While the concept is simple and straightforward, it can appear a little confusing when decimal points are introduced to total goals. So, it’s best we show an example of how it exactly works:
Liverpool v Borussia Dortmund
- Under 2.5 goals – 15/8
- Over 2.5 goals – 4/11
If the punter predicts the total number of goals between Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund is two or fewer, they would opt for ‘Under 2.5 goals’ at 15/8. If the punter predicts three or more goals, they would receive odds at 4/11.
However, the bookmaker will also provide more markets on total goals, from Under/Over 1.5 goals to Under/Over 4.5 goals. Here is the breakdown of odds for Under/Over 4.5 goals:
Liverpool v Borussia Dortmund
- Under 4.5 goals – 1/4
- Over 4.5 goals – 13/5
As you can see, the odds are far more generous when the goalposts are moved. This is when a punter should use all the statistics available to determine the most likely outcome. For example, recent form, opponent, line-ups and defensive records will all come into play as the punters make their selections.
A great way to utilise over under betting is to include them in an ACCA, also known as an Accumulator Bet. As oppose to opting for match results in an Accumulator Bet, selecting over unders can drastically increase a punter’s odds.
If you want to add a tad bit more creativity to your betting, using over under betting in Accumulator Bets is certainly a good way to do so and is an extremely popular way of betting in football.
For example, here are the odds for each game to total under 3.5 goals:
- Monaco v Everton - 2/7
- RB Leipzig v Galatasaray - 3/4
- Schalke 04 v Norwich City - 1/2
- Bath City v Newport City - 1/3
However, if these selections were placed together as an Accumulator Bet odds of 4/1 are offered.
Often bookmakers offer multiples from a single game which might include several over under bets. For example, the offer may state: ‘Liverpool v Borussia Dortmund: Over 3.5 goals, Over 8.5 corners & Under 4.5 cards – 16/1’. Instead of a single bet on a match result, this can add a little more intrigue to a match.
In 55% of Liverpool’s 2018-2019 Premier League games, more than 2.5 goals were scored, while winning 79% of their fixtures. This made the club an extremely popular choice for Match Result & Over 2.5 Goals.