It's set to be another exciting and enthralling football season in Scotland. With Celtic and Rangers battling for supremacy at the top of the table, storied clubs including Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibernian and Dundee United will also be determined to make their mark. The league is one of the oldest in the world and is home to some of the biggest city rivalries.
For many supporters, placing a wager on the outcome of games is a great way to add an extra layer of excitement to the action. This article will provide tips and guidance for betting on the Scottish Premiership and the nation's clubs competing in Europe.
Learn the Basics around Betting Odds
When backing teams in Scotland, it is imperative you have a strong knowledge of the different odds and betting options that are available before making your picks. From first scorers and results to final league standings and accumulators, there are a wide range of different wagers to choose from. The outcomes of most bets via Betway can be determined on the day of the game. However, when it comes to accumulators, which consists of predicting the final result across a number of matches, you will have to wait until the gameweek is complete.
Looking at odds, these will give you a sound understanding of whether a team is the favourite to win or the underdog. Celtic and Rangers, the two top teams in the Scottish Premiership will often have low odds and so there is likely better value when it comes to backing Aberdeen and Hearts as they often finish in the top half but don't go into every game as the most-fancied side to win. It's important to assess the odds before making your prediction and also a wise move to shop around to ensure you are making the most effective wager.
Enhance your Knowledge
As well as having a strong grasp of betting odds, boasting a deep knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, the teams and players is just as important. Being aware of the star players, the history behind fixtures and the narratives around games can help you to make smart and informed decisions from a place of real authority and confidence.
You must take the time to conduct thorough research so that you know the likely starting line-ups in order to properly assess the strengths and weaknesses of each side in order to compare them adequately. Be sure to keep updated with the latest team news via official club channels and social media as staying in the loop means you can react accordingly if a star player is out injured or suspended.
Also note that teams face each other three times, twice at home and once away or vice versa, before the league splits and the top six face off while the bottom six go head-to-head. This switch can have a big impact on a team's results as the quality of opposition improves or gets weaker.
Assess the Scottish Form Table
Another key factor in assessing the teams before making your picks is checking out the form table. This guide will show you how a club is performing in recent matches and you can use this information when deciding the outcome of the next fixture. So, for instance, if Celtic have won six straight games and are taking on bottom of the table Kilmarnock at home, the Bhoys will be overwhelming favourites. Meanwhile, if Ross County have drawn only twice and lost four games, conceding a number of goals in the process, they will be huge underdogs when heading to Ibrox to face Rangers. Therefore, it is vital you look at a team's results in the weeks and months prior to their next game to get a proper feel for where they are at.
While recent form is important, it's also a smart decision to look at the history books as, from a psychological point of view, some clubs may struggle annually at certain venues or against particular sides. For example, Hibernian have now won at Celtic Park since January 2010 and so while they may be on a good run in the league, facing the Hoops away may be a banana skin that derails them having not managed to earn three points there for nearly 15 years.
Backing Scottish Clubs in Europe
Backing Scotland's teams in European competition can boost your interaction with game and add personal interest to the final score. If betting on Celtic, Rangers and Hearts during their games on the continent, you should take the time to consider the new format that has been introduced across all UEFA competitions.
While the Hoops will take part in the Champions League, Europe's premier tournament, Rangers and Hearts are in the Europa League though the usual group stage format in both competitions has been altered. Instead of 32 teams there are now 36 and in place of six games in a group of four teams, each side will instead play eight matches against previously drawn opposition in a league system. Once the games are completed, the top eight will automatically progress to the Last 16 of the knockout phase. Those sides in ninth to 24th will compete in a play-off to join them. However, any club in 25th or below will be eliminated.
It's important to consider how the change could affect results before backing Celtic, Rangers and Hearts.
Summing Up
The Scottish Premiership is one of the most intriguing leagues in Europe with a range of different narratives being told throughout the campaign. For bettors placing wagers on the Scottish game, conducting thorough research to build knowledge and information is key in order to make bets from a place of real knowhow and understanding.