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.
Bolton vs Preston (Saturday, 12:30)
There could be little to separate Bolton and Preston when the pair face off in the English Championship on Saturday lunchtime. Both teams were accustomed to draws in their respective divisions last season, and there is plenty of scope for the spoils to be shared in this contest. Indeed, Bolton were involved in 18 draws on their way to promotion from English League One last season.
As for Preston, they ranked among the English Championship's highest sides when it came to draws last term, with 15 of their 46 matches ending all square.
Aberdeen vs Dundee (Saturday, 15:00)
The draw looks worth backing when Aberdeen take on Dundee in the last 16 of the Scottish League Cup on Saturday. The Dons will be seeking revenge after being soundly beaten 2-0 by the Dark Blues in the Scottish Premiership away from home last weekend. However, getting the better of Dundee could prove beyond Aberdeen, particularly given how well Steven Pressley's side performed in their last away outing when pushing Celtic all the way in a narrow 1-0 defeat at Celtic Park.
This cup tie could be a tight, low-scoring affair, with a 0-0 or 1-1 draw holding appeal. Don't be surprised if extra time or penalties are needed to separate the pair at Pittodrie.
Elgin vs Kelty Hearts (Saturday, 15:00)
A close-fought contest could be on the cards when Elgin City face Kelty Hearts in Scottish League Two on Saturday afternoon. The hosts have picked up four points from their opening two league games of the season, the most recent of which was a 1-1 draw at home to Forfar last weekend. Elgin also came close to holding Kilmarnock to a draw at home during the group stages of the Scottish League Cup, while Kelty Hearts played out a 1-1 draw with Queen of the South in the same competition. A similar scoreline at Borough Briggs looks worth backing.
Weekend Draw Treble
- Bolton vs Preston
- Aberdeen vs Dundee
- Elgin vs Kelty Hearts
- Treble pays 38/1 (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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