While I’ve got a few minutes to spare I thought I’d put a few stats together that might be helpful to some of our readers.
Many people use statistics to help them with their bets, me included – and when you find something that stands out which also has value odds about it there can be a bit of a eureka moment.
I’ve ploughed through a good few websites and here are the bookmarks I’ve made for the next week or two’s action.
Scoring first
AFC Wimbledon have scored first in 7 of their 9 games played to date (77.7%). Considering they sit in a very middle of the road 10th position in the league it’s a very nice statistic. The bookies are unlikely to be aware of this little gem, and their current trend makes them around 5/17 odds of scoring the first goal in a match, which will undoubtedly be available at a much better price for any game they play.
Their next opponents are Newport County away next Saturday. County have scored first in 4 of their 9 games. Looking at the match odds available today Wimbledon first goal will be available at around 11/8-6/4 which is great value.
Swansea City are another side that have caused a little bit of a stir when it comes to scoring first. They’ve hit the back of the net first in 4 of their 5 games this season, only failing to do so in this weekend’s 0-1 home loss to Southampton (they were reduced to 10 men after 39 minutes and only conceded after 80 minutes).
Next weekend they face an out of sorts Sunderland who have hit the net first in just 1 of their first 5 games. This game is already priced up and Swansea are 11/10 to score first with Ladbrokes which is a bit of value in my eyes.
Unbeatable in the 2nd Half
Northampton Town are yet to lose the 2nd period of a game. Of their 9 matches played their second half record reads as follows: W4 D5 L0 F10 A5. Not bad at all for a team sitting in 9th position.
This statistic shows a great attitude when things aren’t going too well. Just look at their game on Saturday. 1-3 down at half time, 1-4 down after 75 minutes. They went on to lose 4-5, winning the 2nd half 3-2.
Next weekend they take on 5th placed Morecambe. The game will be inplay at most major bookies, and currently Morecambe are the narrow favourites. I would suggest getting on the 0 asian handicap at half time, which is basically draw no bet for the 2nd half only.