Transfers recommendations ahead of Gameweek 18: Antonee Robinson and Anthony Gordon among short-term options

WHAT better way to mark the beginning of 2025 than with a shed-load of Dream Team points?

The festive season may be at an end but football shows no sign of slowing down with Gameweek 18 set to incorporate three competitions.

After a full round of Premier League fixtures, Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham and Liverpool will compete in the Carabao Cup semi-finals in midweek while Everton and Fulham will play in the early FA Cup third round games on Thursday night.

And that brings us onto our first transfer recommendation for Gameweek 18…

Antonee Robinson (£4m)

The Cottagers’ left-back has arguably been the Premier League’s best player in his position this season and there’s rarely been a better time to back him in the world of Dream Team.

Robinson averages 5.9 points-per-game in 2024/25 and leads the way for assists among defenders with seven.

Not only that, no other asset in his position has earned more bonus points than the USA international (24) at this stage.

Fulham are due to host both Ipswich and Watford in Gameweek 18, a favourable double header on paper.

Marco Silva may choose to rest one of his key players against Championship opposition in the FA Cup but Robinson is still a strong option if he’s only deployed against the Tractor Boys on Sunday.

The 27-year-old may not be a long-term selection as he’ll fall behind in fixtures when the European competitions resume in Gameweek 20 but he’s a smart one-week punt.

Anthony Gordon (£4.8m)

Newcastle’s No10 is among the most in-form midfielders right now having amassed 64 points since the start of Gameweek 13 at an average of eight per outing.

The Magpies are due to visit North London twice this coming Gameweek; a league visit to Spurs and a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Arsenal.

Difficult match-ups on paper but given the defensive injury crisis currently nagging Ange Postecoglou coupled with the Magpies’ impressive form, Gordon has to be considered a decent option.

Alexander Isak (£5.8m) remains Newcastle’s top asset but it may be worth doubling up for the next two Gameweeks.

Gordon ranks fifth for bonus points among all players.

Luis Diaz (£4.1m)

Few players have experienced such dramatic fluctuations in popularity as the Liverpool winger this season.

Diaz has been among the five most transferred-in players ahead of eight Gameweeks and among the most transferred-out five times!

The Colombia international is very much back in favour having scored his 12th goal of the campaign last time out.

Arne Slot’s side will play Manchester United at Anfield this Sunday before travelling to Spurs on Wednesday night.

Without context, this double header would be a tricky prospect but on current form the Reds will feel confident of getting the job done on both fronts.

Diaz’s minutes are difficult to predict but he’ll get a good run out with two fixtures scheduled.

It should go without saying that Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.8m) are the first ports of call in regards to Liverpool points.

Ollie Watkins (£4.9m)

Aston Villa aren’t among the six teams with two fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 18 but their one game, a home match-up against Leicester, could yield plentiful returns.

The Foxes conceded 115 shots in six games throughout December.

Any team allowing their opponents almost 20 shots over the course of 90 minutes is likely to give up a lot of points.

With Morgan Rogers (£3.2m) and Jhon Duran (£2.9m) both suspended, Watkins is likely to be the main beneficiary at Villa Park on Saturday.

Only Salah banked more points among forwards than the England international in Gameweek 17.

He scored one goal and assisted another against Brighton for a 15-point haul.

Dream Team managers can back Watkins in Gameweek 18 and then revert to the affordable Rogers later this month.

Confirm your transfers for Gameweek 18 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.