Skipper Ekitike along with a Three-Pronged Arsenal Defence – The FPL Squad for the Round
What number of The Reds assets can you squeeze in your squad this week?
Jurgen Klopp's side have secured a pair of triumphs , with a sizzling striker in Hugo Ekitike going into a clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers that are heading towards one of the worst Premier League seasons in history.
Should you have held onto a portion of your Africa Cup of Nations wildcards , and possess the budget to upgrade by replacing the unavailable Bruno Fernandes, consequently assets from Anfield picks must be the primary focus.
The weekly selection is chosen according to current FPL costs to comply with a £100m cap, simulating using a Free Hit.
A Look Back at The Previous Squad?
Skipper Erling Haaland (a massive haul) and the in-form duo of Antoine Semenyo (10 points) plus Liverpool's frontman propelled the squad to a respectable score – enhanced by a 10-point cameo from Antonee Robinson off the bench.
The Fantasy Premier League Ideal Squad for Gameweek 18
Keeper & Defenders
David Raya, Arsenal, goalkeeper, £6m – vs Brighton & Hove Albion (H).
Arsenal's backline had a brief dip after the absence of Gabriel, however, they've secured two clean sheets over their last four matches and have 9 already before half the season gone.
The Emirates Stadium outfit have let in goals in only three home games campaign. The strikes they conceded came from a Manchester City superstar, a long-range strike from Tottenham's forward , plus a late goal from Wolves' attacker.
Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) and Piero Hincapie (£5.5m), Arsenal – vs Brighton (H).
This week features a triple selection from the Arsenal backline.
As well as being the best defensive unit in the game, with a clean sheet in the majority of their fixtures, they take on a Brighton side that has failed to score in two consecutive matches.
Brighton have a mere nine strikes from eight fixtures away from home.
Timber is a solid choice each gameweek , with increased attacking upside operating as right-back.
The Ecuadorian has registered 'defcon' points over his last four appearances, which included two clean sheets.
Virgil van Dijk, the Reds, £5.9m – vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H).
One could select six Anfield players for this fixture if possible.
Gary O'Neil's team were shut out for the 10th time this season during Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Molineux to Brentford.
The Midlands side have a paltry 9 goals all season, with only a couple on the road. It represents as safe a clean sheet bet available.
Omar Alderete, the Black Cats, £4m – vs Leeds (H).
Even with the Yorkshire club's better offensive form – and the form of their striker – the pick is a Stadium of Light shutout on home soil.
This would secure a third in a row and Alderete establishing himself as an outstanding value defender option. You can start him confidently in most games, due to his regular defensive contribution returns.
Midfielders
Mason Mount, United, £5.9m – vs Newcastle (H).
Mount is expected to take on a bigger role for Old Trafford in the next few games, due to their Portuguese maestro out injured.
Recently, Erik ten Hag's team boast the best xG across the Premier League by over three goals – 8.78 against second-best Leeds United's 5.68.
They face a Newcastle side that has struggled in away matches – with just one win from seven attempts.
Mount could well inherit many of Fernandes' creative responsibilities, particularly on set-pieces, and might play as an attacking midfielder.
Florian Wirtz, the Reds, £8.1m – vs Wolves (H).
Wirtz is on the verge of a major point return , with a home match versus Wolves representing the prime opportunity for that to happen.
He has delivered returns in three out of his last four fixtures – two assists and one defensive contribution display.
In that period he's made 10 chances, a team-high of any Liverpool, while his expected goals is 0.88.
Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa, £7.2m – vs Chelsea (A).
With 30 points across two gameweeks, Rogers' hot streak demands attention.
He is Villa's main goal threat, capable of producing a goal from the smallest room in the box.
A fixture to Stamford Bridge may appear a tough proposition, the Birmingham club have emerged victorious at that ground on two occasions in the past three seasons.
Strikers
Hugo Ekitike (Captain), Liverpool, £8.9m – vs Wolves (H).
Because of facing an abysmal Wolves side, a lack of rivalry for a starting spot, and having bagged a five-goal haul over three matches, the French striker gets the captain's armband this week.
Erling Haaland, Manchester City, £15.1m – vs Nottingham Forest (A).
One cannot consider dropping the Norwegian goal machine, although with him having a tougher fixture on the road this week, the choice is to bet against him with the captain's role.
Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United, £7.6m