The science of football betting can be difficult to master. While you can predict a PSG or Bayern Munich cantering to a league win most seasons, there are also the moments of incomprehensibility like Leicester winning the Premier League in 2016 (5000/1 with some bookmakers) or Greece winning the European Championships in 2004.
While most of the punters usually backing these teams are usually avid fans who have been financially rewarded for their loyalty/patriotism, there is still a lot to say for the neutral backing a dark horse. Below are some such candidates who could do something special in the remainder of 2018. They are not massive outsiders, simply good value as opposed to each competition’s outright favourites.
The good news is that it is possible to back them without using your own money if you check out free bet offers no deposit deals from UK bookmakers. The selections, of course, are not guaranteed to win, but they could do something surprising. Without further ado:
Leicester City to win the FA Cup at 9/1
While 9/1 is not a massive price for Leicester to win the FA Cup, they are a highly underrated side who should be further up the table in the Premier League. Crucially, the three teams ahead of them in the odds – Manchester United (2/1), Tottenham (9/4) and Chelsea (7/2) – all have (at the moment) a fight for Top 4 places and Champions League commitments to worry about. Leicester, safe from relegation and not bothering the European places, can put all energy towards the Cup. They play Chelsea at the King Power in the quarter final. That comes just three days after Chelsea’s Champions League second leg in Barcelona. A huge chance to make the semi finals at least for Leicester.
Belgium to win the World Cup at 16/1
The fact that you can find Belgium at 16/1 to win the World Cup is simply mind-blowing. They are clearly one of the best sides in world football, yet they are available at nearly three times the odds of France, Germany and others. Not only to Belgium have some of the finest players in the game, they also have some of those playing at the very peak of their powers. Is there a more complete player in the world than Kevin De Bruyne at the moment? Can anyone, with the exception of Lionel Messi, match the guile and effective trickery of Eden Hazard? The Belgian squad is absolutely brimming with talent and the only reason they are priced so high with bookmakers is that they have not won the World Cup before. Things change.
Liverpool to win the Champions League at 12/1
There are few teams in football as frustrating as Liverpool: They are capable of sticking four goals past Man City one week, then coming a cropper against Swansea a matter of days later. Still, they are wonderful to watch when on song and are capable of beating any of the remaining sides in the competition. Could they go toe to toe against a side like Barcelona or Bayern Munich? The Reds by and large raise their game for the big European nights and they have it in them to go all the way to the Final in Kiev. They have the perfect x-factor qualities to make it worth your while backing with a free bet. They could blow a 2-0 lead in a matter of minutes or put Europe’s very best to the sword – that’s what makes them so exciting.
