FPL: @FPLReaction’ Top Three Picks for Gameweek 18

With the new round edging closer we bring in Fantasy Football Community and Fantasy Football Scout contributor @FPLReaction’ (Louis) to reel off his top three picks for Gameweek 18.

Here I will give you my top three picks for Gameweek 18 to try and help with that. There are some very obvious options with huge potential for the new round and whilst I will list them, I will also provide you with three different picks who I think could also do well.

The Obvious Options

Ollie Watkins (£8.6m)
Dominic Solanke (£6.8m)
Cole Palmer (£5.5m)
Nicolas Jackson (£6.9m)
Mohamed Salah (£13.2m)
Anthony Gordon (£6.2m)
Son Heung-Min (£9.7m)
Pedro Porro (£5.5m)

Leon Bailey

Just when I think Aston Villa can’t maintain their ridiculous run this season they win again. In fact, Unai Emery’ side sit second in the Premier League. That is largely due to their relentless home form – winning all of their matches so far this season.

Aston Villa play at home this week which is already convincing enough to invest. But, they also come face to face with the worst side in the league, Sheffield United. The Blades are very poor defensively and the fact they sit bottom for most of the underlying defensive stats reflects that.

Whilst many opt for Ollie Watkins some could be looking to double on the attack with a midfielder. The standout option for me is Leon Bailey (£5.6m) who seems to be the managers favoured winger at the moment based on his gametime. Bailey has been brilliant recently and we can see that in his output – he has picked up a return in four of his last six matches.

At £5.6m and against the worst defence in the division Bailey looks like he could have massive potential this week.

Richarlison

Tottenham have genuinely been one of the most exciting teams I have watched this season, and that is taking into account most teams in Europe I have seen play so far, which is a lot. Not one single team have stopped Tottenham from scoring this campaign which shows how far they have come without Harry Kane.

The data also backs Tottenham up offensively. When comparing other teams they rank in the top three for metric underlying metrics like total attempts on goal, shots in the box, shots on target and minutes per chance.

Richarlison (£6.7m) is an interesting one. The Brazilian has been a frustrating asset to own this season but he seems to be finding his feet again. In terms of recent gametime and form Richarlison has started both of the last two matches and picked up a huge 24 points. There is something poetic about Richarlison having a fixture against his old club Everton but one I think he will thrive in.

Mohammed Kudus

I have really enjoyed watching West Ham this season and there seems to be an extra edge to them. Other than their recent 5-0 mauling from Fulham the Hammers have won seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions. They are also a very strong home team – winning four of their last five home matches.

What is interesting is that West Ham play home this week. Manchester United lay ahead. Although they recently held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw they are likely to come out and play a lot more against a West Ham side they will feel they can beat.

The above could mean more space for the man of the moment Mohammed Kudus (£6.7m). The Ghanian was a player I was very excited about upon joining the Premier League. He has shown huge threat in the Champions League and World Cup so there is no surprise he has managed three double-digit hauls in his last seven matches. Kudus is the Hammer’ extra edge this season and I expect him to keep gaining momentum every time he plays.