The home win bet is one of the most common options in the football market. It simply means predicting that the team that plays at home will score more goals at the end of 90 minutes. This option provides massive rewards for smart punters all season long.
Indeed, the advent of the Coronavirus has affected these statistics conspicuously in Europe. The Football bodies of many countries have been forced to abide by the lockdown rules of their respective countries. By implication, fans have been disallowed from attending the matches of their teams.
The effects of home fans in the stadium cannot be overemphasised. They have the power to affect the atmosphere of a particular match. The aggressive nature of support does go a long way in putting off the opponent and motivating the hosts. The Yellow and Black wall of Borussia Dortmund during matches is a perfect example of the impact of home support.
This season, the rate of home wins in La Liga has dropped markedly from last season by five per cent. Similarly, the Premier League has witnessed an eight per cent decrease in home wins this season compared to last season.
However, some teams in Europe have kept with the tradition and upheld their home records.
With just a few matches to the end of the league season across Europe, here are four teams and their possibilities of delivering home wins.
Inter
Inter Milan has been head and shoulders above every other team in the Serie A. The Nerazzurri (Black and Blues) are the current winners of the Scudetto, ending Juventus’ 9-year reign.
Antonio Conte has mastered the art of coaching teams to win domestic titles. The Italian has stuck with his traditional 3-5-2 formation for most parts of the season. He also acquired some of the most effective players to help with the cause.
Romelu Lukaku is having his best season as a professional player with 21 goals so far. His partnership with Lautaro Martinez has continued to produce positive results. Nicolo Barella has been the revelation of the season having come from Cagliari last season.
Even without the presence of fans this season, Conte’s men have won all but two of the 17 games played at the San Siro.
It is therefore a wise decision to back the Italian Champions to win their remaining games of the season.
Ajax
Ajax is the team to beat in the Netherlands. After tying on points with AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie last season (abridged), Erik Ten Haag’s men have blown away all comers to the title. They lead second-placed PSV by a whopping 14 points.
The club has continued to live up to its rich history and pedigree. The playing style is also very fluid and pleasing to the eyes.
De Godenzonen (sons of the Gods) lead the chart offensively as the highest scoring team and defensively as the least conceding side. They are a well drilled side.
The Amsterdam based club is famously known for promoting players from within. However, they have also got a good blend of experienced players to give the required balance.
The Eredivisie champions tend to go at every game full throttle from the start, especially when they are at home.
Ajax has won 13 out of 16 matches played on home soil this season, losing just one. It is a particularly safe for punters to back the Dutch club for a home win in its next match.
Bayern Munich
Season after season, Bayern Munich has continued to dominate affairs in the Bundesliga. The Bavarians have recently just clinched their 9th league title on the spin.
Robert Lewandowski has not only been a class apart in Germany but in the world. The Pole striker has notched 39 goals in just 27 matches.
Hansi Flick has doubled the team’s intensity of play since his appointment in November 2019. It goes without saying, also, that the German Champions are unmatchable in squad quality and depth.
Bayern’s home win percentage has dropped in relation to last season. However, a 75% win at the Allianz Arena is more than enough stat for smart punters to throw their weight around last season’s Champions League winners.
Sporting CP
Sporting CP has done the unthinkable this season, winning the Portuguese League title without tasting defeat.
Even more remarkable is the fact that the Green and Whites have clinched their first title in 19 years.
The Lisbon club had a tumultuous 2018 which saw a group of supporters attack the players and coaching staff. This led to the removal of then-president, Bruno de Carvalho.
However, Ruben Amorim has been able to impressively create a balanced squad made up of youth and experience.
The Portuguese Champions have made defensive solidity their watchword this season.
So far, Sporting has the best defensive record in the league with just 15 goals conceded. They have kept 20 clean sheets in 32 matches played in the Primeira Liga.
The Portuguese champions have recorded 12 home wins from 16 matches this season.
