Fantasy EFL Team Reveal for Gameweek 18

In this article we take a look at @LPbroadcasts Fantasy EFL team reveal for Gameweek 18. Our expert shares his team, rationale around each pick and discusses the two teams he is backing to win for the new round.

Our Fantasy EFL team reveal for Gameweek 18 could be very helpful for fantasy managers. Knowing who our expert picks could be extremely enlightening. It could also bring clarity to some of the decisions we have to make in our own teams.

Team Reveal

Goalkeeper

This week I have opted for Anthony Patterson. Although I was tempted by Blackburn’s Aynsley Pears, the Black Cats’ number one is a standout with two home fixtures. In his his last three Gameweeks, he’s banked 15 points, despite conceding two goalas in three games. Nevertheless, he’s kept seven clean sheets in 14, and six of these seven have come at the Stadium of Light. With upcoming matches against Stoke City and Bristol City, I expect at least one clean sheet.

Defenders

For my differential strategy this week, I’m backing Burnley duo Maxime Esteve (D) and CJ Egan-Riley (D). The centre-back pair have combined for 223 points in 33 matches combined. The Clarets have been sensational this season, keeping 12 clean sheets in 18, including five consecutive clean sheets, conceding only six goals. With Middlesbrough and Derby County set to visit Turf Moor, I expect at least another clean sheet across the two and defensive returns for the duo.

Leeds United’ Junior Firpo has also made his way into my team. The Dominican Republic international has three assists and one goal this season for Daniel Farke’s side, returning 92 points. The Whites face Derby and Middlesbrough at Elland Road, and I expect their impressive home form to continue. They’ve won seven games in front of their home faithful, keeping six clean sheets.

Midfielders

Norwich City’s Emiliano Marcondes is a shoo-in for me as a differential midfielder. The number 11 has hauled in his previous three matches, and is excelling in midfield since nailing a spot. With the two bottom sides up next for the Canaries – QPR (A) and Portsmouth (A) – we could see Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side haul on the road once again.

Taking my second midfield slot is Leeds’ Daniel James, although this could go down to the wire. The winger has three goals and four assists in 12, and against the Rams who haven’t kept a clean sheet since GW9 and Boro in GW11, I’m expecting goals at Elland Road. Although, rotation does concern me.

Forward

Borja Sainz was the first name on my team sheet, and I expect his ownership to skyrocket. The Spaniard has been unplayable for Norwich City, scoring 15 and providing three assists in 18. With 145 points and as Fantasy EFL’s highest-scorer, he’s a must-own. The number seven could easily bag another hat-trick on the road against two clubs that have shipped goals throughout the season.

Team Selections

Matching with my player selections, Burnley and Norwich are locked in, barring any shock team news. The Clarets have been sensational in the Championship, and are two points off league-leaders Sheffield United (38). Unbeaten in five, and their previous five home matches have seen wins, I’m expecting at least 14 points from Scott Parker’s side. Elsewhere, the Canaries have the chance to bank 22 points when they head on the road to London and the South coast. I can see at least 30 points from the pair!

Other Key Targets

The three double-ups does nerve me, so there are a few other options. Defence is locked, Dan James could become Millwall’s Casper De Norre if I look at the upside of interceptions. Equally, the Owls face PNE and Blackburn at Hillsborough Stadium, and club captain Barry Bannan enters the double in good form.