If you are an avid user of Twitter, you may already be familiar with the work of OptaJoe which is the official page of Opta Sports’ unique football coverage.
Opta record a wealth of stats about football throughout the land; and some of these are particularly illuminating for punters. So before you place your bets this weekend, or if you are struggling for inspiration, do take a look at their page to see if there is anything of interest there.
Here are some gems from the past week alone:
Chelsea have conceded as many headed goals this season (six) in the Premier League as they did all of last.
This is interesting for punters looking at the first/anytime goalscorer markets. With John Terry and Gary Cahill having seemingly lost their ability to win the ball from set pieces and crosses, this grants us a fantastic opportunity to perhaps win some money.
This Saturday they tackle Liverpool, who have Christian Benteke in their ranks. Another Opta gem: ‘Since his PL debut in September 2012, Benteke has scored a joint-high 14 headed goals (level with Olivier Giroud).’ You can thank us later!
Crystal Palace are the only Premier League side this season not to drop a point while leading, or gain one from behind.
This is an interesting insight for in-play punters who like to use patterns and trends in their betting. They host Manchester United on Saturday, so when either side goes one-nil up you know what to do.
On Sunday Man City were involved in their first goalless draw in 61 PL games, a run going back to February 2014 (0-0 v Norwich)
So whenever the blue half of Manchester are involved in a game, Over 0.5 Goals is a certainty, Over 1.5 Goals a distinct probability and Over 2.5 Goals most likely!
This Saturday they host a Norwich City side that have conceded 21 goals in their last ten outings. You know what to do….
Harry Kane has scored 2 or more goals in six Premier League games in 2015.
As any Fantasy League manager will tell you, Harry Kane is the man if you want a bumper crop of goals. His hat-trick against Bournemouth signalled a return to goalscoring form, and this week Spurs host manager-less Aston Villa on Monday night.
You could do a lot worse than backing the big England striker to bag a brace in that one.
No team has finished in the top four of a Premier League season having earned fewer than 13 points after 10 games of the season.
That’s bad news for a Chelsea side currently languishing on eleven points after ten games, and they can be backed at 5/6 with BetVictor not to finish in the top four.
No team has won a Premier League title having earned fewer than 18 points after 10 games of the season.
More news that will give Chelsea fans the Blues. This also means that only five teams have a chance of winning the league this season: Man City, Arsenal, West Ham, Man United or Leicester.
Odion Ighalo has been involved in each of Watford’s last seven Premier League goals (five goals, two assists)
He’s a handful is young Ighalo, and with Bet Victor you can still get 1/2 that he will be Watford’s top league goalscorer this season. Add him to any acca to enhance your value.