FPL Gameweek 18-team-news tips: choose Erling Haaland as captain
By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 6 min read
fpl gameweek 18-team-news tips: choose Erling Haaland as captain for the 18th gameweek. He tops the points chart with 239 points, 27 goals and 8 assists, and his 155-million price is justified by his consistent output. The matchups favour his team, Liverpool, against a low‑scoring Aston Villa side, giving him a high chance to contribute. This is the clear call for the squad.
The fixtures table
| Home | Away | Venue | Kickoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | Liverpool | Villa Park | 20:00 |
| Coventry City | Brentford | Coventry Building Society Arena | 20:00 |
| Crystal Palace | Bournemouth | Selhurst Park | 20:00 |
| Everton | Man City | Hill Dickinson Stadium | 20:00 |
| Fulham | Arsenal | Craven Cottage | 20:00 |
| Hull City | Leeds | MKM Stadium | 20:00 |
| Ipswich Town | Chelsea | Portman Road | 20:00 |
| Newcastle | Nott'm Forest | ||
| Spurs | Brighton | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | 20:00 |
| Man Utd | Sunderland | Old Trafford | 20:00 |
Captain picks (3 ranked)
- Erling Haaland - the top scorer of the season. He has 27 goals, 8 assists and 239 total points, and his 155-million price is offset by a 74.80% selection rate. Liverpool’s fixtures against low‑scoring sides such as Aston Villa and Everton give him plenty of opportunities to pick up points. His consistency makes him a safe pick for the captaincy.
- João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus - a reliable firepower provider. With 15 goals, 9 assists and 177 points, he commands a 54.20% selection rate and a 75-million price tag. Chelsea faces a solid Crystal Palace defence that has struggled to keep clean sheets, offering a chance for him to exploit gaps. His track record of scoring against tough teams makes him a solid second‑choice captain.
- Bruno Borges Fernandes - a creative midfielder with a high return. He has 9 goals, 24 assists and 235 points at 120-million, and a 48.70% selection rate. Man United’s fixtures include a clash with Sunderland, a side that has conceded 48 goals this season, opening room for his influence. His ability to deliver both goals and assists keeps him in the conversation.
Players to bring in (4-5)
Bringing in Igor Thiago from Brentford adds a goal‑scoring threat on the wing. He has 22 goals, 1 assist, 181 points and a 20.60 expected goal tally at 80-million, making him a valuable budget option. Brentford’s fixture against Coventry City is a low‑defence opponent, so he has a higher probability of scoring. His 10 clean sheets show he is a solid defensive support. Adding Bryan Mbeumo will provide a midfield option with a strong goal contribution. He has 11 goals, 3 assists, 148 points and an 11.98 expected goal tally at 80-million. His upcoming match against Sunderland is a match where the opposition has conceded 48 goals, giving him a chance to shine. His 8 clean sheets demonstrate his defensive reliability. The inclusion of Ollie Watkins will offer a striker with a proven knack for finishing. He has 16 goals, 4 assists, 167 points and a 15.40 expected goal count, all for an 80-million price. Villa’s fixture against Liverpool is a high‑profile game, but Watkins’ track record against top sides gives him a realistic chance to deliver. His 9 clean sheets add a defensive edge to the squad. Morgan Gibbs‑White from Nottm Forest is a budget‑friendly forward with decent returns. He recorded 15 goals, 4 assists, 188 points and a 10.81 expected goal figure at 80-million. The upcoming fixture against Coventry City is a low‑defence game, which bodes well for his scoring opportunities. His 10 clean sheets show his defensive contribution as well. If you're looking for a midfield differential, consider Jérémy Doku from Liverpool. He offers 5 goals, 8 assists, 120 points and a 2.86 expected goal figure for a 75-million price. Liverpool’s match against Everton presents a chance to exploit a side that has struggled defensively. His 8 clean sheets highlight his defensive consistency.
Players to move on (2-3)
Removing Harry Wilson from Leeds will free up budget and reduce risk. He has 10 goals, 9 assists, 168 points but his 65-million price and 8.50% selection rate mean he is less attractive than alternatives. Leeds’ fixture against Sunderland is against a team that has conceded 48 goals, but Wilson’s recent form has dipped. Dropping him allows a more productive player to slot in. Dropping Nico O'Reilly from Man City is also sensible. He has 5 goals, 4 assists, 160 points and a 22.70% selection rate, while his 65-million price keeps him on the high end. Man City’s game against Liverpool is a challenging fixture that may limit his output. Replacing him with a higher‑scoring player offers better value. Eliminating Victor Gyökeres from Arsenal is also advisable. He has 14 goals, 1 assist, 128 points at a 75-million cost, and a 13.10% selection rate. Arsenal’s fixture against Fulham is a low‑scoring match, but Gyökeres’ recent goal drought suggests he may struggle. Replacing him with a more consistent striker improves the attack.
The differential
Jérémy Doku is a differential that’s worth the risk. He is a 75-million midfielder with a 6.40% selection rate, 120 points and 8 clean sheets. His expected goal tally of 2.86 is modest, but his 8 assists make him a high‑value playmaker. Liverpool’s fixture against Everton offers a chance to exploit the opposition’s defensive frailties, giving him a unique edge.
Key takeaways
- Erling Haaland tops the points chart with 239 points, 27 goals and 8 assists.
- Bringing in Igor Thiago adds a goal‑scoring winger for only 80‑million and 22 goals.
- Dropping Harry Wilson and Nico O'Reilly frees up budget for more productive options.
- Jérémy Doku offers a 6.40% selection differential with 8 assists and 8 clean sheets.
FAQ
Q: Why pick Erling Haaland as captain? He leads the points chart with 239 points, 27 goals and 8 assists, and his 155-million price is justified by a 74.80% selection rate. Liverpool’s fixtures against low‑scoring sides such as Aston Villa and Everton give him plenty of opportunities to pick up points. His consistency makes him a safe pick for the captaincy.
Q: Which budget options are available? Igor Thiago, Bryan Mbeumo, Ollie Watkins and Morgan Gibbs‑White all cost 80‑million or less and bring 11-22 goals, 3-8 assists, and 148-188 points each. They also feature low‑defence opponents in their upcoming fixtures. These players provide good return for a modest price.
Q: What is the differential pick? Jérémy Doku is a 75‑million midfielder with only a 6.40% selection rate, 120 points and 8 clean sheets. His 2.86 expected goals and 8 assists give him a high creation rate. Liverpool’s fixture against Everton offers a chance to exploit a side that has struggled defensively.
Q: Which player should I drop? Harry Wilson and Nico O'Reilly both have high prices (65 million) and low selection rates (8.50% and 22.70%). Their recent form has dipped, and their fixtures are against teams that have conceded many goals, reducing their upside. Dropping them frees up budget for more productive options.