What This Market Means
Bookmakers split the first goal timing into 10-minute blocks (0–10 mins, 11–20 mins, 21–30 mins, etc.).
You’re betting on the time window in which the first goal of the match will be scored.
- If no goal is scored in the match, “No Goal” or “No Goal 1st” is also usually an option.
- It’s about the match as a whole, not just one team.
- Some sportsbooks even offer “Team 1 First Goal 0–10 mins” as a sub-market.
Example with a Realistic Team
Let’s use Manchester City vs. Nottingham Forest as an example:
| Option on sportsbook | Meaning | Outcome example |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Goal 0–10 mins | First goal scored between 00:01 and 10:00 minutes | Haaland scores in 7th minute → Bet wins |
| 1st Goal 11–20 mins | First goal between 11:01 and 20:00 minutes | First goal at 13th minute → Bet wins |
| 1st Goal 21–30 mins | First goal between 21:01 and 30:00 minutes | First goal at 25th minute → Bet wins |
| No Goal | Match ends 0–0 | Bet wins if no goals at all |
Team context: Manchester City are strong starters at home, scoring many early goals, so odds for 0–10 mins may be lower. Nottingham Forest concede early on the road, also pushing that price down.
How Bookmakers Set Odds
- Attacking strength of both teams
- Defensive record (early concessions)
- Competition type (league vs cup)
- Weather / pitch conditions
- Team news (injuries, line-ups)
Variations of the Market
- Exact minute of 1st goal (riskier but higher odds)
- Team to score first goal in X–X mins (narrower bet, e.g., “Man City 1st Goal 0–10 mins”)
Betting Tips
Here are practical angles to improve your chances:
- Study early goal trends
- Check each team’s average time of first goal scored/conceded.
- Example: In the Premier League, some teams average a first goal at 8 minutes at home.
- Line-ups matter
- A strong attacking line-up (Haaland + Foden starting) increases chances of an early goal.
- Defensive injuries also point to early goals.
- Match context
- Title chasers vs relegation sides = early goals likely.
- Dead rubbers or 2nd legs where one team is happy with 0–0 = late/no goal likely.
- Live betting edge
- If a team is pressing heavily early but odds still high for “1st goal 0–10 mins”, you can grab value live.
- “No Goal” value
- In low-scoring leagues or defensive teams, don’t ignore the “No Goal” or “After 80th minute” markets.
- Check referee style
- Some refs allow flowing games (more early goals), others stop-start (fewer early goals).
Example of a Bet Slip
- Market: 1st Goal Time Interval
- Match: Man City vs Nottingham Forest
- Selection: 1st Goal 0–10 mins
- Stake: ₦2,000 at odds 3.20
- Potential Return: ₦6,400 if Man City score in 5th minute.
Would you like me to make a quick table of all 10-minute intervals (0–10, 11–20, 21–30… No Goal) with typical odds ranges so you can see how prices usually look? (It’s a good way to compare value.)