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.
St Johnstone vs Dundee (Saturday, 15:00)
St Johnstone have been the draw specialists in the Scottish Premiership this season, and another stalemate looks a strong possibility when they host Dundee on Saturday. Simo Valakari’s side have shared the spoils in five of their opening 11 league games of the season, including each of their last two. Adding weight to the case is the fact that the Saints have seen each of their last three home matches end honours even.
Dundee have not been as prone to draws, although one of their two stalemates came against St Johnstone in this season’s reverse fixture. That game at Dens Park finished 1-1, and the same scoreline looks like a real runner in Perth on Saturday.
Inverness vs Livingston (Saturday, 15:00)
Inverness and Livingston look hard to separate ahead of their Scottish Championship meeting on Saturday.
The Caley Jags had been in good form until last week’s 5-1 defeat at Dunfermline, and that result could see them take a more cautious approach here. They’ve already drawn at home to Dunfermline and Partick Thistle this season, while the reverse fixture at Livingston ended 2-2.
The Lions have shown they can grind out a point on the road too, holding Dunfermline to a 0-0 draw less than a month ago.
Espanyol vs Deportivo A Coruna (Saturday, 15:15)
The draw looks worth siding with when Espanyol entertain Deportivo A Coruna in La Liga on Saturday afternoon.
The visitors have been particularly draw-heavy this season, with five of their opening 11 league games finishing all square. That includes three of Deportivo’s last six matches, while they have also played out 1-1 draws away at both Malaga and Getafe this term.
Espanyol have already shared the spoils at home to Sevilla in a 1-1 draw, and another stalemate at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday wouldn’t be a shock.
Weekend Draw Treble
- St Johnstone vs Dundee
- Inverness vs Livingston
- Espanyol vs Deportivo A Coruna
- Treble pays 33/1 (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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