FPL Gameweek 18 – head-to-head comparisons: Karl Darlow vs Bernd Leno
Karl Darlow (£5.0m) was the hero in a 0-0 against reigning champions Liverpool in Gameweek 16 but last time out against Leicester City he was powerless to stop two goals conceded and mad ejust the one save. That is unlike his performances of late, though, and he is keeping first-choice goalkeeper Martin Dubravka out of the team with his assured presence at the back of a Newcastle side who leave him plenty to do. Bernd Leno (£4.9m) has a similar job to do at Arsenal, where he is often absolved of the blame put on the Gunners’ otherwise leaky defence. Two more clean sheets for Leno sees him six points ahead of Darlow as things stand.
The fact is that both ‘keepers have a reasonable shot at grabbing another clean sheet this weekend as Newcastle travel to bottom-of-the-league Sheffield United who cannot buy a goal for love nor money and Arsenal host Crystal Palace who tend to struggle on the road. However, three draws and a win for Palace in their last four Premier league matches against the Gunners suggest Darlow will have an easier time of it this week.
Verdict: Karl Darlow
