Skipper Ekitike and a Triple Arsenal Backline – The FPL Team of the Week

The quantity of Liverpool assets can you squeeze in your lineup for this round?

The Merseyside club are coming off two consecutive victories , featuring a sizzling striker in their French frontman preparing for a encounter with Wolves who are on course for one of the worst Premier League seasons in history.

If you've kept a few of your AFCON free transfers and have the cash to reinvest by replacing the sidelined Manchester United's playmaker, in that case assets from Anfield options must be the main consideration.

The ideal squad is assembled using present FPL valuations to fit within a 100 million pound cap, simulating activating a Free Hit chip.

How Did Last Week's Selection?

Skipper Manchester City's striker (a huge score) , combined with the productive duo of Antoine Semenyo (10 points) as well as Liverpool's frontman guided the selection to a handsome 82 points – enhanced by a 10-point contribution from Fulham's defender from the replacements.

This Week's FPL Ideal Squad for Gameweek 18

Keeper and Defence

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

The North London side's defence experienced a minor wobble in the wake of an injury to their Brazilian defender, however, they've recorded two clean sheets recently and have 9 already before half the season completed.

The Emirates Stadium outfit have conceded in all but three fixtures at the Emirates this season. The strikes they conceded came from Erling Haaland, a long-range effort from Richarlison , plus a late goal from Wolves' attacker.

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

This week features a three-pronged from the Arsenal defence.

They are the best defensive unit statistically, recording shutouts in more than half of their matches, they face a Roberto De Zerbi's side who have drawn a blank in their last two outings.

Brighton have a mere 9 goals across eight away games.

Timber continues to be a reliable pick each gameweek , with more attacking upside operating as right-back.

Hincapie has registered defensive contribution points over his last four starts, including a pair of shutouts.

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

Managers would love six Liverpool players this week if allowed.

Wolves were shut out for the 10th time so far in Saturday's two-nil home loss to the Bees.

They have scored just 9 goals this campaign, with only a couple away from home. It represents one of the safest shutout prospect possible.

Omar Alderete, the Black Cats, £4m – vs Leeds (H).

Even with Leeds United's recent offensive form – highlighted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin – we're selecting a Stadium of Light shutout on home soil.

It would be their third in a row and the Paraguayan defender is cementing himself as a prime value defender option. Managers can field him regularly across many fixtures, thanks to his consistent 'defcon' points.

Midfield

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

Mount is expected to take on a significant role for Old Trafford in the next few games, due to Bruno Fernandes being sidelined.

In their last three matches, United boast the highest expected goals (xG) statistically by a comfortable distance – 8.78 versus second-best Leeds United's 5.68.

They welcome a Newcastle side who have been poor on the road – with just one win in seven.

The former Chelsea man could well assume many of Fernandes' creative responsibilities, notably on set-pieces, potentially feature behind the striker.

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

Wirtz is due a major point return , with a home match against Wolves being an ideal opportunity for that to happen.

He has posted points in three out of his last four fixtures – a pair of assists and one 'defcon' performance.

During that spell he's made 10 chances, the most of any Liverpool, and his xG stands at 0.88.

Morgan Rogers, Villa, £7.2m – vs Chelsea (A).

With 30 points across two gameweeks, the midfielder's form cannot be overlooked.

He is Villa's talisman, with an ability to creating a strike with minimal room in the box.

A fixture at Stamford Bridge might seem a challenging proposition, the Birmingham club have emerged victorious at that ground twice during the past three seasons.

Forwards

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

Because of facing an abysmal Wolves side, a lack of rivalry for a starting spot, and having scored five goals in three games, the French striker earns the captaincy for this round.

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

One cannot consider omitting the Norwegian goal machine, but with him having a tricky fixture on the road in this round, I'm willing to bet against him for captaincy.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United, £7.6m

Timothy Haas
Timothy Haas

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in slot machine mechanics and gaming strategies, passionate about helping players improve their odds.