Fantasy EFL Gameweek 18 has already seen a Championship promotion clash on Friday night. On Saturday and Sunday, managers are treated to 26 EFL matches – although more could still get postponed thanks to Storm Darragh.
All of these fixtures could have a huge impact on your Fantasy EFL teams. Therefore, if you are seeking some further inspiration, this is the piece for you. Here, we go through the top picks for Saturday and Sunday, determining who you should be targeting for your Fantasy EFL teams.
Please note: All of these players mentioned DID NOT make the Scout Picks article but were honourable mentions.
Don’t forget, you can make changes to your Fantasy EFL team, including player/club picks and captaincy right up until kick-off.
JOIN OUR MINI LEAGUE
We launched a new FFS league starting from Gameweek 5, with c. £500 worth of prizes on offer. The top manager gets £100, the second receives £75 and third-place wins £50, whilst the next four runners-up will get a free year’s subscription to FFS Premium (worth c.£65 at full price, £39 current discount – if you are already a member we’ll add a free year), and a final two will get a free month of premium (worth £6.59 at full price).
TOP PICKS – GOALKEEPERS
Michael Cooper – Sheffield United (vs WBA A, Millwall A)
The first honourable mention between the sticks goes to Sheffield United’s Michael Cooper (G). The Englishman has kept 11 clean sheets (+55) in 16 matches, and has only conceded seven goals all season, totalling 96 points. He’s contributed heavily to their success this season, as they sit top of the table with 38 points, unbeaten in seven. Notably, the Blades were unbeaten against the Baggies in the 22/23 season, defeating them both times 2-0. They’ve only scored four goals at home all season, while the Lions have only scored one goal in their previous five home matches. Save points and at least one clean sheet seems likely.
Illan Meslier – Leeds United (vs Derby County H, Middlesbrough H)
Leeds United’s Illan Meslier (G) is our other top pick between the sticks this weekend. The young Frenchman has been in outstanding form at home, keeping six clean sheets in eight matches. With a total of 10 clean sheets and 87 points, he’s proven his worth in Fantasy EFL. While both the Rams and Boro pose a goal threat, Meslier’s consistent performances, coupled with his potential to keep a clean sheet, make him a reliable defensive option for Daniel Farke’s Leeds United.
TOP PICKS – DEFENDERS
Dennis Cirkin – Sunderland (vs Stoke City H, Bristol City H)
Although there is some concern around his minutes across two fixtures, Dennis Cirkin (D) is a superb option this weekend. Manager Regis Le Bris has confirmed that following his wrist injury sustained in Gameweek 13 against QPR (A), the wing-back is available for selection. Despite not featuring for the three matches for Sunderland, Cirkin is still the fifth-highest-scoring Fantasy asset with 123 points. Averaging 8.2 points per game, the number three has two goals (+14) and three assists (+9) in that period, and faces the Potters and the Robins up next in front of his home faithful.
Dominic Hyam – Blackburn Rovers (vs Hull City A, Sheffield Wednesday A)
The highest-scoring Rovers Fantasy asset, Hyam (D), is another solid option ahead of the Double Gameweek. The centre-back has 99 points in 17 appearances, helping John Eustace’s side to seven clean sheets (+35). He’s helped the club pick up three straight Championship wins, and has hauled in two of those three outings, totalling 30 points. The number five opened his goalscoring account at the Riverside Stadium (+7) in their 0-1 away victory. They face the Tigers who have lost five straight and the Owls. We expect a clean sheet at The MKM Stadium and defensive contributions for Hyam, who has been an excellent scorer, despite conceding 17 goals this season.
TOP PICKS – MIDFIELDERS
Jack Rudoni – Coventry City (vs Millwall A, WBA A)
Rudoni (M) gets an honourable mention as the highest-scorer for the Sky Blues this season, banking 99 points in 18 matches. The number five has two goals (+12) and five assists (+15), alongside 13 interceptions (+26). Notably, Millwall are without their main centre-backs: Tanganga (D), Cooper (D) and Hutchinson (D) on Saturday, which should give Frank Lampard hope he secures his first win for Coventry. Equally, WBA have been poor in recent weeks, and have only scored four home goals all season.
Jason Knight – Bristol City (vs Portsmouth A, Sunderland A)
Bristol City’s Knight (M) is a great option if you’re looking for differentials to secure a spot in your midfield. The club captain is owned by just 1%, despite scoring 103 points on Fantasy this season. He has one goal and five assists in 18 appearances, alongside 18 interceptions. The number 12 hasn’t blanked since Gameweek 4 and banked a double-digit haul last time out in their 4-0 win over Plymouth Argyle (H). Taking on 24th-placed Portsmouth and the Black Cats should provide opportunities for both offensive and defensive contributions.
TOP PICKS – FORWARDS
Ante Crnac – Norwich City (vs QPR A, Portsmouth A)
If you’re looking for alternatives to Borja Sainz (F), look no further than Crnac (F). The Croatian is in sensational form, and has three goals (+15) and two assists (+6) in his previous two games, totalling 28 points. The number 17 has slotted into the number nine role following Josh Sargent’s (F) injury seamlessly, and with only 0.2% ownership, is a great differential heading into Double Gameweek 18. With four goals total and featuring as the main striker, Crnac will be hoping to extend his impressive record against the two worst sides in the division as it stands.
Liam Cullen – Swansea City (Luton Town A, Plymouth Argyle A)
Finally, going off the form book, Cullen (F) is also an excellent differential at 0.1%. The Wales international is in great form, scoring two goals and providing two assists in his previous three games, taking his total to four goals in one less game than Crnac. The Swans face two sides in the bottom-six, who sit just outside the relegation zone. With 0.1% ownership and in a purple patch, the number 20 is a great option for this week!
