While defensive contribution points (DefCon) are the talk of the town, clean sheets remain the bread and butter of defenders in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).
This article uses bookmaker odds to assess the likelihood and highlights the teams with the best chances of keeping their opponents out and the defenses worth lining up in Gameweek 18.
GAME WEEK 18 CLEAN CHANCES
For the first time in several Game Weeks, Liverpool top of the clean-sheet odds. Although they have not always been convincing, Arne Slot’s teams have recorded shutouts in two of their last three league matches. Gameweek 18 brings a home match with Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have scored fewer goals than any other team this season, leaving Liverpool in a prime position to extend that run.
It’s no surprise to see Arsenal right behind. The Gunners continue to put up some of the strongest underlying defensive numbers in the league and look well positioned to secure back-to-back clean sheets. A home match against Brighton & Hove Albion, which scored one goal in three game weeks, gives Mikel Arteta’s team another good chance to perform at the back.
Everton round out the top three, with a 42% chance of a zero this week. The Toffees are already among the league’s top eight sides in terms of shutouts this season and now face Burnley, who are bottom for a number of key attacking statistics. That match gives Everton a clear path to a new clean sheet.
There was also a clear improvement in defense Manchester city. Pep Guardiola’s side have recorded four clean sheets in their last five games in all competitions. A trip to the inconsistent side of Nottingham Forest offers another chance to continue that trend.
Just outside the top four Chelsea And Crystal Palaceboth with a clean-sheet chance of about 36%. Chelsea welcome an in-form Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge, while Palace will look to record their first shutout in the league since early December when they hosted Tottenham Hotspur.
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