In football, a clean sheet exhibits the defensive prowess of a team, wherein they prevent their opponent from scoring any goals throughout the match. It is a testament to the resilience and strategic awareness of the goalkeeper and the defense players.
As part of football betting, you can place wagers on a team by predicting whether or not they will successfully maintain a clean sheet during their game. What makes it an attractive betting option is that it pivots from the focus from which specific team will win to something small, yet important in-game element, providing bettors a different dimension to test their knowledge. If you win, it not only helps you earn a lucrative payout, but it facilitates future betting opportunities thanks to your accurate analysis of the defensive strengths of that team.
On this page, we will discuss everything there is to know about clean sheet betting in football, including how to place a bet and a few related tips.
What is a Clean Sheet in Football?
If one of the football teams records a clean sheet, it means they have not conceded a single goal during the course of a match. At the end of a match that has witnessed a clean sheet, the score will read like 0-0, 1-0, 2-0, and so on.
In a clean sheet, the defensive players and the goalkeeper play an important part in achieving such unique scorelines. It showcases the strength of their defense and teamwork.
When it comes to betting on them, you will see a ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ option against the teams. Accordingly, you must make a prediction as to which team will earn a clean sheet during a given match.
How to Bet on a Clean Sheet?
Placing bets on clean sheets is a simple process once you find the relevant market. To explain how it works, let us take the example of a match between Real Madrid and Barcelona in the La Liga competition.
You can tap on the match link, which will open the different markets listed under it. Find the clean sheets option.
- Betting on Real Madrid to keep a clean sheet (“Yes”): If you bet on “Yes”, then your prediction is that Real Madrid will keep a clean sheet against Barcelona. If Barca fail to score during the match, you win the bet and earn a payout
- Betting against Barcelona to keep a clean sheet (“No”): If you bet on “No” against Barcelona, it means that you think they will concede at least one goal against Real Madrid. If they do, you win the bet
Different Betting Markets Available in Football Betting
It is important to note that clean sheets is one of the many betting markets offered by a bookmaker. This way, you can place your bets on several options and combine them to receive a higher payout if your bets win. Listed below are some of the side bets that are worth exploring.
- Match outcome and clean sheet: This market allows you to bet on the match result along with wagering on the team you think will earn a clean sheet. However, since you are now combining the two bets, both your predictions should be correct in order to win
So, in the same example of a match between Real Madrid and Barcelona:
- You can bet on Real Madrid to win the match with a clean sheet. If they win or draw the match without conceding a goal, you receive a payout
- You can bet on Barcelona to beat Real Madrid while keeping a clean sheet. But if Barcelona keep a clean sheet, but fail to beat Real Madrid with the match ending in a draw, you lose your bet
- Team clean sheet: A team clean sheet bet refers to a wager you place on a team regardless of the outcome of the match. So, if you bet on Barcelona to keep a clean sheet against Real Madrid, and they do not concede a single goal, your bet wins. It does not matter whether they themselves scored a goal or the match ended in a draw
- Both teams to score (BTTS): While this is not a clean sheet bet, it is a side game that allows you to bet on a prediction that both Real Madrid and Barcelona will score at least one goal. However, if you predict “No” on both teams not scoring a goal, and only one of the teams scores a goal, your bet still wins
Tips for Placing Clean Sheet Bets
Clean sheet bets are tricky considering only one goal can lead to the bet falling apart. However, you can contemplate a few tricks in the hopes of potentially bagging a successful payout after the end of a football match.
- Assess defensive records: Being knowledgeable about a team’s form in regards its defensive performance can make the difference between you winning and losing a clean sheet bet. Analyze their recent records and consider factors such as goals conceded, performance of defense players and goalkeeper, etc.
- Home and away form: While some teams have a strong defensive record while playing at home, whereas others may play better as visitors. Having familiarity with these statistics can help you adjust your bets accordingly
- Team news: Football is a sport where eleven players do not play all the games throughout the season. Before a game, look at the team reports for any news on player injuries, suspensions, or a probable team to ensure that your player is not missing out on starting the game
- Head-to-head record: A match like Real Madrid vs Barcelona provides entertainment for the ages with the result having the potential to swing either way. Knowing about their recent meetings will tell you which team has been the dominant one out of the two, allowing you to make an informed decision on your bet
- Style of play: Learning about the teams’ style of play can help you earn clean sheet bets. If your team likes to play defensively, they are bound to keep the possession more, in turn their chances of returning with a clean sheet is higher
Weather: Weather conditions, too, impact the outcome of a football match. Heavy rain during a match or snow can affect the way players approach a match.