While many punters naturally gravitate towards 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.
Sunderland vs Brighton (Saturday, 15:00)
Another stalemate involving Sunderland could be on the cards when they welcome Brighton to the Stadium of Light on Saturday. The Black Cats have been real draw magnets this season, with 10 of their 29 Premier League fixtures ending all square – including five of their 14 home games.
Brighton’s story is almost identical, having also shared the spoils in 10 top-flight matches this term, including two of their last four away games.
The fact that this season’s reverse fixture at the Amex finished 0-0 only strengthens the case for backing another draw, and another low-scoring stalemate wouldn’t come as a surprise.
St Mirren vs Rangers (Sunday, 12:00)
St Mirren’s clash with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday could be tighter than the pre-match odds suggest, with the draw looking like a tempting option. Danny Rohl’s side have drawn with Old Firm foes Celtic across the last two weekends, the latter of which they lost on penalties. As such, Rangers will go into this clash under huge pressure, regardless of how title rivals Hearts and Celtic fare on Saturday.
Moreover, the Light Blues have drawn a joint-high 12 of their 29 Scottish Premiership matches this season, including each of their previous three away games. It’s also worth noting that one of those 12 stalemates came at this very venue against St Mirren earlier in the season.
That was one of nine all square affairs involving the Saints in the Scottish top-flight this term. Even with Stephen Robinson gone, the Paisley outfit could prove difficult to overcome at home, and they could hold firm for a point in their fight for survival.
Real Betis vs Celta Vigo (Sunday, 17:30)
There could be fine margins when Real Betis face Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday evening. The two sides start the weekend sitting 5th and 6th respectively in the Spanish top-flight, separated by just three points. One key takeaway from the pair's campaigns this season is the number of draws they’ve been involved in.
Real Betis have shared the spoils in 10 of their 27 La Liga matches this season, a total mirrored by Celta Vigo. What’s more, each of Betis’ last two home league games has ended honours even, while Celta Vigo have drawn two of their last three La Liga away matches.
On top of all that, when these sides met earlier in the campaign, they played out a 1-1 draw, which appears a plausible correct score outcome again for Sunday’s clash in Andalusia.
Weekend Draw Treble
- Sunderland vs Brighton
- St Mirren vs Rangers
- Real Betis vs Celta Vigo
- Treble pays 42/1 at bet 365
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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