Skipper Ekitike along with a Triple Arsenal Backline – The Fantasy Premier League Team of the Week

The quantity of Liverpool selections are you able to squeeze in your lineup this week?

Jurgen Klopp's side have notched back-to-back wins , featuring a red-hot forward in their French frontman preparing for a encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers that are on course for one of the worst top-flight campaigns in history.

For managers who retained a portion of your AFCON free transfers and have the budget to reinvest by replacing the injured Bruno Fernandes, then Liverpool picks must be your top priority.

This team of the week is chosen according to present Fantasy Premier League valuations to fit within a £100m spending limit, as if using a one-week wildcard.

What Was the Performance of The Previous Team?

Skipper Manchester City's striker (a huge score) , alongside the in-form duo of Antoine Semenyo (10 points) as well as Liverpool's frontman led the squad to a handsome 82 points – enhanced by a double-digit cameo from Fulham's defender as a substitute.

The FPL Ideal Squad for Gameweek 18

Keeper & Defenders

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

Arsenal's backline had a brief dip following an injury to Gabriel, yet they've secured two clean sheets recently and have 9 already with not even the campaign's midpoint gone.

The Emirates Stadium outfit have conceded in all but three home games this season. The strikes they conceded were scored by Erling Haaland, a wondrous strike from Richarlison , plus a surprise goal from Tolu Arokodare.

Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) and Piero Hincapie (£5.5m), the Gunners – vs Brighton (H).

It's a triple-up on the Gunners' backline.

Not only are they the best defensive unit in FPL, with a clean sheet in over 50% of their fixtures, they take on a Brighton side that has drawn a blank in two consecutive outings.

The South Coast club have scored just 9 goals in eight away games.

Timber remains a reliable pick every week , possessing greater offensive potential since returning to the full-back role.

The Ecuadorian has collected defensive contribution points in four consecutive appearances, including two clean sheets.

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

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

Wolves failed to score for the tenth occasion this season in Saturday's two-nil home loss to Brentford.

The Midlands side have scored just 9 strikes in total, with only a couple away from home. It represents as safe a clean sheet bet available.

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

Even with Leeds United's improved goalscoring upturn – including the performances of their striker – I'm backing a Stadium of Light shutout on home soil.

That would mark a third consecutive and the Paraguayan defender is cementing himself as the best low-cost defensive pick. You can start him confidently in most games, thanks to his potential for 'defcon' points.

Midfielders

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

Mount is expected to take on a bigger responsibility at Manchester United in the next few games, following Bruno Fernandes being sidelined.

Over the past three games, Erik ten Hag's team boast the best expected goals (xG) in the league by a comfortable distance – 8.78 compared to second-best Leeds United's 5.68.

Their opponents are a Newcastle United team that has been poor on the road – with just one win in seven.

The former Chelsea man could well inherit a large share of Fernandes' creative responsibilities, especially on set-pieces, and might operate as an attacking midfielder.

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

The German playmaker is on the verge of a significant score and a home match against the struggling Wolves being an ideal opportunity for that to happen.

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

During that spell he's made 10 chances, the highest of any his teammates, while his expected goals is 0.88.

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

Boasting 30 points over two matches, the midfielder's hot streak cannot be overlooked.

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

An away trip at Stamford Bridge could be viewed as a tough assignment, but Villa have emerged victorious there in two of the past three seasons.

Forwards

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

Given facing an abysmal Wolves side, having no competition for his place, and having bagged five goals in three games, Ekitike receives the captaincy this week.

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

It is unthinkable to benching the Norwegian goal machine, however because he has a tricky away game this week, I'm willing to look elsewhere for captaincy.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United, £7.6m