Soccer Strategy

Association football, more commonly known as simply football or soccer, is played by approximately 250 million players in over 200 countries and dependencies, making it the world's most popular sport. Over the last decade, soccer has been growing in popularity in America with the English Premier League (EPL) being the most popular import. Wagering on the EPL and other soccer leagues is a great way for sports bettors to expand their prospects. Learn more about Soccer Betting Strategy.


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English Premier League Betting Strategy

EPL betting strategy is different from any other, because in the English Premier League, as in all soccer leagues, a draw is still possible. Along with league games, some teams also play in the Champions or Europa Conference League. The Champions League is composed of the top tier teams from the best leagues across Europe. Although still prestigious, the Europa Conference League is made up of second tier clubs. Thus, if you are betting on EPL contests, you can certainly consider expanding your reach to the Champions League or Europa Conference League. 

The English Premier League Season 

The EPL regular season consists of 380 matches played from August through May. With teams playing one another twice, each club’s total number of games comes to 38.  The Champions League and Europa League seasons run at the same time, which means some EPL teams are playing in a second league. With this added league play, clubs can total 60 games per year. Note, in the EPL there are no playoffs. 

In addition, a major difference between EPL and U.S teams is the soccer league practices relegation. The means the bottom three teams in the EPL move down to the second tier EFL Championship League (not to be confused with the European Champions League). Three teams from the EFL move up. The fact that teams that do well can earn the right to play in the Champions and Europa Leagues and that the bottom clubs are relegated means that at the top and bottom of the EPL there’s a lot at stake. 

EPL Strategy – Full Season Betting

EPL betting strategy is different from other sports since with soccer, unlike other sports, games can end in a draw. Thus, you can place a three-way bet, which includes a tie, or a two-way, which does not have the choice of betting on a tie. The odds for each bet are different. 

Three-Way vs. Two-Way Bets

Usually, with a three-way bet, the draw offers a payoff somewhere between the favorite and the dog, while the payout odds for the dogs are higher and the risk is lower for the favorite than they’d be in a two-way. If betting a two-way moneyline, then you’d have to risk more on the favorite and you’d receive less on the underdog than with the three way. Two-way wagers are also listed as “draw no bet,” which means if there is a tie, all bets are refunded. Thus, the two-way wager offers bettors some protection. 

The Double Chance Edge

In soccer, there is an additional two-way bet, which is known as the double chance. With the double chance, all odds are usually expressed in the negative because you’re betting on a team to either win or draw or on either team to win. Thus, your chances of winning the bet are greatly increased over the three-way and draw no bet odds.  

Other Soccer Wagers and Best Bets

You can also play totals odds, which, unlike totals in other sports, include many choices with varying odds. Plus, there’s spread betting with spreads ranging from +/- 0.25 to +/- 3.5. If you want to take the least risk, the double chance bet is yours. The best odds on the favorite will be found via the three-way bet. Three-way odds also afford players the best payout on the dog. Spreads even out the odds, while the total bet is, to say the least, a major challenge due to the variety of choices, which can include a dozen different totals. 

Analysis Tips 

Here are a few helpful tips for soccer punters:

  • On average game totals in the EPL are between 2.6 and 2.8 goals per game. In 50% of the games more than 2.5 goals are scored. 

  • You can bet on both teams to score. That occurs 49% of the time. 

  • The double chance is the safest bet.

  • After that, it’s the three-way wager.

  • No draw is a solid bet when you are sure of the outcome.

  • Top goalkeepers are essential to winning.

  • Top strikers are also huge. 

  • Teams that emphasize the attack push scores up.

  • Teams that focus on defense and the occasional attack keep scores low.

  • Goalkeeping and scoring stats are huge.

English Premiere League – The Week 

Due to Champions League and Europa League play, the number of EPL games per week can vary. You can usually expect about 15 games per week give-or-take. If you want to lower your risk, then the double chance makes sense. We do recommend mixing it up by betting the spread when appropriate, as well as the three way and double chance.  In the right circumstances, draw no bet, is a solid choice. Our EPL betting strategy includes the warning to not chase losses, wager in a disciplined manner, and stay up to date on the latest soccer news. 

The Don’ts 

We offer don’ts, which are designed to keep you focused and productive:

  • Don’t bet without understanding the culture. EPL is a very different sport and soccer managers, owners, and players have their own style and manner.

  • Motivation is a huge factor, don’t forget that.

  • Don’t bet without understanding the consequences. Soccer betting tends to confuse those unfamiliar with it.

  • If you’re not interested in the sport, don’t bet it.

  • When you start betting, don’t overdo it.  Take a few months to get to know the league, making three-to-five wagers per week. 

  • Don’t get caught up in the hype. It can be distracting.

  • Don’t underestimate individual play and team dynamics.

  • Don’t move into Champions or Europa League betting lightly. It’s a whole other experience. 

  • Don’t try to make your nut on accumulator (parlay) bets. They can be a killer.

EPL Betting Strategy 

The English Premiere League provides players with a wealth of betting opportunities. Make your bets wisely. Along with performing due diligence, begin by placing bets that involve less risk. Our EPL betting strategy advises that you carefully divide your betting units to help protect you from big losses. Stay on budget, and as you build confidence and knowledge, expand on the number of bets and the amount of risk you’re willing to take.