Gameweek 18 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is just around the corner, and it’s time to strategize and select your top picks for captains and key players. In this article, we will analyze the reference articles to identify the standout players and provide you with a comprehensive guide to maximize your points in this crucial round. So, let’s dive in and explore the top picks for Gameweek 18!
Ollie Watkins: The Home Encounter Advantage
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is back in contention as a top captain pick for Gameweek 18. With a home encounter against Sheffield United, Watkins has the opportunity to shine and deliver a strong performance. In recent weeks, Watkins has been in impressive form, netting four goals in the last six Gameweeks. His consistency in front of goal makes him a reliable option for FPL managers.
Watkins’ goal-scoring prowess is backed by his impressive statistics. He ranks third among forwards for shots, with 17 attempts in the last six Gameweeks. Additionally, his Expected Goals (xG) tally of 3.23 is among the highest in the league, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net. Moreover, Watkins has averaged 6.9 FPL points per game in home matches this season, further solidifying his credentials as a top pick.
Aston Villa has been in good attacking form, scoring 11 goals in the last six Gameweeks. They rank sixth for shots from open play and eighth for xG. On the other hand, Sheffield United’s defense has been vulnerable, conceding 13 goals in the same period. The Blades have allowed opponents 93 shots, highlighting their defensive weaknesses. Considering these factors, Watkins has a favorable fixture and the potential to deliver a strong performance.
Heung-Min Son: The Form Player
Tottenham Hotspur’s Heung-Min Son is another top pick for Gameweek 18. Son has been in exceptional form, scoring twice and providing three assists in the last four Gameweeks. He has accumulated 31 points over this period, only surpassed by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Son’s goal-scoring ability and creativity make him a valuable asset for FPL managers.
In terms of statistics, Son ranks seventh among midfielders for shots on target, with seven attempts in the last four Gameweeks. He has also created 13 chances, showcasing his playmaking skills. Son’s ability to produce big chances is evident, as he has created four such opportunities in recent weeks. With Spurs scoring 12 goals in the last six Gameweeks, Son has a strong supporting cast to contribute to his point tally.
Although Son faces a tough opponent in Everton, who have kept four successive clean sheets, his potential for big hauls cannot be ignored. FPL managers should consider Son as a viable captain option, given his recent form and ability to deliver points even against strong opposition.
Dominic Solanke: The In-Form Forward
Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke has emerged as a top pick among forwards for Gameweek 18. Solanke has been in scintillating form, netting five goals in the last six Gameweeks. He leads the pack in terms of shots and shots in the box, with 23 and 21 respectively. Moreover, his Expected Goals (xG) tally of 4.36 is among the highest in the league, showcasing his goal-scoring potential.
Bournemouth has been prolific in attack, scoring 13 goals in the last six Gameweeks. They rank third for shots in the box and fifth for xG, highlighting their attacking prowess. On the other hand, their opponents, Nottingham Forest, have conceded 15 goals in the same period and have struggled to keep clean sheets. With Solanke’s form and Bournemouth’s attacking capabilities, he presents a strong captaincy option for Gameweek 18.
Alex Iwobi: The Key Contributor
Fulham’s Alex Iwobi has been a key player for his team’s recent revival. In the last five league games, Iwobi has scored three goals and registered seven shots on target, leading the team in both categories. He has also created four chances, showcasing his ability to contribute to the attacking play.
Fulham has been the most prolific team in the league in terms of goals scored in the last six Gameweeks, finding the back of the net 17 times. They rank sixth for big chances and 12th for Expected Goals (xG), highlighting their attacking threat. Iwobi’s contributions have played a crucial role in Fulham’s attacking success, making him a valuable pick for Gameweek 18.
Pedro Porro: The Creative Force
Tottenham Hotspur’s Pedro Porro has taken on a more creative role in the absence of James Maddison. Over the last six Gameweeks, Porro has notched four assists, the highest among defenders. He has also created 18 chances, only trailing Trent Alexander-Arnold in this category. Furthermore, Porro leads all defenders in shots, with 14 attempts in recent weeks.
While Porro has yet to find the back of the net, his creative contributions and attacking threat make him a valuable asset. Tottenham has conceded 10 goals in the last six Gameweeks but has managed to keep one clean sheet. Their opponents, Everton, have scored 11 goals in the same period, ranking 10th for shots in the box and ninth for xG. Considering these factors, Porro offers both defensive stability and attacking potential for FPL managers.