Over/Unders goal betting is one of the most popular football betting markets, consisting of a bet that the total number of goals scored in a match will be higher or lower, than the goal total specified in an individual bet. Throughout this article we will offer some tips and advice about how to bet on Overs/Unders in Football.

A bookmaker will offer odds on a selection of possible aggregate goals in a match, and the online player predicts whether the actual goals scored will be over or under, that figure. The most popular goal margin to bet on is 2.5 goals, with bookmakers offering odds as to whether the number of goals in a match will be over, or under, that number, but online betting sites typically offer a wide range of possible outcomes.

For example, Liverpool play Chelsea in the Premier League, and a bookmaker offers odds of 10/11 on under 2.5 goals, and evens on more than 2.5 goals being scored. If somebody bets on the match producing more than 2.5 goals being scored, and the final score is 2-1 to Liverpool, a total of 3 goals have been scored and the bet will be paid out at 10/11.

Usually the margin for overs/unders bets are presented as decimal values, with totals set at intervals of 0.5 to produce a result. This is to avoid ties that do not lead to any definitive outcome – for example, if the over/under goals total was two and a match finished 1 -1, there would be no result as the goal total would be equal to the over/under margin, rather than above, or below, it.

This type of sports betting is very popular. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, bets can still win irrespective of which team wins a match. Secondly, the odds with overs/unders betting are usually more interesting than the traditional 1X2 (home win, draw, away win) options.

With over/under goals betting, the higher the total number of goals predicted, usually the greater the odds.

However, it should be remembered that football is a low scoring game, and that, especially in the top leagues, even the strongest teams can struggle to score goals against a well-organised defence. Therefore, somebody thinking about betting on Overs/Unders in football should do a little research first.

To start with analyse the statistics as to what the average number of goals is per game. Make this league specific. Traditionally, for example Italy’s Serie A is more defensive than the Premier League, so the total number of average goals for a match involving Juventus will be lower than for Manchester United, for example.

Then look at the two teams involved in a match. Are they renowned for offensive or defensive football, are their best players available or are they injured or suspended? Weather and pitch conditions may also play their part. A team renowned for quick, flowing football, for example, may struggle to play well on a muddy pitch in the rain. Finally what form do the two teams have going into the match – are they playing well or faltering?

It is also important to determine if the odds offered by the bookmaker are attractive enough to wager a bet, by using an appropriate formula (decimal odds = 100/probability). For example, if a player predicts that the probability of a match finishing with less than 2.5 goals is 75%, then the bet should only be taken if the odds are better than 1.33 (100/75%).