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What number of Liverpool players are you able to squeeze into your squad in the upcoming gameweek?

Jurgen Klopp's side have notched back-to-back wins and boast a red-hot striker in Hugo Ekitike preparing for a fixture with Wolverhampton Wanderers that are on course for a historically poor top-flight seasons on record.

For managers who held onto a few of your Africa Cup of Nations free transfers , with the cash to spend by replacing the sidelined Bruno Fernandes, then Liverpool players should be the main consideration.

This weekly selection is chosen using latest Fantasy Premier League valuations to stay under a £100m cap, simulating activating a Free Hit.

A Look Back at Our Recent Selection?

Skipper Manchester City's striker (a massive haul) , combined with the hot pair of Antoine Semenyo (10 points) and Hugo Ekitike guided the squad to a solid score – enhanced by a double-digit performance from Antonee Robinson off the bench.

The Fantasy Premier League Ideal Squad for Matchday 18

Keeper & Defenders

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

The North London side's backline had a minor wobble in the wake of an injury to Gabriel, however, they've recorded two shutouts over their last four matches , boasting 9 already with not even the campaign's midpoint completed.

The Emirates Stadium outfit have let in goals in just a handful of home games this season. The strikes they conceded came from Erling Haaland, a spectacular effort from Richarlison and a unexpected header from Tolu Arokodare.

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

We're opting for a three-pronged on the Arsenal backline.

They are the best defence in the game, recording shutouts in over 50% of their fixtures, they take on a Brighton team who have not found the net in their last two matches.

Brighton have only managed 9 strikes in eight fixtures away from home.

Timber is a reliable option every week , with more goal threat now he is the full-back role.

The Ecuadorian has earned defensive contribution points in his past four starts, featuring two clean sheets.

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

One could select six Liverpool assets this week if allowed.

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

They have scored just 9 goals all season, including a couple away from home. That makes this one of the safest clean sheet bet available.

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

Despite the Yorkshire club's recent goalscoring upturn – including the performances of Dominic Calvert-Lewin – I'm backing a Stadium of Light clean sheet on home soil.

It would be their third consecutive , with the Paraguayan defender establishing himself as the best budget defender option. You can select him with assurance in most games, given his regular 'defcon' points.

Midfield

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

The English midfielder should play a key responsibility for Manchester United in the next few games, with their Portuguese maestro suffering an injury.

Over the past three games, United registered the best xG across the Premier League by a significant margin – 8.78 compared to second-best Leeds United's 5.68.

They welcome a Newcastle side who have struggled away from home – with just one win in seven.

The former Chelsea man may take over a large share of the injured star's playmaking duties, especially from dead-ball situations, and could 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 , with a home match versus the struggling Wolves being an ideal scenario for that to happen.

Wirtz has posted points across four recent games – a pair of assists and one 'defcon' display.

Over that time his chance creation stands at 10 chances, the highest among all Liverpool, and his expected goals stands at 0.88.

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

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

He is Aston Villa's key attacker, capable of scoring a strike with the smallest room in the box.

A fixture to Chelsea could be viewed as a tough assignment, but Villa have won at that ground in two of the past three seasons.

Forwards

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

Because of his fixture, having no competition for his place, and having notched a five-goal haul in three games, Ekitike gets the captain's armband this week.

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

One cannot consider benching Haaland, however because he has a tricky away game this week, we are opting to look elsewhere for the armband.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United, £7.6m