One of the reasons why so many people love football is that while the basic premise is simple – putting the ball in the back of the net – the actual tactics deployed to make this happen are so diverse and unique around the world.
This is what makes the beautiful game so complex and so interesting – though some leagues, it has to be said, are more interesting than others.
From a betting perspective, what do we look for in the competitions that we want to bet on? This might depend on the kind of markets we prefer, with sites such as Odds Anywhere confirming that we can bet on anything from match winner and the number of goals scored to cards, corners and everything else in between.
However, as far as ‘interest’ is concerned, there are two main areas where we can focus: the closeness of the title race and the number of goals scored.
Tight title races
In many of Europe’s top leagues, the race for the title has become something of a monopoly.
Bayern Munich, Juventus and PSG had been the dominant forces in Germany, Italy and France, while for a long time, Barcelona and Real Madrid were battling for supremacy in Spain.
However, in recent times, all bar Bayern have been deposed, with Inter Milan, Lille and Atlético Madrid asserting themselves in the quest for trophies.
So, maybe things are going to get a bit more interesting on the Continent, but for now, the most intriguing division from the perspective of the title race has to be the Premier League.
While Manchester City were runaway winners in 2020/21, they have been duelling with Liverpool for dominance for a good few years now. In the past six English top-flight seasons, four different teams have had their name etched on the trophy.
So, if you find tight title races of the most interest – and who doesn’t – then the Premier League is the competition for you.
Goals, goals, goals
Let’s be honest, there’s very rarely an entertaining 0-0 draw, is there?
Everyone who follows football loves goals, and from a betting perspective, there are lots of options available when the scoreboard operator is kept busy.
From Over 2.5 Goals to Both Teams to Score, there are many different betting markets predicated on there being plenty of goals, and so punters are well-advised to know the leagues and competitions that are likely to bear fruit in that regard.
Of the main European leagues, it’s Serie A that appeals the most – a whopping 63% of games so far in 2021/22 have delivered three goals or more. The German Bundesliga is next best at 57%, with the Premier League at 53%. France’s Ligue 1 is hit and miss at 50%, while one to avoid is La Liga – just 43% of contests in Spain deliver three goals or more.
If you are willing to cast your net wider, then the Czech 1. Liga (60%), Belgian Jupiler League (59%) and Swiss Super League (56%) are just three other competitions to consider.
