Betting on football can be a complex business, some markets including Asian Handicap can be very difficult to understand and are usually the preserve of professional punters. Other markets such as First Goalscorer are very simple and can be enjoyed by anyone with a basic understanding of the game.
The premise of a First Goalscorer bet couldn't be easier, you simply select the player that you think will score first in a particular match and the bookmaker offers odds on that happening. If your bet wins then you win back your stake multiplied by the odds.
Why place a First Goalscorer bet?
There are two main reasons for placing a First Goalscorer bet, for fun and profit and there is no reason that the two cannot overlap. The fact that First Goalscorer bets offer bigger odds than match winner bets means they are attractive for novices and professionals alike, as they offer big returns from small stakes.
There is also the 'fun' aspect of backing either your favourite player or a player that you feel may be overlooked by the bookies. There's a real satisfaction in getting a First Goalscorer bet correct and as much of that is getting one over on the bookies as it is cheering a player you enjoy watching hit the back of the net.
How to bet on a First Goalscorer
Placing a First Goalscorer bet is a very simple process. Most online bookmakers will do all the hard work for you, all you need to do is navigate to the match that you want to bet on and click on the First Goalscorer market, usually it'll be one of the 'featured markets'.
Select your player and get ready to watch the game to see if comes home.
How to win on a First Goalscorer bets
Research Players and Teams
Before placing your bet, research the teams and players involved in the match. Consider factors such as each team's style of play, recent form, key attacking players, and head-to-head matchups. Search for players who are in goal-scoring form, in addition to a history of scoring early goals.
Assess Odds and Value
Evaluate the odds offered by the bookmakers for each player in the market. Compare the odds to the likelihood of each player scoring first based on your research. Identify value bets - situations where the probability of a player scoring first is higher than implied by the odds.
Consider Playing Time
Pay attention to the starting lineup and playing time of each player. Players who are more likely to start the match and play the full 90 minutes have a better chance of scoring the first goal than substitutes or players who are expected to be substituted early in the match.
Players who are regularly substituted before the end of the game are considered risky propositions.
Factor in Playing Position
Strikers and attacking midfielders are typically more likely to score goals than defenders or defensive midfielders. Focus on players who are known for their goal-scoring ability and have a history of scoring early goals.
Knowing the penalty takers is another way to maximise your chance of profiting from the first goalscorer market, especially in matches that use the VAR.
Know the competition
First Goalscorer bets are not advised in international friendlies. Managers regularly make substitutions at half-time in these matches, and often empty their bench by using 11 or more substitutes.