present FPL valuations to comply with a £100m spending limit, simulating activating a one-week wildcard.
What Was the Performance of The Previous Squad?
Skipper Erling Haaland (a massive haul) , alongside the in-form pair of Bournemouth's forward (10 points) plus Hugo Ekitike propelled the selection to a solid total – with a bonus a 10-point contribution from Fulham's defender as a substitute.
This Week's Fantasy Premier League Ideal Squad for Matchday 18
Keeper and Defence
David Raya, Arsenal, keeper, £6m – vs Brighton & Hove Albion (H).
Arsenal's defence had a minor wobble in the wake of an injury to Gabriel, yet they've recorded two shutouts over their last four matches and have nine so far with less than half the season completed.
The Emirates Stadium outfit have let in goals in all but three fixtures at the Emirates campaign. Those goals came from a Manchester City superstar, a wondrous strike from Richarlison , plus a unexpected header from Tolu Arokodare.
Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) and Piero Hincapie (£5.5m), the Gunners – vs Brighton (H).
We're opting for a triple selection from the Arsenal defence.
They are the best defensive unit in FPL, recording shutouts in over 50% of their matches, they host a Brighton side that has failed to score in two consecutive games.
Brighton have a mere nine strikes from eight away games.
The Dutch defender is a solid pick each gameweek , with increased goal threat operating as the full-back role.
The Ecuadorian has registered 'defcon' points over his last four starts, including a pair of shutouts.
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool, £5.9m – vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H).
Managers would love half a dozen Liverpool assets for this fixture if allowed.
Wolves were shut out once again so far during a recent two-nil defeat at Molineux to the Bees.
The Midlands side have a paltry nine goals all season, including two away from home. It represents as safe a clean sheet bet imaginable.
Omar Alderete, the Black Cats, £4m – vs Leeds (H).
Despite Leeds United's recent offensive form – and the form of their striker – I'm backing a Stadium of Light shutout at home.
This would secure a third in a row and Alderete establishing himself as an outstanding budget defensive pick. You can select him confidently in most games, given his potential for defensive contribution points.
Midfielders
Mason Mount, Manchester United, £5.9m – vs Newcastle United (H).
The English midfielder is expected to take on a significant responsibility for Manchester United over the coming fixtures, following their Portuguese maestro suffering an injury.
Over the past three games, United registered the highest xG in the league by over three goals – 8.78 compared to the next best Leeds United's 5.68.
They welcome a Newcastle team who have struggled in away matches – with just one win from seven attempts.
The former Chelsea man may take over many of Fernandes' creative responsibilities, particularly on set-pieces, and might feature as an attacking midfielder.
Florian Wirtz, the Reds, £8.1m – vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H).
Wirtz is poised for a big haul and a fixture at Anfield against Wolves being the prime time for that to happen.
He has delivered returns in three of his last four games – two assists and one defensive contribution display.
In that period he has created 10 chances, a team-high among all his teammates, and his expected goals stands at 0.88.
Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa, £7.2m – vs the Blues (A).
Boasting 30 points in two games, the midfielder's hot streak cannot be overlooked.
He's Villa's key attacker, capable of creating a strike with the smallest room inside the area.
A fixture at Chelsea might seem a challenging proposition, but Villa have emerged victorious there twice during recent years.
Strikers
Hugo Ekitike (Captain), the Reds, £8.9m – vs Wolves (H).
Because of his fixture, having no competition for a starting spot, coupled with bagged a five-goal haul over three matches, the French striker receives the double-points role this week.
Erling Haaland, City, £15.1m – vs Forest (A).
There's no benching Haaland, although with him having a tricky fixture on the road in this round, we are opting to pass over him with the captain's role.
Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m