Basic Soccer Betting Tips
Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, and as such, there’s never a shortage of opportunities to make bets on soccer. Not only can you bet on every single game in every major (and many not-so-major) soccer league in the world, there are also a ton of bets that can be made on each game: from simple things like who will win (or if the game will be a draw), to which team will score first, what the exact final score will be, over/under on the number of goals scored, or even which player will get on the scoreboard first.
With all of these bets to keep in mind, it’s sometimes a bit overwhelming to get started as a soccer bettor. Here are a few tips to keep you on the right track.
Knowledge is Power
As in any sport, successful soccer betting requires a lot of research. Before betting on any game, make sure to check out how both teams have played recently, their previous results against each other, and any injuries either side might be dealing with. Failing to note these basics could lead you into making a bet that only looks good on paper.
What’s My Motivation?
When it comes to soccer, motivation is critical. During the course of a season, there are a number of things various teams might be playing for, especially at the end of a campaign. Teams can be playing for their league title, the chance for a league promotion (or to avoid relegation), or a spot into an international competition like the Champions League. On the other hand, other teams might not have anything to play for at all.
This can have a substantial impact on an upcoming game. If one team is playing younger reserves because they have nothing to play for in a game, a normally inferior side may be able to score an upset. Sometimes this can even be true in cup competitions, even if both teams need to win to advance! While a minor domestic tournament might mean nothing to a major soccer power, winning it may be the highlight of a second division team’s year.
Home Field Advantage
Almost every sport has the concept of the home field advantage, where teams perform somewhat better at home than they do on the road. However, soccer teams often take this to the extreme. Even the weakest teams in a league usually have respectable home records, while the top teams are almost unbeatable in their home stadiums. Because of this, no team should be underestimated when they’re hosting a game.
One of the best places to keep home field advantage in mind is when one of the league’s top teams is traveling to play against a good – but not great – team with an excellent home record. While it may be difficult for the home team to take down a superior squad, it’s also true that they rarely lose at home. In this case, a draw is a likely result.
These are just a few basic things to take into consideration every time you think about making a bet on soccer. By following these basic soccer betting tips, you’ll give yourself a fighting chance to come out ahead when betting on the beautiful game.
