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.
Last time out we back three winners so we are keeping with one pick for this weekend's selections.
Our shots on target betting picks
Chelsea vs Man Utd
Chelsea host a Manchester United side who are likely to have one eye on their upcoming Europa League final — and that sets up well for Marc Cucurella to stay involved in the attack.
United have struggled defensively on the road under Ruben Amorim, keeping just two clean sheets in 13 away games. Over their last four matches, they have conceded 1.1 non-penalty xG on average — a sign that chances are there to be created against them. With rotation expected to keep key players fresh for Europe, United may field a weakened XI, further tipping the balance in Chelsea’s favour.
Cucurella, meanwhile, has taken 22 shots in 31 starts this season — all of them coming in his last 22 appearances, highlighting a clear rise in attacking involvement. He has had at least one effort in 16 of those 22 games, and his home form has been even stronger. Over Chelsea’s last 15 matches at Stamford Bridge, he’s taken 11 shots, registering at least one in 13 of them and scoring four times. He has also produced four shots across his last three home outings, including three in the recent win over Everton.
With Chelsea pushing for a top-five finish and United expected to rotate, this looks like another promising setup for Cucurella to get on the shot count — and potentially threaten the scoresheet again.
- Best Bet: Marc Cucurella over 0.5 shots at 1.85 with Ladbrokes
Leicester City vs Ipswich Town
Kasey McAteer looks set for another start as Leicester host Ipswich in a game that sets up perfectly for attacking returns.
McAteer has now started three of Leicester’s last four matches, and in the one he did not start, he was brought on at half-time—clear evidence that new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy sees him as a trusted part of the setup. With Leicester struggling for goals and chance creation, Van Nistelrooy has turned to McAteer for added pace, width, and directness.
Across his seven Premier League starts, McAteer has registered eight shots, with five on target. He has landed at least one shot on target in five of those seven starts, showing consistent involvement when he gets minutes from the off.
The matchup could not be more favourable. Ipswich have managed just two clean sheets all season and have conceded in every game in 2025. Away from home, they have allowed the second-most shots, and only Leicester, Brentford, and Southampton have conceded more shots on target.
In their last eight games, Ipswich have shipped 10 big chances, and no side has allowed more shots inside the box – underlining just how vulnerable they have been defensively.
If McAteer starts again, backing him for 1+ shot on target is a strong option.
- Best Bet: Kasey McAteer over 0.5 shots on target at 2.17 with Unibet
Everton vs Southampton
Beto landed two shots on target last weekend, landing us a winner at generous odds of 3.75, so we are happy to back him again as Everton welcome a struggling Southampton side to Goodison Park for their final ever home game at this stadium.
Since David Moyes returned in January 2025, Everton have looked far more organised and purposeful. His classic mid-block setup and wide-focused attack suit this squad well—Everton now rank third in the Premier League for cross accuracy. Moyes’ system channels play out wide before delivering into a central striker, just as he did effectively at West Ham.
Beto has been at the heart of it. Since being restored to the starting XI by Moyes, he gas made 12 starts, recording 31 shots and 18 on target – hitting 2+ shots on target in eight of those games. At Goodison Park specifically, he has managed nine shots on target across six appearances, with 2+ in four of them.
With Everton pushing to finish strong in front of their home crowd, and with crosses and set pieces continuing to target him, Beto is once again well-positioned to deliver. His early-shooting instinct and aerial presence make him a solid pick for 2+ shots on target as the Toffees look to close their home campaign on a high.
- Best Bet: Beto over 1.5 shots on target at 2.4 with Unibet
Backing Beto and Kasey McAteer to have a shot on target each and Marc Cucurella to register a shot can be backed at 4.48 with Sporting Index.
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