Favourites vs. Underdogs: How and when to bet on weak teams in football

Understanding the difference between favourites and underdogs is a crucial factor for successful football predictions.

The distinction on two categories helps to evaluate the chances of teams, affecting the odds and potential profit. By the way, a proper analysis of the strengths and weaknesses becomes way easier with Ratingbet, providing a bettor with a helpful yet thriving strategy.

Advantages and Risks of Betting on Favourites

Betting on favourites is attractive due to its apparent reliability, but it has its pitfalls. The advantages of such bets include a high probability of winning, stability of results in the long term and less stress for the bettor. 

However, the risks should not be underestimated: low odds bring little profit, there is always a possibility of unexpected defeats, especially in a busy schedule of games, and bookmakers can overestimate the capabilities of the favourite team.

• Higher winning chances
• Less anxiety for the outcome
• Stable long-term results

Cons:

• Lower odds - smaller profits
• Chances of unexpected losses

Pros and Cons of Betting on Outsiders

Betting on outsiders, although it seems risky, can be profitable with the right approach. Its advantages and risks are in many ways the opposite of betting on favourites. High odds promise a big win, but the probability of success is much lower. However, it is in betting on outsiders that the most interesting opportunities for experienced bettors often lie.

• Higher odds - higher winnings
• Having objective factors, there is an opportunity to win 

• Low winning chances make it risky 
• Worse predictability of results

How to Maximise Profits on Underdog Bets?

The most profitable bets on outsiders can be in the middle of the season, when leading teams begin to feel tired from the busy schedule. This is especially noticeable after European Cup matches or national team games. In such situations, favourites can underestimate their opponents or field a suboptimal lineup, which increases the underdog's chances of success. 

In addition, it is worth paying attention to objective factors, such as injuries to key players of the favourite, internal conflicts in the team or unfavourable weather conditions, which can neutralise the advantage of a stronger opponent.

Effective Strategies for Underdog Betting

To minimise the risks when betting on underdogs, experienced bettors use various strategies. One of the popular ones is the "added handicap", when the underdog is given a virtual advantage in the score. This increases the probability of winning, although it reduces the potential profit. 

Another approach is betting on double chance, where the bettor prevails if the underdog wins or draws. Live betting can be especially effective, when you can assess the real state of affairs on the field and catch the moment when the underdog demonstrates an unexpectedly strong game.

The key to success lies in deep analysis of upcoming matches, understanding the current form of teams, taking into account all the influencing factors and the ability to recognize situations when bookmakers underestimate the chances of outsiders. It is also important to remember about competent bankroll management and not to give in to emotions when making decisions. 

Ultimately, the art of sports betting is about balancing risks and potential profits. Overall, stick to a skillful combination of bets on favourites and outsiders, based on careful analysis and a strategic approach.