Skipper Hugo Ekitike and a Three-Pronged Gunners Defence – The FPL Team of the Week

The quantity of Liverpool players might you squeeze inside your lineup this week?

The Merseyside club have secured a pair of triumphs and boast a in-form forward in Hugo Ekitike preparing for a encounter with a struggling Wolves side currently on course for one of the worst Premier League seasons in history.

If you've held onto a few of your Africa Cup of Nations free transfers , and possess the budget to upgrade following the injury to the unavailable Manchester United's playmaker, consequently assets from Anfield players ought to be the main consideration.

This team of the week is assembled according to current Fantasy Premier League prices to stay under a 100 million pound cap, as if activating a one-week wildcard.

What Was the Performance of Last Week's Squad?

Captain Manchester City's striker (a huge score) , combined with the productive pair of Bournemouth's forward (10 points) plus Hugo Ekitike guided the squad to a solid total – enhanced by a 10-point cameo from Fulham's defender from the replacements.

The Fantasy Premier League Team of the Week for Gameweek 18

Keeper and Defenders

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

The North London side's defence had a slight stumble following an injury to Gabriel, yet they've recorded two clean sheets in their past four , with 9 already with less than half the season played.

Mikel Arteta's side have conceded in just a handful of home games this season. Those goals came from a Manchester City superstar, a wondrous effort from Tottenham's forward , plus a late header from Tolu Arokodare.

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

It's a three-pronged from the Gunners' backline.

As well as being the strongest defence statistically, with a clean sheet in more than half of their fixtures, they host a Roberto De Zerbi's team who have failed to score in their last two games.

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

Timber remains a reliable option each gameweek , possessing greater goal threat operating as right-back.

The Ecuadorian has earned defensive contribution points in four consecutive starts, featuring two clean sheets.

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

One could select half a dozen Anfield players this week if allowed.

Gary O'Neil's team failed to score once again this season in Saturday's two-nil defeat at Molineux to Brentford.

They have only managed 9 goals this campaign, including a couple away from home. That makes this a very secure shutout bet imaginable.

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

Regardless of the Yorkshire club's improved goalscoring upturn – highlighted by their striker – we're selecting a Sunderland clean sheet on home soil.

It would be their third in a row , with Alderete is cementing himself as a prime value defensive pick. Managers can select him confidently across many fixtures, given his consistent defensive contribution returns.

Midfield

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

The English midfielder is expected to take on a key part at Old Trafford in the next few games, with Bruno Fernandes suffering an injury.

Recently, Erik ten Hag's team have generated the highest expected goals (xG) across the Premier League by a comfortable distance – 8.78 compared to second-best Leeds' 5.68.

They welcome a Newcastle team who have been poor in away matches – with just a single victory from seven attempts.

The former Chelsea man may take over many of the injured star's creative responsibilities, notably from dead-ball situations, and could play in the number 10 role.

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

The German playmaker is poised for a big haul and a home match against the struggling Wolves being a perfect opportunity for it.

Wirtz has posted points in three out of his last four fixtures – two assists and one defensive contribution performance.

Over that time he has created 10 chances, a team-high among all Liverpool, and his xG totals 0.88.

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

After recording 30 points in two games, the midfielder's current form cannot be overlooked.

He is Aston Villa's main goal threat, with an ability to creating a goal with minimal space in the box.

An away trip at Chelsea might seem a difficult proposition, but Villa have emerged victorious at that ground twice during recent years.

Strikers

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

Due to facing an abysmal Wolves side, having no competition for his place, coupled with bagged five goals in three games, the French striker earns the double-points role this week.

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

One cannot consider omitting Haaland, however because he has a more difficult fixture on the road this week, I'm willing to look elsewhere for captaincy.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m

Brent Thomas
Brent Thomas

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting strategies and market trends.