Manchester United open the proceedings of Matchday 18 of the Premier League 2021-22 season with a home game against Brighton on Saturday, December 18. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal play on the same day albeit away from home at Elland Road against Leeds United. Arsenal and Man United are the only two top-six sides playing on Saturday.
Manchester City will take on Newcastle United at St. James' Park in an easy fixture for the league leaders. Tottenham's home game against Liverpool is the main event on Sunday, December 19, while Chelsea travel to Molineux Stadium to take on Wolves.
With so much action to look forward to, we list down some smart buys to help you ace your fantasy premier league gameweek 18.
Fantasy Premier League: Gameweek 18 tips to make your team
Best attacker: Ollie Watkins
Steven Gerrard’s arrival as Aston Villa manager has resurrected Ollie Watkins’ form to a great extent. The 25-year-old frontman was on the scoresheet in the last gameweek, with a goal and assist against Norwich City. In this regard, Watkins is the most transferred-in player for the week. Watkins will likely get on the scoresheet when Burnley visit Villa Park on Saturday.
Best defender: Joao Cancelo
At just £6.8m, Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo is a steal. City will have the Portuguese left-back in their starting XI against Newcastle after being suspended for Gameweek 17. In addition to helping the current holders pick up their 11th clean sheet of the season, Cancelo will also play an integral role in his team’s attacks agianst struggling Magpies.
Budget player: Said Benrahma
After a blistering start to the season, West Ham United's Said Benrahma has failed to produce goals or assists in recent matches. There is still hope for the Algerian as a home game against Norwich City can encourage him to resurrect his form, and you can take a chance as he is available for only £6.0m.
Fantasy Premier League stats for Gameweek 18 fixtures
Manchester United vs Brighton
Manchester United have scored at least two goals against Brighton in each of their last six league meetings.
During this time, the Red Devils have scored 15 goals and have lost just once while winning five.
Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have scored two goals in United’s last three league meetings with Brighton.
Newcastle United vs Manchester City
Manchester City have scored 14 goals in their last five league meetings with Newcastle United. This includes three wins, one draw and one defeat.
Newcastle United have won just one league game against Manchester City in the last decade.
Ferran Torres has scored four goals in his last two league game against the Magpies.
Tottenham vs Liverpool
Liverpool are undefeated against Tottenham since October 2017. The Merseysiders have won six of their seven meetings in this period while drawing one.
Liverpool have scored at least two goals in four of their last five meetings with Tottenham.
Roberto Firmino has scored four goals in his last five league games against Tottenham.
Featured photo: AFP / Lindsey Parnaby
