Both Teams To Score

How does the betting strategy “both teams to score” work?

As the name suggests, a “both teams to score” bet assumes that both teams will score at least one goal, or not. That said, the exact number of goals is irrelevant. In other words, this is a classic football bet. After all, there are only a very few team sports where you can assume that either one or both teams will not manage to score a point. In this betting variant, you need to pay close attention to the precise requirements of the betting provider in question: Unless otherwise stated, the bet pertains to goals scored during regular time (90 minutes plus stoppage time). Goals scored in extra time or in a penalty shoot-out, if they occur, are generally not included. If you decide to place a “both teams to score” bet, you should definitely compare odds beforehand: For this betting option especially, the odds from different bookmakers will diverge considerably – and often, the two different outcomes are quoted very different odds. Here is an example comparing two well-known bookmakers for a hit Premier League match-up between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United:

Why should you place a bet on “both teams to score”?

A “both teams to score” goal-scoring bet is a classic 2-way wager since there are only two possible outcomes. Your theoretical chance of winning is 50%. The decisive question is, which of the two outcomes occurs more frequently? Here, we can state quite clearly: It is substantially more likely that both teams score a goal than they do not. This is also reflected in the betting odds. The odds for “BTTS – YES” are generally lower than those for “BTTS – NO”. After all, betting odds are nothing but a reflection of the probability that a certain outcome will occur.

As can be clearly seen, in all of the matches the bookmakers are working under the assumption that it is more likely that both teams will score at least one goal. Astonishingly: Only 6 of the 18 posted odds were quoted 2.00 or higher – and in all cases, those are found on the side of “BTTS – NO”. No less remarkable, however, is the fact that the lowest odds are 1.60 – which is why, it is fair to talk about high odds for bets on “both teams to score”. The likelihood of occurrence and therefore your probability of winning at odds of 1.60 is 62.5% - if we calculate in the bookmaker’s own margin (here, we work under the assumption it is 7%), we see that the bookie is assuming the likelihood of occurrence is 58.5%. In order to get closer to answering the question as to how frequently both teams actually do manage to score a goal.

In the top leagues, approximately 2/3 of all matches end with both teams scoring a goal, equating to a probability that this will occur of some 67%. The outcome betting providers view as more probable, i.e. “Hannover vs. Wolfsburg – Both Teams to Score Yes”, still lies below the average number we have calculated. Therefore, always keep your eyes peeled: The odds associated with BTTS can frequently offer true VALUE.

How and when can you best employ the strategy “both teams to score”?

In this section, we wish to clarify what factors you should bear in mind with respect to a “both teams to score” strategy, as well as to explain what strategies are particularly interesting and profitable. First of all, we recommend BTTS as a single bet since the odds are very attractive in their own right. If you do decide to go with a combo bet, we recommend not including more than one “both teams to score” line in your combination – otherwise, you would be exposing yourself to unnecessary risk. Secondly, we recommend betting on “ BTTS - YES” since you will be best able to exploit the mix of good odds and a high probability of occurrence! We would only resort to a “BTTS – NO” if there were a clear and defensively very sound favorite, or if the alternate betting option “Win to Nil” was being offered odds that were too low. In general, of course, it is important to take into consideration the most important goal statistics as well as the last 5 to 10 matches played by the teams in question. Also bear in mind the competition format involved: Especially in cup competition and knockout matches, where both teams need a victory, it is much more probable that both teams will score a goal. In that case, this betting strategy is far more promising. On the other hand, in league matches where we cannot always assume an open, attacking strategy, top teams are more susceptible to a slip-up.

Our top recommendations for “both teams to score”

For the variant “both teams to score YES”, we recommend a fixture involving a clearly recognizable favorite playing an away match. Here, we feel the mixture of the probability of winning and attractive odds is the best. Our example:

For the generally somewhat riskier option “both teams to score NO”, we recommend a fixture involving a clear favorite playing at home. Of course, the match-up is perfect when the underdog has been unable to shine offensively. Our example of this variant:

As previously mentioned: In such instances, we always recommend comparing odds for a potential bet on “Win to Nil”! Often, those odds will be higher. Consequently, our general recommendation is that you bet on both teams scoring a goal, rather than against that outcome.

Lucrative, though risky: both teams to score half-time bets

The aforementioned betting strategy can prove particularly lucrative in combination with a half-time bet. Let us take as an example a match where lots of goals are expected - Valencia against Real Madrid:

The low odds for both teams scoring a goal (1.40) indicate that bookmakers as well as experts assume that both teams will indeed score a goal. However, speculating on both teams scoring at least one goal in the first half is something that probably shouldn’t be done – especially since the odds being offered in that case (3.00) are comparatively low. For this bet, the luck factor plays too big a role. We therefore recommend you stick with the classic variant, advising against the two betting options presented to you above.

Worth consideration: both teams to score + match result

For the risk-loving sports tipsters amongst you, we have a second variant up our sleeve: a bet on “both teams to score + the correct match outcome”, insofar as this is offered by the bookmakers. Let us take the following very conceivable scenario as an example: In a match between Leverkusen and Mainz, a Leverkusen victory in combination with “both teams to score” would might well be quoted odds of 2.60. Bear in mind, however, that the correct result is dependent on three different factors. Consequently, we recommend placing a somewhat smaller bet. And such a bet should not be included in a combo wager.