Road to Punter Series: What Are BTTS & Why Are They Important To You?

BTTS Explained: The Football Betting Term Everyone’s Talking About

Alright, punters and curious football fans, gather round. Today, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about and sometimes misunderstood bets in the football betting universe: BTTS. Nope, it’s not a secret code or new formation. BTTS stands for Both Teams To Score. And if you’ve ever scratched your head wondering why so many punters swear by it, you’re in the right place.

What Are BTTS?

Let’s keep it simple. BTTS means you’re betting on both teams scoring at least one goal each in a match. It doesn’t matter who wins, loses, or if the game ends in a 1-1 draw. If both teams manage to find the back of the net, you win. If one team keeps their goal locked up tighter than your grandma’s cookie jar? Sorry, mate, you lose.

This bet has a broad appeal because it’s less about predicting the exact scoreline and more about the style and flow of the game. Teams that play attacking football, have poor defenses, or just poor goalkeepers, are all juicy factors for BTTS punters.

In short: Bet YES or NO

Yes: Both teams score — you win.
No: At least one team doesn't — you lose.

Relationship Between xG and Expected BTTS

To better understand Both Teams To Score (BTTS) bets, it’s important to look beyond basic stats and focus on expected goals (xG). xG estimates the likelihood a team will score, rather than just actual goals scored.

For example, if Manchester City has an xG of 1.8 and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has 1.2, both teams are expected to score in most matches. But we also need to consider the chance they won’t score: Manchester City might have a 15% chance of not scoring, PSG 25%. We can add those no-goal chances together (15% + 25% = 40%) and subtract from 100%. What’s left? A 60% likelihood that both teams will score in that match.

This concept leads to expected BTTS, which combines expected goals scored and expected goals conceded to estimate how likely it is that both sides will score. Teams with high xG for and high xG against are good candidates for BTTS bets because they tend to attack a lot but also concede goals.

To find good value bets, compare this expected probability with the bookmakers’ odds. For example, if the expected BTTS probability is 70%, the fair odds would be around 4/9. If the odds offered are higher, that’s a value bet worth considering.

In short, understanding xG helps make BTTS betting more data-driven and reliable, rather than just guessing.

Key Factors That Can Affect BTTS Outcomes — with Examples

At first glance, BTTS seems simple: either both teams score, or they don’t. But in reality, several match-specific factors influence how likely both teams are to find the net. Understanding these can help punters make smarter, more informed decisions.

Team Tactics and Playing Style

Some teams play more open, attacking football by pushing forward and creating plenty of chances, which increases the likelihood of BTTS. Take Brentford, for example: earlier this season, their high press tactics combined with a fast-paced, end-to-end style made them one of the best BTTS picks in the league. In their first 16 matches, they recorded a high BTTS rate not because of luck, but because they scored often and couldn’t keep the ball out of their own net.

On the other hand, some teams prefer a very different approach. Some go full Jose Mourinho and park the bus. These teams have low BTTS rates because they defend deeply and don’t attack much. Nottingham Forest is a good example as they sit back, stay organised, and hit on counters. Their BTTS rate is just 43%, the lowest in the league. This defensive style prioritizes results over attacking, resulting in fewer goals scored.

Recent Form and Scoring Trends

Season-long data can be helpful, but it doesn’t always tell the whole story. Take Brentford as an example: they started the season with a high BTTS rate of 87.5% over their first 16 games, but that dropped sharply to just 43% in the next 14 matches. This shows how quickly recent form and patterns can change, which is why BTTS bettors should pay close attention to current performance rather than relying solely on season averages.

Home vs. Away Performance

Some teams are more confident and dangerous at home, while others perform better on the road. These differences can significantly impact BTTS potential. For instance, Aston Villa have shown a strong tendency to score and concede at home, with a BTTS rate of 80%, but that number drops sharply to 53% away from Villa Park. Bournemouth, on the other hand, has seen more BTTS games when playing away, highlighting how location and environment affect team dynamics and outcomes.

Player Conditions

Missing key players can change everything. If a top striker is out injured, a team’s chances of scoring naturally go down. Similarly, if a reliable defender or first-choice goalkeeper is missing, their chances of conceding go up. In such cases, BTTS looks more likely. For example, if PSG are playing without Mbappé, they lose a major attacking threat. But if Marquinhos or Donnarumma is absent, their defense becomes more vulnerable, which can open the door for the opposition to score.

Match Importance

Not all matches are played with the same urgency. A mid-table clash in April often feels like a friendly kickabout, with teams more relaxed and maybe even generous enough to gift you a few goals. But when it’s a relegation scrap or a cup final, suddenly everyone’s playing very seriously. In these high-stakes games, teams usually treat it as a “must-not-lose” situation rather than going all-out in attack, which often leads to fewer goals and lower BTTS potential.

How To Bet Smart?

1. Pick Your Market
Start by choosing the BTTS market that fits your vibe. Standard BTTS, BTTS & Win, BTTS 1st Half, or BTTS 2nd Half. You've got plenty of options to choose from.

2. Browse Smart
Filter by league, cup, season, or game range. The more specific, the better, because a BTTS stat from 2018 probably isn’t going to help you in 2025.

3. Use the Search Function
Already know who you're betting on? Save yourself the scrolling and just type it in. Your thumbs will thank you.

4. Check Home and Away Data
Toggle between total, home, and away stats. Some teams turn into goal machines at home but completely forget how to play when they’re on the road. The numbers will tell you everything.

5. Let the Stats Do the Work
Once you’ve filtered properly, the stats table gives you everything you need to get an edge over the bookies. Well, almost everything. You’ll still need some common sense, and maybe a bit of luck.

Why Are They Important To You?

Now, you might think, “Liz, why bother with BTTS when I can just bet on who wins?” Well, let me tell you. BTTS is important because it shifts the game from a stressful guessing competition into a strategic, data-driven opportunity. Here’s why BTTS should be on your radar:

1. Less Pressure, More Fun

Unlike betting on the outright winner, BTTS doesn’t force you to pick a team to triumph. It only asks: will both teams find the net? This means even if your “favorite” team is having a bad form, you can still win if both teams score. For me, it makes the game less stressful and more enjoyable.

2. It’s All About Patterns and Stats

BTTS is not just luck; it’s backed by data. You can analyze recent team performances, scoring records, and head-to-head clashes to make bets. You’re all for anything that lets you use stats instead of just guessing. If you’re the type who loves stats (or wants to start loving them), BTTS gives you a solid framework to work with.

3. Flexibility and Versatility

BTTS works across many leagues, levels, and match types. Whether it’s the Premier League or a lower-tier European league, if the teams are known to both score, you’ve got a betting option. Plus, BTTS can be combined with other markets like Match Result (Win/Draw), Both Halves, First-Half or Second-Half, Over/Under Goals, or Accumulators to build smarter bets with better odds.

4. Perfect for Live Betting

If you enjoy watching matches live, BTTS can be your best friend. You can monitor how the game’s shaping up — is the defense tight? Are both teams pushing forward? You can then jump in with your BTTS bet when the odds look good. It’s dynamic, exciting, and keeps you engaged from kickoff to the final whistle.

So, why is BTTS important to you? I would say it brings balance with a mix of excitement, strategy, and better chances to win. It makes betting feel less like gambling and more like understanding the beautiful game. Personally, I love BTTS because it keeps me engaged even when my team is down. I’m like that annoying fan yelling at the TV, “Come on, score at least once! I’ve got money riding on this!” 

Final Thoughts: Why BTTS Might Be Your New "BET" Friend

BTTS is half about data, half about luck, a perfect balance in the unpredictable world of betting. There are only two options for BTTS: Yes and No. And remember, High BTTS stats mean a team scores and concedes regularly. Low BTTS stats point to either a strong defence or a weak attack.

If you’re new to betting, BTTS offers a less stressful entry point. If you’re a seasoned punter, it’s a fantastic way to diversify your portfolio and enjoy matches with a bit more excitement. Just remember what Liz always says: “Bet smart, Laugh at the misses, and enjoy from the process.”

FAQs

1. How do I bet on BTTS?

You simply choose Yes if you think both teams will score, or No if you think one or both teams will fail to score.

2. Why is BTTS popular among punters?

Because BTTS allows you to win even if your team loses, as long as both teams score.

3. Can BTTS bets be combined with other markets?

Yes! You can combine BTTS with win/draw, halves betting, or accumulators for more exciting bets and potentially better returns.