The Best First-Half Bets in Football

Football is played in two halves, and they rarely unfold with the same dynamics. And when it comes to first-half football betting, it’s important to factor in both the flow of play and real-time statistics. Even though it is only one half, it can be treated as a match of its own.

For many bettors, the first half serves a testing ground, where teams rarely play to their full potential. This view has its drawbacks and can even be seen as a misconception.

The bets offered for the first half are essentially the same as those available for the full match. The same structure includes: match result, over/under goals, both teams to/not to score, team to score and number of goals, cards, corner kicks, plus combinations (complex bets or bet-builders). Knowing this structure, it is worth keeping a few key aspects in mind:

• The first half lasts 45 minutes but can be extended for any period of time considered inactive by the referee;
• Preparation and fitness levels of top clubs often leave much to be desired. Injuries, substitutions, and early yellow cards are common;
• Some teams build their game plan around scoring once or twice in the first half taking advantage of any opportunity given. While winning at halftime does not guarantee victory at full time, a successful 1X2 bet at halftime is already a winner;
• First-half bets are settled at halftime;
• Odds for first-half markets are usually lower than for full-time bets. Bookmakers’ margins also tend to be higher in smaller markets.

First-half bets on Manchester City vs Napoli (UCL 18 September 2025)

Statistics don’t lie. What matters is how we interpret them, and how we use data to our advantage when betting. In 2025, sports databases are massive and relatively easy to access. Bookmakers themselves provide live data, including xG and other performance metrics.

So, can the first half really be considered a slow “feeling-out period”? In my opinion, this creates expectations that are often misleading. There is no logical reason to assume that:

• No goals or, at most, one goal be scored in the first half;
• PsF X, a draw at half-time, is more likely, based on the idea that both teams want to go into the locker room “peacefully” and decide the outcome of the match in the second half;
• The first half will be free of cards, injuries, and player substitutions;
• There will be fewer or more corner kicks in the first half than in the second half, and possession will be more balanced in the first half.

Premier League statistics with goals scored in the first 15 minutes Source: thestatsdontlie.com

For a better picture (or not), we also asked ChatGPT about the best bets for the first half. And the AI’s assessment is as follows:

1. Bet on “X” (Draw at half-time)
2. Bet on “1” (Home team wins the first half)
3. Bet on “2” (Away team wins the first half)
4. Over/Under X goals in the first half

• The “Over/Under X goals” bet is popular and can be particularly profitable in the first half. For example:
  • Over 1.5 goals in the first half can be a good bet if both teams have strong attacks or play a more aggressive style of football.
  • Under 0.5 goals can be a good option in matches where teams play defensively or are evenly matched in terms of playing style.

5. Both teams to score in the first half (GG)
6. First scorer in the first half
7. Betting on a specific minute for a goal

Moving beyond the general nature of the above, we clearly see a lottery-like nature, especially in the last suggestions. Even though AI is an undeniable help, it cannot interpret or adapt to each bettor’s style, nor can it replace creativity.

The Best First-Half Bets in Football

There are certain factors such as the odds stability and value, bankroll management, the habit of betting choices made based on analysis and knowledge, adaptability, expectations, etc., factors that every bettor is aware of.

In my opinion, in 2025, the best bets on the first half in football are:

1. Over/Under 1.5 Goals in the First Half

This is clearly the most “solid” bet. This is the type of bet where we find the most valuable odds, it is very popular, used in trading and insurance by odds providers. The 2-goal limit provides more stability than goal scored, and the statistical data is generous and available to any player with a little patience.

1. Over/Under 1.5 Yellow Cards in the First Half

This is the type of bet that requires attention, a certain specialization in following the players and how they interact, and the referee’s style of involvement in managing the game.

Perhaps a good knowledge of rivalries, crowd pressure, the subsequent schedule, and the objectives of each team can be factors to consider.

1. 1X2 at Half-Time with an Emphasis on the Stronger Team

Often, the stronger team makes an effort to impose itself in the first half. This is the scenario in which a team dominates, controls the game, and imposes itself. I would say it is a predictable and advantageous scenario. However, unforeseen events and dramatic changes in the result can occur. Romania – Cyprus is a good example of this. The national team led 2-0 at halftime and ended the game in a draw. At 2-0, the bet on Romania was validated as a winner by many bookmakers. At halftime, Romania was in the lead, but in the end of the game, the draw left us with a bitter taste.

1. Over/Under 4.5 Corner Kicks in the First Half

Football is not played on corner kicks, but they are part of the game and are often seen as opportunities to change the scoreboard.

There is no mathematical correlation between the number of corner kicks and the number of goals. At least, not one that guarantees profitable bets. A higher number of corner kicks indicates a certain amount of pressure, but does not guarantee a goal.

Often there is even an inverse correlation, because one or two goals scored can decrease motivation, speed of play, and implicitly, the number of corner kicks.

1. Goal Scored Between Minutes 30 and 45

The last interval of the first half also benefits from (possible) extra time, with both teams often playing at high speed and looking for a goal.

It is an interval that is studied very carefully, considered prolific for players (Haaland, Kane) and in which strategic decisions are made for the second half.

In the Premier League, studies show that 17% of goals are scored in this interval, and in La Liga the percentage is even higher – around 20%, as is the case in the Bundesliga.

Best First-Half Bets

The first half of a football match has a special dynamic for bettors. Treated in the economy of the game, it can be seen as a distinct game. It is important to be consistent with the types of bets used, to pursue profit, to look for valuable bets for us in a responsible manner. That is, the stake should be one that ensures our entertainment and the time spent watching a half of a match should be a way to relax.