Making calculated soccer bets is a key criterion if you want to increase your chances of successful sports betting. Successful bettors don’t only rely on luck, but instead, they use strategy to turn the odds in their favour.
By analysing team formation, studying the betting markets, and understanding odds, you can make informed decisions that reduce risks. Keep reading to learn some tips on how to make calculated bets.
Understand Soccer Markets
Start by understanding the different betting markets available on a site like Betway. The most common bet markets in soccer include:
- Match result. This bet requires you to choose the outcome of a match. It can either be a home win (1), draw (x), or away win (2).
- Over/Under goals. Here you predict the number of goals that will be under or over a set amount.
- Correct score. This is more tough, and it involves predicting the final score of the entire match.
- Handicaps. It is a way of leveling the playing field of a match where one team is given a virtual advantage or disadvantage in terms of goals over the other. Essentially, you will be betting on a team to win or lose after the handicap is applied.
Some of these markets offer more value depending on the team and match. The more you understand the markets, the easier it is to spot opportunities that will favour your wager.
Analyse Team Forms and Statistics
Thanks to technology and modern betting platforms like Betway, you can easily get valuable insights that predict potential outcomes. When analysing team forms, focus on their current performance over the past few matches. Check whether they are on a winning or losing streak. Teams with good form are likely to perform better.
Also, analyse the head-to-head results of rival teams in the past. For instance, which of the two tends to outperform the other? Another key factor to analyse is injuries and suspensions. The absence of a star player can greatly affect the outcome of a game.
When it comes to statistics, check the:
- Goals scored
- Possession percentages
- Shots on target
- Expected goals
- Goals conceded
These will give you a better understanding of a team’s attacking and defensive strengths for more accurate predictions.
Study the Betting Odds
Odds represent the probability of an outcome, and they can guide players in identifying valuable bets. Odds are represented in decimal, fractional, or decimal. Different betting platforms will offer varying odds. Therefore, compare different sites since a small variation could imply higher profits.
Additionally, pay close attention to how odds change as a match approaches. Big changes could mean insider knowledge like injuries or changes in a team line-up. If you notice any shifts that could be valuable to your wager, it is best to place a bet in that direction.
During this time, also consider valuable betting. This is when the probability you have assessed for an outcome is higher than what a bookmaker predicted.
Conclusion
Making calculated soccer bets involves understanding the bet markets and analysing team statistics and odds. Even with these strategies, it is important to manage your bankroll to avoid overspending. A good player who makes calculated odds sets a budget and sticks to it.