Skipper Ekitike and a Triple Gunners Backline – The FPL Squad for the Round
How many The Reds selections might you accommodate into your lineup for this round?
Jurgen Klopp's side have secured a pair of triumphs , featuring a sizzling attacker in their French frontman preparing for a clash with a struggling Wolves side that are tracking for an abysmal Premier League campaigns in history.
Should you have held onto some of your AFCON wildcards and have the funds to reinvest by replacing the sidelined Bruno Fernandes, in that case assets from Anfield players must be the main consideration.
The team of the week is constructed according to present FPL valuations to stay under a £100m cap, mirroring you were playing a Free Hit chip.
A Look Back at Our Recent Squad?
Captain Erling Haaland (32 points) , alongside the productive duo of Bournemouth's forward (10 points) and Hugo Ekitike propelled the squad to a handsome total – with a bonus a 10-point cameo from Antonee Robinson as a substitute.
Our FPL Team of the Week for Gameweek 18
Keeper & Defenders
David Raya, the Gunners, keeper, £6m – vs Brighton (H).
Arsenal's defence suffered a minor wobble following an injury to Gabriel, however, they've secured two shutouts recently , with nine so far with less than half the season played.
Mikel Arteta's side have conceded in all but three home games this season. The strikes they conceded were scored by a Manchester City superstar, a long-range effort from Tottenham's forward , plus a surprise goal from Tolu Arokodare.
Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) and Piero Hincapie (£5.5m), Arsenal – vs Brighton (H).
It's a triple-up on the Gunners' backline.
As well as being the best defensive unit in the game, recording shutouts in over 50% of their matches, they take on a Roberto De Zerbi's side that has drawn a blank in two consecutive outings.
Brighton have a mere 9 goals in eight fixtures away from home.
Timber continues to be a reliable option each gameweek and has greater goal threat since returning to the full-back role.
Hincapie has collected 'defcon' points over his last four starts, featuring two clean sheets.
Virgil van Dijk, the Reds, £5.9m – vs Wolves (H).
I'd pick half a dozen Liverpool assets this week if allowed.
Wolves were shut out for the 10th time so far in a recent 2-0 defeat at Molineux to the Bees.
The Midlands side have a paltry 9 strikes this campaign, with only a couple away from home. It represents as safe a clean sheet prospect available.
Omar Alderete, the Black Cats, £4m – vs Leeds United (H).
Despite Leeds United's improved offensive form – including the performances of their striker – the pick is a Sunderland shutout on home soil.
That would mark a third consecutive , with the Paraguayan defender is cementing himself as the best budget defensive pick. Managers can select him confidently across many fixtures, given his consistent 'defcon' points.
Midfield
Mason Mount, Manchester United, £5.9m – vs Newcastle United (H).
The English midfielder is expected to take on a key role for Manchester United over the coming fixtures, following their Portuguese maestro being sidelined.
Recently, United have generated the highest expected goals (xG) statistically by a significant margin – 8.78 versus second-best Leeds United's 5.68.
Their opponents are a Newcastle team that has struggled away from home – with just one win in seven.
The former Chelsea man is likely to assume many of Fernandes' playmaking duties, especially from dead-ball situations, and might feature behind the striker.
Florian Wirtz, Liverpool, £8.1m – vs Wolves (H).
The German playmaker is poised for a major point return , with a fixture at Anfield against the struggling Wolves representing the prime scenario for that to happen.
He has delivered returns in three of his past four games – two assists plus a 'defcon' performance.
In that period his chance creation stands at 10 chances, a team-high among all his teammates, and his expected goals stands at 0.88.
Morgan Rogers, Villa, £7.2m – vs Chelsea (A).
With 30 points across two gameweeks, Rogers' form is impossible to ignore.
He's Villa's main goal threat, with an ability to creating a goal from half a yard of space in the box.
A fixture to Chelsea could be viewed as a tough proposition, the Birmingham club have emerged victorious there on two occasions in recent years.
Strikers
Hugo Ekitike (Captain), Liverpool, £8.9m – vs Wolves (H).
Because of facing an abysmal Wolves side, a lack of competition for a starting spot, coupled with bagged five goals in three games, the French striker gets the captain's armband for this round.
Erling Haaland, Manchester City, £15.1m – vs Nottingham Forest (A).
One cannot consider benching Haaland, however with him having a tougher fixture on the road this week, I'm willing to bet against him with the captain's role.
Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m