What the Numbers Say Before the Net Moves: 5 Stats That Predict BTTS Outcomes
Betting on both teams to score (BTTS) may seem simple on the surface: two teams, two goals — one from each side. But if you’re relying only on gut feeling or league reputation, you’ll quickly find yourself chasing losses.
The truth is, BTTS success comes down to data and context. Below are five key stats that bettors should check before placing a BTTS wager — especially if you’re looking for consistent value week after week.
1. Recent Scoring Records (Last 5–10 Matches)
The first step is obvious — but it needs to be done right. Don’t just look at whether teams have scored or conceded recently. Dig deeper:
- Are they scoring home vs. away consistently?
- Are they only scoring against weak opposition?
- Have their goals come late or early in matches?
Look for patterns, not just totals. A team scoring 1 goal per match across 5 games sounds consistent — but if 4 of those were penalties or lucky deflections, the reliability drops.
2. Expected Goals (xG)
Few stats reveal attacking intent and quality better than expected goals. xG measures the quality of chances, not just whether a shot went in.
For BTTS purposes, you want:
- Both teams producing xG numbers above 1.0 regularly
- No major imbalance (e.g., one team creating chances, the other barely shooting)
A match where both teams average 1.3+ xG over recent games typically has strong BTTS potential — even if previous matches ended 1–0 or 2–0.
3. Shots on Target Per Game
Raw shot counts can be misleading. A team might shoot 15 times — but if only 2 hit the target, goal potential is low.
Focus on:
- Shots on target per game (SOT PG)
- Shot conversion rate (goals per SOT)
- Goalkeeper saves (a sign of how exposed the defense is)
Quick Checklist: BTTS-Ready Match Indicators
Before placing a BTTS bet, run through this simple checklist:
- ✅ Both teams average over 1.0 xG
- ✅ Each team has scored in 4 of their last 5 matches
- ✅ At least one team has kept fewer than 2 clean sheets in last 10 games
- ✅ Both teams have strikers currently in form
- ✅ Match involves mid-table teams with more open play
If you can check at least 3 out of 5, you’re looking at a solid BTTS opportunity.
4. Defensive Fragility: Goals Conceded + Clean Sheet Rate
Good BTTS bets often include at least one team that regularly concedes. A strong attacking side paired with a leaky defense is a BTTS goldmine.
Here’s a sample of what to look for:
| Team | Avg. Goals Conceded (Last 5) | Clean Sheets (Last 5) | BTTS Rate (Last 5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team A | 1.8 | 1 | 80% |
| Team B | 1.2 | 2 | 60% |
| Team C | 2.0 | 0 | 100% |
| Team D | 0.8 | 3 | 40% |
As the table shows, high goals conceded and low clean sheets often align with a higher BTTS rate.
5. Attacking Form of Key Players
Football is a team sport, but BTTS outcomes often depend on individual finishing quality. A striker in form can carry a team into scoring territory, even against stronger opponents.
Look for:
- Strikers with 3+ goals in their last 5 matches
- Returning key attackers from injury or suspension
- Tactical setups that push more players forward (e.g., 4-3-3 vs. 5-4-1)
This can often be the deciding factor in tight matches that otherwise look too balanced.
Using Smart Sources to Stay Ahead
Once you know what to look for, the next step is staying informed. A reliable platform like Rating Bet makes it easier to monitor relevant BTTS stats, team trends, and even live-market movements during the match. It’s especially handy if you want to track changes in real time without juggling multiple sites.
For anyone looking to find both teams to score for today, having a one-stop resource that combines match previews, odds, and statistical analysis makes the process quicker and more efficient.
BTTS Isn’t Guesswork — It’s Pattern Recognition
The best BTTS bettors don’t hope for action — they anticipate it. By checking the right stats, understanding the context, and staying sharp with tools like Rating Bet, you stop gambling and start predicting.
Every match is different, but patterns don’t lie. And once you know where to look, the goals — from both sides — start making more sense.