The first goal scorer market is a popular betting option for football enthusiasts, offering opportunities for strategic bets. By focusing on specific approaches, you can increase your chances of making a profit in this market.
In this article, we explore different ways to take advantage of the first goalscorer market, from backing “no goal scorer” to finding value in set-piece specialists.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Betting on “No Goal Scorer” for 0-0 can be a better option (same thing, but odds may differ).
- Each-way bets cover both first and anytime goalscorer markets.
- Set-piece takers, such as penalty or free-kick specialists, often offer better value.
- Specializing in the first goalscorer market may lead to better results.
First Goal Scorer Market
The first goalscorer market is a popular choice for football bettors. It’s simple: you pick a player who you believe will score the first goal in a match. There are different ways to bet on this market, and some strategies can give you an edge.
Many people use this market for casual bets, but it can also be a serious one where you can adjust your approach to increase your chances of winning. Instead of trying to bet on every football market, it’s better to focus on a few specific ones. Here’s how you can specialize in the first goal scorer market.
Next time you place a football bet, remember to keep these first goalscorer tips in mind when making your selection.
Backing No Goal Scorer
One lesser-known aspect of the first goal scorer market is how you can use it when betting on a correct score. If you’re making football predictions for a 0-0 scoreline, don’t back it in the correct score market. Instead, bet on “no goal scorer” in the first goal scorer market. This bet covers you, as a 0-0 result means no one scores, and you also get an extra benefit, even though the price of the bet stays the same.

If a goal happens, but it’s an own goal, your “no goal scorer” bet will still win, unlike a 0-0 bet in the correct score market, which would lose, as the game would finish 1-0. Own goals don’t count for the first goal scorer market, so it doesn’t matter how many happen in the game.
By placing your 0-0 bets this way, you give yourself a better chance of making a profit, even if your 0-0 bet would have lost.
Backing Each Way to Unlimited Places
Not all top bookmakers offer each-way bets on first goal scorers, but some do, with varying terms. A few bookmakers provide each-way betting on unlimited places, meaning your first goal scorer bet covers the player to score at any point during the game.
Some bettors prefer backing players to score the first goal, while others back anytime goalscorers. These are the two main ways people bet on this market. However, if you want to cover both options, an each-way bet is a good choice. You can win big if your player scores first and collects on both parts of your bet. Plus, you’ll also get some consolation money if your player scores at any point in the game.
This is a great way to protect your bet. If you find a player at a good price to score first, try placing an each-way bet with a bookmaker offering unlimited places. Some bookmakers only cover the first few goals (usually the first three or four), meaning if your player scores later, it won’t count. While this may not happen often, it’s better not to take the risk.
Set Pieces Can Often Offer Value
When looking at the first goal scorer market, you’ll often see that the main strikers for each team are the favourites to score first. However, if you want to find better value, the key could be in set pieces. Players who are dangerous from set pieces often offer good value.
The most obvious option is someone who takes penalties, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, as they have a good chance of scoring first if their team wins a penalty. Free-kick takers like James Ward-Prowse are also worth considering, as well as defenders who are strong in the air, especially if you’re looking for a player at a high price, such as Virgil van Dijk.
While many goals come from open play, which benefits the strikers, a significant number are scored from set pieces, and it’s these goals where the value often lies.
If you can find a midfielder or even a defender who plays a key role in their team’s set pieces, these players can often offer the best value in the first goal scorer market.
First Goal Scorer Market – Conclusion
In conclusion, there are ways to make the most of the first goal scorer market, and anyone can use them. These strategies can make your betting more profitable over time and help you become a better bettor. Many people view the first goal scorer market as a place for small bets, which is fine, but it’s important to always place the best possible bets.
Backing “no goal scorer,” using each-way bets with unlimited places, and looking for value in set-piece players are all ways to increase your chances of winning on the first goal scorer market.
Keep these tips in mind, and next time you place a bet, give this market a closer look. In the long run, these strategies should improve your profitability and help you take the first goal scorer market more seriously – there’s definitely money to be made from it.
FAQ About First Goal Scorer Market
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