🔗 Share this article

What number of The Reds players might you squeeze inside your lineup in the upcoming gameweek?

Jurgen Klopp's side are coming off a pair of triumphs , featuring a red-hot forward in Hugo Ekitike preparing for a encounter with a struggling Wolves side who are on course for one of the worst Premier League seasons on record.

For managers who retained a few of your Africa Cup of Nations wildcards and have the cash to spend after losing the injured Manchester United's playmaker, in that case assets from Anfield players must be the primary focus.

The team of the week is assembled based on present Fantasy Premier League costs to stay under a £100m cap, as if using a one-week wildcard.

A Look Back at Last Week's Team?

Skipper Erling Haaland (a massive haul) , combined with the in-form pair of Bournemouth's forward (10 points) as well as Hugo Ekitike guided the squad to a solid total – with a bonus a 10-point contribution from Fulham's defender off the bench.

This Week's Fantasy Premier League Ideal Squad for Matchday 18

Goalkeeper and Defenders

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

Arsenal's defence had a brief dip after an injury to their Brazilian defender, yet they've recorded two shutouts over their last four matches , with nine to their name before the campaign's midpoint completed.

Mikel Arteta's side have let in goals in all but three fixtures at the Emirates this season. The strikes they conceded were scored by a Manchester City superstar, a long-range strike from Tottenham's forward , plus a unexpected goal from Tolu Arokodare.

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

We're opting for a triple-up from the Arsenal backline.

Not only are they the top defence statistically, with a clean sheet in over 50% of their matches, they take on a Roberto De Zerbi's team who have failed to score in their last two games.

The South Coast club have a mere nine strikes from eight matches on the road.

The Dutch defender continues to be a solid option every week , with greater goal threat operating as the full-back role.

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

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

Managers would love six Liverpool assets this week if the rules permitted.

Gary O'Neil's team drew another blank once again in 17 games during a recent 2-0 home loss to the Bees.

The Midlands side have only managed nine strikes this campaign, including a couple away from home. It represents as safe a clean sheet prospect available.

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

Despite the Yorkshire club's better offensive form – highlighted by their striker – I'm backing a Sunderland clean sheet on home soil.

That would mark a third consecutive , with Alderete establishing himself as a prime value defender option. Managers can field him regularly across many fixtures, thanks to his potential for defensive contribution points.

Midfielders

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

The English midfielder is expected to take on a key role for Manchester United over the coming fixtures, due to Bruno Fernandes suffering an injury.

Over the past three games, United boast the greatest expected goals (xG) statistically by over three goals – 8.78 versus second-best Leeds United's 5.68.

They face a Newcastle United team who have struggled in away matches – with just a single victory in seven.

Mount may assume a large share of Fernandes' creative responsibilities, particularly from dead-ball situations, and might play in the number 10 role.

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

The German playmaker is on the verge of a major point return and a home match against the struggling Wolves representing an ideal scenario for it.

He has delivered returns in three of four recent 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 stands at 0.88.

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

After recording 30 points over two matches, Rogers' current form is impossible to ignore.

He's Aston Villa's key attacker, with an ability to producing a goal with minimal room inside the area.

A fixture at Stamford Bridge might seem a difficult proposition, the Birmingham club have won at that ground on two occasions in recent years.

Forwards

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

Because of his fixture, having no competition for a starting spot, coupled with bagged five goals in three games, the French striker receives the double-points role this week.

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

One cannot consider dropping the Norwegian goal machine, however with him having a tricky fixture on the road this week, the choice is to pass over him for the armband.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United, £7.6m