First Goalscorer Tips and How to Bet
First Goalscorer betting is a football market where bettors predict which player will score the first goal of a match. A First Goalscorer bet is settled as soon as the opening goal is scored by an eligible player, offering high-risk, high-reward potential. Odds tend to favour attacking players, but value is found across the pitch depending on the matchup and set-piece duties. This market only includes goals scored during regular time and injury time, with own goals excluded. First Goalscorer tips focus on player form, role, and starting status. High-scoring teams, confirmed starters, and players who take penalties or free kicks offer the most value.
The key steps for placing a First Goalscorer bet include selecting a reliable bookmaker, reviewing team news and player roles, choosing your goalscorer, and confirming your stake before kickoff.
First Goalscorer betting is a popular betting market for experienced punters. One of the advantages of First Goalscorer betting is the potential for big payouts from small stakes, thanks to higher odds. Another benefit is that it rewards detailed tactical knowledge of players and teams. Among the disadvantages of First Goalscorer betting are its unpredictability and higher rate of voided or losing bets, especially when lineups are not confirmed or goals come early.
The best leagues for First Goalscorer betting include England’s Premier League, Germany’s Bundesliga, and Spain’s La Liga, where early goals are common and attacking styles are prominent.
A common betting mistake is combining First Goalscorer bets with other markets like correct score or timecast. These combinations multiply risk and are rarely profitable. First Goalscorer should be kept as a standalone market to maintain a realistic chance of success.
What Is a First Goalscorer Bet?
A First Goalscorer bet is a football market where you wager on which player will score the first goal of the match.
Bookmakers provide odds for every likely goalscorer on the pitch, typically favouring attacking players like strikers and attacking midfielders. A First Goalscorer bet is settled once the opening goal is scored by an eligible player, making it one of the most popular high-risk, high-reward options in football betting.
The First Goalscorer market applies only to goals scored during regular time, including injury time but excluding extra time and penalties. Own goals do not count. In cases where the first goal of the match is an own goal, the bet remains open until a standard goal is scored. A player who does not start the match and only enters after a goal has been scored triggers a void bet. For example, a £10 First Goalscorer bet on a centre-forward priced at 6/1 returns £70 (£60 profit plus £10 stake) if that player opens the scoring in the first half.
How to Place a First Goalscorer Bet
To place a First Goalscorer bet, you need to follow three main steps. These steps are choosing a bookmaker, selecting your match and player, and confirming your stake. The process is simple, but the timing of your bet and the player’s match involvement are crucial for a successful wager.
More information about the 3 steps required to place a First Goalscorer bet is given below.
- Choose your bookmaker. Use a reputable bookmaker that offers full player markets and reliable settlement terms. Look for platforms like Bet365 or Sky Bet, which clearly display player markets and include options such as “Void if player does not start.” This feature refunds your stake when your selected player does not begin the match and a goal is scored before they enter. Once you’ve chosen a bookmaker, review whether the site updates lineups quickly and offers cash-out options for First Goalscorer bets, as these factors improve flexibility and control.
- Pick a match and player. Navigate to the Goalscorer or Player Markets section for your chosen fixture and find the column labelled “First Goalscorer.” Compare prices across different players and check who takes penalties, who is in strong scoring form, and who is confirmed to be in the starting eleven. Attackers and set-piece specialists are typically strong candidates, but long shots like defenders often offer high-value odds in certain matchups, especially if the opponent concedes frequently from corners or free kicks.
- Confirm your stake. Once you’ve chosen your player, click on the odds listed next to their name to open the bet slip. Enter your stake. Enter your stake, review all details carefully, and make sure the “Void if not starting” option is selected (if available) to protect your wager. After confirming everything looks correct, place the bet. For instance, a £10 stake on a player priced at 13/2 (7.50) would return £75 (£65 profit plus your £10 stake) when that player opens the scoring.
What are the pros and cons of First Goalscorer betting?
First Goalscorer betting offers two standout advantages. The first is its high potential return, even from small stakes, due to the relatively long odds on most players. The second is the opportunity to apply tactical insight, which rewards knowledgeable bettors. At the same time, this market presents some challenges. The two main drawbacks include increased unpredictability and a higher rate of void or losing bets caused by late team news or early goals.
More details on the 2 main pros of First Goalscorer betting are given below.
- Higher Odds and Bigger Payouts. Compared to other common goal markets, First Goalscorer bets usually come with much higher odds. Even leading strikers are often priced at 4/1 (5.00) or longer, while defenders and midfielders often return double-digit odds. These high odds allow bettors to achieve significant returns from modest stakes. For example, a £5 bet on a player priced at 10/1 (11.00) would return £55. This makes the First Goalscorer market suitable for bettors looking for value and willing to take calculated risks on players with strong early-match scoring potential.
- Opportunity to Apply Tactical Insight. The First Goalscorer market rewards deep understanding of player tendencies, team strategies, and match dynamics. Bettors who follow team news, formation changes, and roles (such as which winger tends to cut inside or which midfielder makes late runs into the box) gain a measurable edge. For example, spotting that a team has switched to a two-striker formation, or that a full-back is set to face a weaker opponent, allows you to capitalise on value bets that casual punters might overlook. Unlike more random outcomes, success in the First Goalscorer market often reflects sharp pre-match analysis, giving well-informed bettors a chance to consistently outperform the odds.
Detailed information on the 2 main cons of First Goalscorer betting follows below.
- Unpredictability and Difficulty to Land. Despite the appeal of higher payouts, First Goalscorer bets carry a high degree of uncertainty. A goal might come from an unexpected source, or the first strike could be a deflection, own goal, or awkward scramble. Even with solid research, success depends on exact timing and player involvement at the right moment. Unlike Anytime Goalscorer markets, which give players a full match to score, the First Goalscorer bet market closes immediately once the opening goal is scored, making accuracy harder to achieve.
- Greater Risk from Substitutes and Early Goals. Despite lineup confirmation, players sometimes start matches but see little ball involvement before being substituted or before another teammate scores. Bet outcomes are void when the selected player does not start and a goal is scored before they enter the pitch, but many losses occur even when bets involve starters. Bets who place wagers early without waiting for confirmed lineups risk either a void bet or a wasted stake. Fast goals within the opening minutes, particularly in high-tempo fixtures, also reduce the window for wagers to land. These risks are magnified when team sheets are delayed or tactics are kept hidden until kickoff.
What are the best leagues and teams for First Goalscorer betting?
The best leagues and teams for First Goalscorer betting are those that regularly deliver early goals, feature structured attacking systems, and include players with reliable scoring frequency. These competitions reward bettors who track starting lineups, set-piece roles, and momentum-driven teams that often take the lead. Three standout leagues for First Goalscorer are the English Premier League, Germany’s Bundesliga, and Spain’s La Liga.
More information on the 3 best leagues and their associated teams for First Goalscorer bets is given below.
- England – Premier League. England’s top division is known for fast starts, intense pressing, and home-field advantage translating into early goals. Teams like Manchester City and Liverpool often open scoring early in Premier League matches, making them ideal targets for First Goalscorer bets. For example, Erling Haaland scored the first goal in over 30% of his Premier League appearances during the 2022–23 season. These clubs feature well-defined attacking focal points, which helps narrow the field of likely scorers.
- Germany – Bundesliga. The Bundesliga ranks among Europe’s highest-scoring leagues, with an average of nearly 2.9 goals per game across recent seasons. Some of the top Bundesliga clubs, such as Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, routinely create first-half chances through aggressive wing play and high possession rates. Players like Harry Kane or Victor Boniface offer consistent First Goalscorer value due to their finishing ability and central role in attacking sequences.
- Spain – La Liga. Spain’s top flight combines tactical discipline with efficient goal conversion in the opening stages of matches. Teams like Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid frequently break the deadlock early, especially against mid- or lower-table opponents. For instance, Jude Bellingham scored the first goal in multiple matches during the 2023–24 campaign, benefiting from his advanced positioning and timed midfield runs.
How to implement a First Goalscorer betting strategy?
Implementing a First Goalscorer bet strategy involves aligning player profiles with match conditions and tactical dynamics. The three top strategies for First Goalscorer betting involve analysing individual form and role, verifying starting lineups and team styles, and targeting weak or depleted defences.
More information about the 3 top strategies for First Goalscorer bets is given below.
- Analysing Player Form and Scoring Role. A reliable First Goalscorer candidate is someone with high expected goals (xG) stats or a proven record of scoring early in matches. Focus on players who have recently scored or consistently attempt shots on goal. It’s best to prioritise players who take penalties, free kicks, or operate in advanced positions such as striker or attacking midfield.
- Confirming Lineups and Evaluating Team Approach. Wait until team lineups are officially confirmed before placing your bet. Backing a player who starts is essential, as bets are voided if a goal is scored before a substitute enters. Next, assess each team’s tactical approach and favour those teams that come out aggressively, pressing high and creating early chances. Targeting players from sides that favour a fast tempo increases the chance of hitting the first goal.
- Exploiting Defensive Weaknesses in the Opposition. Identify teams with poor early-game defensive records or recent absences in key defensive positions. These weaknesses often lead to early concessions, particularly when facing stronger or in-form attacking players. Check injury updates, suspensions, and team form to spot soft matchups. Backing a forward from the opposing team in these situations is a high-value First Goalscorer tactic.
Should you combine First Goalscorer betting with other markets?
No, combining First Goalscorer betting with other markets dramatically reduces your chances of winning. Goalscorer bets already carry a high level of difficulty, and linking them to other conditions like correct score or win outcome turns a tough bet into an almost impossible one. While odds look attractive in scorecasts or timecasts, they reflect the low probability of both parts hitting. Instead of stacking risk, focus on maximising value through smart player selection, which involves looking for consistent scorers, set-piece takers, or forwards facing weak defences. Keeping it simple offers better long-term viability when it comes to First Goalscorer bets.
When are First Goalscorer predictions updated?
First Goalscorer odds and predictions are usually updated around 24 to 48 hours before kickoff, once early lineups, injuries, and team strategies become clearer. Final adjustments often happen shortly before the match when confirmed starting elevens are announced, especially in leagues with frequent rotation or late fitness tests. These updates reflect shifts in player availability, form, and tactical setup, and tracking them helps avoid backing benched players or those in roles unlikely to contribute early in the match.
When to avoid First Goalscorer betting?
Avoid First Goalscorer betting when starting lineups are not yet confirmed, particularly in leagues known for last-minute changes or heavy rotation. Placing a First Goalscorer bet on a player who ends up on the bench means you risk the match’s first goal being scored before your selection enters the pitch, voiding the wager entirely. Even when the bet is voided, the opportunity is lost, and the odds for in-form starters may shorten considerably once teams are announced.
Another scenario when it’s best to avoid First Goalscorer betting is during fixtures expected to be tight, slow-paced, or overly tactical. In matches where both sides are cautious, the first goal typically takes longer to arrive or doesn’t happen at all. In these cases, First Goalscorer betting becomes unreliable, especially when the most likely scorers are heavily marked or withdrawn into deeper roles by design.
