Top 3 FPL Captain Picks for Gameweek 18 (2025/26)

Looking for the best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) captain for Gameweek 18?

Each week we break down the top captaincy options to help you maximise points and climb your mini-leagues.

For Gameweek 18, we’ve highlighted three standout choices:

1️⃣ Fix’s No.1 predicted captain pick
2️⃣ A safe, high-ownership option (20%+ ownership)
3️⃣ A bold differential captain (under 20% ownership)

These picks cover every type of FPL manager — whether you prefer to play it safe with the crowd or chase early gains with a differential.

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FPL Gameweek 18: The Best Captain Choices

Erling Haaland (nfo) - Highest Projected Point Scorer

Haaland is eight goals clear in the Golden Boot race, with second-placed Thiago some way behind on 11. The Norwegian international remains top among all players for shots (66), big chances (32) and Expected Goals (15.97).

Man City have scored 41 goals this season, more than any other side. The Manchester outfit rank top for shots in the box (186) and second for xG (34.48).

Their hosts, Forest, have conceded 26 goals (14th) and have kept just three clean sheets. The Nottingham side rank 14th for shots conceded (217) and xGC (26.73) this season.

According to our Predicted Points & Stats tool, Haaland is projected to score 6.0 points this Gameweek.

Hugo Ekitiké (WOL) - High Ownership Alternative

Ekitiké has found the back of the net five times over the last three Gameweeks, more than any other player over that period. He is also top for FPL points (35) across the same timeframe, while only Haaland (seven) has been afforded more 'big chances' than his five.

As shown in the Player Heatmaps image below, he has also averaged an impressive 4.9 FPL points per game in home fixtures this season.

Liverpool have scored 28 goals this season (fifth), but rank second for shots (258) and fourth for xG (32.13), which bodes well for the Frenchman’s prospects. With Szoboszlai banned, and Isak and Gakpo injured, the in-form forward should be secure for a start and receive plenty of minutes in this one.

Their visitors, Wolves, have the worst defensive record in the division, conceding more goals than any other side (37). The Midlands outfit are yet to keep a clean sheet and rank 18th for xGC (29.26).

Ekitiké is currently projected to score 6.3 points this Gameweek, according to our Predicted Points & Stats.

Jarrod Bowen (FUL) - The Differential

Bowen is West Ham’s top scorer this season with five goals. The England international also leads his side for shots (20) and shots in the box (13) in home matches, while only Souček (2.56) beats him for xG (2.02).

As highlighted in the Opta Stats Sandbox image below, he has also attempted six assists in home matches, with only Ward-Prowse (eight) and M. Fernandes (11) faring better.

West Ham have scored 10 goals at the London Stadium this season (17th), but have shown signs of improvement under Nuno. But the Hammers rank 19th for shots in the box (53) and xG (9.55) in home games.

Fulham have conceded 16 goals in away matches this season (17th) and are yet to keep a clean sheet on their travels. The Cottagers rank seventh for shots conceded (194) and sixth for xGC (23.32) in away games.

According to our Predicted Points & Stats tool, Bowen is projected to score 4.0 points this Gameweek.

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