While many punters naturally gravitate towards backing a winner, betting on a draw can be a smart and rewarding alternative.
This is because bookmakers typically assign bigger odds to stalemates, which occur less often than victories for either team.
With that in mind, let’s examine this weekend’s fixtures and identify the games where draw outcomes present the best value.
West Brom vs Birmingham (Saturday, 12:30)
West Brom and Birmingham will renew hostilities at the Hawthorns on Saturday lunchtime.
The two teams are separated by just three points and five places in the Championship standings, and there could be little between them in this derby clash.
While West Brom have drawn only two of their opening eight league games, both stalemates have come on home soil, including a 1-1 draw with QPR in their most recent outing at the Hawthorns.
A repeat of that scoreline on Saturday would come as little surprise against Birmingham, who have been among the second tier’s draw specialists this term.
Indeed, the Blues have shared the spoils in five of their opening eight league games, including three of their last five.
MK Dons vs Reading (Saturday, 15:00)
MK Dons find themselves in the League One relegation zone, but getting the better of Paul Warne’s side has been far from straightforward this season.
Six of the Dons' opening seven league games have ended all square, including all three on home soil.
That makes the draw an appealing option when Reading visit Stadium MK on Saturday afternoon.
The Royals have drawn each of their last two league games, taking their tally of stalemates to three from eight this term.
With two of those draws coming on their travels, there is further reason to side with honours even here.
Newport vs Colchester (Saturday, 15:00)
There could be fine margins when Newport come up against Colchester in League Two on Saturday.
Both teams are in the lower half of the table, separated by just four places and level on points.
Moreover, both sides have been among the division’s draw merchants this season, sharing the spoils eight times across their combined 16 league matches.
A closer look shows that three of Newport’s last four league games have ended all square, while Colchester have drawn each of their last three.
So, with all that in mind, a point apiece at Rodney Parade looks well within the realms of possibility.
Weekend Draw Treble
- West Brom vs Birmingham
- MK Dons vs Reading
- Newport vs Colchester
- Treble pays 40/1 (bet365)
Grant Heaney, aka SlipsTips, is a Freelance Football and Darts Writer with over six years experience. Grant has written football and darts betting content for some of the biggest betting websites and newspapers in the UK. He is a Falkirk season ticket holder and avid watcher of football and darts, whether it be UK-based or further afield. You can find all of his tips on X @SlipsTips
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