🔗 Share this article

What number of The Reds assets might you accommodate in your team in the upcoming gameweek?

Jurgen Klopp's side have secured two consecutive victories and boast a in-form striker in Hugo Ekitike going into a clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers that are on course for one of the worst top-flight seasons ever.

For managers who retained a few of your Africa Cup of Nations transfers , with the funds to spend by replacing the sidelined Manchester United's playmaker, then Liverpool players must be the main consideration.

The weekly selection is assembled using latest FPL costs to comply with a 100 million pound cap, as if you were playing a Free Hit chip.

How Did The Previous Squad?

Captain Erling Haaland (a massive haul) , alongside the hot duo of Bournemouth's forward (10 points) and Hugo Ekitike guided the selection to a handsome total – with a bonus a double-digit cameo from Fulham's defender off the bench.

The Fantasy Premier League Ideal Squad for Matchday 18

Keeper & Defenders

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

The North London side's defence had a minor wobble following the absence of their Brazilian defender, but they have recorded two shutouts recently , boasting nine so far with less than half the season played.

Mikel Arteta's side have let in goals in just a handful of fixtures at the Emirates this season. Those goals were scored by a Manchester City superstar, a long-range strike from Tottenham's forward , plus a late goal from Tolu Arokodare.

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

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

They are the best defensive unit in the game, recording shutouts in the majority of their fixtures, they host a Brighton team who have not found the net in their last two outings.

The South Coast club have scored just 9 strikes across eight matches on the road.

The Dutch defender continues to be a solid choice every week , possessing greater attacking upside operating as right-back.

Hincapie has earned defensive contribution points in four consecutive starts, which included a pair of shutouts.

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

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

Wolves were shut out for the tenth occasion so far during Saturday's two-nil home loss to the Bees.

They have a paltry 9 goals this campaign, with only two away from home. This is as safe a clean sheet opportunity available.

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

Even with Leeds United's recent goalscoring upturn – and the form of their striker – I'm backing a Sunderland shutout on home soil.

This would secure a third in a row and Alderete is cementing himself as a prime low-cost defender option. You can start him regularly in most games, thanks to his potential for defensive contribution points.

Midfield

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

The English midfielder is expected to take on a bigger part at Old Trafford in the next few games, with Bruno Fernandes being sidelined.

Recently, Erik ten Hag's team have generated the best expected goals (xG) statistically by a significant margin – 8.78 versus second-best Leeds' 5.68.

They welcome a Newcastle United team who have not excelled on the road – managing one win in seven.

The former Chelsea man may inherit many of Fernandes' playmaking duties, especially from dead-ball situations, and could play as an attacking midfielder.

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

Wirtz is poised for a big haul and a home match against the struggling Wolves being a perfect scenario for that to happen.

Wirtz has posted points in three of four recent fixtures – two assists and one 'defcon' display.

During that spell he has created 10 chances, the highest of any his teammates, while his xG totals 0.88.

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

With 30 points in two games, the midfielder's form demands attention.

He is Villa's key attacker, with an ability to scoring a strike from minimal room inside the area.

A fixture to Stamford Bridge might seem a challenging proposition, but Villa have won there on two occasions in recent years.

Strikers

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, coupled with scored a five-goal haul in three games, the French striker earns the captaincy for this round.

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

It is unthinkable to dropping Haaland, however with him having a more difficult away game this week, I'm willing to bet against him for captaincy.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m