Both Teams To Score (BTTS) Explained: Meaning, Strategy & Examples

Both Teams To Score (BTTS) is a football betting market where you win if both teams score at least one goal during a match. If either team fails to score, the bet loses.

In this guide, I explain exactly what BTTS means, how the bet is settled, and when it actually offers value each week.

How BTTS Works

• Both teams score = Winner
• One or both teams don’t score = Loser

Example of a BTTS Bet:

• 2-1 = BTTS wins
• 1-1 = BTTS wins
• 1-0 = BTTS loses
• 0-0 = BTTS loses

For this simple reason, it’s one of the most popular football betting markets out there – especially if you can predict a draw regularly.

However, many punters don’t fully understand how it works…

Check it out:

Key Points:

• 0:00 – Why Both Teams to Score is a popular betting market
• 0:52 – Statistical analysis of BTTS
• 2:16 – Finding the right Football games for BTTS
• 3:08 – Football statistics using alternative data sources

BTTS Strategy: How to Find Value Bets

Both Teams To Score is one of the hardest bets in football. That’s why we generally see the odds trading around 1.9. Like with every football market, however, there are edges if you do the correct research and have a solid strategy.

If we take that the odds for BTTS are usually in or around 1.9, that’s an implied probability of 52.6%. We need to look for teams that have BTTS higher than this percentage to start. After that, assess if the two teams in question gel together to provide goals. That’s why I’ve shared the resources in the video, they provide the key stats you need like xG, recent form, and defensive trends. While Infogol is no longer available, alternatives like FootyStats and Soccerstats are recommended.

Some teams offer a bigger edge than others. As an example of how extreme trends can create value, Luton Town saw BTTS land in 82% of their Premier League games during the 2023/24 season — far above the league average. Identifying these types of outlier teams early is where the real edge lies.

Team	BTTS %
Luton	82%
Chelsea (Home)	37%
Chelsea (Away)	79%
Premier League Average	61.52%

Top Resources for BTTS Analysis

• Footy Stats
• Infogol

These sites provide comprehensive data and factors necessary for a detailed analysis of whether BTTS is a value bet. Look for solid goal stats and xG numbers to back them up. With disciplined research, your efforts will pay off.

Is BTTS a Good Bet?

The answer to this question depends on the specific situation at hand. If the following criteria are met, then yes, it’s likely…

• Works best with attacking teams
• Struggles in defensive leagues
• Requires data (xG, trends, matchups)
• Odds around 1.9 mean you need >52% accuracy

Factors That Impact Both Teams To Score

Several factors can influence the likelihood of both teams scoring in a match:

Home and Away Fixtures: The location of the game can significantly impact BTTS rates. For instance, the top 11 teams in the Premier League last season had a BTTS strike rate of 53% or higher. However, breaking this down reveals distinct home and away trends. Chelsea, for example, saw BTTS in only 37% of their home games but an impressive 79% of their away games ended BTTS. This discrepancy is partly due to their defensive struggles with set-pieces, making them more vulnerable away from home.

Team Play Styles: Understanding how teams play is crucial. Teams that press high and leave spaces at the back are more likely to engage in BTTS games, especially against mid-table sides with solid attacking prowess. Football teams that can control possession and have a sturdy backline are going to win to nil more often. In order to profit from this market you need to understand how teams match up together.

Player Injuries And Motivation: If a team is missing their key centre back or defensive midfielder. This could increase the chances of a game ending with both teams scoring. Be aware of the key players for both teams and understand that their absences can have an effect on the potential for scoring/conceding. Lineups should be a big factor in your BTTS bet analysis.

Finding Value in Both Teams To Score Betting

To profit long-term from BTTS bets, identifying value is key.

The popularity of BTTS means there’s often “mug money” in the market. Selectively picking games with a higher BTTS probability than the market suggests is essential. Your strategy should focus on finding these games by looking in the right places. It’s the same logic as a lay the draw strategy, you have to find situations where there’s an imbalance in the odds…

BTTS Strategy – Steps to Finding Value Bets in BTTS

1. Statistical Analysis:
   • Historical Data – Examine the historical performance of teams in BTTS markets. Look at overall percentages for both teams scoring, but more importantly, analyse home and away trends separately.
   • Recent Form – Consider both teams’ recent forms. Teams undergoing a good run or struggling defensively could be more likely to participate in BTTS games.
2. Advanced Metrics:
   • Expected Goals (xG) – This metric evaluates the quality of goal-scoring chances. High xG values for both teams indicate a greater likelihood of BTTS.
   • Defensive Frailties – Look at defensive stats, such as goals conceded per match, clean sheets, and defensive errors. Teams with weak defences are more likely to concede, increasing the chances of BTTS.
3. Team News and Lineups:
   • Injuries and Suspensions – A key player missing in defence or attack can significantly impact a team’s BTTS probability. Always check for the latest team news.
   • Tactical Adjustments – Coaches may change tactics based on the opposition. For example, a typically conservative team might adopt a more attacking approach against weaker opponents, affecting BTTS likelihood.
4. Market Comparison:
   • Compare odds across different bookmakers to find the best value. Taking the best odds possible is an edge in itself.
   • Use betting exchanges to see where the money is going. On exchanges like Betfair, BTTS markets often reveal sharper pricing than traditional bookmakers — especially close to kick-off when liquidity increases. A significant movement in the market might indicate valuable insights or public overreaction.
5. Situational Factors:
   • Match Importance – The significance of the match (e.g., relegation battles, derbies, or title deciders) can affect how teams play. High-stakes games (knockout stages) might lead to more cautious approaches, impacting BTTS chances.
   • Weather Conditions – Poor weather (heavy rain, snow) can hinder attacking play and reduce the likelihood of both teams scoring.

BTTS vs Over 2.5 Goals

There’s one main distinction here when making your choice:

1. BTTS = both teams must score
2. Over 2.5 = total goals (doesn’t matter who scores)

A game ending in a 1-1 draw can land a BTTS bet, but the Over 2.5 cannot, even if the final score is 3-0. So really, comparing the two depends on the match.

Conclusion

Finding value in BTTS betting requires an approach that combines statistical analysis, advanced metrics, and situational factors. Researching and making use of available data, you can consistently identify value bets. Which, in the long term, leads to success in football betting markets.

Related: 10 Biggest Football Accumulator Wins Ever – You Won’t Believe These!