FPL Gameweek 18 Preview: Clear Captaincy, Bench Boost Window, and One Big Buying Trap

Gameweek 18 is less about chasing upside and more about structural decisions — captaincy discipline, chip timing, and avoiding transfers that look good on paper but rate poorly in the data.

There are a few strong signals this week, and ignoring them is where managers quietly lose ground.

Captaincy: Haaland Clear, Ekitike the Only Real Alternative

Once again, Erling Haaland is the standout captaincy option.

The projections are clear: he tops expected points and remains the most reliable combination of minutes, role, and ceiling. There’s no reason to overthink this unless you’re deliberately chasing.

The only alternative that comes close is Hugo Ekitike, who rates well in the underlying numbers and offers a viable differential captaincy if you need to take controlled risk.

For most managers, though, this is a “boring but correct” Haaland week — and those are often the weeks that protect and build rank.

Chip Strategy: Bench Boost in Play (If You’ve Planned Properly)

GW18 is a legitimate Bench Boost opportunity — but only for managers who’ve set up for it.

If:

• Your bench is strong,

• You still have transfers available,

• And you’re not carrying multiple minutes risks,

then Bench Boosting this week makes sense.

If not, forcing it will do more harm than good. The algorithm favours selective chip usage, not emotional deployment just because the calendar says so.

Standout Transfer Target: Matheus Cunha

One of the strongest transfer targets this week is Matheus Cunha.

With Bruno Fernandes out for the next 3–4 weeks, Cunha is expected to:

• Take over penalty duties

• Maintain strong minutes security

• Grow in importance to Man United's attack

Crucially, Cunha also profiles as the standout captaincy option next week, with Wolves at home. That makes him more than just a GW18 play — he’s a move that sets up future advantage, which is exactly what you want from a transfer.

Popular Buy Warning: Morgan Rogers Is a Trap

Morgan Rogers is currently the second most-bought player this week, and that’s precisely the problem.

The algorithm strongly flags this as poor timing. In the next 2 weeks he has Chelsea and Arsenal away, and limited upside in the short term.

This is a classic case of managers buying a player after the value window has already passed. Rogers may still be a decent asset later, but GW18 is not the time. Buying now is chasing points, not gaining edge.

Fixture Watch: West Ham Assets Back on the Menu

West Ham’s upcoming fixture run rates well, and the algorithm recommends targeting them, even if only short term.

The two standout options:

• Lucas Paquetá – penalty taker, central to everything

• Jarrod Bowen – consistent output, strong role security

These aren’t flashy picks, but they’re efficient and that matters more than hype.

Key Absences: Fernandes Injury & Szoboszlai Suspension

The biggest GW18 shake-up comes from two absences:

Bruno Fernandes — Must Sell

With Fernandes sidelined for several weeks, holding him makes no sense. There are multiple viable replacements depending on structure, and reallocating that budget now is far better than waiting.

Szoboszlai Suspended

The absence of Dominik Szoboszlai opens up a short-term opportunity.

Alexis Mac Allister is a strong one-week punt:

• Wolves at home

• Expected penalty duties

• Clear sell next week

This is a perfect example of a temporary, data-driven move — not a long-term hold, but a calculated short-term edge.

Want This Applied to Your Exact Team?

This article covers general strategy. The Algorithm goes further by analysing your specific squad and sending you:

• Personalised transfer recommendations

• Optimal captain & vice-captain

• Bench order

• Chip guidance

👉 Get your personalised GW18 recommendations at KnightManagers

Don’t guess. Play the numbers.