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.
Ayr vs Arbroath (Saturday, 15:00)
Draws have been a recurring theme in Ayr United’s Scottish Championship matches this season, and another stalemate could be on the cards when they host Arbroath on Saturday. The Honest Men have shared the spoils in a league-high 15 of their 32 league matches. A closer look at that sample of draws shows that all three of Ayr’s meetings with Arbroath this season have finished level.
Meanwhile, the Red Lichties have also been no strangers to a draw, with 11 of their 32 league games ending all square – including two of their last three on the road.
Charlton vs Preston (Saturday, 15:00)
The draw looks a strong runner in Charlton's clash with Preston in the English Championship on Saturday. Both sides find themselves firmly in on the beach territory, which could pave the way for points to be shared at the Valley. Moreover, these two teams have frequently been involved in stalemates this season, with Charlton drawing 13 of their league matches, while Preston have been honours even in 15 of their second tier assignments.
It’s also worth noting that three of the pair’s last four league fixtures have ended in draws, further strengthening the case for another stalemate at the Valley on Saturday afternoon.
Dundee United vs Livingston (Saturday, 15:00)
While Livingston have lingered at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership for most of the season, they don’t look like a side resigned to relegation. That was evident last weekend when the Lions battled to a well-earned 2-2 draw with league leaders Hearts. That result takes Livingston to a joint league-high 13 draws this season, including five in their previous six matches.
As for Dundee United, have very little left to play for now that the top six is out of reach. Therefore, this could be one of several dead rubbers Jim Goodwin’s side face between now and the end of the season, aside from the Dundee derby, of course.
Notably, two of the Terrors’ last four home league games have ended in draws, and the same was true when they hosted Livingston earlier in the campaign, further suggesting another stalemate could be on the cards.
Weekend Draw Treble
- Ayr vs Arbroath
- Charlton vs Preston
- Dundee United vs Livingston
- 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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