In preparation for Gameweek 15, we've compiled statistical data alongside the bookies odds to forecast which Premier League teams have the best chance of a clean sheet.
The table will help FPL managers select their defenders and assist daily fantasy players with their defensive strategy.
This week, having taken onboard some valuable feedback on the popular
FantasyPL Reddit Forum, we have decided to provide both short-term (current gameweek) and long-term (next four gameweeks) forecasts.
How is the data calculated?
Every team has been rated on a scale of 1st to 20th (1st: best in the league, 20th: worst in the league) based on form, fixture and odds.
Form: Clean Sheets, Goals Conceded & Big Chances Conceded.
Fixture: Failed To Score, Goals Scored & Big Chances Created.
Odds: Bookies Odds To Keep A Clean Sheet.
We've then totalled these findings and colour coded them so you can clearly visualise which clubs have the best clean sheet potential in Gameweek 15.
The forecast table takes this data a step further and combines defensive form and oppositions attacking threat to generate clean sheet potential over the next four gameweeks.
All statistics have been taken from the last SIX matches, as we feel this provides a fair comparison with the likelihood of each club having three home and three away fixtures.
Clean Sheet Tips For Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 15:
Once again, it's
Chelsea who are the in-form team and the bookies favourite to keep it clean in Gameweek 15, whilst their fixture list is another thing worth discussing in the long-term section of this article.
They face a free-scoring West Brom side… wow I can't believe that's a suitable line, but that's exactly what they've been with 10 goals in their last four matches.
Cesar Azpilicueta scored in both games against West Brom last season, so could be a good bet for Daily Fantasy, but don't change your plans in FPL to accommodate him, especially with Marcus Alonso available at the same price.
Southampton's backline will still be licking their wounds having conceded three times to Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Nevertheless, they are back at Saint Mary's on Sunday � a venue where Southampton are undefeated in 11 of their last 12, as they host the third lowest scoring team in the league Middlesbrough.
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in six of Southampton's last seven home games and in seven of Middlesbrough's last eight games � so expect a 3-3 draw in this one!
Making up the top three, purely based on statistical results gathered, is
Liverpool. At Anfield, Jurgen Klopp's side are extremely efficient, both offensively and defensively.
In the last two Premier League meetings between the clubs, West Ham have scored five times and conceded none, so don't expect a textbook clean sheet from Liverpool.
West Ham may be in terrible form and without a win since gameweek 9, however, they often click into gear during the big encounters, of course this is dependent on Dimitri Payet's mood.
Arsenal are ranked outside the top five despite winning each of their last 14 home games in all competitions versus Stoke, keeping eight clean sheets in the process.
Although The Potters away record is fairly substantial this season, they obviously don't enjoy travelling to the Emirates with just two Premier League goals in the stadium since 2011.
They have kept three clean sheets in their last three outings against Stoke, whilst dominating possession in each of these encounters with an average of 58.8% of the ball.
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in eight of Stoke's last nine Premier League matches, so it comes as no surprise that Arsenal are in the bookies top five.
Clean Sheet Forecast For Fantasy Premier League:
Best Defences From Gameweek 15 to Gameweek 18:
TOTTENHAM
Upcoming Fixtures: MUN (a), HUL (H), BUR (H), SOU (a)
Sandwiched between difficult away ties, Spurs have hit the jackpot in terms of attractive fixtures, first taking on Hull and then facing Burnley.
These two struggling sides have scored just 23 goals between them all season and their away record is even worse with Burnley finding the net five times and Hull only once on their travels.
This favourable run coincides with the return of perhaps their most influential player over the last two seasons… and we're not talking about Harry Kane.
Toby Alderweireld has been eased back into action and is now ready to take the next step ahead of his side's trip to Old Trafford. Nobody can argue that Tottenham had the best defence in the Premier League last season and their Belgium centre-half was a huge factor.
Marauding right-back Kyle Walker is a great FPL option, in that he provides an attacking output with two assists and more bonus-points than any defender barring Daley Blind this season, although his price tag has taken a sharp rise.
CHELSEA
Upcoming Fixtures: WBA (H), SUN (a), CRY (a), BOU (H)
At the moment, Antonio Conte's side looks good for a clean sheet against anyone and they very nearly proved this in gameweek 14, conceding a solitary goal to Man City.
We're guessing that most readers already have some Chelsea coverage in their defence, but if you don't then get logged in and make it happen.
And if you're wondering who to transfer in, then our top recommendation is
Marcus Alonso (6.2m). Since his arrival the ‘out of position' wingback has already chipped in with two assists and a goal.
Worst Defences From Gameweek 15 to Gameweek 18
EVERTON
Upcoming Fixtures: WAT (a), ARS (H), LIV (H), LEI (a)
The Toffees are unbeaten in 11 successive games against Watford � although their defensive record away from home leaves question marks over their two easiest fixtures on paper over the next four gameweeks.
Ronald Koeman basically reconstructed his defence during pre-season with successful results having secured three clean sheets by Gameweek 5.
However, things have taken a turn for the worst in recent months and many of you Ashley Williams owners will have felt the full ‘Brunt' of it… excuse the pun.
We are struggling to see how they'll keep a clean sheet against Arsenal and Liverpool, let alone Watford and Leicester after failing to do so in 87.5% of their away fixtures this season.
Defences Worth Keeping An Eye On:
ARSENAL
Upcoming Fixtures: STO (H), EVE (a), MCI (a), WBA (H)
GW18-23: WBA (H), CRY (H), BOU (a), SWA (a), BUR (H), WAT (H)
It's not a bad decision to bring in one of Arsenal's backline in preparation for the weekend, but just look at those fixtures from Gameweek 18 onwards… unbelievable Jeff!
Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are the only viable long-term attacking options for Arsenal, so if you've planned things well, you will already own or want to own an Arsenal defender or Cech.
In all honesty, every FPL player would like the maximum of three Arsenal players over this period, but we would recommend investing on just one of their backline for the near future.
Kieran Gibbs (4.8m) is worth keeping an eye on, despite playing just 129 minutes this season. The English fullback had a blinder in Arsenal's midweek Champions League fixture; picking up two assists, and is now vying for a starting role with Monreal's recent dip in form.
Everton and Man City on the road will be very difficult fixtures to come out from unscathed, so it might be worth mending other areas of you're squad beforehand.
We hope you enjoyed the new layout � all feedback is appreciated, so feel free to leave a comment.