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How many The Reds selections are you able to squeeze inside your lineup for this round?

Jurgen Klopp's side are coming off a pair of triumphs , with a red-hot striker in Hugo Ekitike preparing for a clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers that are tracking for an abysmal top-flight seasons in history.

For managers who retained some of your AFCON free transfers , and possess the funds to spend by replacing the sidelined Bruno Fernandes, consequently Liverpool picks should be the primary focus.

The ideal squad is assembled based on latest FPL prices to fit within a 100 million pound budget, simulating activating a one-week wildcard.

What Was the Performance of The Previous Selection?

Captain Manchester City's striker (a massive haul) and the hot pair of Bournemouth's forward (10 points) and Hugo Ekitike guided the team to a respectable 82 points – enhanced by a 10-point contribution from Antonee Robinson from the replacements.

The Fantasy Premier League Ideal Squad for Gameweek 18

Goalkeeper and Defenders

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

The North London side's backline suffered a minor wobble in the wake of the absence of their Brazilian defender, yet they've recorded two shutouts over their last four matches , with 9 already with not even half the season played.

The Emirates Stadium outfit have conceded in all but three home games campaign. The strikes they conceded came from a Manchester City superstar, a long-range effort from Tottenham's forward and a surprise 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 on the Arsenal backline.

Not only are they the strongest defensive unit statistically, with a clean sheet in over 50% of their fixtures, they face a Brighton side that has drawn a blank in two consecutive outings.

Brighton have scored just nine goals in eight away games.

Timber is a solid choice every week , with greater offensive potential now he is right-back.

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

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

Managers would love six Liverpool players for this fixture if possible.

Gary O'Neil's team failed to score for the tenth occasion so far in a recent two-nil home loss to Brentford.

They have only managed 9 goals this campaign, including two away from home. This is a very secure shutout prospect imaginable.

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

Regardless of Leeds United's improved offensive form – and the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin – I'm backing a Stadium of Light shutout on home soil.

It would be a third in a row and the Paraguayan defender becoming an outstanding low-cost defensive pick. Managers can field him regularly in most games, thanks to his potential for defensive contribution returns.

Midfield

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

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

Over the past three games, Erik ten Hag's team boast the highest expected goals (xG) statistically by a significant margin – 8.78 compared to the next best Leeds' 5.68.

They face a Newcastle side who have been poor away from home – with just one win from seven attempts.

The former Chelsea man may take over a large share of the injured star's playmaking duties, particularly on set-pieces, potentially play behind the striker.

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

The German playmaker is on the verge of a big haul , with a fixture at Anfield against the struggling Wolves being an ideal scenario for it.

He has delivered returns in three out of his last four fixtures – two assists and one defensive contribution performance.

During that spell he has created 10 chances, the most of any Liverpool, while his xG is 0.88.

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

With 30 points across two gameweeks, Rogers' current form cannot be overlooked.

He is Aston Villa's talisman, capable of creating a goal from half a yard of room in the box.

An away trip at Chelsea might seem a challenging assignment, the Birmingham club have won there twice during the past three seasons.

Forwards

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

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

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

It is unthinkable to dropping the Norwegian goal machine, however with him having a tricky away game this week, we are opting to pass over him for the armband.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United, £7.6m