Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Goalkeepers Picks for FPL Gameweek 18
Gameweek 17 was overshadowed by a tragic incident during the Bournemouth vs Luton match, where Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest. Fortunately, he showed responsiveness as he was taken off on a stretcher and subsequently transferred to a local hospital. Lockyer is stable and undergoing further tests. The fate of the fixture remains uncertain, and the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) awaits official word from the Premier League.
In the aftermath of the abandonment, FPL stated that Gameweek 17 would “remain open,” awaiting further details on the implications for the FPL. Dominic Solanke (£6.8m) and Elijah Adebayo (£4.8m) managed to score a goal each before the match was halted. The FPL ramifications will only be clarified once the Premier League decides on the outcome of the fixture.
In other developments, Manchester City faced another setback, securing just one win in their last six league games. Meanwhile, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle United secured wins and kept clean sheets, with Arsenal reclaiming the top spot in the Premier League.
A noteworthy reminder is that Gameweek 18 will be a blank for both Manchester City and Brentford. The decision to retain or transfer players from these teams depends on individual team compositions. Considering their favorable fixtures from Gameweek 19 and the impending double game week due to rescheduling, holding onto these players may save managers transfers in the future.
Managers must stay vigilant for Gameweek 18, which commences earlier than usual due to the Thursday night clash between Crystal Palace and Brighton. Therefore, transfers and team adjustments need to be finalized before 6:30 pm BST on that evening. To aid managers in this process, we’ve identified the top five goalkeepers worth considering, factoring in their current form and upcoming fixture lists.
Bernd Leno (Fulham)
Bernd Leno, priced at £4.8 million and representing Fulham, currently leads the goalkeepers in terms of total points this Fantasy Premier League season. Despite being owned by only 16% of managers, he has accumulated an impressive 69 points. Notably, Leno stands out for making the second-highest number of saves this season, with 73 stops, surpassed only by Wes Foderingham.
With upcoming fixtures against Burnley and Bournemouth, the prospect of securing more clean sheets is a genuine possibility for Leno.
However, Fantasy Premier League managers face a strategic decision regarding whether to field him against Arsenal on New Year’s Eve, potentially aiming to save bonus points or opting for rotation by substituting an alternative goalkeeper for that game week. The decision hinges on the delicate balance between maximizing points and managing the rotation of goalkeepers effectively.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Midfielders Picks for FPL Gameweek 18
Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Emiliano Martinez has been a standout performer for Aston Villa, securing two consecutive clean sheets at home against formidable opponents like Arsenal and Manchester City. Given this impressive defensive record, it comes as no surprise that Martinez is expected to secure at least 4.47 points.
The upcoming fixture against Sheffield United further enhances his Fantasy Premier League appeal, as he continues to be a reliable option for managers seeking a goalkeeper with a strong defensive track record.
Priced at £5.1 million, Emiliano ranks fifth among 88 players in his position. With a current form rating of 5.2, he maintains an average of 3.5 points per match, placing him 14th overall.
In Gameweek 17, Martínez secured 1 point, contributing to his season total of 56 points. Impressively, he has earned 9 bonus points and holds an ICT (Influence, Creativity, Threat) Index of 41.2, ranking him ninth among all goalkeepers.
With a Team Selected By percentage of 10.7%, Martínez is the sixth most-selected goalkeeper, making him a popular and reliable choice for Fantasy Premier League managers.
Dubravka (Newcastle)
Dubravka, priced at £4.1 million for Newcastle, has proven to be a historically strong Fantasy Premier League asset. Known for his adeptness at making saves, with an impressive average of 3.14 saves per match over the last three seasons, and a consistent ability to secure bonus points, he remains a reliable choice for FPL managers.
Notably, Dubravka played a crucial role for Slovakia in their EURO 2024 qualifiers, showcasing his skills on the international stage. Despite Newcastle facing several defensive injuries, which could potentially impact their clean sheet chances, the team has maintained defensive solidity, boasting the fifth-lowest expected goals conceded among all teams.
In the upcoming fixture against Luton Town, Dubravka presents an intriguing option for FPL managers, combining his proven track record, international experience, and Newcastle’s defensive resilience. While the injury concerns among defenders should be noted, Dubravka’s shot-stopping ability and potential for bonus points make him a compelling choice for the next game.
Vicario (Tottenham)
Priced at £5.3 million, Guglielmo Vicario represents Tottenham as a goalkeeper, holding the fourth position among 88 players in his position. With a current form rating of 2.6, he maintains an average of 3.5 points per match, ranking 15th overall.
In Gameweek 17, Vicario secured an impressive 6 points, contributing to his season total of 60 points. Accumulating 5 bonus points and holding an ICT (Influence, Creativity, Threat) Index of 42.6, he ranks seventh among all goalkeepers.
Vicario’s popularity is evident with a Team Selected By percentage of 8.6%, positioning him as the eighth most-selected goalkeeper.
As a consistent performer with notable recent achievements, Vicario proves to be a noteworthy option for Fantasy Premier League managers in search of a reliable goalkeeper.
Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
Priced at £5.6 million, Alisson Becker stands as the goalkeeper for Liverpool, holding the top spot among 88 players in his position. Despite a current form rating of 2.4, he maintains a strong average of 4.5 points per match, ranking second overall.
In Gameweek 17, Alisson secured 6 points, contributing to his season total of 68 points. Impressively, he has accumulated 9 bonus points and holds an ICT (Influence, Creativity, Threat) Index of 39.9, placing him tenth among all goalkeepers.
Alisson’s popularity is evident with a Team Selected By percentage of 10.6%, positioning him as the seventh most-selected goalkeeper.
As a top-performing goalkeeper for Liverpool, Alisson remains a key asset for Fantasy Premier League managers seeking reliability and consistent point returns.