Captain Ekitike and a Three-Pronged Arsenal Backline – The Fantasy Premier League Team of the Week

What number of The Reds players might you squeeze inside your team this week?

The Merseyside club have secured back-to-back wins , with a sizzling forward in Hugo Ekitike preparing for a clash with Wolves who are on course for one of the worst Premier League seasons on record.

Should you have retained some of your Africa Cup of Nations free transfers , with the budget to spend by replacing the unavailable Bruno Fernandes, then assets from Anfield options ought to be your top priority.

The ideal squad is constructed based on present FPL costs to comply with a Β£100m spending limit, mirroring using a Free Hit chip.

How Did The Previous Squad?

Skipper Manchester City's striker (32 points) , alongside the in-form pair of Antoine Semenyo (10 points) plus Hugo Ekitike guided the team to a respectable score – enhanced by a double-digit cameo from Fulham's defender off the bench.

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

Goalkeeper and Defenders

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

Arsenal's backline had a brief dip after the absence of Gabriel, but they have secured two shutouts in their past four , with 9 to their name before half the season played.

Mikel Arteta's side have let in goals in only three home games campaign. The strikes they conceded were scored by Erling Haaland, a wondrous effort from Tottenham's forward , plus a late goal from Tolu Arokodare.

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

We're opting for a three-pronged on the Gunners' backline.

They are the best defensive unit in FPL, recording shutouts in over 50% of their fixtures, they face a Brighton team that has drawn a blank in two consecutive matches.

Brighton have scored just nine goals in eight matches on the road.

The Dutch defender remains a steady option each gameweek , possessing increased goal threat since returning to right-back.

The Ecuadorian has earned defensive contribution points in his past four appearances, featuring a pair of shutouts.

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

Managers would love half a dozen Liverpool players this week if allowed.

Gary O'Neil's team drew another blank once again in 17 games during Saturday's 2-0 home loss to Brentford.

They have only managed 9 strikes all season, with only a couple away from home. That makes this as safe a clean sheet opportunity available.

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

Regardless of Leeds United's recent goalscoring upturn – including the performances of their striker – we're selecting a Sunderland clean sheet at home.

This would secure their third consecutive and the Paraguayan defender becoming the best low-cost defender option. You can field him with assurance across many fixtures, due to his regular 'defcon' points.

Midfielders

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

Mount should play a significant part for Old Trafford over the coming fixtures, with their Portuguese maestro being sidelined.

Recently, Erik ten Hag's team have generated the highest xG across the Premier League by a significant margin – 8.78 against the next best Leeds' 5.68.

Their opponents are a Newcastle side who have not excelled on the road – managing one win from seven attempts.

Mount may assume many of the injured star's creative responsibilities, particularly from dead-ball situations, and might play as an attacking midfielder.

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

The German playmaker is on the verge of a significant score , with a fixture at Anfield versus Wolves representing a perfect opportunity for it.

Wirtz has delivered returns across four recent games – two assists plus a defensive contribution performance.

During that spell he's made 10 chances, the highest among all Liverpool, and his xG totals 0.88.

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

Boasting 30 points over two matches, Rogers' hot streak cannot be overlooked.

He's Villa's talisman, who can producing a strike from half a yard of space inside the area.

An away trip to Stamford Bridge might seem a difficult proposition, the Birmingham club have won there on two occasions in recent years.

Forwards

Hugo Ekitike (Captain), the Reds, Β£8.9m – vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H).

Given facing an abysmal Wolves side, having no competition for his place, coupled with bagged five goals over three matches, the French striker earns the captain's armband this week.

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

One cannot consider omitting Haaland, although because he has a tricky away game in this round, we are opting to pass over him for the armband.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, Β£7.6m

Matthew White
Matthew White

A tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and startup consulting.