Breaking Down EPL Betting Markets – From Outrights to In-Game Wagers
5 minutes
Last Updated: May 20, 2025
Soccer fans don’t just watch the English Premier League (EPL) anymore—they engage with it. For many, placing a few wagers and following their favourite club go hand in hand. That’s why EPL betting markets have exploded in popularity. From pre-season outrights to minute-by-minute in-play options, fans now have more ways to bet than ever.
This guide will help you make sense of the most common EPL betting markets, explain what to look out for, and share a few tips along the way. Whether you’re new to soccer betting or looking to sharpen your strategy, you’ll come away with the tools you need to succeed.
Outright Betting – Long-Term Plays with Big Rewards
Outright betting is the simplest place to start. You’re picking a team to win something: the Premier League title, top four finish, relegation, or even which manager will be sacked first. These bets are typically made before or early in the season, but odds shift week to week.
The appeal? Value. For example, picking an underdog like Newcastle to crack the top four at the start of the season offers a much bigger return than betting on Manchester City to win another league title.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Transfers: A club’s off-season spending spree could boost its chances,
- Injuries: A long-term injury to a star striker can tank outright odds,
- Schedule congestion: Clubs playing in Europe might struggle with form in domestic matches.
Outright betting markets are great for patient bettors who enjoy thinking long-term and don’t mind waiting months for results.
Match Winner and Draw – The Classic Bet
This is your standard 3-way moneyline: Home Win, Draw, or Away Win.
It’s the go-to option for new bettors and still one of the most popular picks among seasoned pros. The key is understanding value. Just because a favourite is likely to win doesn’t mean their odds are worth backing. For example, Man City at -300 might win, but the risk-to-reward ratio is slim.
On the flip side, backing a mid-table team at home, especially after a good run of form, can be where smart bettors find the edge.
Want to sharpen your reads here? Look at:
- Recent form (last 5 matches),
- Head-to-head stats,
- Injuries and lineups announced just before kickoff.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) and Totals
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) is a straightforward “yes” or “no” bet. You’re simply wagering on both clubs scoring at least one goal. It’s popular because it keeps you invested until the final whistle—especially when the match is tied 1–1.
Total Goals (Over/Under) bets let you choose if the match will have more or fewer goals than a set line (e.g., Over 2.5 goals). These bets often bring better odds than the moneyline, especially in matches where one team is heavily favoured.
Props and Player Markets – Betting Beyond the Final Score
Prop bets let you target individual performances and events. Think of them as micro-bets within the match. Some popular EPL props include:
- First Goalscorer,
- Anytime Goalscorer,
- Player to Be Carded,
- Total Corners,
- Team to Score First.
These bets often have long odds and carry more risk, but they can also add more flavour and excitement to your viewing experience.
In-Play (Live) Betting – Real-Time Thrills
If you’re confident reading the flow of a match, in-play betting is your playground. You can bet on the next goal, halftime score, match winner, and dozens of other options—all while the action unfolds.
The odds adjust in real time, which means you can often find value if you’re quick and know the game well.
Let’s say Chelsea concedes early but is dominating possession. Backing them for a comeback might offer strong odds at that moment. But blink and the market shifts.
It’s fast-paced and not for the indecisive, but in-play betting is one of the most exciting options provided by modern sportsbooks.
One reputable platform that does this well is FanDuel Sportsbook. Their interface makes it easy to find EPL matches, follow updated lines, and place wagers during the game—all from your phone. For live soccer bets, speed matters, and FanDuel’s app layout helps you move fast without missing a beat.
Double Chance and Draw No Bet – Safer Alternatives
Some bettors don’t want to risk losing on a draw. That’s where Double Chance comes in—you’re betting on two out of the three outcomes (e.g. Home Win or Draw).
You’ll get lower odds, but the tradeoff is extra safety.
Another popular choice is Draw No Bet, which refunds your stake if the match ends in a draw. It’s great for games that feel close, but where you think one side has the edge.
Futures, Parlays, and Long Shots
Let’s say you want to predict the Golden Boot winner or who’ll get relegated. Those are futures markets—bets placed well in advance, usually offering high rewards but requiring plenty of patience.
Parlays (or accumulators) combine multiple bets into one. Want Arsenal to win, Over 2.5 goals in Man U’s match, and both teams to score in Brighton vs Spurs? You can bundle them together for a larger payout.
Just remember—if one leg fails, the whole bet is dead. So choose wisely.
How to Stay Ahead of the Game
Following the EPL week by week takes commitment. But if you’re serious about improving your bets, these tips help:
- Read reliable soccer betting news and match previews,
- Track odds movement from Friday to matchday,
- Follow injury updates and press conference quotes,
- Compare expert soccer betting predictions before kickoff.
There’s no magic formula, but staying informed beats betting blind every time.
The Final Whistle
Betting on the EPL isn’t just about picking winners. It’s about understanding the flow of the season, reading the odds, and spotting trends the average fan might miss. From outrights and BTTS to props and in-play wagers, there’s a betting market for every kind of punter.
Whether you’re watching to cheer your team on or to wager (or both), learning how to break down EPL betting markets can make your weekends more exciting and your bankroll a little healthier.
