One of the more attractive and interesting football betting tips is to choose to bet on under 2.5 goals. In essence, this strategy is based on the assumption that all matches will have less than 3 goals in it, which gives the following permutations of results – 0-0, 0-1, 0-2, 1-1-1, 1-0, 2-0.

As can be seen four of these six possible outcomes result in an even number of goals (if the scoreless result is taken into account), which means that the probability of such an outcome is 66.66% (4/6).

Using an under 2.5 goals strategy does not, in itself, offer very attractive odds – normally around €1.50, depending on the league, match and teams involved, which implies a fairly significant risk for the bettor. However, the share of even goals offers better odds, usually at a fixed fee of between €1.90 to €2.00, as bookmakers think there is around a 50% chance that there will be an even number of goals in a match.

Therefore, the under 2.5 goals strategy is to combine the two bets together – by, for example, betting that there will be less than 2.5 goals and also that there will be an even number of goals (a bet that actually gives a bit of the margin in favour of the gambler as the probability suggests 66.6% in favour of such a result, but the bookmakers offer odds of only 50%).

Betting on an even number of goals in a match does not have to be in line with betting on less than 2.5 goals. In fact, this offers the possibility for a punter to effectively lay one bet against the other. For example, betting on the two would see one part of the bet succeed, even if the score finished 2 -2 or 3 -3. Better still, betting on under 2.5 goals and on the even number of goals would actually see both parts of the bet succeed if a low-scoring draw – nil-nil, or one each turned out to be the result.

As ever, before applying this strategy, it is necessary to conduct some research first. It is better to choose a league like Serie A (Italy) or Ligue 1 (France) where the emphasis is on defensive football, and where teams often play for a draw or a low victory, than put the emphasis on all-out attack. Also look at the records of teams, both home and away, and single out those that tend to get a lot of draws, or are involved frequently in low scoring matches. And finally, consider the head to head records of the two teams involved in the match, and the importance of the game itself. Is it a routine league fixture, a derby match or a game in the latter stages of a cup competition? These are all factors which can influence the offensive and defensive outlooks of both teams.

The under 2.5 goals strategy is an interesting football betting tip. In itself it does not offer particularly attractive odds but when, for example, it is combined with another bet, such as that there will be an even number of goals, then it becomes a much more attractive option.