Gameweek 18 is fast approaching, and Fantasy Premier League managers have very little time to make their moves. With fixtures coming thick and fast, choosing the right players could make all the difference.
This article highlights players with the most promising runs of matches heading into Gameweek 18 and points out the options worth considering for your team over the next few gameweeks.
With several top players away for the Africa Cup of Nations, we also explore which players could step in as effective
replacements for the upcoming FPL deadline.
Jordan Pickford (£5.5m) – Everton vs Burnley
Jordan Pickford has been a reliable option for FPL managers this season, consistently earning points from his goalkeeping duties.
Even in Everton’s recent loss to a strong Arsenal side, the Toffees’ keeper produced a solid performance.
With Burnley coming up next, Pickford looks set to provide another good opportunity for returns, making him a dependable choice for managers seeking security in goal.
Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m) – Liverpool vs Wolves
Van Dijk is a reliable option for FPL managers looking for defensive cover this gameweek, as the Liverpool centre-back not only provides defensive stability but can also be a threat from set-pieces.
If his strong defensive form continues, he could help Liverpool keep a clean sheet while delivering steady points, making him a dependable pick for this Gameweek.
Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) – Arsenal vs Brighton
Jurrien Timber has established himself as a key defender for Arsenal this season, starting most matches and becoming a regular in their backline.
He has improved both defensively and going forward, helping the Gunners in possession and contributing to attacks down the right flank.
With Arsenal still competing at the top of the Premier League, Timber looks like a solid pick for managers seeking defensive returns and potential bonus points against Brighton.
Joachim Andersen (£4.6m) – Fulham vs WestHam
Andersen has become one of Fulham’s most consistent defenders, starting regularly and contributing with clearances, tackles, and interceptions.
Despite Fulham’s mixed clean sheet record, Andersen stands out for his defensive involvement and offers a cheap way to free up funds elsewhere in your squad.
With West Ham up next, a side that has yet to keep a clean sheet under their current manager, Andersen looks like a solid budget pick for managers seeking steady returns.
Nico O’Reilly (£5.3m) – Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest
Nico O’Reilly has been attracting attention as a solid FPL option this season.
The Manchester City defender has started consistently and contributed both defensively and going forward, helping him pick up points and bonus potential.
In his last match against West Ham, he faced some physical challenges but remained composed on the ball and helped the team keep a clean sheet.
With City facing Nottingham Forest next, O’Reilly looks like a strong budget option for managers seeking returns from the back.
Matheus Cunha (£8.0m) – Manchester United vs Newcastle
Matheus Cunha has started to hit form at just the right time for Manchester United, scoring twice and assisting once in his last three appearances.
With several United players out injured or away for the Africa Cup of Nations, Cunha’s minutes look secure, and he could even be on penalty duty in the absence of Bruno Fernandes, who was off the pitch in the first half against Aston Villa.
He is also a bit cheaper than some of his teammates, making him an attractive option for managers looking to strengthen their midfield against Newcastle.
Bukayo Saka (£10.3m) – Arsenal vs Brighton
One of Arsenal’s key midfielders this season, Bukayo Saka, has scored four goals and provided four assists, with many of his returns coming in recent weeks.
Early in the season, some managers considered transferring him out, but he now looks like a player worth keeping or bringing in if not already owned.
There are some uncertainties, including Arsenal’s shared penalty duties, as Viktor Gyokeres recently took a penalty while Saka was on the pitch.
The Gunners face a fairly challenging set of fixtures, so while Saka can provide goals and assists, managers should keep this in mind ahead of the game against Brighton.
Phil Foden (£8.9m) – Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest
Manchester City’s midfield has been powered this season by Phil Foden and Cherki, with both players contributing creativity and supporting the attack.
In City’s recent 3‑0 win over West Ham, Foden was not able to score, but his presence and influence in the final third were clear, helping City control the game and create chances.
Both Foden and Cherki have been important for Manchester City’s strong form this season.
With Nottingham Forest coming up next, they look set to play key roles and offer good potential for returns from midfield.
Morgan Rogers (£7.2m) – Aston Villa vs Chelsea
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has been in excellent form recently, which has pushed his price up to £7.2m.
He has accumulated 166 points this season and is owned by 16.2% of FPL managers.
Rogers has been heavily involved in Villa’s attack, earning two points against Arsenal in a 2-1 defeat before scoring 15 points in the 3-2 win over West Ham and following that with another 15-point haul in the 2-1 victory over Manchester United.
He faces a tough test away at Chelsea in Gameweek 18, followed by a home clash against Arsenal.
Both games could challenge his momentum, but he remains an appealing midfield option for managers looking for form and potential points.
Hugo Ekitiké (£8.8m) – Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Liverpool’s attack has been boosted by Hugo Ekitiké, who has been in excellent form recently.
The forward has scored five goals in his last three matches and has been transferred in by over 425,000 FPL managers so far, highlighting his growing popularity.
He has already delivered strong returns with 13 points against both Leeds and Brighton, plus nine points versus Tottenham.
With upcoming fixtures including Wolves away, Leeds at home, Fulham away, Arsenal at home, and Burnley away, Ekitiké offers several opportunities for attacking returns and looks set to be a key part of Liverpool’s frontline.
Erling Haaland (£15.0m) – Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest.
Manchester City’s attack continues to revolve around Erling Haaland, who showed his quality again in the recent 3-0 win over West Ham, scoring twice and leading the line with confidence.
His movement, physical presence, and finishing make him central to City’s attacking threat.
Haaland remains the most captained player in FPL, trusted by managers almost every Gameweek, and those who used their Triple Captain chip on him in Gameweek 17 were rewarded with big points, making him one of the most reliable assets in the game and a strong captaincy option for Gameweek 18.
With so many key players and fixtures shaping up this Gameweek, who are you backing to make the biggest impact in your squad? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.
