What does First to Score for their Team mean?
This market is about betting on which player will score the first goal for their team in a match.
- It does not have to be the first goal of the entire game.
- It only concerns the player’s own team.
Example: If you bet on Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) to be the first to score for Arsenal:
- If the match is Arsenal vs. Chelsea, and Chelsea score first, that’s fine.
- As soon as Saka scores Arsenal’s first goal of the match, your bet wins, even if it’s the 2nd or 3rd goal of the overall game.
Example with a Club Team
Match: Liverpool vs. Tottenham
Bet: Mohamed Salah – First to Score for Liverpool
- Scenario 1:
- Tottenham score first (Son, 1-0).
- Salah then scores Liverpool’s first goal (1-1).
Bet wins.
- Scenario 2:
- Darwin Núñez scores Liverpool’s first goal instead.
Bet loses.
- Darwin Núñez scores Liverpool’s first goal instead.
- Scenario 3:
- Liverpool do not score at all.
Bet loses.
- Liverpool do not score at all.
Why Bettors Use This Market
- More specific than “Anytime Goalscorer.”
- Better odds than “Anytime scorer” but slightly safer than “First Goalscorer (overall).”
- Good for matches where a team might not score first but you’re confident who their main threat is when they do score.
Betting Tips
- Look at Main Scorers
- Focus on a team’s reliable goal contributors.
- Example: Harry Kane (when at Spurs), Salah (Liverpool), Lewandowski (Barcelona).
- Consider Penalty Takers
- Players on penalties are often good picks since penalties might be a team’s first goal.
- Example: Bruno Fernandes (Man United), Salah (Liverpool).
- Form & Positioning Matter
- Strikers and wingers score first most often, but in some clubs, midfielders take that role.
- Example: Kevin De Bruyne (Man City) often scores opening goals for City despite being a midfielder.
- Tactical Context
- Against strong defensive teams, a club may rely on set-pieces → defenders (like Virgil van Dijk) can be dangerous.
- Against weaker teams, star forwards usually score first.
- Check Head-to-Head Trends
- Some players have a habit of scoring against certain opponents.
- Example: Raheem Sterling often scores against his old club Arsenal.
Summary:
“First to Score for their Team” is about backing a specific player to grab their team’s opening goal of the match. It’s a mix between “Anytime scorer” and “First Goalscorer” markets, giving slightly better safety while still offering good odds.
Would you like me to also compare this market with Anytime Goalscorer vs. First Goalscorer (overall), so you can see the differences in odds and risk?