Skipper Hugo Ekitike along with a Triple Gunners Backline – The FPL Squad for the Round

How many Liverpool selections might you squeeze inside your lineup for this round?

Jurgen Klopp's side are coming off two consecutive victories , with a sizzling attacker in Hugo Ekitike ahead of a fixture with a struggling Wolves side currently heading towards one of the worst top-flight campaigns on record.

Should you have held onto some of your Africa Cup of Nations transfers , with the cash to spend after losing the unavailable Bruno Fernandes, in that case assets from Anfield picks ought to be your top priority.

This ideal squad is assembled according to present Fantasy Premier League prices to fit within a £100m budget, as if activating a one-week wildcard.

A Look Back at Last Week's Selection?

Captain Manchester City's striker (a massive haul) , alongside the productive pair of Antoine Semenyo (10 points) and Hugo Ekitike propelled the selection to a handsome total – with a bonus a 10-point contribution from Antonee Robinson from the replacements.

Our Fantasy Premier League Ideal Squad for Gameweek 18

Goalkeeper & Defenders

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

The North London side's defence experienced a brief dip in the wake of the absence of Gabriel, but they have recorded two clean sheets recently , boasting 9 to their name with less than the campaign's midpoint gone.

Mikel Arteta's side have let in goals in just a handful of fixtures at the Emirates this season. Those goals were scored by Erling Haaland, a long-range strike from Richarlison and a unexpected goal from Wolves' attacker.

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

This week features a three-pronged on the Arsenal backline.

Not only are they the top defence statistically, with a clean sheet in over 50% of their fixtures, they host a Brighton side who have not found the net in their last two games.

Brighton have a mere 9 goals from eight away games.

The Dutch defender remains a solid pick every week , with more offensive potential since returning to right-back.

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

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

One could select six Liverpool assets this week if the rules permitted.

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

They have a paltry 9 goals in total, with only a couple on the road. This is as safe a clean sheet bet possible.

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

Regardless of Leeds United's improved offensive form – highlighted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin – the pick is a Sunderland shutout at home.

It would be a third in a row and the Paraguayan defender is cementing himself as the best budget defender option. You can select him regularly in most games, due to his potential for defensive contribution returns.

Midfield

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

Mount will likely assume a key role at Manchester United in the next few games, following their Portuguese maestro being sidelined.

Over the past three games, United boast the highest expected goals (xG) across the Premier League by a comfortable distance – 8.78 against the next best Leeds' 5.68.

Their opponents are a Newcastle United side who have struggled in away matches – with just one win in their last seven.

The former Chelsea man is likely to take over many of Fernandes' creative responsibilities, particularly on set-pieces, and might operate behind the striker.

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

Wirtz is on the verge of a significant score , with a home match versus the struggling Wolves presenting the prime time for it.

He has posted points in three out of his past four games – a pair of assists and one defensive contribution performance.

Over that time his chance creation stands at 10 chances, a team-high among all his teammates, while his xG is 0.88.

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

After recording 30 points over two matches, Rogers' hot streak cannot be overlooked.

He is Aston Villa's main goal threat, with an ability to scoring a strike from half a yard of room inside the area.

A fixture at Chelsea might seem a challenging assignment, but Villa have emerged victorious at that ground on two occasions in recent years.

Forwards

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

Because of facing an abysmal Wolves side, a lack of competition for a starting spot, coupled with notched a five-goal haul in three games, Ekitike gets the captain's armband this week.

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

It is unthinkable to omitting the Norwegian goal machine, although with him having a tricky away game in this round, the choice is to look elsewhere for captaincy.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United, £7.6m