As we look ahead to Gameweek 18, FPL managers are preparing to set up their squads and maximize their points.
I’ll also be making a few changes for the new gameweek, as some of my players are either injured or underperforming.
Game Week 17 Review
For Gameweek 17, my team delivered an impressive performance. I used one of my chips—the Bench Boost—so I didn’t miss out on any potential points, although I did expect more from a few players.
I once again retained David Raya as my goalkeeper for GW17. Arsenal played away at
Everton and secured a narrow 1–0 win. Raya delivered an outstanding performance and was named Man-of-the-Match.
He made several crucial saves, earning 7 FPL points for my team.
Arsenal face Brighton at home in GW18, a fixture that promises to be challenging, so I’ll be benching Raya for gameweek 18.
My defensive line consisted of three players, but they didn’t perform as well as I had hoped. Chalobah earned 3 points after a 2–2 draw against Newcastle.
He lost points for conceding two goals but picked up 2 points from his defensive contributions. I’ll be keeping him for GW18, as his side faces Aston Villa.
My second defender, Diakité, played at home against Burnley but failed to keep a clean sheet in their 1–1 draw. After playing the full 90 minutes, he earned just 2 points.
Guéhi managed only 1 point after Crystal Palace suffered a shocking 4–1 defeat to Leeds United. He couldn’t keep a clean sheet and was also booked during the match.
Despite this, I’m keeping him as a key part of my defense, with Palace hosting Spurs in GW18.
In midfield, I brought in Phil Foden for GW17. He earned just 3 points after playing 90 minutes and benefiting from a clean sheet in Manchester City’s 3–0 home win over West Ham United.
I’m keeping him for GW18, hoping for a stronger return.
Minteh was another new addition, and he picked up 3 points as Brighton played out a goalless draw against Sunderland.
Bruno Guimarães blanked in GW17, earning only 2 points, which was surprising for a player of his quality.
Semenyo, however, impressed. He scored his team’s only goal in a 1–1 draw against Burnley and earned 3 bonus points, bringing his total for gameweek 17 to 10 FPL points.
Gravenberch also underwhelmed. Despite Liverpool’s win over Spurs, he earned just 2 points after playing 90 minutes and failing to keep a clean sheet.
Up front, I fielded Ekitike and Haaland, and both delivered excellent performances.
Ekitike scored in Liverpool’s clash against Spurs, netting the eventual winner in a 2–1 victory. He also earned 3 bonus points, finishing the gameweek with 9 FPL points.
Haaland, my main attacking asset and captain, was outstanding once again against West Ham—the Premier League team he has scored against the most, with 11 goals.
He was involved in all three goals in City’s 3–0 win, scoring twice and registering an assist. He also picked up 3 bonus points, bringing his total to 32 FPL points for GW17, a fantastic return as captain.
I used my Bench Boost chip in GW17, which paid off well. My benched players—Roefs, Cash, O’Reilly, and Thiago—combined for a total of 17 points.
GW-18 FPL Preview
Looking ahead, I strongly advise managers to use their FPL chips before the GW19 deadline, as they will reset in GW20. Use them or lose them.
For GW18, the only new player I’m bringing into my squad is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. I replaced Thiago, who has blanked for a couple of weeks.
Calvert-Lewin has been in excellent form recently, scoring six goals in his last five Premier League appearances.
He has been consistent and faces Sunderland in GW18, and I’m backing him to continue his strong run and reward my decision to bring him in.
Haaland remains my captain heading into GW18. He plays away at Nottingham Forest, which could be a tricky fixture for City, but I’m trusting him to deliver once again.
He currently leads the league in attacking returns with 19 goals and 4 assists.
Take a look below to see how my GW18 team lines up:
What do you think about my team for Gameweek 18? And how did your squad perform in Gameweek 17? Kindly share your thoughts below!
