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The quantity of Liverpool assets might you accommodate in your lineup this week?

The Merseyside club have secured a pair of triumphs and boast a sizzling striker in Hugo Ekitike preparing for a clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers that are heading towards a historically poor top-flight seasons on record.

For managers who kept a portion of your AFCON free transfers , with the budget to reinvest by replacing the injured Bruno Fernandes, consequently Liverpool picks ought to be the primary focus.

This team of the week is chosen using current FPL prices to fit within a 100 million pound budget, as if you were playing a one-week wildcard.

What Was the Performance of Our Recent Team?

Captain Erling Haaland (a massive haul) , combined with the hot pair of Antoine Semenyo (10 points) as well as Hugo Ekitike propelled the squad to a handsome total – with a bonus a double-digit performance from Antonee Robinson from the replacements.

Our Fantasy Premier League Ideal Squad for Gameweek 18

Goalkeeper & Defence

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

Arsenal's backline experienced a slight stumble following the absence of Gabriel, but they have secured two shutouts in their past four , with 9 so far with less than half the season completed.

Mikel Arteta's side have conceded in just a handful of fixtures at the Emirates this season. Those goals came from Erling Haaland, a spectacular strike from Tottenham's forward , plus a surprise goal from Tolu Arokodare.

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

This week features a triple-up on the Gunners' backline.

Not only are they the top defensive unit in FPL, recording shutouts in more than half of their fixtures, they take on a Roberto De Zerbi's team that has drawn a blank in their last two outings.

Brighton have scored just 9 goals from eight away games.

Timber continues to be a steady choice every week and has increased attacking upside operating as right-back.

Hincapie has registered 'defcon' points in four consecutive starts, including a pair of shutouts.

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

I'd pick half a dozen Anfield assets this week if the rules permitted.

Wolves failed to score for the tenth occasion this season during Saturday's two-nil defeat at Molineux to the Bees.

They have scored just 9 strikes in total, including a couple away from home. It represents as safe a shutout bet possible.

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

Despite the Yorkshire club's recent goalscoring upturn – including the performances of Dominic Calvert-Lewin – I'm backing a Sunderland shutout at home.

It would be their third in a row and Alderete is cementing himself as the best budget defensive pick. Managers can field him confidently in most games, due to his consistent defensive contribution points.

Midfielders

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

Mount is expected to take on a bigger role for Manchester United in the next few games, due to their Portuguese maestro out injured.

In their last three matches, Erik ten Hag's team have generated the greatest xG statistically by over three goals – 8.78 compared to second-best Leeds' 5.68.

They face a Newcastle United team that has struggled on the road – managing a single victory in their last seven.

Mount could well inherit a large share of Fernandes' playmaking duties, particularly on set-pieces, potentially operate behind the striker.

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

The German playmaker is due a major point return , with a home match versus Wolves representing the prime opportunity for it.

Wirtz has posted points in three of his past four games – a pair of assists and one 'defcon' display.

Over that time he's made 10 chances, a team-high among all his teammates, and his expected goals is 0.88.

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

Boasting 30 points in two games, the midfielder's current form cannot be overlooked.

He is Aston Villa's talisman, with an ability to scoring a strike with half a yard of space in the box.

A fixture to Chelsea might seem a tough proposition, the Birmingham club have emerged victorious there on two occasions in the last three campaigns.

Forwards

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

Due to his fixture, having no competition for a starting spot, coupled with scored five goals in three games, Ekitike gets the captain's armband for this round.

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

It is unthinkable to benching Haaland, although because he has a more difficult away game in this round, I'm willing to look elsewhere with the captain's role.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United, £7.6m