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Sports Betting Tips: End of the Season Wagers
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08-May-2007, 20:05
With only two series of matches left in the regular season of English premiership football, we feel a few words on the betting situation at this crucial period are necessary. In order to give oneself the greatest chance of winning a sports wager, every competent sports bettor must take into consideration all of the information at his/her disposal. For this reason, it is essential to look at the differences between ordinary seasonal fixtures, playoff or cup matches, and those games which fall right at the end of the season. Matches can vary greatly and teams perform differently depending on which category we examine.
At the end of any sports season, there exists a set of certain conditions which need to be evaluated before placing any bets. This goes for every sport, but there a few subtle differences which we will point out. In general, there are three different types of games which occur at the end of any regular season:
1. Games in which both teams having nothing to play for.
2. Games in which both teams have something (perhaps everything) to play for.
3. Games in which one team has something to play for and the other team does not.In the first category, the drive of both teams is questionable so it would seem fitting to focus your attention on the second two situations.
When both teams have something at stake, as in the second category, you should employ your usual betting tactics. Gain as much information as possible about the health of the teams, their recent play, and other factors which may help you make the best choice.
In the third type of game you should be a bit cautious but also aware that some great betting opportunities will arise under these circumstances. If, for example, on the final day of the year, Manchester United, who have already clinched the league title at this point, plays Watford, who must win in order to avoid being relegated to the next division, you would be getting great value when siding with Watford. This match-up would probably not be the same if it had taken place halfway through the season, when both teams had something at stake. As a sports bettor, it is your duty to consider these types of scenarios and place your bets with this knowledge in mind.
The same goes for American football, although the betting line is usually significantly adjusted to protect against the ‘non-trier’ factor. When a playoff spot is on the line, you can usually expect to see a team which is fired up and will usually bring their best game to the pitch; this is then reflected in the odds set.
It also helps to examine the line-ups of the teams involved. Often coaches and managers will rest their best players just before the playoffs. In this year’s battle for an NHL playoff spot, the New York Islanders needed to beat the division-winning New Jersey Devils in order to clinch – a feat they’d had a hard accomplishing all season. To the dismay of the Toronto Maple Leafs, The Devils decided to rest their Hall of Fame goalkeeper, Martin Brodeur, and sure enough the Islanders went on to win the game in a shootout. Although the Devils were the favorites to win the game, astute bettors immediately spotted a chance to place a bet with conditions that favored them considerably.
In conclusion, it is crucial to make special considerations when betting on games which fall at the end of the season. The last thing you want is to place a bet on a team only to learn that there is nothing at all riding on the game. Be sure to examine the standings and determine how important the game is for both sides before making your wager.