What “Team 1st Half Shots on Target” Means
This market lets you bet on how many shots on target (by a specific team) will occur in the first half of the match only.
- Shot on Target: any attempt that would have entered the goal if not saved by the goalkeeper or blocked by a last defender (including goals scored).
- First Half Only: bets settle at half-time, regardless of what happens in the second half.
You can bet on:
- Over/Under (e.g. “Team A Over 3.5 shots on target – 1st Half”)
- Exact Number (e.g. “Exactly 2 shots on target – Team A 1st Half”)
- Team with More Shots on Target in 1st half compared to the other team
Example with a Real Team
Let’s use Manchester City vs Brentford as an example.
The bookmaker might offer markets like:
- Man City – 1st Half Shots on Target:
- Over 2.5 @ 1.85
- Under 2.5 @ 1.90
If you bet “Over 2.5 shots on target in 1st half for Man City”, you win if:
- Man City have 3 or more shots on target before half-time (including goals).
Example scenario: - 10th min: Haaland shot saved (on target)
- 22nd min: De Bruyne scores (on target)
- 37th min: Foden shot saved (on target)
That’s 3 shots on target – your bet wins at half-time.
Second half doesn’t matter.
If City had only 2 shots on target by half-time, your bet loses even if they have 10 shots on target in the second half.
Why This Market Exists
It’s for bettors who want:
- Quick resolution (settled at half-time)
- To take advantage of fast-starting teams
- To avoid second-half uncertainties like red cards, tactical changes, fatigue
Betting Tips for “Team 1st Half Shots on Target”
- Research Team Playing Style
- Teams like Liverpool, Man City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich often start aggressively.
- Check their average 1st half shots on target stats.
- Check Opponent’s Defence
- If the opponent concedes many shots early (e.g. newly promoted teams), Over bets have higher value.
- If opponent defends deep, might be fewer shots on target despite possession.
- Home vs Away
- Teams usually create more chances at home.
- Check whether the team starts strongly at home or away.
- Team News
- If main striker is out, shots on target might drop.
- Rotations in midfield affect chance creation.
- Weather & Pitch
- Heavy rain slows attacking play and reduces shots on target.
- Look at Historical Patterns
- Example: In 2023/24 Premier League, Man City averaged ~3.2 shots on target in first halves at the Etihad.
- A bet like “Over 2.5 shots on target 1st Half” would often land.
Example Betting Tip:
- Fixture: Man City vs Luton (Home)
- Stat: City average 3.5 first-half shots on target at home; Luton concede 4 first-half shots on target away.
- Bet: Man City Over 3.5 1st Half Shots on Target @ 2.10
This type of bet has statistical backing, increasing your edge.
Would you like me to make a quick table of top European teams and their average 1st half shots on target (for easy betting reference)?