Captain Ekitike and Arsenal’s Defensive Trio – FPL Team of the Week

How many Liverpool players can be added to your squad this week?

The Reds have recently clinched two consecutive victories, boasting an in-form striker in Hugo Ekitike. This week, they are set to face a Wolverhampton team that’s struggling in the Premier League.

If you’ve held onto some of your free transfers from the Africa Cup of Nations and have the budget to substitute the sidelined Bruno Fernandes, prioritizing Liverpool players should be essential.

The weekly team is crafted based on the current Fantasy Premier League (FPL) prices, adhering to a £100 million budget, simulating a Free Hit scenario.

How did last week’s team perform?

Erling Haaland was the standout captain with an impressive 32 points, while teammates Antoine Semenyo and Hugo Ekitike contributed significantly, leading to a total of 82 points, augmented by a bonus 10 points from Antonee Robinson, who came on as a substitute.

FPL Team of the Week for Gameweek 18

Keeper and Defence

• David Raya, Arsenal, £6m – vs. Brighton (h)

Despite a minor setback due to Gabriel’s injury, Arsenal’s defense has managed two clean sheets in the last four matches and has recorded nine clean sheets this season outside of three home games where they conceded goals—those came primarily from Erling Haaland, a stunning shot from Richarlison, and an unexpected late goal from Tolu Arokodare for usually goal-shy Wolves.

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

This week, it’s a triple Arsenal defensive lineup. The Gunners possess the strongest defense in the league, achieving clean sheets in over half of their matches, facing a Brighton team that has been goalless in their last two games and has only netted nine times in their eight away fixtures. Timber’s return to right-back enhances his attacking potential, while Hincapie has consistently earned defensive contribution points over his last four appearances.

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

If possible, six Liverpool players would make the cut this week. Wolverhampton’s recent defeat against Brentford leaves them without a goal in 10 of their 17 games this season, making a clean sheet for Liverpool a strong possibility.

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

Despite Leeds hitting a purple patch, I expect Sunderland to secure a clean sheet at home, which would mark their third consecutive shutout. Alderete has become a solid budget choice for the defense.

Midfield

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

With Bruno Fernandes out injured, Mount is poised to take a prominent role in the squad. Manchester United leads the league in expected goals over the last three matches, while Newcastle struggles with only one win in seven away games. Mount is expected to shoulder the creative load, particularly during set-pieces.

• Florian Wirtz, Liverpool, £8.1m – vs. Wolves (h)

Wirtz is primed for a substantial haul, especially in the home match against Wolverhampton. He has delivered returns in three of his last four games, showcasing creativity with 10 chances created—more than any other Liverpool player—with an xG of 0.88.

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

Rogers has recently tallied 30 points in two games, making him hard to overlook. As Villa’s key player, he can strike effectively in tight spaces. Although facing Chelsea away appears challenging, Villa has succeeded there in two of the last three seasons.

Strikers

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

With a woeful Wolves team ahead of him, Ekitike, who is without competition for his position and has scored five goals in three games, is set to wear the captain’s armband this week.

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

Although Haaland remains essential, his tougher away fixture prompts a cautious approach regarding captaincy choices this week.

• Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m – vs. Fulham (h)

Initially overlooked following his position change from midfielder to striker, Bowen has racked up five goals and two assists—making him the fourth-highest forward for points this season. With Fulham missing key defender Calvin Bassey, they appear vulnerable.

Subs’ Bench

• Martin Dubravka, Burnley, £4m – vs. Everton (h)
• Tijjani Reijnders, Manchester City, £5.2m – vs. Nottingham Forest (a)
• Michael Keane, Everton, £4.6m – vs. Burnley (a)
• Anton Stach, Leeds, £4.8m – vs. Sunderland (a)

Team Total Cost: £99.6m