While many punters naturally gravitate toward backing a winner, betting on the 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.
Stranraer vs Annan (Saturday, 15:00)
Stalemates have been a recurring theme in matches involving Stranraer in Scottish League Two in recent weeks, and there's plenty of scope for a repeat when they play host to Annan on Saturday afternoon. The fifth-place Blues have shared the spoils with their opponents in five of their last six outings in the Scottish fourth tier, including each of their last two assignments at their Stair Park base. In fact, Stranraer have drawn eight of their overall 22 league matches this season, a tally topped only by Clyde (11).
Annan have also played out eight draws in Scottish League Two this term, four of which have arrived across their last six matches, including each of their previous three.
The case for backing another all-square outcome on Saturday is further strengthened by the fact that these sides played out a 2-2 draw towards the end of 2025.
Alaves vs Getafe (Sunday, 13:00)
A game of fine margins could be in store when Alaves and Getafe lock horns in La Liga on Sunday afternoon. The fight for survival in Spain’s top flight is becoming increasingly congested, with Alaves and Getafe among the teams battling to avoid relegation. As such, the fear of losing may outweigh the desire to win here, making a draw a realistic outcome at the Mendizorroza Stadium.
Getafe, in particular, have long had a reputation for being involved in low-scoring affairs and for being tough to break down. Moreover, three of Getafe's last four La Liga fixtures have ended level.
Alaves, meanwhile, have not been involved in as many stalemates this season, but three of their four draws have come at home. Interestingly, their only away draw this term was against Getafe in the reverse fixture, which ended 1-1, and a similar scoreline could be on the cards on Sunday.
Brighton vs Crystal Palace (Sunday, 14:00)
The rivalry between Brighton and Crystal Palace has a long-standing history of draws in the Premier League. This is highlighted by the fact that eight of the 17 top-flight meetings between the pair have ended with the points shared. Notably, five of their last seven Premier League encounters have finished level, including this season’s reverse fixture at Selhurst Park, which ended 0-0.
It’s not just the historical record between these two sides that supports the case for another draw on Sunday – both teams have frequently been involved in stalemates in this season’s Premier League. Brighton, in particular, are the division’s draw specialists this term, having shared the spoils in 10 of their 24 fixtures, including four of their last five assignments at the Amex.
Crystal Palace have also been involved in a high number of draws this season, having settled for a point in eight of their 24 Premier League games, including three of their last five top-flight fixtures. The Eagles' latest stalemate was a 1-1 at Nottingham Forest last Sunday, and the same scoreline on Sunday is certainly worth considering.
Weekend Draw Treble
- Stranraer vs Annan
- Alaves vs Getafe
- Brighton vs Crystal Palace
- Treble pays 33/1 UniBet
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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