Captain Hugo Ekitike along with a Three-Pronged Arsenal Backline – The FPL Squad for the Round

What number of Liverpool players are you able to squeeze in your squad this week?

The Merseyside club have secured back-to-back wins and boast a sizzling striker in Hugo Ekitike going into a encounter with a struggling Wolves side that are on course for an abysmal top-flight seasons in history.

Should you have kept a portion of your Africa Cup of Nations transfers , and possess the cash to reinvest by replacing the injured Manchester United's playmaker, in that case assets from Anfield options must be your top priority.

The team of the week is assembled based on present FPL valuations to stay under a 100 million pound cap, simulating you were playing a Free Hit chip.

How Did Last Week's Selection?

Captain Erling Haaland (a massive haul) , alongside the hot pair of Bournemouth's forward (10 points) and Liverpool's frontman propelled the team to a solid 82 points – enhanced by a 10-point contribution from Fulham's defender as a substitute.

The Fantasy Premier League Team of the Week for Matchday 18

Goalkeeper & Defence

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

The North London side's defence experienced a slight stumble in the wake of the absence of Gabriel, however, they've recorded two clean sheets over their last four matches , boasting 9 so far before the campaign's midpoint gone.

Mikel Arteta's side have conceded in only three fixtures at the Emirates this season. The strikes they conceded were scored by a Manchester City superstar, a spectacular effort from Tottenham's forward , plus a unexpected goal from Wolves' attacker.

Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) and Piero Hincapie (£5.5m), the Gunners – vs the Seagulls (H).

This week features a triple-up from the Gunners' backline.

As well as being the top defence in the game, with a clean sheet in more than half of their matches, they face a Brighton side that has drawn a blank in their last two games.

Brighton have scored just 9 goals in eight away games.

Timber is a reliable option each gameweek , possessing increased offensive potential operating as the full-back role.

The Ecuadorian has registered 'defcon' points in his past four appearances, which included a pair of shutouts.

Virgil van Dijk, the Reds, £5.9m – vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H).

I'd pick half a dozen Anfield assets this week if possible.

Wolves drew another blank for the tenth occasion this season in Saturday's two-nil defeat at Molineux to Brentford.

The Midlands side have scored just 9 goals this campaign, including two away from home. It represents as safe a clean sheet bet possible.

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

Even with the Yorkshire club's recent offensive form – including the performances of Dominic Calvert-Lewin – we're selecting a Sunderland shutout at home.

This would secure a third in a row , with Alderete becoming an outstanding value defender option. You can field him regularly across many fixtures, given his potential for 'defcon' points.

Midfield

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

Mount should play a key role for Old Trafford over the coming fixtures, with their Portuguese maestro suffering an injury.

Recently, United registered the highest expected goals (xG) across the Premier League by over three goals – 8.78 against second-best Leeds' 5.68.

They welcome a Newcastle side that has struggled on the road – with just one win in their last seven.

The former Chelsea man is likely to inherit many of the injured star's creative responsibilities, notably on set-pieces, and might feature behind the striker.

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

The German playmaker is due a significant score , with a fixture at Anfield versus the struggling Wolves being an ideal opportunity for that to happen.

He has registered attacking returns in three of his past four games – a pair of assists and one 'defcon' performance.

Over that time his chance creation stands at 10 chances, the most among all Liverpool, and his expected goals is 0.88.

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

With 30 points over two matches, Rogers' form demands attention.

He is Villa's main goal threat, who can creating a goal with the smallest space inside the area.

A fixture at Chelsea might seem a challenging proposition, but Villa have emerged victorious there twice during the last three campaigns.

Forwards

Hugo Ekitike (Captain), Liverpool, £8.9m – vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H).

Because of his fixture, a lack of rivalry for his place, coupled with bagged five goals in three games, Ekitike receives the captain's armband this week.

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

There's no omitting Haaland, but with him having a more difficult away game this week, we are opting to pass over him with the captain's role.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m

Mary Hernandez
Mary Hernandez

Maya is a tech enthusiast and gaming journalist with a passion for exploring emerging digital trends and innovations.