Quick summary
In this guide, we explain what a clean sheet bet is and how it works in football. We highlight the factors that influence clean sheet odds, common variations, when the bet is relevant, and how outcomes are determined. For more articles like this, visit our blog, The Advantage.
What is a Clean Sheet bet?
A clean sheet bet is a wager where you predict whether a team will prevent its opponent from scoring any goals during a match. In football, a "clean sheet" means the team has conceded zero goals.
- If the team you bet on allows no goals, the bet wins.
- If the team concedes even one goal, the bet loses.
This type of bet focuses on the team’s defensive performance, making it popular for matches with strong goalkeepers or defensive records.
How does a clean sheet bet work?
- Place your bet: Choose a team and place a bet on whether they will keep a clean sheet (i.e., not allow any goals). This bet can be placed on either a specific team or as part of a larger market, such as “team to keep a clean sheet” or “no clean sheet.”
- Determine the outcome: If the team you bet on wins or draws the match without allowing any goals, your bet is successful. If the team lets in even one goal, your bet is lost, regardless of the final score.
- Bet Types: Some sportsbooks may offer different clean sheet options, such as betting on a team to keep a clean sheet in a specific half or over multiple matches (like in a tournament or a season-long bet).
Example:
Let’s say you place a clean sheet bet on Manchester City in a match against Brighton. You’re betting that Manchester City will win or draw without allowing any goals.
- If Manchester City wins 2-0 or the match ends 0-0, your bet wins because they kept a clean sheet.
- If Brighton scores even one goal, like a 1-1 draw or Manchester City winning 2-1, your bet loses.
So, your clean sheet bet only wins if Manchester City does not concede a goal in the match.
Factors affecting clean sheet odds
- Team’s defensive strength: Strong teams with good defenders and goalkeepers are less likely to concede goals, so the odds are lower.
- Opponent’s attacking ability: If the other team has strong attackers, they are more likely to score, making a clean sheet less likely and raising the odds.
- Recent form: Teams that have been good at keeping clean sheets recently are seen as more reliable, lowering the odds.
- Home or away: Home teams usually defend better, so they have higher chances of keeping a clean sheet, which lowers the odds.
- Injuries or suspensions: Missing key defenders makes it easier for the other team to score, so the odds go up.
- Historical matchups: If a team has kept clean sheets against a certain opponent before, the odds are lower because it's expected to happen again.
Common variations of clean sheet bets
Clean sheet bets can come in several formats beyond the standard full-match wager. Some sportsbooks offer:
- First-half clean sheet: Betting that a team will not concede any goals in the first 45 minutes.
- Second-half clean sheet: Wagering that a team will prevent goals in the second half only.
- Multiple-match clean sheets: Placing bets on a team to keep a clean sheet across several games, often used in tournaments or season-long markets.
- Both teams clean sheet: Betting that neither team will concede, typically a very rare outcome with higher odds.
These variations provide options for bettors seeking more specific outcomes without straying from the neutral explanation of the bet type.
When to use a clean sheet bet
A clean sheet bet is most relevant when the outcome of a match depends heavily on a team’s defensive performance. It is typically used in situations where:
- Teams have strong defensive records: Clubs with solid backlines and reliable goalkeepers are more likely to keep opponents from scoring, which increases the probability of a clean sheet.
- Opponents have weak attacks: Betting on a team facing an opponent that struggles to score can make the clean sheet bet more likely to succeed.
- Low-scoring matches are expected: Games projected to have few goals, such as matches between evenly matched teams or in tightly contested leagues, can provide clearer conditions for a clean sheet.
- Specific halves or periods: Bettors may target the first half or second half for a clean sheet if one team is expected to dominate defensively during that segment.
- Tournaments or league streaks: For multi-match clean sheet bets, teams with a history of consecutive clean sheets are often preferred candidates.
Conclusion
Clean sheet betting focuses on a team's defense rather than the final score. Understanding the mechanics, factors affecting odds, common variations, and payout calculations helps readers grasp how this bet works in football. Clean sheet bets offer a distinct way to engage with matches while staying objective and data-focused.
Frequently asked questions
What qualifies as a clean sheet?
A clean sheet occurs when a team prevents its opponent from scoring any goals during a match, regardless of the final score.
Is 0-0 a clean sheet in football?
Yes, a 0-0 draw is considered a clean sheet because the team didn't concede any goals.
How are clean sheet bets settled?
Sportsbooks settle clean sheet bets based on the final official match score. Extra time and penalties typically do not count unless specified in the market rules..
Do goalkeeper stats affect clean sheet bets?
No. While goalkeepers are credited individually for clean sheets in statistics, sportsbooks settle the bet at the team level—if the team concedes, the bet loses.
What are the benefits of a clean sheet?
A clean sheet shows that a team has a strong defense, which can improve their reputation and lead to better betting odds for future matches. It also helps the team’s chances of winning or drawing, as not allowing goals is key to success.