🔗 Share this article

What number of The Reds players might you fit inside your squad this week?

Jurgen Klopp's side are coming off two consecutive victories , with a red-hot attacker in Hugo Ekitike preparing for a encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers who are heading towards one of the worst Premier League campaigns in history.

If you've kept some of your Africa Cup of Nations wildcards , and possess the cash to reinvest by replacing the injured Bruno Fernandes, consequently assets from Anfield picks must be your top priority.

This team of the week is assembled based on latest Fantasy Premier League prices to comply with a 100 million pound budget, as if you were playing a Free Hit.

How Did Last Week's Team?

Skipper Erling Haaland (a massive haul) and the productive duo of Antoine Semenyo (10 points) and Liverpool's frontman led the squad to a handsome total – supplemented by a double-digit performance from Antonee Robinson from the replacements.

The Fantasy Premier League Ideal Squad for Gameweek 18

Keeper and Defenders

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

The North London side's backline had a slight stumble in the wake of the absence of Gabriel, yet they've secured two shutouts in their past four , with nine already before the campaign's midpoint completed.

Mikel Arteta's side have let in goals in only three matches at home campaign. The strikes they conceded were scored by Erling Haaland, 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 Brighton (H).

We're opting for a triple-up on the Arsenal defence.

As well as being the strongest defensive unit statistically, recording shutouts in the majority of their matches, they host a Roberto De Zerbi's side that has failed to score in their past two games.

The South Coast club have scored just nine goals from eight away games.

The Dutch defender remains a reliable option every week , possessing increased offensive potential operating as right-back.

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

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

Managers would love half a dozen Liverpool players for this fixture if allowed.

Gary O'Neil's team failed to score once again in 17 games in a recent 2-0 home loss to the Bees.

They have a paltry 9 goals in total, with only two on the road. That makes this one of the safest clean sheet prospect possible.

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

Despite Leeds United's improved offensive form – highlighted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin – we're selecting a Sunderland shutout on home soil.

This would secure their third in a row , with Alderete establishing himself as an outstanding budget defender option. Managers can start him with assurance across many fixtures, thanks to his consistent defensive contribution points.

Midfielders

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

The English midfielder should play a key role at Old Trafford over the coming fixtures, with their Portuguese maestro suffering an injury.

Recently, Erik ten Hag's team have generated the greatest expected goals (xG) in the league by over three goals – 8.78 compared to the next best Leeds United's 5.68.

They face a Newcastle United side that has struggled in away matches – managing a single victory in seven.

The former Chelsea man is likely to take over many of Fernandes' creative responsibilities, particularly on set-pieces, and could operate in the number 10 role.

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

Wirtz is poised for a major point return and a fixture at Anfield versus the struggling Wolves presenting an ideal time for that to happen.

Wirtz has delivered returns in three of his last four games – a pair of assists plus a defensive contribution display.

During that spell he has created 10 chances, the most of any Liverpool, while his expected goals totals 0.88.

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

With 30 points across two gameweeks, Rogers' hot streak demands attention.

He's Villa's main goal threat, with an ability to producing a goal from half a yard of space inside the area.

An away trip to Chelsea could be viewed as a challenging proposition, 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).

Due to his fixture, a lack of competition for his place, and having bagged a five-goal haul over three matches, Ekitike gets the captaincy this week.

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

There's no omitting the Norwegian goal machine, however because he has a tricky fixture on the road this week, we are opting to look elsewhere for the armband.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m