The controversial feast of international football is now over – no more cheers of support in English pubs for Norway and no audible Scottish boos from the terraces for the Liechtenstein national anthem. The action over the break was intense, but what sort of aftertaste is left in our mouths as we re-join the Premier League this weekend? The injuries certainly haven’t been too palatable…
Who Will Keep A Clean Sheet?
- Arsenal 1.83 (BOL)
- Man City 1.90 (BLA)
- Chelsea 2.00 (whm)
- Fulham 2.30 (WOL)
- Man Utd 2.40 (eve)
- Newcastle 2.40 (BPL)
- Tottenham 2.62 (wba)
- Liverpool 2.62 (bir)
- Stoke 2.80 (AVL)
- Wigan 2.87 (SUN)
Paddy has been wise to the mounting pile of sicknotes. Heurelho Gomes and Michael Dawson’s absence practically put Spurs out of the running for a clean sheet this week, even though West Brom have only managed one league goal thus far. Chelsea could be without John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic and seem to be at a generous price considering the Hammers have only scored from the spot so far this campaign. Chelsea’s clean sheet streak must come to an end at some point though and West Ham have created ample chances but have been hopelessly wasteful so far. Maybe Avram Grant will be left smiling against his former club?
Arsenal and Man City head Paddy’s shut-out rankings, and for good reason. Although being sent off on international duty, Vincent Kompany has returned from injury to add his resilient energy to Man City’s defensive structure against Blackburn, whilst Bolton have yet to be tested against a top club which will comfort Arsenal. The Trotters and their set-piece expertise will make the afternoon a fidgety one for the Gunners back four but an Emirates cleanie still looks a strong bet. Thomas Vermaelen remains the luxury option amongst Wenger’s defensive assets – Bacary Sagna your short-term alternative. He’s continued to pose a threat down the right so far this term but rotation with Emmanuel Eboue is always a concern – particularly for the home clashes against weaker opponents.
While Kevin Doyle has found form during the international week, Paddy feels he’s not about to make his mark in the Premier League for Wolves this weekend. Fulham’s price could seem a little shaky with the loss of Konchesky but Wolves’ lack of attacking ambition away from Molineux offers Fulham every chance of a first cleanie of the season at the Cottage.
Anytime Goalscorer
- Drogba 1.53
- Tevez 1.66
- Chamakh 1.72
- Adebayor 1.83
- Carroll 1.83
- Anelka 1.90
- Arshavin 1.90
- Fabregas 2.00
- Malouda 2.10
- Lampard 2.10
- Rooney 2.10
- Torres 2.25
- Zamora 2.40
- Bent 2.60
- Berbatov 2.70
- Nolan 2.70
The Anytime Goalscorer market appears to offer more familiar territory than the precarious clean sheet hunt this weekend. Chelsea have plenty of names in there and Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba remain the key threats. It’s almost impossible to see Ancelotti’s side struggle to put at least one past the floundering Hammers, even away from home and with Lampard uncertain to feature.
The best of the rest seem to all be home bankers. Carlos Tevez looked good for Argentina on the weekend and will be set to start against Blackburn despite the international exertions. Marouane Chamakh is simmering nicely for Arsenal and Robin Van Persie’s injury will give him the time to settle and start notching goals. Paddy clearly fancy him against Owen Coyle’s defence this weekend.
Value seems to lie at the feet of Toon favourite Andy Carroll. A home fixture against Blackpool seems to look a dead cert for a goal or two, and for just 5.4 in the Fantasy Premier League game, he could even rival Drogba for the armband. Chris Hughton is still playing coy on Carroll’s fitness following a recent ankle knock but if he plays – he looks a very strong bet to continue his rise as an essential Fantasy purchase.
If you fancy taking a risk this week then perhaps City’s Adam Johnson is worth a sniff. Two goals for England over the break and Blackburn in his sights this weekend; at a FPL price of 6.4 he’s good value while he continues to see off the challenge of David Silva and at 3.10 odds he might be worth a crafty fiver.
Paddy’s Scout Specials
If you fancy Bolton’s “direct” approach to bother the Gunners rearguard and have faith in Fulham’s back four at home to Wolves, why not try the Clean Sheet Accumulator for a bit of extra value? Man City, Chelsea and Fulham all to keep clean sheets over the weekend might seem like a risk, but 9/1 is not to be sniffed at.
Cesc Fabregas is still bubbling under for Arsenal but has a strong fixture with Bolton at the Emirates to help get his Fantasy season moving. Malouda and Carroll are hot property at the moment, and combined with Cesc the trio make a worthy punt to find the net at least once this weekend at 8/1 in the Scout Picks special.
The rare partnership of Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross and West Brom’s Marc Antoine Fortune both to score one or more goals over the weekend is certainly a Fantasy Island Risk worthy of the ScoutCast regular, but both will get a run out, and both will be a threat. Paddy is wagering that in forty attempts of this, it will only come off once. Certainly decent value for those looking for a long-shot.
Paddy’s Money Back Special
Paddy’s deal this week is just that little bit cheeky. “Scoring Away From Home!” will pay back all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on the match if Wayne Rooney scores the last goal at Goodison Park this weekend.
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