Welcome back to another article highlighting Fantasy Premier League Clean Sheet Tips For Gameweek 25. This week,
NaturalFootyFan returns to analyse clean sheet potential ahead of the weekends fixtures.
In Gameweek 25 our tips were spot on with low, medium and high-risk recommendations all securing clean sheets. Man City stifled Sunderland's pressure in difficult circumstances, West Ham shut out Aston Villa � aided by the fact their opposition played the most part with 10 men, and to round things off, Man United pushed aside Stoke in a comfortable victory 3-nil victory.
Let's first start by taking a look at recent form. The following table highlights the top ten defences in based on their number of clean sheets and average goals conceded in their last three Premier League matches:
| Team |
Clean Sheets |
Goals Conceded |
| Southampton |
3 |
0 |
| Leicester |
2 |
1 |
| Man United |
2 |
1 |
| Arsenal |
2 |
1 |
| Man City |
2 |
2 |
| Chelsea |
2 |
3 |
| Watford |
1 |
2 |
| Tottenham |
1 |
2 |
| Bournemouth |
1 |
2 |
| Swansea |
1 |
2 |
As you can see
Southampton are the in-form club, they've obtained three consecutive clean sheets in their last three matches. Impressively they secured their last two on the road, versus Man United and then Arsenal. The return of Fraser Forster has been a contributing factor, he is yet to concede since returning from injury and put in a Man of the Match display in Gameweek 24 - making 10 saves in the process.
Top of the table
Leicester, fourth placed
Arsenal and
Man United who currently sit in fifth, make up the trio of clubs just below The Saints in our form table. Leicester have lost once in their last 15 matches, and their recent defensive solidarity has been second to none - conceding just a single goal in their last six games. Arsenal, despite struggling offensively (failed to score in last 3), have tightened up at the back letting in an average of 0.6 goals per game in their last three, while in comparison, Man United appear to have found their feet at both ends - scoring four and conceding one in their last 3 fixtures.
Now let's see which team has the easiest fixture based on their opponents goals scored and big chances created in their last three Premier League matches:
| Team |
Opp. Goals Scored |
Opp. Big Chances |
| Everton |
0 |
1 |
| Bournemouth |
0 |
7 |
| Norwich |
1 |
1 |
| Newcastle |
1 |
4 |
| Liverpool |
2 |
3 |
| Swansea |
2 |
4 |
| Tottenham |
2 |
5 |
| West Brom |
3 |
4 |
| Crystal Palace |
4 |
2 |
| Aston Villa |
4 |
3 |
According to our findings,
Everton have the most attractive fixture coming into Gameweek 25. On paper Stoke (a) doesn't look very appetising, nevertheless, The Potters have failed to score in any of their last three Premier League games; they haven't gone four top-flight games in a row without scoring since March 1985!
Next on the list is
Bournemouth. They host an out of form Arsenal side, who like Stoke, have failed to score in their last three Premier League matches. The Gunners have dropped seven points from winning positions away from home, more than any other team on the road - perhaps they'll lose their nerve again.
Norwich come in at third spot as they entertain bottom of the table Aston Villa. This could be a cagey affair as Norwich have tasted victory once in their last 11 away matches, while Villa have been on the winning side on just one occasion in their last 12 games on home territory.
The Bookies Odds are always a great source of impartial information - let's see what their projections are ahead of Gameweek 25:
| Team |
Clean Sheet Odds |
Implied chance |
| Tottenham |
1.91 |
52% |
| Liverpool |
1.95 |
51% |
| Southampton |
2.00 |
50% |
| Chelsea |
2.30 |
43% |
| Newcastle |
2.37 |
42% |
| Man City |
2.40 |
42% |
| Swansea |
2.45 |
41% |
| Arsenal |
2.60 |
38% |
| Aston Villa |
2.70 |
37% |
| Crystal Palace |
3.20 |
31% |
Just a quick glance at the table reveals that there's three front-runners to secure a clean sheet in Gameweek 25. As expected
Tottenham, who have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League this season (19), are on top.
Liverpool who host a goal-shy Sunderland outfit come in at second, despite conceding 7 in their last three and
Southampton, with a 50% implied chance of a shut out, completes the top three.
The Bookies recommend avoiding Arsenal as they travel to Dean Court - this might come as a surprise after they having dominated The Cherries in the reverse fixture and ranked fourth in our form table. Also Newcastle are ranked highly by the Bookmakers, this is because they host West Brom; possibly the most conservative team in the top flight, especially away from home.
Based on the above our top three predictions and gamble for Gameweek 25 are:
1) Southampton vs. West Ham
There's no point of trying to be smart here, selecting Southampton is a no-brainer after securing 4 clean sheets on the bounce. Further confidence is generated with the return of man mountain Fraser Forster - he's been absolutely flawless in recent weeks and will set his sights on deflecting The Hammers.
2) Tottenham vs. Watford
Following the news of Jan Vertonghen's injury, doubters were in full voice debating Spurs' defensive stability. Nevertheless, Kevin Wimmer has stepped up to the plate and they will continue to shield their record of the fewest goals conceded in the 2015/16 campaign against Watford.
3) Liverpool vs. Sunderland
Jurgen Klopp's men have looked shaky in 2016, but when playing Sunderland they are the obvious favourites. Liverpool won the reverse fixture by a single-goal, more of the same looks on the cards.
G) Chelsea vs. Man United
This is our punt pick, but Chelsea have to be taken seriously since Guus Hiddink's arrival. They are unbeaten under the Dutchman, and United haven't exactly set the world alight this season. Chelsea often turn on the heat in big games, and a signature low-scoring victory is likely.
Thanks for reading our Clean Sheet Tips for Gameweek 25. Why not check out our Differential Tips and Captain Advice?
