Football News

Bet Builders: How they work, our research methods & Man Utd v Spurs Bet Builder tips

By Andy Watson

Published: 2:32, 29 September 2024

One of the biggest changes in football betting in recent years has been the explosion in popularity of bet builders. Here we run through everything you need to know about Bet Builders and we give you our tips for this weekend’s big Premier League clash between Manchester United and Tottenham.

Bet Builder Explainer

These bets give punters the opportunity to combine multiple selections from the same game to form an accumulator, increasing the odds and the payout the more selections there are.

Here we will outline what a bet builder is, what it can be used to bet on and how bettors can use them to their advantage.

How does a bet builder work?

A bet builder works by allowing users to combine multiple selections from the same game into one bet. Whereas in the past punters could not combine two picks from the same match, they can now make a double or accumulator from their selections on a single specific game.

They carry a greater risk than a single selection, as every leg of the bet builder has to land for it to be successful.

What markets are available for bet builders?

The majority of main markets are available for adding to bet builders and there are now a plethora of options open to customers. 

Football is the most popular sport for bet builders and markets such as match result, over/under goal lines, both teams to score and goalscorers are available to use for bet builders.

Some bookmakers even allow more in depth statistical selections, such as fouls conceded, shots taken or passes made.

However as a word of warning, bookmakers often use football data service Opta as the arbiter in a world of grey areas, so punters can sometimes feel aggrieved by the data department’s decision on, for example, what was or was not a shot.

How can I see my bet builder’s odds?

A bet builder’s odds will fluctuate depending on each selection that is added or subtracted to the bet.

There are bet builder calculators that allow a punter to see their potential returns before placing the bet.

Shopping around is crucial as selections will be different prices with different bookmakers and it will pay to seek out the best value.

However, not all firms offer selections in the same markets so plenty of research is key to success in the world of bet builders.

Bet builder tips

To succeed when using bet builders, do not be too overambitious. It must be remembered that every selection added to the bet, no matter how short a price it is, increases the risk of it failing and should be treated with caution.

Doing plenty of research is also key, and there are plenty of free stats websites that offer insight that was previously unavailable to the everyday punter. In more obscure markets the margin for error can be higher for both the bookmaker and the customer.

Promotions are often available for free bet builders or money back if one selection lets you down, so take advantage of these where you can.

Our expert tipsters have put together this bet builder ahead of the huge North London Derby this weekend.

Our Bet Builder Selection for this weekend – Manchester United vs Tottenham

Leg 1

Over 2.5 goals

Six of Man Utd’s last ten Premier League matches have gone over 2.5 goals, but more interestingly nine of the last ten have gone over 2.5 xG, with the only other match totalling 2.2 xG. This suggests that chances are being created but not taken as often in Old Trafford matches, this should revert to the mean over time. From a Tottenham perspective, seven of their last ten Premier League away matches have gone over 2,5 goals, and their last away match at Newcastle saw 3.9 xG created.

Leg 2

Dominic Solanke over 2.5 shots

Manchester United conceded the second most shots in the Premier League in 23/24, and though things have improved slightly in a small sample size so far this season, the Red Devils are still susceptible to teams getting shots off against them. Solanke has covered the over 2.5 shots line in two of his four Tottenham starts, striking two shots in the other two matches.

Leg 3

Marcus Rashford over 1.5 shots

Whilst Rashford hasn’t hit peak form yet this season, he has been able to fire off a high volume of shots of late. His last three starts for United have seen him shoot 12 times in total, covering the over 1.5 shot line on each occasion.

Leg 4

Manuel Ugarte to be shown a card

The Uruguay midfielder will be in line for his first Premier League start here, after playing 90 minutes against Twente in the Europa League to prove his fitness. He committed six fouls in the EFL Cup tie against Barnsley, and against an attack minded and hard working midfield against Spurs, in a match which promises high-paced, intense play, Ugarte looks a good candidate for a card.

Currently priced at 13/1 with Bet365