Skipper Ekitike along with a Three-Pronged Gunners Defence – The FPL Squad for the Round
The quantity of Liverpool assets are you able to fit into your squad for this round?
Jurgen Klopp's side have secured two consecutive victories and boast a red-hot striker in their French frontman going into a fixture with Wolves currently tracking for a historically poor top-flight campaigns ever.
Should you have retained a few of your AFCON transfers , with the funds to upgrade following the injury to the unavailable Manchester United's playmaker, consequently Liverpool options must be the primary focus.
The team of the week is constructed using latest FPL prices to comply with a 100 million pound cap, mirroring activating a Free Hit.
A Look Back at The Previous Team?
Skipper Erling Haaland (32 points) , combined with the hot pair of Bournemouth's forward (10 points) plus Hugo Ekitike led the selection to a respectable 82 points – supplemented by a double-digit performance from Fulham's defender from the replacements.
This Week's FPL Ideal Squad for Gameweek 18
Goalkeeper and Defence
David Raya, Arsenal, keeper, £6m – vs Brighton & Hove Albion (H).
The North London side's defence had a brief dip following the absence of Gabriel, but they have secured two shutouts over their last four matches and have nine to their name with less than half the season completed.
The Emirates Stadium outfit have conceded in only three home games campaign. The strikes they conceded came from Erling Haaland, a spectacular effort from Richarlison and a unexpected header from Wolves' attacker.
Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) and Piero Hincapie (£5.5m), Arsenal – vs the Seagulls (H).
This week features a triple-up from the Gunners' backline.
They are the top defensive unit statistically, recording shutouts in the majority of their matches, they take on a Brighton team that has not found the net in two consecutive outings.
The South Coast club have scored just 9 goals in eight fixtures away from home.
The Dutch defender continues to be a solid choice each gameweek and has more attacking upside operating as right-back.
The Ecuadorian has earned 'defcon' points over his last four starts, including a pair of shutouts.
Virgil van Dijk, the Reds, £5.9m – vs Wolves (H).
Managers would love half a dozen Liverpool assets this week if allowed.
Gary O'Neil's team were shut out for the 10th time in 17 games in a recent two-nil defeat at Molineux to the Bees.
The Midlands side have a paltry nine strikes all season, including two away from home. This is as safe a clean sheet prospect possible.
Omar Alderete, Sunderland, £4m – vs Leeds United (H).
Despite Leeds United's recent goalscoring upturn – and the form of their striker – the pick is a Sunderland clean sheet at home.
It would be their third consecutive and Alderete becoming the best budget defensive pick. Managers can select him regularly in most games, thanks to his consistent defensive contribution returns.
Midfielders
Mason Mount, United, £5.9m – vs Newcastle (H).
The English midfielder will likely assume a key part at Manchester United in the next few games, following Bruno Fernandes suffering an injury.
Over the past three games, United boast the greatest xG in the league by a comfortable distance – 8.78 compared to the next best Leeds' 5.68.
They welcome a Newcastle United side that has struggled in away matches – managing a single victory in seven.
Mount may take over a large share of Fernandes' creative responsibilities, particularly on set-pieces, potentially play as an attacking midfielder.
Florian Wirtz, Liverpool, £8.1m – vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H).
The German playmaker is poised for a big haul , with a fixture at Anfield versus the struggling Wolves being a perfect opportunity for that to happen.
He has posted points in three of four recent games – two assists plus a defensive contribution display.
In that period he has created 10 chances, the most of any Liverpool, and his expected goals is 0.88.
Morgan Rogers, Villa, £7.2m – vs the Blues (A).
Boasting 30 points across two gameweeks, the midfielder's current form demands attention.
He is Villa's key attacker, who can creating a strike with minimal space in the box.
A fixture to Stamford Bridge may appear a challenging assignment, the Birmingham club have won there in two of the past three seasons.
Forwards
Hugo Ekitike (Captain), Liverpool, £8.9m – vs Wolves (H).
Due to his fixture, a lack of competition for a starting spot, and having notched five goals in three games, the French striker receives the captaincy this week.
Erling Haaland, City, £15.1m – vs Nottingham Forest (A).
One cannot consider omitting Haaland, but with him having a tougher fixture on the road in this round, I'm willing to look elsewhere with the captain's role.
Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United, £7.6m