Placing money on a game of football is a fun way of adding some extra spice for many enthusiasts. There are many different philosophies when it comes to betting and as many styles as there are bettors.
Even if betting is entertaining, regardless of the outcome of a bet, it’s a lot more fun to win. By making informed decisions based on stats and facts, a bettor can increase their chances of being correct. This is by no means a guarantee for winning, but analyzing some of these things, regardless of whether you’re putting together a combination bet or placing your money on a value bet, makes it a lot more fun. In this article, we’re going to go through some of the things that are important to take into consideration before placing a bet.
What is the current form of both teams?
This should be the first thing to look at. How have their latest games gone, and how is their current form? Are they scoring goals? How is the defense looking? All of these things need to be taken into consideration to be able to place a bet with some confidence.
What injuries are there?
Looking at the injuries and what players might replace their injured teammates can give a bettor an idea of what to expect from the game.
What are the teams' records at home and away?
Home and away play a massive role in what team is favored. But some teams are much better on the road than others, which can be used to a bettor's advantage due to how the odds are set up.
Are there any upcoming matches of greater importance?
This is not something that is relevant for all leagues and teams. But it can make a big difference in some matches. If, for example, Manchester City have an upcoming game in the Champions League two days after they face a somewhat weaker team, the chances of them resting some of their best players are much higher. This can then lead to the weaker team having an opportunity to pull off an upset.
This can also go in another direction. If a team has an important player close to a suspension due to yellow cards, they might be rested to ensure they are available to play during a more important upcoming game.