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How many Liverpool selections are you able to squeeze into your team this week?

Jurgen Klopp's side have notched a pair of triumphs , with a sizzling striker in Hugo Ekitike going into a fixture with Wolves currently heading towards one of the worst top-flight seasons ever.

For managers who held onto some of your Africa Cup of Nations transfers and have the budget to spend following the injury to the unavailable Manchester United's playmaker, in that case assets from Anfield options should be your top priority.

The weekly selection is assembled according to latest Fantasy Premier League valuations to comply with a £100m spending limit, mirroring activating a one-week wildcard.

What Was the Performance of The Previous Selection?

Skipper Erling Haaland (32 points) and the productive duo of Antoine Semenyo (10 points) and Liverpool's frontman propelled the squad to a handsome score – supplemented by a double-digit cameo from Fulham's defender as a substitute.

The Fantasy Premier League Ideal Squad for Gameweek 18

Keeper & Defence

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

The North London side's defence had a slight stumble after the absence of their Brazilian defender, but they have kept two clean sheets over their last four matches and have nine so far with less than half the season completed.

Mikel Arteta's side have conceded in all but three fixtures at the Emirates campaign. Those goals were scored by a Manchester City superstar, a spectacular strike from Richarlison and a late goal from Wolves' attacker.

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

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

Not only are they the strongest defensive unit in FPL, recording shutouts in over 50% of their matches, they face a Roberto De Zerbi's side who have not found the net in their last two matches.

The South Coast club have only managed 9 strikes across eight matches on the road.

The Dutch defender remains a solid option every week , possessing more attacking upside now he is the full-back role.

The Ecuadorian has earned defensive contribution points in four consecutive appearances, which included two clean sheets.

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

One could select six Liverpool assets for this fixture if possible.

Gary O'Neil's team failed to score for the 10th time in 17 games during a recent 2-0 home loss to Brentford.

They have only managed nine strikes all season, with only a couple away from home. This is as safe a clean sheet bet available.

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

Despite Leeds United's improved offensive form – including the performances of their striker – I'm backing a Sunderland shutout on home soil.

This would secure their third in a row and the Paraguayan defender establishing himself as the best budget defensive pick. You can field him with assurance across many fixtures, given his regular 'defcon' returns.

Midfielders

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

The English midfielder is expected to take on a bigger responsibility for Old Trafford in the next few games, following Bruno Fernandes out injured.

In their last three matches, Erik ten Hag's team boast the best expected goals (xG) across the Premier League by a comfortable distance – 8.78 compared to second-best Leeds' 5.68.

Their opponents are a Newcastle United side that has struggled on the road – with just one win in their last seven.

The former Chelsea man may take over many of the injured star's creative responsibilities, especially on set-pieces, and might feature as an attacking midfielder.

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

The German playmaker is on the verge of a big haul and a home match versus the struggling Wolves being an ideal scenario for that to happen.

He has posted points across his last four games – a pair of assists plus a defensive contribution performance.

In that period his chance creation stands at 10 chances, a team-high among all his teammates, while his expected goals is 0.88.

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

Boasting 30 points over two matches, Rogers' hot streak is impossible to ignore.

He's Villa's key attacker, capable of creating a goal with the smallest room in the box.

A fixture to Chelsea may appear a challenging proposition, the Birmingham club have won at that ground twice during the past three seasons.

Forwards

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

Because of facing an abysmal Wolves side, having no competition for a starting spot, and having bagged a five-goal haul in three games, Ekitike gets the captain's armband this week.

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

It is unthinkable to dropping the Norwegian goal machine, however because he has a more difficult away game in this round, the choice is to pass over him with the captain's role.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United, £7.6m