Captain Hugo Ekitike along with a Three-Pronged Arsenal Defence – The Fantasy Premier League Team of the Week

How many Liverpool selections might you accommodate into your squad in the upcoming gameweek?

The Merseyside club are coming off a pair of triumphs and boast a in-form striker in Hugo Ekitike going into a clash with Wolves who are heading towards an abysmal Premier League seasons in history.

If you've held onto a few of your AFCON transfers and have the funds to spend by replacing the injured Bruno Fernandes, in that case Liverpool picks must be the primary focus.

This team of the week is chosen using present FPL prices to stay under a 100 million pound spending limit, simulating you were playing a Free Hit chip.

What Was the Performance of Our Recent Squad?

Skipper Erling Haaland (a massive haul) , combined with the in-form duo of Antoine Semenyo (10 points) plus Hugo Ekitike guided the team to a solid total – enhanced by a 10-point performance from Fulham's defender off the bench.

This Week's FPL Team of the Week for Gameweek 18

Keeper & Defenders

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

The North London side's defence experienced a slight stumble after the absence of Gabriel, however, they've recorded two clean sheets recently and have 9 already with not even half the season gone.

The Emirates Stadium outfit have conceded in all but three fixtures at the Emirates campaign. Those goals were scored by a Manchester City superstar, a wondrous effort from Richarlison , plus a surprise goal from Tolu Arokodare.

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

It's a three-pronged from the Arsenal defence.

Not only are they the best defence statistically, with a clean sheet in the majority of their fixtures, they take on a Roberto De Zerbi's side that has not found the net in their past two outings.

Brighton have a mere nine strikes from eight away games.

The Dutch defender continues to be a steady option each gameweek , possessing greater offensive potential now he is the full-back role.

The Ecuadorian has collected 'defcon' points in his past four appearances, featuring two clean sheets.

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

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

Wolves were shut out for the 10th time this season during Saturday's two-nil home loss to Brentford.

They have scored just 9 strikes in total, with only two away from home. This is as safe a clean sheet bet imaginable.

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

Despite the Yorkshire club's recent offensive form – highlighted by their striker – I'm backing a Stadium of Light clean sheet at home.

That would mark a third consecutive and Alderete becoming an outstanding budget defensive pick. Managers can select him regularly in most games, thanks to his potential for defensive contribution points.

Midfield

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

Mount will likely assume a bigger part for Manchester United over the coming fixtures, with Bruno Fernandes out injured.

Recently, Erik ten Hag's team boast the best expected goals (xG) across the Premier League by a significant margin – 8.78 versus the next best Leeds' 5.68.

Their opponents are a Newcastle United side who have not excelled on the road – managing one win in their last seven.

Mount could well take over a large share of the injured star's creative responsibilities, notably from dead-ball situations, potentially feature in the number 10 role.

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

Wirtz is due a significant score and a home match versus Wolves representing the prime scenario for that to happen.

Wirtz has delivered returns in three out of his past four fixtures – two assists plus a 'defcon' display.

Over that time he's made 10 chances, the highest of any Liverpool, while his xG stands at 0.88.

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

After recording 30 points over two matches, Rogers' current form cannot be overlooked.

He is Villa's talisman, with an ability to producing a goal from the smallest room in the box.

A fixture at Chelsea may appear a tough assignment, but Villa have emerged victorious at that ground in two of the last three campaigns.

Forwards

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

Due to his fixture, having no rivalry for his place, and having notched five goals over three matches, the French striker earns the double-points role for this round.

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

It is unthinkable to omitting Haaland, however with him having a tougher fixture on the road in this round, we are opting to pass over him with the captain's role.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United, £7.6m

Stuart Nelson
Stuart Nelson

A passionate writer and explorer sharing expert knowledge on diverse topics to inspire and inform readers worldwide.