The halftime market is a very lucrative one for punters in football betting. It is very similar to the full-time win or draw option. It is simply betting on the outcome of a game for the first-half duration.
Halftime draw is predicting that the scoreline between both teams will be level when the referee sounds the whistle for the end of the first half.
The odds on this bet option are particularly high due to its risky nature. However, when analysed properly, it can be very profitable.
Many clubs have been observed to be slow starters. They tend to settle into the game and achieve playing rhythm slower than others. They aren’t known to be quick off the blocks from the get-go.
For example, Wolves are known as the second-half kings of the Premier League. In the 2019/20 season, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men scored 33 second-half goals which were 73% of the total goals scored that season.
With just a handful of matches left to the end of the league season across Europe, here are four teams and their possibilities of delivering half-time draws.
Fulham
Fulham is one of the three teams that have been confirmed to relegate in the Premier League.
From gaining promotion to the top division via the play-offs last season, many had feared how they would fare in the top division.
Scott Parker had done a very good job in the Championship with the crop of players at his disposal. However, they needed to add to the quality for the new campaign.
The Cottagers spent over €25m in getting more accomplished players including Ademola Lookman and Anthony Knockaert. They had also made some loan signings from top clubs in Europe.
However, for large parts of the season, Parker’s men have struggled with finishing chances with Ivan Cavaleiro the major culprit.
This season, particularly, Fulham has recorded 16 halftime draws with all goalless. That is 43 per cent of their matches in the league.
Fulham takes on Newcastle in the final match of the season. A half-time draw looks sure to guarantee great returns for smart punters.
Real Betis
Real Betis has had a fine season by its standards in La Liga. Los Verdiblancos (The Green and Whites) are sixth on the log and in a good position to qualify for the Europa League.
The playing style of the team has been eye-catching right from Quique be Setien’s time in charge. They had also begun to gain a reputation for being beaters of the top teams. However, they struggled against the relatively average teams.
Manuel Pellegrini has come in this season and changed the fortunes of the club. The intensity of play has been better and the results have improved markedly.
Fascinatingly, Pellegrini’s men are slow starters. They tend to feel their opponents in the first half before moving into second gear in the second half.
Real Betis have played out 18 halftime draws in this campaign with 16 of them goalless.
Arminia
Newly promoted Arminia is in 15th position in the Bundesliga. They have found it difficult to cope with the pressures of the top division.
The team has struggled to score goals all season. Die Blauen (The Blues) have managed just 24 goals (the lowest in the division) in 37 matches.
Ritsu Doan and Fabian Klos have been responsible for almost half of goals scored by the Bielefeld-based club.
Arminia have recorded a halftime draw in 55 per cent of league matches played this season. This is therefore a good bet option for smart punters.
Cagliari
Cagliari managed to escape relegation by the whiskers this season in Serie A. They currently sit in 16th position, five points away from already-relegated Benevento.
Leonardo Semplici was appointed in place of Eusebio Di Francesco after the team had gone on a run of 16 games without a win. They were also languishing in the 18th position at the time.
Semplici has given stability to the team and helped them avoid the drop. The Islanders play a robust style of play with plenty of aggression in midfield. Joao Pedro is tasked with creative responsibilities.
The Sardinia-based team statistically plays better in the second half of matches. This a reason for 41 per cent of its games ending in draws.
Hence, punters can back Cagliari for a halftime draw in their final game against AC Milan.
