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.
Livingston vs Dunfermline (Saturday, 15:00)
Livingston's clash with Dunfermline in the Scottish Championship on Saturday could be a lot closer than the pre-match odds suggest, which makes the draw an attractive option.
The Lions began their Championship campaign with a win over Queen's Park but suffered a deserved 2-0 defeat to Partick Thistle last time out.
Livingston will face another stern test against a Dunfermline side that started their league campaign with two draws before narrowly losing 2-1 to Ross County in the Scottish League Cup last time out, conceding a late winner.
With little to separate these sides, a tight encounter and a low-scoring draw could be the way to go in West Lothian.
Queen’s Park vs Stenhousemuir (Saturday, 15:00)
Another game in the Scottish Championship on Saturday where the draw looks like a strong runner is Queen's Park's clash with Stenhousemuir.
The Spiders have come away empty-handed from each of their opening two games of the season, and they could be stifled by a Stenhousemuir side that has made a quietly impressive start to the campaign. The Warriors held both Partick Thistle and Livingston to draws during the group stage of the Scottish League Cup before playing out another stalemate inside 90 minutes with Motherwell last week, eventually winning the tie in extra time.
The case for siding with this selection is further strengthened by the fact that Stenny's opening away game of the season in the Championship against Raith Rovers finished 1-1, and a similar scoreline here wouldn't come as a surprise.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds (Saturday, 15:00)
Leeds were one of the draw specialists in the Premier League last season, and it wouldn't be a major shock if they kicked off their new campaign with a stalemate at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Daniel Farke's team shared the spoils with their top-flight opponents on 14 occasions last term, a figure that was topped only by Bournemouth, who recorded 18 draws. It should also be noted that six of Leeds' final eight Premier League away matches last season ended all square.
Forest's recent home record also makes the draw an appealing option, with four of their final five Premier League games at the City Ground last season ending honours even.
Weekend Draw Treble
- Livingston vs Dunfermline
- Queen’s Park vs Stenhousemuir
- Nottingham Forest vs Leeds
- Treble pays 37/1 (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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