Skipper Hugo Ekitike and a Triple Arsenal Backline – The FPL Squad for the Round

How many Liverpool players might you fit into your team for this round?

Jurgen Klopp's side have secured back-to-back wins , with a sizzling striker in Hugo Ekitike ahead of a clash with a struggling Wolves side currently heading towards an abysmal Premier League seasons ever.

For managers who kept a few of your Africa Cup of Nations wildcards , with the funds to reinvest by replacing the injured Manchester United's playmaker, in that case assets from Anfield players must be your top priority.

This ideal squad is chosen according to latest FPL costs to fit within a 100 million pound budget, mirroring using a one-week wildcard.

A Look Back at Our Recent Team?

Skipper Manchester City's striker (32 points) , alongside the productive duo of Antoine Semenyo (10 points) plus Hugo Ekitike led the squad to a solid 82 points – enhanced by a double-digit performance from Antonee Robinson off the bench.

This Week's FPL Selection for Gameweek 18

Goalkeeper and Defenders

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

Arsenal's backline suffered a brief dip after an injury to their Brazilian defender, but they have secured two shutouts in their past four , with nine so far before half the season gone.

The Emirates Stadium outfit have let in goals in only three matches at home campaign. The strikes they conceded came from Erling Haaland, a long-range effort from Richarlison , plus a surprise header from Tolu Arokodare.

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

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

They are the top defence in the game, recording shutouts in over 50% of their matches, they take on a Brighton side who have not found the net in their past two games.

The South Coast club have only managed 9 strikes from eight matches on the road.

The Dutch defender continues to be a steady option each gameweek , with increased goal threat operating as the full-back role.

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

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

One could select half a dozen Liverpool players for this fixture if the rules permitted.

Gary O'Neil's team were shut out for the 10th time so far in a recent 2-0 home loss to Brentford.

The Midlands side have a paltry 9 strikes this campaign, with only two on the road. That makes this as safe a clean sheet prospect possible.

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

Even with the Yorkshire club's improved goalscoring upturn – highlighted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin – the pick is a Stadium of Light shutout at home.

This would secure a third consecutive and Alderete establishing himself as an outstanding budget defensive pick. You can start him confidently in most games, due to his regular defensive contribution returns.

Midfielders

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

Mount will likely assume a key part for Old Trafford over the coming fixtures, due to Bruno Fernandes out injured.

Recently, Erik ten Hag's team boast the highest expected goals (xG) in the league by over three goals – 8.78 compared to second-best Leeds' 5.68.

They face a Newcastle side who have struggled away from home – with just one win in their last seven.

Mount is likely to take over many of the injured star's playmaking duties, especially from dead-ball situations, and might play behind the striker.

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

Wirtz is on the verge of a major point return , with a home match against the struggling Wolves representing a perfect opportunity for it.

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

In that period his chance creation stands at 10 chances, the most of any Liverpool, while his xG totals 0.88.

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

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

He's Aston Villa's talisman, with an ability to scoring a goal with minimal room in the box.

A fixture at Chelsea could be viewed as a difficult proposition, the Birmingham club have won at that ground in two of the last three campaigns.

Forwards

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

Given facing an abysmal Wolves side, having no competition for a starting spot, and having bagged a five-goal haul in three games, the French striker receives the captain's armband this week.

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

There's no dropping Haaland, however because he has a tougher fixture on the road this week, we are opting to pass over him for captaincy.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m

Jamie Ingram
Jamie Ingram

A seasoned casino enthusiast with over a decade of experience in slot game analysis and online gambling strategies.

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