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.
Brentford vs Fulham (Saturday, 12:30)
The draw could be on the cards in Saturday’s all-capital clash in the Premier League between Brentford and Fulham. The two sides are separated by just five places and three points in the top-flight standings, so this has all the makings of a tight encounter.
Brentford head into this contest on the back of four consecutive Premier League stalemates, the latest of which was a 2-2 at home to Everton last weekend. That means three of the Bees' last four top-flight fixtures at the Gtech have ended all square.
While Fulham have not been quite as draw-prone this season, their recent away trip to Nottingham Forest ended honours even, and another share of the spoils certainly looks a strong runner on Saturday lunchtime.
Watford vs Sheffield United (Saturday, 15:00)
Watford’s clash with Sheffield United in the English Championship on Saturday could have a real dead rubber feel to it, which brings the draw firmly into the equation. The two sides find themselves in no man’s land in the second-tier standings, with a play-off push out of reach while both are comfortably clear of any relegation trouble.
Moreover, Watford have been one of the Championship’s draw specialists this season, sharing the spoils on a joint league-high 15 occasions, including each of their last two home matches.
The case for siding with this selection is further strengthened by the fact that three of Sheffield United’s last seven league games have ended level.
Sporting vs Benfica (Sunday, 18:00)
The standout fixture in the Primeira Liga this weekend sees arch-rivals Sporting Lisbon and Benfica go head-to-head at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Sunday evening. The two sides are both trailing league leaders Porto, with Sporting sitting 2nd, five points off the pace, and Benfica 3rd, seven points adrift.
Jose Mourinho’s Benfica side may feel the title is now out of reach, but there is still plenty at stake as they continue to chase an invincible season. With that in mind, the Eagles may well be content to settle for a point here, something they have already done in nine of their 29 league matches this term.
The reverse fixture ended 1-1, and another stalemate would be no surprise, especially with Sporting coming off a taxing midweek trip to Arsenal in the Champions League.
Weekend Draw Treble
- Brentford vs Fulham
- Watford vs Sheffield United
- Sporting vs Benfica
- Treble pays 44/1 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
GambleAware