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What number of The Reds assets are you able to squeeze in your lineup this week?

Jurgen Klopp's side are coming off two consecutive victories and boast a sizzling forward in Hugo Ekitike preparing for a encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers that are on course for a historically poor Premier League campaigns on record.

If you've kept a few of your AFCON wildcards and have the cash to reinvest by replacing the sidelined Manchester United's playmaker, then Liverpool players ought to be your top priority.

The team of the week is constructed based on latest Fantasy Premier League prices to fit within a £100m budget, as if using a Free Hit.

What Was the Performance of The Previous Selection?

Captain Erling Haaland (a massive haul) and the hot duo of Bournemouth's forward (10 points) as well as Liverpool's frontman propelled the selection to a respectable score – supplemented by a 10-point contribution from Fulham's defender as a substitute.

This Week's Fantasy Premier League Selection for Gameweek 18

Goalkeeper & Defenders

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

Arsenal's backline experienced a brief dip following the absence of Gabriel, however, they've recorded two shutouts over their last four matches , with nine already before half the season played.

The Emirates Stadium outfit have let in goals in only three matches at home campaign. The strikes they conceded were scored by a Manchester City superstar, a spectacular strike from Richarlison , plus a late header from Tolu Arokodare.

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

This week features a triple selection from the Arsenal backline.

Not only are they the top defensive unit statistically, recording shutouts in more than half of their matches, they face a Brighton team that has drawn a blank in their last two matches.

Brighton have a mere nine goals from eight away games.

The Dutch defender remains a solid choice each gameweek and has more goal threat now he is the full-back role.

The Ecuadorian has registered defensive contribution points in his past four appearances, featuring a pair of shutouts.

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

Managers would love half a dozen Anfield assets for this fixture if possible.

Wolves failed to score for the tenth occasion in 17 games in Saturday's two-nil home loss to the Bees.

They have a paltry 9 strikes in total, with only a couple on the road. It represents a very secure clean sheet prospect possible.

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

Regardless of Leeds United's improved offensive form – including the performances of Dominic Calvert-Lewin – I'm backing a Sunderland shutout at home.

It would be a third consecutive , with Alderete becoming a prime low-cost defensive pick. Managers can field him confidently across many fixtures, given his regular defensive contribution points.

Midfield

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

Mount will likely assume a significant responsibility at Old Trafford over the coming fixtures, following Bruno Fernandes suffering an injury.

Over the past three games, United have generated the best xG statistically by a comfortable distance – 8.78 compared to second-best Leeds' 5.68.

They welcome a Newcastle United team who have not excelled on the road – with just a single victory in their last seven.

Mount could well take over a large share of the injured star's playmaking duties, particularly on set-pieces, potentially feature as an attacking midfielder.

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

The German playmaker is due a big haul and a home match against the struggling Wolves presenting a perfect scenario for that to happen.

Wirtz has registered attacking returns in three of four recent games – two assists plus a defensive contribution performance.

During that spell he has created 10 chances, the highest among all Liverpool, while his xG totals 0.88.

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

Boasting 30 points across two gameweeks, the midfielder's current form demands attention.

He's Villa's talisman, capable of creating a strike from the smallest space inside the area.

A fixture at Chelsea might seem a difficult assignment, the Birmingham club have won at that ground on two occasions in the past three seasons.

Forwards

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

Given his fixture, having no competition for a starting spot, and having notched a five-goal haul in three games, the French striker earns the captain's armband for this round.

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

There's no omitting the Norwegian goal machine, however with him having a tricky away game this week, the choice is to bet against him for captaincy.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United, £7.6m