Soccer Betting FAQ
Everything you need to know about soccer betting, odds, and strategy.
Soccer's 3-way moneyline includes Home Win, Draw, and Away Win as separate outcomes. Unlike American sports, ties are common and betting on the draw is a valid option. All bets lose except the correct outcome.
Asian handicaps eliminate the draw by giving teams fractional goal advantages (e.g., -0.5, -1.25, -1.75). Half-goal handicaps always produce a winner. Quarter-goal handicaps split your stake between two lines.
Soccer totals are typically 2.5 goals. Over 2.5 wins with 3+ total goals. Some books offer alternative lines (1.5, 3.5) or team totals. Factor in league scoring averages - Serie A tends lower than Bundesliga.
Double chance covers two of three outcomes: Home/Draw, Away/Draw, or Home/Away. Lower risk than 3-way but reduced odds. Great for slight favorites where a draw is possible.
Teams in multiple competitions (league + Champions League + cup) rotate squads. Check for midweek European games - teams often rest stars before or after. Squad depth matters significantly.
Home advantage is significant in soccer due to travel, fan atmospheres, and familiarity. Some teams are drastically different home vs away. Check team-specific home/away records, not just league averages.
Derbies (local rivalries) are unpredictable - form goes out the window. Expect tighter games, more cards, and emotional play. Underdogs historically perform better in derby situations.
Official lineups are released about 1 hour before kickoff. Lines move significantly based on lineup news. Key player absences (injury, rest, rotation) can shift odds dramatically.
Major leagues (EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A) have the most accurate lines but most information. Lower leagues offer softer lines but require more research. Find your edge.
Focus on expected goals (xG), shots on target, possession quality, and pressing intensity. Raw goals can be misleading due to small sample sizes. xG shows underlying performance.