With the Premier League returning, attention is not limited only to which teams are most likely to win each match. Recent seasons have also shown how much betting analysis now depends on the smaller details inside a game, from corners and cards to shots on goal and both teams to score. These markets are widely used by users because they can be compared with visible match data, team style and player roles. In this article, readers can see more about some of the EPL markets that are gaining attention as statistical analysis becomes more important before and during matches.
Corners
Corner markets remain one of the most discussed alternatives to simple match-result betting. This is due to a number of factors. Firstly, this is a relatively predictable statistic, as it tends to follow patterns related to team characteristics, such as the tendency to attack down the flanks, deliver crosses, and have the defence clear the ball over the byline. In addition, there are many stats platforms dedicated to this factor, allowing for in-depth analysis before the match. Finally, it is worth noting that corner markets can shift during live matches when trends are spotted, such as a team pressing in search of a goal.
These bets work on an Over/Under basis. The bookmaker defines certain lines and users predict whether the total number of corners will be higher or lower than that figure. The fact that a team’s characteristics influence the number of corners becomes clear when looking at last season’s data, where teams that often played with width and pressure near the box appeared near the top:
- Manchester City – 6.42 corners per match
- Liverpool – 6.11 corners per match
- Newcastle – 6.05 corners per match
- Chelsea – 5.95 corners per match
- Arsenal – 5.68 corners per match
Cards
Bets on total cards also work with Over/Under lines and can be analysed both through objective data and the subjective characteristics of players and teams. Bets on higher numbers of cards are generally more common. This market depends on several recurring match factors, which can be compared before kick-off:
- previous meetings between the teams;
- direct duels between opposing players;
- average cards issued by each referee;
- teams that commit more fouls when under pressure;
- each player’s card history;
- the match context and the importance of the result.
A good example of this is that the team that received by far the most yellow cards in the last Premier League season was Tottenham Hotspur. The number reflected a season in which Tottenham were often involved in tense match situations, with pressure, transitions and defensive phases contributing to a high disciplinary total. This was the Top 5:
| Team | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 97 | 4 |
| Bournemouth | 89 | 2 |
| Chelsea | 88 | 8 |
| Brighton | 86 | 0 |
| Sunderland | 82 | 3 |
Anytime
The Anytime market is straightforward: users bet that a player will score or provide an assist at any point during the match. Usually, this type of market gives lower odds for players who score frequently, such as Erling Haaland, because their involvement is already expected by bookmakers. It is therefore an option to keep an eye on alternative top scorers. One example is analysing centre-backs who tend to score with headers when facing defences that are statistically weak in the air. It might also be worth paying attention to teams where the set-piece and penalty taker is not a prolific striker. In these cases, the market may show different prices from those attached to the most obvious scorers.
Shots on goal
The shots on goal market is divided into two types. Shots represent any attempt at goal, regardless of whether it went wide or hit the post. Shots on Target count attempts directed at goal that either go in, are saved by the goalkeeper, or are stopped by a last-line block that prevents the ball from entering the goal. It is possible to bet on these statistics for any player in the match, using the same Over/Under format. Some users compare shots-on-goal lines for several players in the same match, although combining several selections increases the number of conditions that need to be correct.
Both Teams to Score
Both Teams to Score is another market in football betting. The name is self-explanatory: users bet “Yes” or “No” on whether both teams will score in the game. This is a factor that can also be analysed by considering the strengths and weaknesses of the attacks and defences. Some data platforms indicate the percentage of each team’s recent matches in which they scored and conceded, which helps explain why certain fixtures receive more attention in BTTS analysis.
