Welcome to our new defensive potential article that compares each teams defensive form, fixture difficulty and bookies odds for a clean sheet ahead of Gameweek 3.
As we're still at such an early point in the season, the data range isn't as large as we'd like therefore somewhat distorting the results. In future articles we intend to include each teams last four fixtures (two home, two away) to give a more accurate reading.
Each Premier League team has been rated 1-20 (1 being the best in the league, 20 being the worst in the league) based on form, fixture and odds. They've then been totalled up and colour coded to easily visualise which teams have a good chance of a clean sheet in Gameweek 3.
NaturalFootyFan is on hand to walk you through each category whilst sharing his infinite pool of defensive wisdom in the form of tips and strategy.
Jose Mourinho hasn't taken long to stamp his mark on Man United's back line and they are getting stronger every time they step onto the field. With David De Gea, Daley Blind and Eric Bailly making up the spine of the team, they've struck up a partnership which has been fundamental in United's improved displays.
Not to mention Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw finding form on the flanks. The attacking pair have been impressive at both ends of the park with the latter picking up an assist and two bonus points in Gameweek 2.
Despite looking a bit lacklustre going forward, Tottenham have carried their defensive solidity of 2015/16 into the new season. Pochettino's men have conceded just 15 chances in their opening fixtures and haven't let Hugo Lloris' absence hamper them.
Kyle Walker and Danny Rose are always a threat going forward with the former already increasing in price after banking 13pts in two matches. Elsewhere, Toby Alderweireld had a point-blank header saved versus Crystal Palace, but will definitely see more opportunities come his way.
Burnley and Hull rank inside the top 4 in our form chart, however, we don't recommend investing in their sides this week with fixtures versus Chelsea (a) and Man United (a) respectively.
In terms of which clubs have the most attractive fixture in Gameweek 3, based on statistics, there is a lot of overlap.
Bournemouth and Crystal Palace stuttered through their first couple of matches with just one goal and two big chances created between them. As the sides come head-to-head, we are expecting an open spectacle… not ideal for clean sheet potential.
Nevertheless, if you feel inclined to back either side's defence, then we recommend Crystal Palace. The signing of Christian Benteke is what swings it for us - there will be a buzz around Selhurst Park and the big Belgian will be desperate to put things right after a poor spell at Liverpool.
Leicester's home fixture against Swansea will be an interesting contest after both sides have appeared more or less comfortable at the back, but toothless up top. Just like last season, if Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy turn up, then The Swans' clean sheet chances are wiped.
Despite Sunderland's surprise inclusion, they aren't worth considering. They come up against a dangerous Southampton attack featuring the likes of Thierry Henry (Redmond) and Dusan Tadic.
The Black Cats also play in the League Cup three days prior to kick-off, which further decreases their chances of a clean sheet with fatigue setting in.
The bookies odds are always a great source for unbiased predictions and with Antonio Conte's Chelsea leading the pack, there's not much to argue about.
The Italian coach obviously knows how to grind out a result, winning his first two Premier League matches by by a single goal. Moving forward he will turn his attention to clamping down on goals conceded against the run of play.
They will dominate possession versus a Burnley outfit who would be content with a 0-0 before kick-off. As we mentioned, the goals Chelsea have conceded thus far have been unforeseen, so there's a high chance of them securing a clean sheet on the third attempt.
To back up their number one defensive form ranking, Man United come in at second according to the bookies. They make the trip to Hull full of confidence having picked up six points out of six.
Just like United, relegation favourites Hull have also secured maximum points. Mike Phelan's injury-plagued squad are punching above their weight in third position and don't have the numbers to rotate properly in their midweek League Cup fixture. Ibra will be ready to pounce!
Southampton and Manchester City are another two of our and the bookies favourites to keep a clean sheet in gameweek 3. The former face a well-drilled, but offensively weak Sunderland side, while City are outright favourites to get the better of West Ham.
Over the last couple of weeks, Fplbet writers: @NaturalFootyFan & @jamieFPL have won a combined amount of just over £500. If you think you know your fantasy football, head over to Bet4theBest, pick your best XI (no budget) for Gameweek 3 and enter one of the leagues. Good luck!
Gameweek 3 Defensive Potential: Form Vs. Fixture Vs. Odds
Best Defensive Form Ahead of Gameweek 3:
| Team | Goals Conceded | Chances Conceded | Big Chances Conceded |
| MUN | 1 | 19 | 0 |
| TOT | 1 | 15 | 1 |
| BRN | 1 | 35 | 2 |
| HUL | 1 | 28 | 5 |
| LEI | 2 | 16 | 0 |
Best Defensive Fixture For Gameweek 3:
| Team | Vs. | Goals Scored | Big Chances Created |
| BOU | CRY | 0 | 2 |
| CRY | BOU | 1 | 0 |
| SUN | SOU | 1 | 0 |
| LEI | SWA | 1 | 3 |
| SWA | LEI | 1 | 4 |
Clean Sheet Odds For Gameweek 3:
| Team | Clean Sheet Odds | Implied Chance |
| CHE | 1.67 | 59.88% |
| MUN | 1.91 | 52.36% |
| SOU | 1.95 | 51.28% |
| MCI | 2.05 | 48.78% |
| LEI | 2.10 | 47.62% |
Over the last couple of weeks, Fplbet writers: @NaturalFootyFan & @jamieFPL have won a combined amount of just over £500. If you think you know your fantasy football, head over to Bet4theBest, pick your best XI (no budget) for Gameweek 3 and enter one of the leagues. Good luck!
