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What number of The Reds selections are you able to fit in your squad this week?

The Merseyside club have notched a pair of triumphs , featuring a in-form attacker in their French frontman ahead of a clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers who are on course for an abysmal top-flight seasons on record.

For managers who held onto some of your Africa Cup of Nations wildcards and have the cash to spend by replacing the unavailable Bruno Fernandes, consequently Liverpool players ought to be the primary focus.

This team of the week is assembled according to present Fantasy Premier League prices to fit within a £100m cap, mirroring activating a Free Hit chip.

What Was the Performance of Last Week's Selection?

Skipper Erling Haaland (a massive haul) and the hot pair of Bournemouth's forward (10 points) as well as Hugo Ekitike led the selection to a solid total – with a bonus a 10-point cameo from Fulham's defender as a substitute.

Our Fantasy Premier League Ideal Squad for Matchday 18

Goalkeeper and Defenders

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

The North London side's defence experienced a slight stumble after an injury to Gabriel, yet they've recorded two clean sheets over their last four matches and have 9 to their name with not even the campaign's midpoint gone.

The Emirates Stadium outfit have let in goals in just a handful of matches at home campaign. Those goals were scored by a Manchester City superstar, a long-range effort from Tottenham's forward and a late header from Tolu Arokodare.

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

We're opting for a triple selection on the Gunners' backline.

As well as being the top defensive unit in FPL, recording shutouts in more than half of their matches, they host a Roberto De Zerbi's team that has drawn a blank in two consecutive matches.

The South Coast club have a mere 9 goals across eight away games.

Timber continues to be a steady choice every week , possessing increased offensive potential since returning to right-back.

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

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

Managers would love six Liverpool assets this week if possible.

Gary O'Neil's team were shut out for the 10th time so far in a recent 2-0 home loss to the Bees.

They have a paltry 9 goals this campaign, including a couple away from home. It represents as safe a clean sheet opportunity imaginable.

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

Even with Leeds United's improved goalscoring upturn – including the performances of their striker – the pick is a Stadium of Light clean sheet on home soil.

This would secure a third consecutive and Alderete becoming the best value defensive pick. Managers can field him confidently in most games, given his potential for defensive contribution points.

Midfield

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

The English midfielder is expected to take on a key role at Manchester United over the coming fixtures, following their Portuguese maestro suffering an injury.

Over the past three games, Erik ten Hag's team have generated the highest expected goals (xG) in the league by over three goals – 8.78 versus the next best Leeds United's 5.68.

Their opponents are a Newcastle side who have struggled away from home – managing one win from seven attempts.

Mount may take over a large share of the injured star's creative responsibilities, especially on set-pieces, and could feature as an attacking midfielder.

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

Wirtz is on the verge of a major point return and a fixture at Anfield against Wolves being a perfect time for it.

Wirtz has delivered returns in three of his last four fixtures – a pair of assists plus a 'defcon' display.

In that period he's made 10 chances, a team-high of any Liverpool, while his expected goals totals 0.88.

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

Boasting 30 points in two games, the midfielder's current form demands attention.

He's Villa's key attacker, with an ability to scoring a strike from half a yard of room in the box.

An away trip to Stamford Bridge might seem a difficult proposition, the Birmingham club have won at that ground on two occasions in recent years.

Strikers

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

Because of his fixture, having no rivalry for a starting spot, and having bagged five goals over three matches, Ekitike receives the captaincy this week.

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

One cannot consider omitting Haaland, but because he has a more difficult fixture on the road in this round, we are opting to bet against him for captaincy.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.6m