Goals win football matches, but not all teams have the
capacity to score as many goals as others. Some teams rarely create
goal-scoring opportunities while others create plenty of chances. Nevertheless,
in almost every football match, both teams involved will have some chances to
score, making the Both Teams to Score (BTTS) betting market a popular and
lucrative market for many punters.
What is BTTS?
In BTTS betting, you are placing your bet on matches where
both teams involved will score. In such bets, it does not matter how many goals
each team will score, only that each scores at least one goal. BTTS betting is
used by many punters in multi-leg accumulators where the teams involved are
high-scoring and are likely to post many goals. When you opt for BTTS, the
final score of the match means little, you simply want the two teams to find
the net and you are done. Besides, it does not matter when or how the teams
score; whether in the 1st or 91st minute, a bizarre deflection or a 45-yard
screamer, an old-fashioned long-ball routine or an own goal, you just want them
to score.
Does BTTS offer value?
In many cases, BTTS market provides good value with the odds
ranging from 1.30 to 1.80, even more in some cases. So a bet on BTTS can offer
a good profit. In fact, the prices in the BTTS market are usually quite
attractive and it only takes a treble or a simple accumulator of 4 or more
teams to earn good profit.
Crucial things to remember when placing a BTTS bet
(a) Do your
homework thoroughly
Nothing in football betting is straightforward and football
matches can spring surprising results. But if you do your research well then you
can post good returns. Good research will help you to bet with logic and common
sense, not on emotions or blind faith. Some of the things you must look for
during your homework are the number of goals scored and the number of goals
conceded, both home and away. Teams that score and concede an average of 1.30
goals and above, home and away are particularly ideal for BTTS betting. Those
that score and concede an average of less than 1.00 goals home and away must be
avoided. It is also critical to keep your eyes on the average goals scored and
conceded by teams in various leagues so you know which leagues can give you a
chance in the BTTS market. Most of the information is available online and you
only need a little research to make a wise betting decision.
(b) Check
head-to-head statistics
Certain teams have the habit of scoring a bucket load of
goals when they meet while others rarely score against each other. So
regardless of how many goals a team has been scoring recently, the head-to-head
statistics will tell you whether they are likely to keep the trend in their
next game. If they have met each other during the same season, then the result
may be significant.
(c) Check the
league table
While actual match results do matter so much in BTTS
betting, the position of teams in the league table may help highlight the
disparity between them. For example, if in the English Premier League you note
that Hull City that lies 18th has been scoring so many goals both home and
away, would you still fancy them to score against table-topping Chelsea at
Stamford Bridge? Well, they may score, but logic and common sense dictates that
their chance of scoring is slim as compared to when they meet low-ranked
opposition. Therefore, even if the average goals scored and conceded by two
teams show that they have been involved in so many goals, check the league
table to see if it is still possible for the underdog to score.
(d) Form matters
While form is temporary, there is plenty of value in backing
a team that has recently been scoring goals for fun. So, add teams that have
been scoring lots of goals in your BTTS bet and ignore teams that have recently
been struggling to score. You should also note that a team with a very solid
defense is less likely to concede in their next match.
(e) Is the team’s
top scorer’s playing?
Almost every team has a go-to player when it comes to
scoring goals. Chelsea have had Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard, among others;
Real Madrid have Ronaldo while Barcelona have Messi; Spurs have Harry Kane
while Arsenal have Alexis Sanchez. These special players get on the scoresheet
so frequently that their presence or absence can determine the outcome of a
match. If these players are on form, there is a high chance that their teams
will score, but when they are out of form their teams may struggle to score as
they have less prolific replacements. Take note of the scorers of different
teams so you can use it to your advantage in your BTTS bets.