It’s game day, and the match Manchester United vs West Ham United is about to start. You open your betting app and see a long list of options like who will win, how many goals will be scored, who will score first, and more.

All these options are called betting markets. Each market is just a different way to bet on the game. Some are very simple, like picking the winner. Others are more detailed, like predicting the total goals or whether both teams will score.

This article will help you understand each betting market clearly. You’ll see how each one works, and what it really means for your bets. By the end, you’ll feel more confident choosing the right market and making smarter, safer bets.

MAIN MARKETS

These are the core markets that appear first when you open a football match. They are simple, popular, and perfect for beginners.

1. 1X2 (Match Result/Money Line)

This is the most basic market. You predict whether:

• 1 = Manchester United wins

• X = The match ends in a draw

• 2 = West Ham United wins

It’s straightforward choose the final result.

2. Double Chance

You combine two possible outcomes into one safer bet:

• 1X = Man United win OR draw

• X2 = Draw OR West Ham win

• 12 = Either team wins (no draw)

It’s a lower-risk version of 1X2.

3. Over/Under Goals (Totals)

You predict whether the match will have more or fewer goals than a certain line, like:

• Over 2.5 goals

• Under 2.5 goals

Simple: you don’t care who wins, just the total goals.

4. Both Teams To Score (BTTS)

You predict if both Man United and West Ham will score at least one goal each.

Options:

• Yes

• No

5. Handicap (Asian/European)

A way to balance a match by giving one team a virtual head start.

Examples:

• Man United -1.5

• West Ham +1.5

This implies that Manchester United must win by 2 goals for your bet to win.

ALTERNATE MARKETS

These are extra markets that offer more depth, variety, and creativity for bettors who want detailed options.

6. Correct Score

You predict the exact final score (e.g., 1–0, 0-0, 0–1). It’s harder but pays higher.

7. Half/Fulltime

You predict the result at halftime and at fulltime.

• W1/W1 = Man United lead at HT and win at FT

• X/W1 = Draw at HT, Man United win at FT

• W2/W1 = West Ham lead at HT, Man United win at FT

8. Player Markets

You predict what a specific player will do in the match. In the image, the market is “Player To Score Anytime.”

• Diego Leon – Yes = You win if he scores at any time.

• Harry Maguire – Yes = You win only if he scores before fulltime.

9. Corners Market

You predict the total number of corners in the match.

Examples:

• Over 6.5 = You win if the match has 7 or more corners.

• Under 6.5 = You win if the match has 6 or fewer corners.

10. Cards Market

Predict the number of yellow/red cards, or which team will receive more.

Examples:

• Over 3.5 total cards

• West Ham to get more cards

• First team to receive a card

11. Specials / Prop Bets

Fun or unique markets like:

• Team to score last goal

• Team to score in both halves

12. Long-Term / Futures

Season-long predictions such as:

• Premier League winner

• Top scorer of the season

• Teams to be relegated

• Champions League finalists

HOW BETTING MARKETS WORK

Betting markets operate like “prediction categories.”

Each market gives you a different question to answer about the match. The sportsbook sets odds, and your job is to choose the option you believe is most likely based on research, stats, or intuition.

Here’s how it works:

1. You open the match.

2. You choose a market (example: Over/Under).

3. You select your prediction (Over or Under 2.5 goals).

4. Your bet slip records it.

5. If the event happens in real life, you win.

6. If it doesn’t, you lose.

Markets simply give you different angles to predict football, not just the winner.

FIVE REASONS MARKET SELECTION IS IMPORTANT

1. It Helps You Protect Your Money

Not every market carries the same level of risk. Some are easier, while others are very hard to win.

Example:

You believe West Ham will score at least once.

• Safe market: West Ham Over 0.5 Goals

• Risky market: Correct Score 0–1

West Ham score, but not 0–1.

Your idea was correct, but your market choice made you lose.

Choosing the right market protects your bankroll from unnecessary losses.

2. It Matches What You Understand Best

Every bettor has a specific area they understand better than others.

Example:

You follow team statistics and know Man United usually take many corners at home.

Instead of betting on the winner, a better choice might be:

• Man United Most Corners

• Man United Over 4.5 Corners

You’re more likely to win when the market fits your knowledge. Juh

3. It Reduces Confusion and Keeps You Calm

Choosing a clear market avoids panic and emotional betting.

Example:

You expect a tight, unpredictable match.

Instead of stressing over who will win, you choose:

• Double Chance 1X (Man United or Draw)

or

• Under 3.5 Goals

The right market keeps you calm and focused.

4. It Improves Long-Term Results

Consistency matters more than one lucky weekend.

If you notice you win more when betting on goals, you should stick to:

• Over/Under Goals

• BTTS

By choosing markets that consistently work for you, you build steady long-term performance.

5. It Prevents You From Falling Into “Trap Markets”

Some markets look attractive but are extremely hard to win.

Example of traps:

• First Goal Scorer

• Exact Goals in Each Half

• Correct Score 3–2

These markets offer high odds but low probability.

Good market selection helps you avoid unnecessary losses

FINAL THOUGHTS

Sports betting markets open a world of possibilities beyond simply picking who wins. When you understand each market and learn where to find them, every match becomes clearer, more exciting, and easier to predict responsibly. With the right market choice, you give yourself better control, better discipline, and a better chance to enjoy betting without stress.

REFERENCES

LSports. (2023). The ultimate guide to understanding sports betting odds and bet types.

OddsFantasy. (2025). 8 markets and odds.
PlayNow. (2024). How to bet on football: Markets & bet types.

Research and Markets. (2025). Sports betting market report.

Tipstrr. (2025). Betting markets with value.

Topend Sports. (2025). Types of sports bets – Complete betting types guide.