Gameweek 5 Defensive Potential: Form vs Fixture vs Odds
Which teams have the best defensive potential for Gameweek 5? We've analysed defensive form, fixture difficulty and the bookies odds to reveal which teams are most likely to keep a clean sheet.
Every Premier League team has been rated 1-20 (1 being the best in the league and 20 being the worst) based on form, fixture and odds. They've then been totalled up and colour coded to easily visualise which teams have the best defensive potential for the upcoming Gameweek.
NaturalFootyFan returns to discuss each category, whilst sharing his infinite pool of defensive wisdom in the form of tips and strategy.
Gameweek 5 Best Overall Defensive Potential:
Best Defensive Form Ahead of Gameweek 5:
| Team |
Goals Conceded |
Chances Conceded |
Big Chances Conceded |
| EVE |
2 |
26 |
5 |
| TOT |
2 |
35 |
2 |
| MUN |
3 |
36 |
5 |
| WBA |
3 |
36 |
7 |
| HUL |
3 |
56 |
7 |
Everton have really got into their stride since Ronald Koeman's arrival, with the most notable improvement being on the defensive side of things. The Dutchman has proved efficient at structuring out a solid base first and foremost at the majority of clubs he has managed and through a combination of revamped tactics, flexible formations and of course new signings, he's doing it once again at Everton.
Perhaps the most significant purchase in an attempt to sure-up a shaky backline from last season, was Ashley Williams (5m). The Wales skipper is a born leader and it's no coincidence that The Toffees have not conceded a goal with Williams on the park.
Credit must also be given to Idrissa Gueye, who has been a revelation in a double-pivot alongside Gareth Barry. With the former carrying out the leg work and the latter keeping things simple in possession, the pair have shielded the back-four with apparent ease.
Tottenham are the second club who have conceded just two goals in their opening four fixtures, despite facing tough opposition in Liverpool and the aforementioned Everton.
Following a majorly disappointing result in their midweek Champions League fixture versus French outfit Monaco, Pochettino will be desperate to fire up his troops for an instant bounce back.
Although they lost out, it wasn't all bad for Tottenham's defensive status. The English side dominated possession throughout and limited the Ligue 1 leaders to just two attempts on target, which in the end turned out to be the winning goals.
For those FPL managers waiting patiently for Toby Alderweireld (6.5m) to find his goal-scoring touch, then your time has come. The Belgium International powered home a Lamela corner in typical fashion in the first-half of Tottenham's defeat - a pity he didn't save this for the Premier League, but maybe it's given him a taste for more.
Unsurprisingly Man United and West Brom feature in our form table with both sides entering the new season with a conservative approach.
Jose Mourinho has been content with his defence soaking up pressure and letting the opponent orchestrate the play. If you watched United's Europa League loss against Feyenoord, you'll know what we mean. This is also evident with the fact United, excluding their match versus Hull, have averaged just 43% possession this season.
Tony Pulis, on the other hand, bases everything around clean sheets. West Brom have already secured two shutouts in four gameweeks and are a group willing to sacrifice fans experience for a goal-less draw any day of the week. An eye sore... yes, but effective... yes!
The bulk of Man United's goals conceded came against first placed Man City and it's the same story for West Brom who conceded twice versus third placed Everton.
Best Defensive Fixture For Gameweek 5:
| Team |
Vs. |
Goals Scored |
Big Chances Created |
| CRY |
sto |
2 |
2 |
| whm |
WBA |
2 |
5 |
| LEI |
bur |
3 |
1 |
| MCI |
bou |
3 |
2 |
| swa |
SOU |
3 |
2 |
Stoke City have been in horrendous form on the attacking front this season and have failed to find the net in their last two Premier League matches. With this in mind, Crystal Palace have the most attractive fixture, especially when playing on home soil.
Despite sitting at mid-table and without a clean sheet thus far, Palace haven't performed too badly in defence. They have conceded just a single goal in each of their opening four gameweeks, while Stoke have created two chances this season.
Alan Pardew will be confident that his side can pick up all three points and if there's one player who can contribute at both ends of the pitch it's FPL favourite Scott Dann (5.5m). Last season, Dann came in joint first place for the club's top-scorer award alongside Bolasie, Cabaye and Wickham who all matched the centre-half with five goals!
West Ham travel to The Hawthorns in a match with both sides searching for their second win of the season. Renowned for their struggles in front of goal, West Brom haven't scored since gameweek 2.
However, with the attacking midfield trio of Payet, Lanzini and Antonio beginning to click, Tony Pulis will have other things on his mind than a un-characteristic scoring spree and the man with the cap will be relaying this objective to his squad.
Arthur Masuaku (5m) is your best chance for attacking returns from The Hammers backline. The Frenchman loves to whip crosses in, and even without the aerial threat of Andy Carroll, the left-back is very comfortable at carrying the ball forward.
It's worth mentioning in this section that Burnley have created the fewest big chances (1) of any Premier League club this season. Leicester, full of confidence after their first Champions League victory, are well prepared to take advantage of this.
Danny Simpson suffered a hamstring injury on Saturday, which usually means five or six weeks out, but with Leicester's mysterious recovery methods, the defender managed to travel with the squad for Wednesday's Champions League fixture.
This is worth keeping an eye on, as Luis Hernandez (4.4m) might continue at right-back this weekend, providing a decent stop-gap differential in your FPL squad.
Clean Sheet Odds For Gameweek 5:
| Team |
Clean Sheet Odds |
Implied Chance |
| TOT |
1.83 |
54.64% |
| MCI |
2.00 |
50.00% |
| LEI |
2.10 |
47.62% |
| MUN |
2.10 |
47.62% |
| SOU |
2.15 |
46.51% |
It's no surprise that Tottenham are the bookies outright favourites to keep a clean sheet in gameweek 5. They face a weak Sunderland side who just got battered by Everton at the Stadium of Light.
We expect a similar outcome as they make the long trip South to face Pochettino's men. Spurs should dominate possession and play inside the oppositions half for the majority of the game meaning Hugo Lloris (5.4m) will rarely be tested throughout.
Kyle Walker (5.7m) has been a standout performer for his club this season and has already seen his price rise significantly in the early stages of the season. If you already have him on your side then you're well set, but if not we recommend you get some Spurs defensive coverage as soon as possible.
Man City are rated as having a 50/50 chance of securing a clean sheet, as they welcome Bournemouth to the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola will again rotate his squad following their Champions League win versus Borussia Monchengladbach.
Ex-Arsenal fullbacks Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy are anticipated to return to the starting XI with John Stones and our pick of the bunch Nicolas Otamendi (6m) occupying the centre-back roles.
The reason Otamendi stands out for us more than any City defender is the fact he's the most nailed on, has a knack of picking up bonus-points and provides the best goal-scoring threat. Plus Pep Guardiola literally thought the Argentine was “amazing” in the Manchester Derby.
If you want a set-and-forget goalkeeper, then Claudio Bravo (5.5m) is a decent option, especially with Ben Foster creeping towards the 5m bracket. John Stones (5m) enables you to invest funds in other positions, however, he provides limited bonus-points and attacking returns.
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