What “Team Tackles” Betting Means
- Definition: This market lets you bet on how many tackles a team will make in a match.
- A “tackle” (as defined by official data providers like Opta) is when a player attempts to dispossess an opponent who has the ball and either wins the ball or causes it to go out of play.
- Bookmakers offer odds for:
- Total tackles by a team (Over/Under a set number)
- Most tackles between two teams
- Team tackles handicaps (one team gets a + or – head start in number of tackles)
It’s similar to betting on corners, shots, or fouls, but focused purely on defensive actions.
How Bookmakers Set Team Tackles Lines
Bookmakers use:
- Playing style of the team (high press vs low block)
- Possession share (less possession = more defending = more tackles)
- Opponent’s style (if the opponent dribbles or attacks a lot, the defending team attempts more tackles)
- Match context (derbies, relegation battles = higher intensity)
Example:
- Burnley (low possession) vs. Manchester City (high possession)
Burnley will defend most of the time and likely make many more tackles than Man City.
Example of a Team Tackles Bet
Example Match:
Chelsea vs. Arsenal
Bookmaker offers:
- Chelsea Team Tackles – Over/Under 15.5
- Arsenal Team Tackles – Over/Under 12.5
Analysis:
- Chelsea under Pochettino may press high but Arsenal usually control the ball more.
- Chelsea could be forced into more defending → Chelsea Over 15.5 tackles looks more likely.
Another market might be:
- Most Team Tackles
- Chelsea 1.70
- Arsenal 2.10
If you expect Chelsea to defend more, you’d back Chelsea to have most tackles.
Betting Variants
- Over/Under Team Tackles: Predict whether a team will make more or fewer than the set number.
- Team Tackles Handicap: E.g. Burnley (+4.5 tackles) vs Man City means Burnley can “win” the bet if they make at least 5 more tackles than City.
- Exact Number of Tackles: Higher odds, harder to hit.
Betting Tips & Strategy
| Tip | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Check possession stats | Teams with <40% possession usually rack up more tackles. |
| Consider team style | High-pressing teams (Leeds under Bielsa, Liverpool under Klopp prime) do more tackles even with possession. |
| Opponent dribblers | Teams facing many dribbles/1v1 players (like Wolves, Crystal Palace) will make more tackles. |
| Match importance | Cup finals, derbies, relegation fights = more intensity = more tackles. |
| Line-ups | Defensive midfielders in vs. out can change tackle count. Injuries to key tacklers reduce numbers. |
| Referee style | Strict referees can discourage tackling → fewer tackles, more fouls. |
Sample Betting Scenario
- Fixture: Everton vs. Man City
- Bookmaker line: Everton Over/Under 17.5 Team Tackles
Analysis:
- Everton likely to defend deep (less ball).
- City dominate possession.
- Everton’s midfield (Onana, Garner) aggressive.
- Tip: Everton Over 17.5 Tackles at 1.90 odds.
- Handicap Market: Everton +6.5 tackles vs City
If Everton ends up making at least 7 more tackles than City, your bet wins.
Summary Table
| Market Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Over/Under Team Tackles | Liverpool Over 14.5 tackles vs Chelsea |
| Most Tackles | Newcastle to make most tackles vs Spurs |
| Team Tackles Handicap | Burnley +5.5 tackles vs Man City |
Would you like me to create a quick-reference chart (team styles & average tackles per game for top teams) to help you spot high-value tackle bets? (It would make it super easy to compare teams.)