In football betting, a “shot on target” typically refers to any shot directed towards the goal that would have gone in had it not been saved by the goalkeeper or blocked by the last defender.
This betting market involves predicting the total number of shots on target during a match by a team or individual player, often including shots that were saved or blocked but were otherwise on target.
Our shots on target betting picks
Preston North End vs Ipswich Town
Dara O’Shea looks a strong candidate in the shots market when Ipswich take on Preston. The centre-back was a regular set-piece outlet in the Premier League last season, attempting 22 shots across 35 appearances, with two on target and six blocked. That worked out at just over 0.6 shots per 90 minutes in a side often under pressure, and he still managed to register attempts in nine different league games, including against Brighton, Aston Villa and Leicester.
That platform has carried into the Championship. O’Shea has produced a shot in each of Ipswich’s opening two games, showing the consistency you want from a defender in this market. What makes him especially dangerous is the quality of service around him. With Jaden Philogene and Leif Davis both excellent set-piece deliverers, O’Shea is regularly targeted when Ipswich load the box. His aerial presence, combined with that supply, makes him a constant danger.
Preston have shown vulnerability from corners in the past, and Ipswich are one of the most well-drilled sides in the division at attacking dead-ball situations. Given his track record, his role at set pieces, and the quality of delivery feeding him, O’Shea to record at least one shot looks a bet with real merit.
- Best Bet: Dara O’Shea over 0.5 shots on target at 8/5 with Ladbrokes
Burnley vs Sunderland
Dan Ballard to have at least one shot at 21/20 looks a standout value bet, especially with most other firms as short as 4/6. The Sunderland centre-back has a proven record as a set-piece threat, and the numbers back it up. Last season he attempted 17 shots in 23 appearances, seven on target and three goals. He registered a shot in 10 of his 15 Championship starts, showing just how consistently he gets into shooting positions. That works out at an effort roughly every 84 minutes, with at least one attempt in 65% of his games.
Promoted clubs often put real emphasis on set plays to bridge the gap, and Sunderland did exactly that in their Premier League opener against West Ham. Ballard not only scored, but produced four attempts in that game, underlining the way he is targeted at dead-ball situations. For a defender, that kind of volume is notable and shows Sunderland’s intent to lean on his aerial threat.
Burnley’s recent weakness from corners adds further appeal. They were opened up repeatedly in their defeat at Tottenham, and Ballard will again be a focal point in the box. At 21/20 for a single shot, the price looks simply too big compared to the wider market.
- Best Bet: Dan Balled over 0.5 shots at 21/20 with BetVictor
Fulham vs Man Utd
Matheus Cunha to have 2+ shots on target looks a strong play based on both his track record at Wolves and his Manchester United debut. Against Arsenal on the opening weekend he fired off four shots, three of which hit the target, showing immediate intent in a United shirt and underlining his ability to test top-class defences.
Last season at Wolves he was one of the most volume-heavy forwards in the league. He produced 110 shots across 29 Premier League starts, hitting the target 44 times at a rate of 1.52 per 90 minutes. He hit 2+ shots on target in 12 of those 29 starts, including both meetings with Fulham where he racked up 10 total attempts and 5 on target across the two games. That level of consistency makes him one of the more reliable forwards in this market.
At United, Cunha is surrounded by stronger attacking talent in Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo, which helps take defensive attention away from him and gives him more freedom to shoot. With his proven accuracy and ability to generate volume both inside the area and from distance, Cunha looks well-placed to clear the 2+ shots on target line again.
- Best Bet: Matheus Cunha over 1.5 shots on target at 9/5 with Betway
Combining Matheus Cunha to have at least two shots on target and then O’Shea and Ballard to register a single shot each will give you odds of 9/1 with Unibet
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