🔗 Share this article

What number of The Reds players might you squeeze inside your squad for this round?

Jurgen Klopp's side have notched a pair of triumphs , with a in-form forward in Hugo Ekitike preparing for a fixture with a struggling Wolves side who are on course for a historically poor top-flight seasons ever.

For managers who held onto a portion of your AFCON free transfers , with the cash to spend following the injury to the unavailable Manchester United's playmaker, consequently Liverpool players must be your top priority.

The ideal squad is assembled according to latest FPL prices to comply with a 100 million pound cap, mirroring using a one-week wildcard.

How Did Last Week's Selection?

Skipper Erling Haaland (32 points) , alongside the hot duo of Antoine Semenyo (10 points) and Liverpool's frontman led the squad to a handsome 82 points – supplemented by a double-digit cameo from Fulham's defender from the replacements.

Our Fantasy Premier League Selection for Gameweek 18

Goalkeeper and Defenders

David Raya, Arsenal, keeper, £6m – vs Brighton & Hove Albion (H).

Arsenal's defence suffered a minor wobble following the absence of their Brazilian defender, yet they've recorded two clean sheets recently , boasting 9 so far with less than half the season completed.

The Emirates Stadium outfit have let in goals in all but three fixtures at the Emirates this season. Those goals came from Erling Haaland, a long-range strike from Tottenham's forward and a surprise goal from Tolu Arokodare.

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

We're opting for a triple-up from the Gunners' backline.

As well as being the best defence in FPL, recording shutouts in the majority of their fixtures, they host a Roberto De Zerbi's side who have failed to score in their last two matches.

Brighton have only managed nine goals in eight matches on the road.

The Dutch defender remains a solid pick each gameweek , possessing greater goal threat now he is right-back.

Hincapie has earned 'defcon' points in his past four starts, which included a pair of shutouts.

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

I'd pick half a dozen Liverpool assets for this fixture if allowed.

Gary O'Neil's team failed to score for the 10th time in 17 games during Saturday's 2-0 home loss to the Bees.

The Midlands side have a paltry 9 goals this campaign, with only two away from home. This is as safe a clean sheet bet available.

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

Despite Leeds United's recent offensive form – and the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin – the pick is a Sunderland clean sheet on home soil.

That would mark a third consecutive and the Paraguayan defender becoming a prime low-cost defender option. Managers can select him confidently in most games, given his potential for defensive contribution returns.

Midfield

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

Mount should play a significant responsibility for Manchester United over the coming fixtures, due to Bruno Fernandes out injured.

Over the past three games, Erik ten Hag's team boast the best expected goals (xG) in the league by a comfortable distance – 8.78 against the next best Leeds' 5.68.

They welcome a Newcastle side that has been poor in away matches – with just a single victory in seven.

Mount could well inherit a large share of the injured star's playmaking duties, notably from dead-ball situations, and could play as an attacking midfielder.

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

The German playmaker is poised for a significant score and a home match versus the struggling Wolves being the prime opportunity for that to happen.

He has registered attacking returns in three out of his past four games – two assists plus a defensive contribution performance.

Over that time he's made 10 chances, the highest of any his teammates, and his xG is 0.88.

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

After recording 30 points in two games, Rogers' form demands attention.

He is Villa's key attacker, with an ability to producing a goal with half a yard of room in the box.

An away trip to Stamford Bridge might seem a difficult assignment, but Villa have won there in two of recent years.

Strikers

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

Due to facing an abysmal Wolves side, a lack of competition for a starting spot, and having bagged a five-goal haul in three games, the French striker gets the double-points role for this round.

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

It is unthinkable to benching Haaland, although with him having a tricky away game in this round, I'm willing to look elsewhere with the captain's role.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United, £7.6m