In football betting, “Both Teams to Score” — or BTTS — is one of the most popular and active markets. It’s simple: will both teams score during the match? For casual bettors, it’s easy to understand. For experienced ones, it’s an opportunity to find value where others see risk. But the smartest bets aren’t made after everyone starts talking. They’re made before a match becomes trendy.
Spotting high-BTTS fixtures ahead of time gives you better odds, greater flexibility, and a competitive edge. But how exactly do you identify those games?
What Makes a Game BTTS-Friendly?
Not every fixture is created equal. Some scream “goals on both sides” based on playing style, form, and stats. Others look promising but end 1–0 or worse — 0–0. To improve your BTTS betting strategy, you need to understand the patterns that usually lead to both teams scoring.
Here are the most important signs that a match could be BTTS-friendly:
- Both teams score and concede regularly (check last 5 matches)
- Neither team keeps clean sheets consistently
- Attackers are in form and key players are available
- The fixture is competitive or evenly matched (no heavy favorites)
- The game involves open, attacking systems or tactical risks
When these factors align, BTTS potential increases — especially in leagues known for end-to-end football like the Eredivisie, Bundesliga, or Turkish Super Lig.
How to Stay Ahead of the Market
Markets react to news, form, and betting volume. Once a fixture is highlighted by tipsters or social media, odds often tighten. Getting in early — before the trend — can give you better value.
Instead of following the crowd, use data platforms to spot BTTS opportunities proactively. A key resource here is RatingBet, a site that tracks and analyzes BTTS markets across dozens of leagues. Their dedicated BTTS section at https://ratingbet.com/football/btts/ shows daily fixtures with high BTTS potential, supported by stats like recent form, goal trends, and head-to-head records.
RatingBet doesn’t just list matches. It provides shortlists based on real metrics, helping you filter out noise and focus on games that fit your strategy.
Reading the Data Right
Let’s look at a sample of recent or hypothetical fixtures and how their profiles shape up for BTTS:
| Fixture | Avg. Goals Per Match | BTTS Last 5 Games | Clean Sheets (Both Teams) | BTTS Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feyenoord vs. AZ Alkmaar | 3.5 | 4/5 | 1 | High |
| Sevilla vs. Valencia | 2.1 | 2/5 | 3 | Moderate |
| Torino vs. Napoli | 2.8 | 3/5 | 2 | Likely |
These are the types of matches where patterns in scoring and conceding suggest BTTS may land — and with platforms like RatingBet, you can access this logic without building it manually.
The Hidden Advantage: Under-the-Radar Leagues
While top European leagues get most of the attention, value often lies in smaller competitions. There, public betting volume is lower, odds move slower, and sharp angles appear more often.
Here’s why you should explore secondary leagues when targeting BTTS:
- Less public attention = less market correction
- Many teams play open, unbalanced football
- Some leagues average 3+ goals per game across the season
- Defending quality may be inconsistent
- Motivation can shift week to week, creating volatility
A well-timed BTTS bet on a Romanian or Belgian league match can be more profitable than backing big names in La Liga or the Premier League.
When Not to Bet BTTS
A strong strategy also means knowing when to avoid this market. Watch out for:
- Defensive-minded managers in high-stakes games
- Dead rubbers or end-of-season matches with no pressure
- Missing key attackers on either side
- One-sided fixtures where the underdog won’t attack
- First legs of two-leg ties, especially in knockout tournaments
BTTS is fun and dynamic — but only when matched with context and data.
The BTTS market rewards observation, timing, and discipline. It’s tempting to bet on big games with famous clubs, but the real edge comes from reading the game before others do.
With tools like RatingBet’s BTTS page you can turn daily fixture lists into opportunity maps — backed by form, stats, and live updates.