Skipper Hugo Ekitike along with a Triple Gunners Backline – The Fantasy Premier League Squad for the Round
The quantity of The Reds assets are you able to fit in your team this week?
The Merseyside club are coming off a pair of triumphs , with a red-hot attacker in Hugo Ekitike ahead of a encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers that are tracking for a historically poor top-flight campaigns ever.
For managers who held onto a few of your Africa Cup of Nations free transfers , and possess the cash to upgrade by replacing the injured Bruno Fernandes, consequently assets from Anfield picks should be the primary focus.
The weekly selection is assembled based on present FPL valuations to fit within a £100m budget, mirroring you were playing a Free Hit.
How Did Last Week's Team?
Captain Erling Haaland (a massive haul) and the in-form duo of Bournemouth's forward (10 points) and Hugo Ekitike guided the squad to a respectable score – with a bonus a 10-point contribution from Antonee Robinson from the replacements.
This Week's FPL Ideal Squad for Gameweek 18
Keeper and Defenders
David Raya, the Gunners, goalkeeper, £6m – vs Brighton & Hove Albion (H).
The North London side's defence had a minor wobble following the absence of their Brazilian defender, but they have secured two clean sheets recently , boasting 9 so far before half the season completed.
Mikel Arteta's side have let in goals in all but three fixtures at the Emirates campaign. Those goals came from Erling Haaland, a wondrous effort from Richarlison , plus a surprise header from Wolves' attacker.
Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) and Piero Hincapie (£5.5m), the Gunners – vs the Seagulls (H).
It's a triple selection from the Gunners' backline.
As well as being the strongest defence in the game, with a clean sheet in over 50% of their fixtures, they take on a Brighton side that has failed to score in two consecutive games.
Brighton have a mere 9 goals across eight away games.
The Dutch defender continues to be a steady choice every week , possessing increased offensive potential now he is the full-back role.
Hincapie has registered defensive contribution points in his past four appearances, including two clean sheets.
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool, £5.9m – vs Wolves (H).
One could select half a dozen Anfield players this week if allowed.
Wolves were shut out for the 10th time so far during Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Molineux to Brentford.
The Midlands side have only managed nine strikes in total, including a couple away from home. This is as safe a shutout bet available.
Omar Alderete, the Black Cats, £4m – vs Leeds United (H).
Despite Leeds United's recent offensive form – highlighted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin – I'm backing a Sunderland clean sheet on home soil.
That would mark their third in a row and Alderete is cementing himself as an outstanding value defensive pick. Managers can field him confidently in most games, thanks to his consistent defensive contribution points.
Midfielders
Mason Mount, Manchester United, £5.9m – vs Newcastle United (H).
The English midfielder will likely assume a key role for Old Trafford in the next few games, following Bruno Fernandes being sidelined.
Recently, United registered the greatest expected goals (xG) statistically by a significant margin – 8.78 compared to the next best Leeds United's 5.68.
Their opponents are a Newcastle United team that has struggled away from home – managing one win in seven.
The former Chelsea man is likely to take over many of the injured star's playmaking duties, notably on set-pieces, and might feature in the number 10 role.
Florian Wirtz, the Reds, £8.1m – vs Wolves (H).
The German playmaker is on the verge of a major point return and a fixture at Anfield versus the struggling Wolves representing an ideal opportunity for that to happen.
He has delivered returns across his last four fixtures – two assists and one defensive contribution display.
During that spell he's made 10 chances, a team-high of any his teammates, while his expected goals stands at 0.88.
Morgan Rogers, Villa, £7.2m – vs the Blues (A).
Boasting 30 points in two games, the midfielder's current form is impossible to ignore.
He is Villa's key attacker, capable of creating a goal from half a yard of space inside the area.
An away trip to Stamford Bridge could be viewed as a tough proposition, but Villa have emerged victorious at that ground in two of the last three campaigns.
Strikers
Hugo Ekitike (Captain), Liverpool, £8.9m – vs Wolves (H).
Because of his fixture, a lack of competition for his place, and having notched five goals over three matches, Ekitike earns the captaincy this week.
Erling Haaland, Manchester City, £15.1m – vs Forest (A).
One cannot consider omitting Haaland, but because he has a tricky fixture on the road in this round, I'm willing to bet against him for captaincy.
Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m