It’s a game that stood out from the fixture list when the draw for Euro 2020 was made some 18 months ago in Budapest.
On Friday night, the Auld enemy will lock horns at Wembley, as England face Scotland. After a relatively comfortable opening win for Gareth Southgate’s men at a steamy Wembley last Sunday, the Three Lions are firms favourites to book their place in the last 16, with victory against their neighbours.
BoyleSport, BetFred and William Hill all have England at 1/3 on to beat Steve Clarke’s men. The Scots meanwhile, wasted a number of chances against the Czechs in their respective 2-0 loss at Hampden on Monday, but are a better side than the bookies’ valuing suggests.
Highly motivated and with a host of Premier League stars set to face-off, Scotland must avoid defeat in north London, and if a price of 10/1 with William Hill for the win is slightly eye-opening, the draw at 9/2 is a little more appealing, with both Bet365 and Betfair.
As the two meet in a rematch of their Euro ’96 clash, England won out after Alan Shearer’s opener and Paul Gascoigne’s memorable solo goal, in a 2-0 win. If you fancy a repeat of the scoreline on Friday evening, SkyBet will give you 9/2 odds.
Before Gazza’s goal under the Wembley arch on that Saturday afternoon in June 25 years ago, David Seaman had produced a save – via his elbow – from Gary McAllister’s spot-kick seconds earlier. Given both country’s intriguing penalty narrative, can Scotland still boogie from 12 yards, or will captain Harry Kane net his first of the tournament from the spot? For a penalty to be taken, SkyBet currently offer a 13/8 price, whilst for a penalty to be missed, 8/1 could rake in the rewards. Individually, Bet365 are offering rather more enticing value, and for Scotland to again miss a penalty at Wembley, 28/1 odds are very eye-catching, whilst to successfully convert, 12 /1 is similarly attractive.
Finally, for those of you who like your player to score markets, Southampton’s Che Adams is likely to start against the country of his birth on Friday. For the Scotland striker and his opposite number Kane both to score, 11/1 is there for the taking, again with SkyBet.
Sports-specific betting guides for smarter wagers
How to compare sportsbooks, odds and promotions
Choosing the right bookmaker for each sport starts with a clear comparison of pricing, market depth and payout speed. Use our bookmaker buttons and banners to access exclusive deals, then benchmark odds, features and limits side-by-side before you place a bet.
Look beyond headline prices and check margins, each-way terms, cash-out rules and bet builders on the sports you follow most. When you are ready, click through our affiliate links to claim verified offers from trusted UK-licensed brands, 18+ only and T&Cs apply.
Football betting strategy and match markets guide
Football offers the broadest range of pre-match and in-play markets, but beating the margin needs structure and discipline. Start with your model of team strength, expected goals (xG), game state tendencies and schedule fatigue, then let prices come to you.
Key Premier League and international markets
Full-time result, Asian handicaps and goal lines are the core markets where volume creates sharper pricing and liquidity. Player props, cards and corners can hold more inefficiencies, but they also carry higher variance and stricter limits.
Bet builders combine correlated legs, so only add selections that you believe the bookmaker has undervalued. If you prefer simplicity, target single markets and use our partners’ odds boosts when they overlay your edge, never to create one.
Data-driven angles and pricing football bets
Convert qualitative views into numbers by rating chances created and conceded rather than raw scores. Adjust for finishing luck, injuries in key zones, travel and rest days, and how a team fares against pressing or low blocks.
Price your own line, compare it with our recommended bookmakers’ markets, and only bet when the difference justifies the risk. Track closing line value to measure process, not just results, and refine your assumptions weekly.
In-play football betting and cash-out tactics
Game state changes everything, so update your view after goals, cards and substitutions, paying attention to tactical shifts like added width or a high press. Focus on matches you can watch, and avoid impulse bets after momentum swings.
Cash-out can reduce variance when injuries or red cards break your pre-match edge, but it is not free. Compare the implied cash-out price to your own live estimate, and only use it when it improves your expected value.
Horse racing form study and each-way betting tips
Racing rewards preparation, with value hiding in pace maps, trainer patterns and under-bet yards. Build your shortlist by surface, trip, pace and track configuration, then price each runner before looking at the market.
Reading the racecard and spotting value angles
Focus on last three runs for recency, eliminating efforts at unsuitable trips or on the wrong going. Note class moves, headgear changes, jockey bookings and weight swings, especially in tightly rated handicaps.
Construct a pace map to anticipate front-runners and cover, then downgrade closers in small fields without pace. For each-way betting, only back when place terms and field size offer genuine upside after dead-heat rules.
Going, draw, pace and trainer intent explained
Going and draw biases can be track-specific and weather-dependent, so keep local notes and update them frequently. When stalls are favoured, pace on the right section of the track compounds the draw advantage.
Trainer intent often shows via entries, travel, first-time equipment and reappearance gaps. Use our partners’ extra-place offers when they tilt the expected value in your favour, and always confirm non-runners and rule 4 deductions.
Tennis betting markets, surface trends and stats
Tennis is a serve/return puzzle shaped by surface speed, altitude and balls used. Model hold and break rates by surface, then adjust for match length, scheduling and recovery time.
Tournament stages, draws and momentum factors
Early rounds can create mismatches, but line movement is fastest there, so price-check diligently. In later rounds, fatigue and pressure widen spreads between good and great servers as small breaks become decisive.
Draw position matters if a player avoids big servers or elite returners until semi-finals. Use live markets to exploit tactical shifts like deeper returns or increased net approaches, and be wary of medical time-outs masking strategy.
Cricket betting on Tests, ODIs and T20 strategies
Format changes everything in cricket, with Tests rewarding patience and T20s magnifying variance. Price in pitch preparation, boundary size, dew and matchup roles such as powerplay specialists and death bowlers.
Pitch, weather, toss and matchups that matter
Weather drives totals and wicket-taking, so track wind direction, humidity and cloud cover. In limited-overs, dew after the toss can skew chasing value and fielding standards.
For player bets, concentrate on role security and over allocation rather than raw talent alone. Use boosts on bowlers when pitch data indicates movement or two-paced surfaces, and accept that T20 edges are thinner.
Golf outright, each-way and in-play betting guide
Golf prices reflect course fit, recent ball-striking and market bias towards big names. Build a pool by strokes gained profiles, splitting off links, desert and tree-lined specialists.
Course fit, strokes gained and weather splits
Target players whose approach play and driving accuracy match course demands, then layer in putting volatility. Wind and wave splits create hidden value, especially when tee times expose a calmer half of the draw.
Each-way terms vary widely, so compare places and reduction rules across our partner bookmakers. In-play, look for elite tee-to-green players who putted poorly on day one, because positive regression can be swift.
Rugby Union and League betting tactics and odds
Handicap markets hinge on set-piece dominance, tactical kicking and card risk. Price in altitude, travel and squad rotation, and avoid overreacting to derby narratives without numbers.
Player performance lines can misprice tackle counts and metres carried when weather collapses ball-in-play time. Shop around our recommended sportsbooks for alternative lines that better fit your projection.
Darts and snooker markets, lines and key angles
In darts, leg formats and doubles pressure shape averages and checkout rates. Focus on consistency metrics rather than isolated high checkouts or one-off ton-plus legs.
In snooker, frame unders rise with tactical players and heavy cloths that slow the game. Player form cycles are real, but anchor your prices in long-run pot success and safety success, not highlight reels.
Motorsport, F1 and cycling ante-post betting tips
In F1, outright and podium markets revolve around track characteristics and upgrade schedules. Correlate sector profiles with car strengths, then factor weather and safety car likelihood to price in-race volatility.
Cycling bets should model team roles, course gradients and wind exposure. For ante-post positions, stake smaller, add at better prices when form and parcours confirmations arrive, and avoid chasing leaders after a single stage win.
Greyhounds and virtuals, markets and staking tips
Greyhound edges usually come from early pace and trap bias on specific tracks. Track sectional times trump overall time, and crowded middle traps can turn clean breakers into winners.
Virtuals are RNG-based and should be treated as entertainment with tight limits. If you play, cap stakes strictly, avoid progression systems, and never view virtual outcomes as predictable patterns.
Bankroll, staking plans and risk management
Set a ring-fenced bankroll you can afford to lose and size stakes as a small percentage. Fixed or proportional staking beats chasing losses or doubling strategies that breach limits.
Log every bet with price taken, closing price and rationale, then review monthly. The goal is to refine decision quality, not to guarantee profit, and to stop immediately if betting affects your wellbeing.
Taking bonuses, boosts and offers responsibly
Welcome offers, profit boosts and extra places can add value when they align with your edge. Always read terms, check min odds, payment restrictions and expiry, and avoid wagering requirements that do not suit your style.
Track offer profitability over time and never bet solely to clear a requirement. Use our affiliate links and banners for verified UK-licensed deals, 18+ only and T&Cs apply.
In-play betting, cash-out and market timing
Timing matters more than hot takes, so let the market overreact and then reassess with data. Use stoppages to update projections calmly, not to chase swings or revenge-bet after a bad beat.
Pre-match, aim to beat the closing line by taking early prices when information asymmetry exists. In-play, specialise in a league or format to understand tempo, substitutions and how officials influence totals.
How Best Of Bets compares odds across bookies
We benchmark prices across leading UK bookmakers, highlighting real-time edges and market depth. Our comparisons show margins, place terms and cash-out rules, so you can select the right operator for each sport and bet type.
When you see value, click through our banners to lock in enhanced prices and verified promotions. This approach streamlines your workflow from research to bet slip, helping you act before lines adjust.
Responsible gambling and safer play essentials
Betting is for adults aged 18+ and should remain a fun, controlled leisure activity. Set deposit, loss and time limits, take breaks, and never gamble to solve financial problems.
If you feel pressure, stop and seek help, and opt out of marketing if you need space. Keep gambling away from work and family commitments, and never place bets on behalf of anyone under 18.
FAQs on sports betting guides and comparisons
How do I decide which bookmaker to use for a sport? Compare odds competitiveness, market variety, limits, settlement speed and offers specific to that sport, then use our affiliate links to claim the best fit for your strategy.
What is the quickest way to improve results? Track prices you take against the closing line, specialise in one or two sports, and only stake when your number beats the market after fees and terms, 18+ only and please gamble responsibly.
Please gamble responsible – online gambling is for 18+ aged adults only. Please review the terms of the online casinos and bookmakers we advertise here on our site.
How do I choose the best bookmaker for a specific sport?
Compare odds, margins, market depth, limits and payout speed for that sport, then use Best Of Bets links to claim verified UK-licensed offers (18+, T&Cs apply).
What football betting strategy helps beat the margin?
Price matches using team strength, xG and game state, and only stake when your number beats the market and shows closing line value over time.
When should I use cash-out in football?
Use cash-out only when the offered figure is better than your live estimate after events like injuries or red cards, not as a default.
How do I find value in horse racing each-way bets?
Check going, draw and pace, ensure field size and place terms create positive expected value, and confirm non-runners and Rule 4 deductions.
What tennis factors matter most across different surfaces?
Model hold and break rates by surface, then adjust for match length, balls, altitude, scheduling and recovery.
How should I approach T20 and ODI cricket betting?
Price in pitch and weather, boundary size, dew and defined roles (powerplay/death), accepting that T20 edges are thinner and variance higher.
What makes a good golf outright or each-way bet?
Target players whose strokes gained profile fits the course, factor wind and wave splits, and compare each-way places and reduction rules across bookmakers.
What staking plan should I use to manage risk?
Ring-fence a bankroll and stake a small fixed or proportional percentage per bet, avoiding chasing losses or progression systems (18+, gamble responsibly).
How does Best Of Bets compare odds across UK bookmakers?
We benchmark real-time prices, margins, place terms and cash-out rules across leading UK books and flag enhanced promotions you can click to claim (18+, T&Cs apply).
Are bonuses and boosts worth taking?
Yes—when minimum odds, payment methods and expiry suit your strategy and the boost overlays your edge; never bet solely to clear wagering (18+, T&Cs apply, BeGambleAware.org).
