FPL tips for gameweek 18: Captain Hugo Ekitike, pick Mason Mount and go big on Arsenal defence

David Raya, Arsenalgoalkeeper, £6 million – Brighton (H)

Arsenal’s defense has stumbled a bit since Gabriel’s injury, but they have kept two clean sheets in their last four and nine games and have played less than half the season.

The Gunners have not conceded a goal in all three home matches this season. Those goals conceded came from Erling Haaland, Richarlison’s stunner from the halfway line, and a surprise late header from Tolu Arokodare for the often toothless Wolves.

Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) and Piero Hincapie (£5.5m), Arsenal – Brighton (H)

There is a game this week where Arsenal tripled their defense.

Not only are they the best defense in the game, keeping clean sheets in more than half of their matches, but they are facing a Brighton team that hasn’t scored a goal in their last two matches.

The Seagulls could only score nine goals in eight away matches.

Timber is a solid pick every week and has more offensive upside now that he’s back at right guard.

Hincapie has earned defensive contribution points (defcon) in his last four starts, including two clean sheets.

Virgil van Dijk Liverpool£5.9 million – wolves (H)

If I had the chance, I would choose six Liverpool players this week.

Wolves failed to score for the 10th time in 17 games in their 2-0 home defeat to Brentford on Saturday.

They only scored nine goals all season, two of which were away. This is as safe a clean slate as they come.

Omer Alderete, Sunderland£4 million – Leeds (H)

Despite Leeds’ recent increase in goal scoring and the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, I am in favor of Sunderland keeping a clean sheet at home.

This will be his third in a row and Alderete proves to be the best defender on the budget. Considering the potential of Defcon, you can start most games with confidence.