What “Match Tackles” Betting Means
- Definition: This market focuses on the total number of tackles made in a match – by both teams combined.
- A tackle in football is when a player challenges an opponent for the ball and either wins it or causes the opponent to lose possession (Opta defines this).
- Bookmakers offer lines like:
- Total Match Tackles Over/Under (e.g. Over 32.5 match tackles)
- Which Team Will Make More Tackles
- Handicap on Tackles (e.g. Team A +3 tackles vs Team B)
- Exact Number of Match Tackles
It’s a way of betting on the defensive intensity of a game rather than goals or corners.
How It Works With a Team (Example)
Let’s take a Premier League match: Arsenal vs Everton.
- Arsenal: Dominant team, more possession, usually fewer tackles because they control the ball more.
- Everton: Often defending, less possession, high pressing, more tackles.
A sportsbook might set the following odds:
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Over 31.5 Match Tackles | 1.90 |
| Under 31.5 Match Tackles | 1.90 |
| Team with More Tackles – Everton | 1.60 |
| Team with More Tackles – Arsenal | 2.20 |
If you bet on Over 31.5 Match Tackles, you win if both teams combined make 32 or more tackles in the match.
If you bet on Everton to make more tackles, you win if Everton’s tackles > Arsenal’s tackles (no matter total).
Example Scenario
- Arsenal 14 tackles
- Everton 22 tackles
- Total = 36 tackles
Over 31.5 Match Tackles wins
Everton to make more tackles wins
Factors That Influence Tackles
When betting on match tackles, research:
- Possession Stats: Teams with less possession = more tackles.
- Playing Style: High-pressing teams (e.g. Leeds, Newcastle) = more tackles.
- Referee Style: Some referees allow aggressive play = more successful tackles.
- Match Context: A derby or relegation battle = more intense defending.
- Lineups: Defensive midfielders & full-backs increase tackle counts.
Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Check Possession Trends
If one team averages 65% possession and the other 35%, expect the low-possession team to make more tackles.
Tip 2 – Look at Team Stats
Sites like WhoScored, FBRef, or SofaScore give average tackles per match. For example:
- Everton: 19 tackles per game
- Arsenal: 13 tackles per game
So total match tackles ≈ 32.
Tip 3 – Watch for Tactical Changes
If a manager sets up more defensively (5 at the back), tackles may increase.
Tip 4 – League Averages Matter
Premier League average match tackles: ~30–35
La Liga average: ~27–32
This helps when picking over/under lines.
Tip 5 – Consider Live Betting
If the first 15 minutes are high-intensity (e.g. 10+ tackles already), an in-play Over bet can be profitable.
Quick Recap
- Match Tackles = total tackles made by both teams.
- Lower possession = higher tackles.
- Good for bettors who understand team styles and stats.
Would you like me to also break down “Team Tackles” betting (only one team’s tackles) separately with examples? That’s another common market related to this.