Modern betting goes far beyond simply predicting the winner. Bettors have dozens of different markets to choose from, and they don’t have to guess the winner to win a wager. Some of the more popular wager types include picking an over/under for a specific number of goals to be scored by both teams, as well as a so called BTTS bets (Both Teams To Score) that actually require a more balanced outcome.
The whole trick is recognising when each of these live bet soccer markets is well-suited for an upcoming match. Here are some of the things you would be wise to take into account before deciding:
How Evenly Matched Are the Teams?
The first thing you want to look at is the balance of power. Is this going to be a one-sided affair or can you expect the teams to trade blows throughout the match? In case of an expected dominance of one team, how likely is that advantage to be translated into a high score? Projecting this factor accurately can tell you exactly which type of bet to go for. To realistically target Over 2.5 Goals in a match, you want to see a clear favorite that could fill the opponent’s net early and force the opponent to try and score back. For evenly matched teams, a BTTS bet could be a better option.
How Much Offensive Firepower Will Be on the Pitch?
Any bet that relies on scoring goals is dependent on the offensive performance of key players. If there is a certified goal-getter present on the pitch, the chances for a high-scoring match increase dramatically. Then again certain teams tend to find the net regularly despite not having huge individual talents. Of course, you should also consider how tough the defense is. Even the most dynamic teams struggle to score when the field is stacked with smart, disciplined defenders and you certainly don’t want to bet the over in such a match. Make sure to check the rosters right before the match to see exactly which players will make an appearance and take it from there to decide which bet is appropriate.
What Are the Stakes for Each Team?
You should also take note of strategic concerns for each team. Depending on the current positions on the table, the number of matches left in a competition, etc. a team could decide to consciously pursue a more or less attacking approach. Teams that are comfortably ahead of their rivals might be happy to pick up a single point from the match, and consequently might prefer to play cautiously. For over 2.5 goals or BTTS to be realistic, you want both teams to be in attacking mindset from the opening minute and to continue pushing for more until the final whistle. Finding games where both teams are motivated is usually easier early in the season or a big tournament, so pay closer attention in the later stages and pick more judiciously.
How Did the Previous Match Featuring Those Teams End?
It’s commonly known that past production is the single best predictor of future performance, so it makes sense to look a bit closer into recent history. If the same teams met previously while fielding similar rosters, the outcomes of those matches should inform your betting approach. Of course, you shouldn’t expect history to repeat itself, but certain trend lines are likely to hold. If two teams have been engaged in high scoring contests every time they played over the past couple of years, they probably won’t go into the next match with very conservative game plans.