→ The 2014/15 season was Sergio Aguero's best ever for Fantasy returns. Seven of his goals/assists and 36 of his FPL points came in two meetings with which club that year? Scout Betting
26 December 2015 1567 comments
James Barnes James Barnes
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Weighed down by a fuzz of alcohol and mincemeat, we rouse ourselves ahead of another Gameweek deadline to stagger before Paddy Power’s door and assess their Boxing Day reckoning.

Before we assess their thinking on where goals or will and won’t be scored, here’s news of a couple of Boxing Day offers available for new Paddy customers.

They’ve prepared a twin set of enhanced bets, with new accounts qualifying for huge odds in this weekend’s acca. This features four home sides with Paddy offering a big 22/1 on wins for Chelsea (vs Watford), Man City (vs Sunderland), Liverpool (vs Leicester) and Spurs (vs Norwich). Later on today, you can also grab odds of 7/1 on an Arsenal away win over Southampton at St Mary’s.

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 18

PlayerTeamOdds
AgueroMCI1.40
BonyMCI1.66
KaneTOT1.66
CostaCHE1.83
LukakuEVE2.00
BentekeLIV2.10
IheanachoMCI2.10
ToureMCI2.29
RemyCHE2.40
VardyLEI2.40
SterlingMCI2.40
GiroudARS2.40
GomisSWA2.70
MahrezLEI3.00
WalcottARS3.10

Sergio Aguero (1.40) is restored to the top of the Anytime Goalscorer rankings having been afforded the shortest odds by Paddy ahead of Manchester City’s home tie against Sunderland. Although the Argentine marksman is highly unlikely to last the distance at the Etihad, his five-goal haul in 20 minutes against Newcastle United will be fresh in the minds of non-owners today. In light of the fact that the Sky Blues rank top for home goals (25) and the Black Cats rank top for away goals conceded (25), Wilfried Bony (1.66), Kelechi Iheanacho (2.10), Yaya Toure (2.29) and Raheem Sterling (2.40) also feature in Paddy’s reckoning.

Harry Kane, along with Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez (3.00), has been pushing Aguero all the way in our Captain Poll and Paddy’s odds certainly appear to reinforce the argument that the Spurs striker he is best placed to rival the Argentine. Kane is pitched at 1.66 as Tottenham Hotspur prepare to host Norwich City at White Hart Lane. The Lilywhites frontman places second among forwards for shots on target (13) at home and is pitted against a Canaries rearguard that’s yet record a clean sheet on their travels.

Chelsea’s much-improved performance against Sunderland last Gameweek has prompted Paddy to price Diego Costa (1.83) for the Stamford Bridge meeting with in-form Watford. It’s unlikely that Fantasy managers will be encouraged by Paddy’s confidence – the Hornets go into today’s tie off the back of four consecutive victories and have shipped just ten goals in eight games on their travels.

Romelu Lukaku looks a far stronger proposition: he comes in at 2.00 for Everton’s trip to Newcastle. The blossoming Belgian has scored in seven successive starts and squares up to a Magpies defence that ranks joint-second for goals conceded (32) throughout the season, which bodes well for his attacking prospects. Lukaku’s record is also superb against the Magpies – he’s scored or assisted nine goals in his last six appearances against them.

Despite drawing blanks in his last six league appearances, Christian Benteke (2.10) boasts the sixth-shortest odds before Liverpool’s home clash against Leicester City. The Belgian’s case is bolstered in the knowledge that the visitors lay claim to just three shut-outs, although Benteke’s start is far from assured.

Olivier Giroud (2.40) netted in all but two of his previous nine league outings yet sneaks in at the bottom of the top ten. The France international will certainly fancy his chances against a Southampton back line that’s conceded in six of their last seven match-ups at St Mary’s. Theo Walcott is also out at just 3.00 for an anytime goal – the top midfield option behind the City continent.

CLEAN SHEET ODDS – GAMEWEEK 18

TeamOdds
Manchester City1.83
Chelsea2.00
Tottenham Hotspur2.10
Swansea City2.20
Manchester United2.50
Arsenal2.80
Aston Villa2.87
West Ham3.00

Man City are without a clean sheet in five Gameweeks but that hasn’t deterred Paddy from pinpointing them as the team most likely to claim a Boxing Day shut-out. On a similar note, Chelsea are also rated highly (2.00) but will do well to silence a Watford attack that ranks joint-top for goals (nine) over the last four Gameweeks.

Tottenham looks stronger bet (2.10) – they match up against a Norwich side that’s drawn blanks in two of their previous three away fixtures, while, on the surface, Swansea City look a decent option out at 2.20. However, the Swans lock horns with a West Brom outfit that’s only failed to score once in the last eight Gameweeks. Meanwhile, Manchester United are priced out at 2.50 as they prepare to engage Mark Hughes’ Stoke City who charts joint-bottom for goals (14) this season.

Arsenal (2.80) represent good value ahead of their trip to the south coast, given that Southampton have notched just two goals in their last five outings. Finally Aston Villa are tipped at 2.87 by virtue of the fact that West Ham United have drawn blanks in their last trio of match-ups. With the Hammers out at 3.00, the Villa Park clash is ranked the most likely to end in a 0-0 stalemate.

  1. HamezMace
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Morning all, happy post Christmas,

    Please help me pick 3 from these 5 in defence today;

    Evans (Swansea away)
    Bellerin (Saints away)
    Sagna (Sunderland home)
    Jones (Stoke away)
    Francis (Palace home)

    Many thanks

    1. SweeSwee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      First 3

    2. northernmuppet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      First 3

    3. Dr Mantis Toboggan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      First 3

    4. HamezMace
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks guys, seems right based on form, just have a feeling on a Utd shut out

    5. Ron_Swanson
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      top 3

  2. OPTA FPL
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Reason people suggested Silva is not starting today?

    1. Captain Vantastic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Had a dream last night Silva assisted 3 goals and Kolarov scored a pen.

    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Rotation? Easy game on paper and he isnt 100% yet?

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Sound similar to Kun case

        1. Weasel Boy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Yes.
          Bony could startand Kun could be saved for Leicester for all we know.

  3. Slice of ham
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Think I'll start Moreno over Dawson and Francis seeing as I have Vardy and Mahrez so I'll have something to fall back on in case they blank.

    1. FDMS All Starz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Leicester have not failed to score in a match this season, so until I witness it, I'll avoid all defenses that come up against them

      1. Slice of ham
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Will only happen sooner rather than later then 😉

    2. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      What if it's 1-1 and Vardy and Mahrez don't score? #longshot

      1. Slice of ham
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Then, I'll admit defeat

  4. northernmuppet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Mahez / Ramsey / ozil / KDB / Deuleofeu
    Vardy / lukaku / Kane

    Bench a) Vardy or b) Deuleofeu?

    1. Meinhoff
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      b

  5. mattyrobinson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Sorry, late to the party. What games are at risk?

      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      None.

      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Based on what? There are games being called off all over the North West. Of course it's less likely that Prem games will be postponed but until they are confirmed on then there is a risk

  6. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Bottomed...Who to start?

    Sterling (problem of game time but he did get dropped/rested last week with Yaya in the no10 role, will it continue?)
    or
    ighalo (if he blanks dnt know if I would be happy or sad if I benched him, will be more tempted to sell if he blanks)

    1. antolol
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Ighalo. Just because I pray for him to stop scoring as I have Zouma.

    2. diabydoesgallas
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling all day.

  7. karvs155
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Mahrez or Kane (C)?

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Mahrez
      Leicester can't stop scoring

    2. hazza
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Just switched from mahrez to kane. Still not sure.

  8. Lizard Lips
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone else in 'must get Kun mode' - so risky going without at home to Sunderland, he could net 5 against this lot!!

      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      The only risk is you regret it.

        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        *as in not doing it.

        His ownership means it ISN'T a risk otherwise.

    1. #WinterIsNotComing
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I think exactly the same.

    2. Meinhoff
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Not at all, low ownership and City Sunderland game might be at risk from what I hear on here

  9. #WinterIsNotComing
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    KDB to Alli and Ighalo to Aguero ?

    I have got 2 FTs.

    1. Son of Rambo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Not sure I'd want to lose KDB

    2. Ron_Swanson
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      No way

    3. Dr Mantis Toboggan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Not sure I'd want to lose Ighalo

  10. Son of Rambo
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Best defensive option under 4.8 mill except Palace?

    1. karvs155
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Watford? Olsson at WBA?

      1. Son of Rambo
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Watford even with their fixtures?

        1. karvs155
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Hmm, they are still quite tight defensively

          1. Son of Rambo
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            thanks

    2. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Williams

      1. Son of Rambo
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        4 YC is a worry

    3. Slice of ham
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Surely some Watford defender

      1. Son of Rambo
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        despite their fixtures?

    4. FDMS All Starz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      West brom or Swansea defense

      1. Son of Rambo
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        thanks

    5. antolol
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Long term or short term?

      1. Son of Rambo
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Long term

        1. antolol
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Id say a Stoke defender! Wollscheild?

  11. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Swiss outlet Aargauer Zeitung is reporting that Arsenal have agreed a fee to sign Basel's Mohamed Elneny. The 23 year old Egyptian international has won 3 league titles with Basel and could fill in as DM while coquelin is out. The fee is rumoured to be around 10 million pounds.

  12. Mr. Grv
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Would you play AoA even if no confirmation on bolasie start ?

    1. Mr. Grv
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Even if he doesn't play bellerin or kolorav play

      1. Ron_Swanson
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        but then you've wasted the AOA

        1. Mr. Grv
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Yup but I think its worth it

      2. Meinhoff
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Who you playing if not Kolarov? And yes AOA

        1. Mr. Grv
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Smalling kolorav bellerin

  13. WSRevilo
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    I have 2FT, can you recommend changes please? Thanks!

    Myhill, (McCarthy)
    Bellerin, Kolarov, Dier, (Moreno, Richards)
    Ozil, Mahrez, Deulofeu, De Bruyne (Woodwood)
    Kane, Lukaku, Vardy...

  14. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Pick 2 too play and why?

    A. Dawson (SWA A)
    B. Bellerin (SOU A) - Already playig Ozil and Ramsey

    1. Ighalo (CHE A)
    2. Wijinaldum (EVE H)

    Thanks

    1. FDMS All Starz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Bellerin (cmon its southampton)
      Ighalo(form over fixture, proved it last game)

    2. antolol
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      B2 - Sou looks bad, WBA defense not as tight anymore. Wijnaldum cuz Newcastle seem to have found their form, at home + Everton always concedes

  15. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Stick or Twist? 1FT and 3.4ITB

    -

    ---------------Butland---------------

    Kolorov - Smalling - Moreno

    Ozil - Ramsey - Mahrez - KDB

    ------Kane - Vardy - Lukaku-----

    Subs: Francis - Souare - Stanislas

    1. Lyonnais
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Save FT

    2. QPR expects... glory!
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Stick but would personally more likely play Francis or Souare over Moreno. Liverpool back four leaks like a sieve

  16. HazMac
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Captain:
    A) Mahrez
    B) Vardy
    C) KDB
    D) Ozil

    1. Dr Mantis Toboggan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      A
      D
      C
      B

  17. Lyonnais
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Myhill / McCarthy
    Bellerin, Alderweireld, Moreno / Nyom, Muniesa
    KDB, Özil, Ramsey, Mahrez / Gosling
    Vardy, Kane, Lukaku

    1 FT, 5.4 ITB

    A) Muniesa ---> Delaney/Dann/WHU def.
    B) Save FT

    1. Meinhoff
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      B

      1. Lyonnais
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        thanks!

  18. YuvalSpurs
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Play Dawson or Ward?

    1. QPR expects... glory!
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Ward

  19. Pulis Ki Vardy
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Bench one

    A. Bellerin
    B. Wollschied

    1. Myhill
    2. Butland

    cheers!

    1. Jazz!
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      A2

      1. Jazz!
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Oh thought u meant play. Bench B1

        1. Pulis Ki Vardy
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Thanks!! i just replied too! 😀

      2. Pulis Ki Vardy
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks! To confirm - you want me to bench Butland but play Wollschied?

    2. FISSH
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      b
      1

    3. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      B and 1

    4. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      B1

  20. FISSH
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Morning all! Today is finally here!!

    I don't think I can justify selling Vardy and Wijnaldum for a hit to get Aguero.. It is just too risky.

    Have to pray that Aguero doesn't score more than 1 goal!

  21. Lecky Legs FC
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Who to Captain this week?

    A Mahrez
    B Ozil
    C KDB
    D Lukaku

  22. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Those scenes when Aguero scores a brace and Vardy gets 5th yc 😀

    1. FISSH
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      or the other way around 😉

  23. seanpauldcu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Mane problems!

    Second in mini league trailing by 11pts by my own mistakes (Mane costing me 41pts)
    GW15: Mahrez benched in favour of Mane and Mahrez scoops 21pts while Mane blanks.
    GW16: Mahrez benched again in favour of Mane as fixtures and all the stats are pointing toward a potential explosive Mane v Palace and again Mahrez scoops 13pts v Chelsea.
    GW17: Again, out of fear I won't drop him because as soon as I do he will explode so this week I drop Igalho v Liverpool expecting Liverpool away to be decent and Igalho delivers 13pts.
    GW18: Stick or twist with Mane? Last chance saloon, I may need to remove him next week just to stop myself playing him.

    Who to start/sub?
    Myhill | Hennessey
    Moreno | Toby | Bellerin | (Huth) | (Targett)
    Eriksen | KDB | Ozil | Mane | Mahrez
    Igalho | Lukaku | Kane

    Appreciate the opinions.

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Dropped him two weeks ago and never been so relived as when I hit confirm on the transfer

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Get rid is my advice. Ramsey if you can afford is a great choice

    2. diabydoesgallas
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Start mane, and drop Mahrez.

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Lol

  24. Lyonnais
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Where are all these "some games might be called off" rumours coming from ?

    1. Milner4eva
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Games ARE being called off mate

    2. Ayew Holding Mee Cork
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Because some games are already called off

    3. Diva
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      FootballLeaguePaperVerified account ‏@TheLeaguePaper 7m7 minutes ago
      POSTPONED games:

      Accrington v Carlisle

      Morecambe v Mansfield

      Blackpool v Oldham

      Hartlepool v Notts County

      1. Lyonnais
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        thanks!

        1. Tommy J
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          All in the North

          1. Lyonnais
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            So maybe the Liverpool, City and Newcastle games at risk ?

      2. Milner4eva
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Would absolutely love the leics game to be called off, need to bring some differentials into the game

      3. Lecky Legs FC
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Add Blackburn vs Boro to that list too.

    4. Adams6
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Only lower league, chill.

      1. QPR expects... glory!
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Yep, no proper drainage or undersoil heating systems put many games in lower league at risk today

    5. SweeSwee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Apparently there's a bit of drizzle in the north or something.

  25. City 'til I Cry
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    KDB & Ighalo > Kun & Alli is:

    A) A good move

    B) The definition of madness

    ?

    1. Pedram
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Doing the same thing over and over again expecting different result.

    2. Dr Mantis Toboggan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      C) Your username.

    3. seanpauldcu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Alli looks set to be rested. I'd wait a week.

      1. Rambo Motin
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Where did you get that from?

    4. FDMS All Starz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Wait until both blank

    5. FISSH
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      DONT DO IT!

  26. Pedram
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Captain Kane or Lukaku ?

  27. Jazz!
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    As a Silva owner I am pretty worried - what should I do?

    1. Milner4eva
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Worried why? Rotation? Weather?

      Just play him and cross your fingers

      1. Jazz!
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks, benched according to the 'bib theory'

        1. Milner4eva
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Don't bother worrying mate, nothing you can do, just play him and hope

  28. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Good morning how wet is it in Liverpool? Could that affect the output of Jamie Vardy?

    1. Diva
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Cheese, pop into HQ?

      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        ok

  29. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Barkley and Vardy

    to

    Yaya and Kane for the next few gw's?

    Yes or no ? Thanks.

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      No. Yaya has had about 30 minutes of good football. Vardy has out returned one blank.

    2. Dr Mantis Toboggan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Dont mind it, Yaya could be a decent shout, youd be spewing if Vardy continues his form after youd got rid of him though as on paper its probably not a smart
      move to get rid of him yet

  30. how now brown cow
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Giroud and silva or aguero and hendo?

    1. Dr Mantis Toboggan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Giroud and Silva until Giroud starts getting rotated and Kun hits form

    2. FDMS All Starz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Henderson? Really?...A all day

    3. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      G&S

    4. OLB
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Kun and Silva