Paddy Says – Gameweek 17

The post-Mourinho era begins with Chelsea adopting an unfamiliar position on top of Paddy Power’s rankings. Cleary, our bookmaker friends are putting their faith in an immediate reaction following Jose’s departure.

Before we delve deeper into Paddy’s odds for Anytime Scorers and Clean Sheets, you just know that they’ve set up another batch of big weekend deals to register on your flutter radars.

No weekend goes by without a Paddy Acca and this time it’s an all domestic affair with a huge 18/1 offer on Chelsea, United and Spurs all to win in today’s three o’clock kick-offs.

Paddy also have the tea-time clash covered with odds of 6/1 on a Newcastle win in their St James’ Park meeting with Aston Villa.

New customers can also get identical odds of 6/1 on a Liverpool win at Watford in Sunday’s lunchtime affair, while Monday night’s titanic encounter at the Emirates is covered with enhanced odds of 8/1 on an Arsenal win, or 10/1 on City earning a vital victory.

Be sure to check the teams and conditions on all those offers and, of course, we should state that all these specials are only available to those aged 18. If you’re going to wager, always gamble responsibly.

ANYTIME GOALSCORER ODDS – GAMEWEEK 17

Paddy have immediately promoted Diego Costa (1.72) to be the most likely goalscorer in the Gameweek, notwithstanding the fact he’s drawn five blanks in his previous seven outings. They’re banking on Chelsea to react positively to Jose’s departure and finally flex their attacking muscles at home to a Sunderland outfit that ranks top for goals conceded (21) in road ties. In acknowledgement of the Black Cats’ dreadful away record, Eden Hazard (2.40) and Loic Remy (2.00) are also priced favourably.

Compounding his position at the summit of our Captain Poll, Romelu Lukaku comes in at 1.90 ahead of Everton’s home encounter against Leicester City. The logic seems sound: the Belgian marksman has netted in six successive starts and ranks joint-top for attempts (19) over the last four Gameweeks, plus he is pitted against a Leicester City rearguard that’s claimed just three clean sheets all term.

Given that Manchester United chalked up just four goals in their previous seven match-ups, Anthony Martial and Memphis Depay (both 2.90) are perhaps surprise entries amongst Paddy’s top six. Nonetheless, the Red Devils are likely to be afforded their fair share of clear-cut opportunities at home to a Norwich City team that places top for big chances conceded (24) in away fixtures.

Harry Kane (2.29) has recorded three blanks on the trot, but he’ll fancy his chances against a Southampton unit that registered only two shut-outs in the past 11 Gameweeks. Looking across the North London divide, Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez (both 2.29) lock horns with a Manchester City back line that ranks joint-top for big chances conceded (12) over the last four Gameweeks. Interestingly, Sergio Aguero appears back on Paddy’s scoring odds, but out of the top ten with unfamiliar odds of 2.50.

Capping off the top ranks, Christian Benteke (2.37) squares up to a Watford defence that boasts the third-best home record (six goals conceded). The former Genk hitman is struggling for form, managing two goals since Gameweek 5.

CLEAN SHEET ODDS – GAMEWEEK 17

Although Chelsea (1.72) have shipped 11 goals at Stamford Bridge and place joint-fourth for big chances surrendered at home (16), Paddy are wary that a change in management could promote greater diligence at the back. Having silenced their opposition in five of the last eight Gameweeks, Man United (1.83) occupy the silver-medal berth.

Liverpool (2.40) have registered just two cleans sheets in their previous 13 league clashes but are fancied to rebuff the Hornets’ buoyant attack at Vicarage Road. Swansea (2.50) last earned a shut-out in Gameweek 6 but face off against a Hammers outfit that’s notched back-to-back blanks and is suffering from an injury-ravaged attack.

Newcastle are also pitched at 2.50 as they host a Villains side that’s failed to score in three of their last five outings. Meanwhile, Stoke City (2.75) could make it eight clean sheets in 10 when they duke it out with Crystal Palace at the Britannia Stadium. Lastly, West Bromwich Albion (3.00) – who possess the worst defensive record at home (14 goals conceded) – are perhaps generously priced ahead of in-form Bournemouth’s visit to The Hawthorns.