Football is Britain’s favourite sport, but it’s also a game that’s transcends boundaries and cultures across the globe. Some of Britain’s football teams have fanbases that stretch across nations, but among these, the passion of Manchester fans is unrivalled. Both Manchester City and Manchester United have a rich tapestry of history and the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. It’s this passion that makes betting on Manchester football such an exhilarating experience, but in sports betting, it’s important to bring logic and strategy behind your game.
To help, we’ve put together a handy little guide to the basics of betting on football, as well as some tips to keep your head and bankroll in check in such a thrilling game.
Understanding the Teams
Both professional Manchester football clubs are household names across Britain, but if you’re getting into the world of betting, it’s a good idea to know more than just the club colours.
Manchester United were founded in 1878 and are perhaps the most iconic football club in the world. With their rich history and numerous domestic and international titles under their belt including the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League, it’s no wonder that Manchester United capture the hearts and passions of fans worldwide. When it comes to betting, understanding their style of play, current form, and key players is crucial.
Manchester City are the newer club. Though only founded two years later in 1880, Manchester City flew under the radar until they experienced a resurgence in the last decade. They’re now accredited cup winners and recently named the most valuable football brand in the world. Study their playing style, recent performances and star players to make informed bets.
Analysing Match Statistics
In football betting, data analysis is key to making informed decisions. But which statistics should you be looking at?
Form
Pay attention to recent team form. Are they on a winning streak, or have they been struggling to secure victories? Past results are a great indicator of how the team’s likely to perform in upcoming matches.
Head-to-Head Records
The Manchester Derby is the showdown of the premier league season, and you’ll find a wealth of statistics and records outlining the history of this iconic face-off. You can apply the same logic to past matches between Manchester and other league teams to keep an eye out for any historical advantages.
Goals Scored and Conceded
Understanding a team’s offensive and defensive capabilities can provide valuable insights. For example, if Manchester United is known for scoring many goals, betting on over 2.5 goals in their matches might be a solid option.
Home and Away Performance
Both Manchester clubs have a loyal fan base, and home-field advantage can significantly impact their performance. If the match is being played at Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium, that’s a strong indicator of advantage for the home team.
Injuries and Suspensions
There’s nothing worse than placing a bet for your favourite striker to score a hat trick just to find he’s on the bench with an injury. Stay updated on player injuries and suspensions – if a key player is missing it can make a huge impact on the quality of the team.
Types of Bets
There’s as many ways to bet on football as there are permutations to the game, but we’ve gathered up the most common bet types for you to consider when betting on Manchester. All the best football betting sites will offer these types of bets.
Match Result
This is the most straightforward way of betting – simply predicting the outcome of the match. You can bet on a win for either the home or away team or place a bet on the draw.
Total Goals (Over/Under)
For this type, you bet on the overall number of goals scored in a match. Typically, bookies set 2.5 as a bar and punters bet on either over or under 2.5 goals.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
This is a yes/no bet taking a punt at predicting whether both teams will score during the match. This is a popular choice when two attacking sides like Manchester United and Manchester City meet.
Correct Score
Here, you wager on the exact final score of the match. This can be challenging but offers higher odds.
Half-Time/Full-Time
If you think the game might be a game of halves, you can predict the outcome at both half-time and full-time. For example, you can bet on Manchester United leading at half-time and winning the game.
Goalscorer Bets
This is a great option when you find yourself trusting in the performance of a player more than a team. Bet on which player will score in the match, whether it’s the first goal, anytime during the game, or even a hat-trick.
Bankroll Management
There’s nothing more important to responsible sports betting than managing your bankroll well. We’ve gathered a short list of tips to help you keep on top of it.
- Set a Budget: This is the most important rule in betting – decide how much money you’re willing to wager stick to that budget.
- Use Staking Plans: Consider using a staking plan that determines the size of your bets based on your confidence in a particular outcome. Common methods include flat betting and the Kelly Criterion.
- Avoid Chasing Losses: It’s easy to become emotionally invested in your bets, especially if you’re on a losing streak. Discipline is essential to maintaining your bankroll.
- Record Your Bets: Keeping a record of your bets helps you analyse your results and identify any patterns or areas for improvement.
- Diversify Your Bets: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your bets across different markets to spread the risk.
Weather and Pitch Conditions
The English weather can be unpredictable, and pitch conditions can vary greatly, especially during the winter months. A game in rainy or windy conditions is going to play out drastically different to one in clear weather. Keep an eye on the forecast and adjust your bets accordingly.
Sticking with your Club
Manchester fans are amongst the most passionate football fans in the world. If you’re a fan of either team, it can be easy to let emotions cloud your judgement. It’s important to remember that sports betting is about rationality – about making decisions based on data and analysis rather than emotional inclinations. Keep a cool head when betting, even if it means you’re betting on the opposing side.
