🔗 Share this article

What number of The Reds assets can you accommodate in your team for this round?

Jurgen Klopp's side have notched back-to-back wins and boast a red-hot attacker in Hugo Ekitike ahead of a encounter with a struggling Wolves side currently on course for one of the worst Premier League campaigns ever.

For managers who held onto a portion of your AFCON free transfers , and possess the cash to upgrade following the injury to the injured Bruno Fernandes, then Liverpool players should be your top priority.

The weekly selection is chosen using current FPL costs to stay under a 100 million pound spending limit, as if you were playing a Free Hit chip.

What Was the Performance of Last Week's Team?

Skipper Manchester City's striker (a massive haul) , alongside the in-form duo of Bournemouth's forward (10 points) plus Hugo Ekitike propelled the team to a handsome score – with a bonus a double-digit contribution from Antonee Robinson from the replacements.

Our Fantasy Premier League Team of the Week for Gameweek 18

Keeper and Defenders

David Raya, the Gunners, keeper, £6m – vs Brighton (H).

Arsenal's backline suffered a slight stumble after the absence of Gabriel, however, they've secured two shutouts over their last four matches , with 9 already with not even half the season played.

The Emirates Stadium outfit have conceded in only three home games campaign. Those goals came from Erling Haaland, a spectacular effort from Tottenham's forward , plus a surprise header from Tolu Arokodare.

Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) & Piero Hincapie (£5.5m), Arsenal – vs Brighton (H).

This week features a triple selection on the Arsenal backline.

Not only are they the best defensive unit statistically, recording shutouts in more than half of their matches, they host a Brighton side who have failed to score in two consecutive games.

The South Coast club have scored just nine strikes from eight matches on the road.

The Dutch defender continues to be a solid option each gameweek and has increased goal threat operating as the full-back role.

The Ecuadorian has registered 'defcon' points in four consecutive starts, including a pair of shutouts.

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool, £5.9m – vs Wolves (H).

One could select six Liverpool players for this fixture if possible.

Wolves were shut out for the 10th time this season during a recent 2-0 defeat at Molineux to the Bees.

They have only managed nine strikes this campaign, with only two away from home. That makes this a very secure clean sheet prospect available.

Omar Alderete, Sunderland, £4m – vs Leeds (H).

Despite Leeds United's recent goalscoring upturn – including the performances of their striker – we're selecting a Sunderland clean sheet at home.

That would mark their third in a row , with Alderete establishing himself as a prime low-cost defender option. You can select him with assurance in most games, given his regular 'defcon' returns.

Midfielders

Mason Mount, Manchester United, £5.9m – vs Newcastle United (H).

Mount is expected to take on a key responsibility for Old Trafford over the coming fixtures, with Bruno Fernandes being sidelined.

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.

Their opponents are a Newcastle team who have struggled on the road – with just one win from seven attempts.

Mount could well take over a large share of the injured star's creative responsibilities, notably from dead-ball situations, and might play in the number 10 role.

Florian Wirtz, the Reds, £8.1m – vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H).

Wirtz is on the verge of a major point return and a home match against Wolves representing an ideal scenario for it.

He has delivered returns in three of four recent games – two assists plus a 'defcon' performance.

Over that time his chance creation stands at 10 chances, the most of any his teammates, while his xG is 0.88.

Morgan Rogers, Villa, £7.2m – vs the Blues (A).

With 30 points in two games, Rogers' current form cannot be overlooked.

He's Aston Villa's talisman, with an ability to producing a goal with minimal space inside the area.

A fixture to Stamford Bridge might seem a tough proposition, but Villa have won at that ground twice during the past three seasons.

Forwards

Hugo Ekitike (Captain), the Reds, £8.9m – vs Wolves (H).

Because of facing an abysmal Wolves side, a lack of rivalry for his place, and having scored five goals over three matches, the French striker gets the captaincy this week.

Erling Haaland, City, £15.1m – vs Nottingham Forest (A).

One cannot consider dropping Haaland, but because he has a tougher away game in this round, the choice is to bet against him for captaincy.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m