One of the most popular bets in football is the anytime goalscorer market. It’s simple, you just pick a player to score at any point during the match.
A lot of bettors go straight for the biggest names. And right now, one of the most obvious choices is Erling Haaland.
He scores a lot of goals, gets many chances, and plays for one of the strongest attacking teams in the world.
But here’s the question:
👉 Is picking the biggest name always the best idea?
In this article, we’ll look at when it makes sense to back Haaland, and when you should consider other players for better value.
Why Haaland Is So Popular
There’s a reason why so many people choose Haaland.
He:
- Takes a lot of shots
- Plays close to goal
- Is often the main striker
- Takes penalties
All of this makes him one of the most reliable goalscorers in football.
When his team dominates a match, he usually gets several chances to score.
The Problem With Betting on Big Stars
Even though Haaland scores often, there is one big issue:
👉 The odds are usually very low
This means:
- You risk more money
- You win less profit
For example:
- Haaland anytime scorer odds might be 1.40
- Another player might be 2.50 or higher
So even if Haaland scores, the reward might not be worth the risk.
When It Makes Sense to Back Haaland
There are still situations where betting on Haaland is a good choice.
1. Weak Opponent Defense
If the opposing team:
- Concedes many goals
- Struggles against strong attackers
Then Haaland becomes a strong pick.
2. Home Matches
Teams often play better at home.
If his team is:
- Playing at home
- Dominating possession
He is more likely to get chances.
3. High Expected Goals (xG)
If his team creates a lot of chances, his chances of scoring increase.
More chances = more opportunities.
When You Should Look Elsewhere
Sometimes it’s smarter to avoid the obvious pick.
1. Low Odds
If the odds are very low, the value is not great.
Even if the bet wins, the profit is small.
2. Tough Opponent
If the opposing team:
- Has strong defense
- Concedes very few chances
Then it might not be the best time to back a striker.
3. Sharing Goals
In some matches, goals are spread across different players.
This means:
- The main striker might not score
- Another player could score instead
Better Value Picks
Instead of always choosing the biggest name, look for players who:
- Take multiple shots per game
- Play in attacking roles
- Have higher odds
For example, players like Kylian Mbappé can sometimes offer better value, especially if their odds are higher but their chances are similar.
Look Beyond Strikers
Many bettors only focus on strikers, but that’s not always the best strategy.
You can also consider:
- Wingers
- Attacking midfielders
- Set-piece takers
These players may:
- Take penalties or free kicks
- Get chances from open play
And often, their odds are better.
Check the Team Setup
Before betting, always check:
- Starting lineup
- Formation
- Injuries
If a key player is missing, it can change everything.
For example:
- If a team’s main creator is out
- The striker may get fewer chances
Simple Strategy You Can Use
Here’s an easy way to decide:
Step 1
Look at the player’s recent matches
- Goals scored
- Shots per game
Step 2
Check the opponent
- Strong or weak defense
Step 3
Compare odds
- Is the price worth the risk?
Step 4
Consider alternatives
- Are there players with similar chances but better odds?
Example Situation
Let’s say:
- Haaland has odds of 1.40
- Another attacker has odds of 2.80
- Both are likely to get chances
In this case:
- The second player might offer better value
This doesn’t mean Haaland won’t score, it just means the bet might not be the smartest choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Always Picking Big Names
Popular players are not always the best bets.
Ignoring Odds
Low odds can reduce long-term profit.
Not Checking Lineups
A player might not start or might play a different role.
Conclusion
Anytime goalscorer bets are fun and simple, but they require smart thinking.
Players like Erling Haaland are great, but they are not always the best value.
If you focus on:
- Chances created
- Opponent strength
- Odds value
You can make better decisions over time.
Sometimes the best bet is not the most obvious one.