Paddy Says – Gameweek 2

This evening’s deadline means we have to knock on Paddy Power’s door early to enquire on their current odds, as we look to throw another variable into your Fantasy thinking ahead of the 6.45 gong.

Before we assess Paddy’s reckoning for goals and clean sheets, we need to tell you about their latest offers, including odds of 6/1 for new accounts on a United win at Villa Park this evening.

Sunday’s big meeting at the Etihad also finds Paddy offer 7/1 on a City win or a huge 14/1 on a Chelsea triumph. Meanwhile, if you’re partial to cheeky accumulator, you can dip into their Premier League/Championship combination and back wins for Spurs vs Stoke, West Ham vs Leicester and Derby vs Charlton and get odds of 25/1.

Be sure to check the Terms and Conditions on all those specials.

Anytime Goalscorer Odds – Gameweek 2

Paddy fancy Christian Benteke (1.66) to get off the mark this weekend as the Reds play host to new boys Bournemouth. Such is their conviction that Brendan Rodgers’ men will breach the Cherries’ rearguard, the bookmarkers have also offered short odds for back-up strikers Danny Ings and Divock Origi (both 2.40), while Roberto Firmino, (2.60), who fired a midweek hat-trick for the U21’s, has been earmarked as a bigger goal threat than form midfielder Philippe Coutinho (3.20).

Despite claiming just 8% of the vote in our Captain’s Poll this week, Harry Kane (1.90) has been pinpointed as the second favourite to open the scoring, with Tottenham Hotspur welcoming Stoke City to White Hart Lane. The Potters carded just four clean sheets on their travels last term yet recorded a 2-1 victory in the corresponding fixture.

The 2014/15 Golden Boot winner, Sergio Aguero, is tipped at 2.10 to register at home against Chelsea’s regimented rearguard, though it’s still uncertain whether the Argentinian marksman will make his first start of the campaign or emerge from the bench as he builds up his fitness. Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney is backed at 2.20 to open his account against an Aston Villa side that’s notched just one home clean sheet under Tim Sherwood’s reign.

Paddy have covered the bases with regards to Arsenal’s attacking contingent, given that neither Olivier Giroud (2.25), Theo Walcott (2.40), nor Alexis Sanchez (2.40) are guaranteed a starting berth for their trip to Crystal Palace. The same can be said of Swansea’s forward line, with Bafetimbi Gomis (2.29) and substitute frontman Eder (2.50) both afforded short odds as Garry Monk’s outfit gear up for a visit from Newcastle United.

Elsewhere, Graziano Pelle is priced at (2.40), having opened the scoring at St James’ Park last weekend. The Italian hitman bagged 11 of his 13 goals at St Mary’s Stadium, which bodes well for Saints’ home clash against Everton on Saturday lunchtime. Only three forwards have fashioned more attempts at goal than Troy Deeney (three) this term, which explains why Watford’s premier striker is pitched 2.60.

Clean Sheet Odds – Gameweek 2

Fresh off the back of a home clean sheet against Spurs, Man United are favoured at 2.00 to rebuff the advances of Villa in their own backyard. Considering that Sherwood’s men fashioned just seven attempts at goal (three on target) against Bournemouth, Matteo Darmian’s 10.7% ownership will be quietly confident.

Sitting in joint-first at 2.00, Liverpool endeavour to secure back-to-back shut-outs following a 1-0 win over Stoke. Fantasy favourite Nathaniel Clyne (41% ownership) and emerging budget gem Joe Gomez (7% ownership) will fancy their chances of stemming the Cherries’ attacks, given that the south coast club tested Villa’s keeper on just two occasions last weekend.

Despite posting only nine clean sheets in the previous campaign, Spurs’ price (2.29) suggests Paddy have faith in their inconsistent defence. Doubtless their value was enhanced by a resilient showing at Old Trafford, in which new signing Toby Alderweireld cut an authoritative figure alongside national compatriot Jan Vertonghen.

Both Arsenal and Southampton are tipped at 2.40 to register a zero in the goal-against column. The Gunners revealed a slew of defensive vulnerabilities in their opener against West Ham and face a Palace side that’s brimming with confidence. On the other hand, Saints boasted the joint-best home clean-sheet haul last term (11) so are accustomed to battening down the hatches at St Mary’s.

Although Manchester City snuffed out West Brom’s attacks with minimal fuss in Gameweek 1, the fact they’re hosting Chelsea – who ranked second for goals scored (37) on the road last term – ensures that they’re eighth favourites to record a clean sheet at 2.80.

Hot on the heels of the Sky Blues at 2.87, Sunderland are priced in the middle of the pack despite shipping four goals to Leicester City. Given that no side conceded more goals at home (27) than the Black Cats last season, Norwich will be disappointed if they can’t trouble the scoresheet on Wearside.