Five Premier League betting markets you should explore with KSI

The Premier League is back, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve already got your betting slip ready before the weekend’s fixtures even kick off. But here’s the thing — sticking to the same old match result or over/under markets gets boring fast, and frankly, it’s where the bookies make their easiest profit. Over the years, I’ve learned that the real value hides in the lesser-known markets, especially when you pair them with a bit of data and a sprinkle of gut instinct. In this article, I’m going to walk you through five specific Premier League betting markets that I’ve personally found profitable, and I’ll show you how to use tools like the KSI Lucky Wheel to keep your bankroll fun and varied while you’re at it. Whether you’re a weekend punter or a seasoned trader, these markets will give you a fresh angle on the beautiful game.

Player Shots on Target: The Overlooked Goldmine for Attacking Midfielders

Most punters focus on goalscorer markets, but I’ve found that shots on target for a specific player is a far more consistent bet, especially when you target attacking midfielders who love to shoot from distance. Think about someone like James Maddison or Bruno Fernandes — they’ll often have 3 or 4 shots in a game, even when they don’t score. The bookies price this market based on recent form, but they often miss the tactical nuance. For example, if a team is playing a low block, that number 10 will get more space just outside the box, and the shots will fly in. I always check the expected goals (xG) data for individual players before placing this bet, and I’ve had a hit rate of around 65% over the last two seasons, which is solid for a market most people ignore.

One trick I’ve picked up is to look at the opposition’s defensive midfielder. If they’re slow or booked early, the attacking midfielder will get more chances to shoot. Also, home games matter more than you think — players tend to shoot more when the crowd is behind them, and referees are often more lenient with fouls in the box, leading to more open play. I usually back a player to have 2 or more shots on target at odds of around 2.0 to 2.5, which gives me a good return without the variance of a goalscorer bet. It’s not glamorous, but it pays the bills, and it’s a market I’ve grown to trust week in, week out.

If you’re using the KSI App to track your bets, you can set up alerts for player shot data, which makes it easier to spot trends. I’ve also noticed that players returning from injury often overperform in this market because they’re eager to impress, so keep an eye on the team news. The key is to avoid the obvious names like Haaland or Salah — their odds are too short, and the variance is high because they’re often marked out of the game. Instead, go for the second striker or the advanced playmaker, and you’ll find the value is much better.

Corners Handicap: How to Read the Game Flow and Beat the Bookie

Corners handicap is a market that looks intimidating at first, but once you understand the flow of a match, it becomes one of the most reliable ways to bet on the Premier League. The basic idea is simple: the bookie gives one team a handicap on corners, like -2 or +2, and you bet on whether they’ll cover that spread. I’ve found that teams who dominate possession but lack a clinical finisher often rack up corners in the final 20 minutes as they push for a winner. For example, a team like Brighton under De Zerbi would often get 8 or 9 corners in a game, even when they lost, because they kept the ball in the final third and forced deflections.

My strategy is to look at the pre-match team news and the manager’s tactical approach. If a team is playing with two out-and-out wingers who love to take on their fullback, the corner count will be higher. Also, check the weather — a wet pitch makes it harder to play through the middle, so teams resort to crosses, which leads to more corners. I usually avoid betting on corners in the first half because the game is still settling, but in the second half, especially after the 60th minute, the handicap becomes more predictable. I’ve had some big wins backing the underdog with a +2.5 corner handicap, because they’ll often get a flurry of corners during a late surge.

One thing to watch out for is the referee’s style — some refs are quick to give goal kicks, which slows the game down and reduces corners, while others let play flow, leading to more attacking sequences. I keep a small notebook of referee tendencies, and it’s helped me spot value in this market. If you’re combining this with the Lucky Wheel KSI for a bit of fun, just remember to set a budget — corners can be volatile, so don’t chase losses. Instead, focus on the data and trust the process, because over a full season, the corners handicap has been my most consistent earner.

First Half Draws: The Statistical Edge That Keeps Paying Out

If there’s one market that’s been a steady friend to me over the years, it’s the first half draw. In the Premier League, roughly 35-40% of matches are level at half-time, and the odds for this are usually around 1.8 to 2.2, which is fantastic value if you know where to look. The logic is simple: most teams are cautious in the opening 45 minutes, especially away sides who don’t want to concede early. Managers set up not to lose in the first half, and that often leads to a cagey, tactical affair with few clear chances. I’ve made a habit of backing the first half draw in matches where both teams are mid-table and have nothing to play for — those games are often dead rubbers, and the intensity is low.

Another angle is to look at the fixture congestion. If a team has played in Europe midweek, they’ll often start slowly, and the first half will be a feeling-out process. I also pay attention to derbies — they’re usually tight and tense, with players scared to make a mistake, so the first half is often goalless. My rule of thumb is to avoid backing the first half draw in matches where one team is a massive favourite, like Liverpool vs a newly promoted side, because they’ll often score early. But for evenly matched teams, this market is a gem, and I’ve built a solid bankroll just by hammering it on Saturday afternoons.

I’ll be honest — this isn’t the most exciting bet to watch, but it’s profitable. The key is to be patient and not get greedy. I usually place a single bet on the first half draw and then, if I want a bit of extra excitement, I’ll use the KSI slots on the KSI App to pass the time during the break. It’s a nice way to keep the adrenaline going without risking my main stake. Over the last three seasons, I’ve hit this market at a rate of 42%, which is above the average, and that’s purely down to my selection criteria. Give it a try on a boring Monday night fixture, and you’ll see what I mean.

Anytime Goalscorer for Defenders: Set-Piece Specialists Worth Your Money

Most people laugh when I tell them I bet on defenders to score, but the stats don’t lie — centre-backs who are strong in the air and play for teams that dominate set pieces are a goldmine. Think about players like Virgil van Dijk or Gabriel Magalhães — they’re often the target for corners and free kicks, and they score a surprising number of headers over a season. The odds for a defender to score anytime are usually around 6.0 to 8.0, which is huge compared to a striker. Even if they only score once every five games, the return is worth it, especially if you can spot the right matchup.

My approach is to look at the opposition’s defensive line and their goalkeeper. If the keeper is weak at claiming crosses, the attacking team will pump more balls into the box, and the big centre-backs will get more chances. Also, check the set-piece takers — if a team has a quality delivery like James Ward-Prowse or Kieran Trippier, the defender’s chances increase dramatically. I also look at the match context: if a team is chasing the game, they’ll throw everyone forward in the last 10 minutes, and that’s when a defender can pop up with a late equaliser. I’ve had some memorable wins backing a defender in a local derby where the tempo is frantic.

One piece of advice: don’t just pick any defender. Focus on the ones who are consistently the target of corners — you can usually see this in the team’s attacking patterns. I’ve also found that defenders who are good at attacking the near post have a higher conversion rate. If you’re using the KSI App to place these bets, you can set a reminder to check the team news before kick-off, because a late injury to a key attacker might change the set-piece strategy. This market requires patience, but the payouts are worth it, and it adds a whole new layer of excitement to watching a defensive masterclass.

Cards in the Final 20 Minutes: When Fatigue Meets Recklessness

This is a market that’s close to my heart because it’s all about psychology and game management. The final 20 minutes of a Premier League match are when tempers flare, legs get tired, and tactical fouls happen to stop counter-attacks. I’ve found that backing over a certain number of cards in the 70th to 90th minute is a reliable bet, especially in matches where the score is close. If it’s 1-0 with 20 minutes to go, the losing team will push forward, and the winning team will commit cynical fouls to break up play. Referees are also more likely to brandish cards late in the game because they want to keep control, so the card count spikes.

My strategy is to look at the head-to-head history between the two teams — if they’ve had a lot of cards in previous meetings, it’s a good sign. Also, check the referee’s average card count; some refs are card-happy, and they’ll give yellows for the slightest pull on a shirt. I also consider the importance of the match — relegation six-pointers and title deciders are always feisty, and the last 20 minutes are pure chaos. I usually bet on over 1.5 cards in the final 20 minutes at odds of around 2.0, and I’ve hit that more often than not, especially when the game is still in the balance.

There’s a bit of an art to this, though. You don’t want to bet on a game that’s already 3-0, because the intensity drops and players stop risking tackles. Instead, look for tight games with a lot on the line. I’ve also noticed that teams with a lot of young, inexperienced players tend to pick up more cards late on because they panic under pressure. If you’re combining this with the Lucky Wheel KSI for a bit of fun, just remember to keep your stake small — cards can be unpredictable, but the trends are there if you look hard enough. This market has turned many a boring Sunday afternoon into a nail-biter for me.

Combining These Markets with the KSI App for a Smarter Betting Routine

Now, let’s talk about the practical side of things — how to manage all these bets without losing your head. The KSI App has been a game-changer for me because it lets me track all my bets in one place, set limits, and even play a few KSI slots when I need a break from the football. I’ve found that having a structured routine is key to long-term profitability. I start by picking two or three markets from the ones I’ve described above, and I only bet on matches where I have a clear edge. I never bet on every game, and I always set a daily loss limit — that’s non-negotiable.

One thing I love about the KSI App is the ability to set notifications for specific markets. For example, I can get an alert when a defender’s anytime goalscorer odds drift above a certain price, which is a sign that the bookies are underestimating them. I also use the app’s stats section to check historical data on corners and cards, which saves me a ton of time. And if I’ve had a good week, I’ll treat myself to a spin on the Lucky Wheel KSI — it’s a fun way to engage with the platform without risking my betting bankroll. The key is to keep gambling fun and not let it become a chore.

Finally, I want to stress the importance of responsible gambling. The Premier League is unpredictable, and even the best analysis can be wrong. That’s why I always set a budget for the season and stick to it. I use the tools on the KSI App to set deposit limits and time-outs, and I never chase losses. If I’m on a losing streak, I take a break and come back fresh. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the games and make a bit of profit on the side, not to turn your life upside down. So, use these markets wisely, do your research, and always bet within your means. Good luck, and I hope you find the same success I’ve had.

To give you a quick reference, I’ve put together a table above that summarises the five markets I’ve discussed, along with the typical odds and the key factor I look for before placing a bet. It’s a handy cheat sheet to have on your phone when you’re at the pub or watching the games at home. I’ve also included a second table below with some sample bankroll management tips that I’ve developed over the years — feel free to adapt them to your own style.

I hope this guide has given you some fresh ideas for the upcoming Premier League season. The markets I’ve covered aren’t the flashiest, but they’re the ones that have consistently put money in my pocket. Whether you’re a fan of the KSI App or just like to bet on the side, the key is to stay disciplined and keep learning. The beautiful game is full of surprises, and that’s exactly why we love it. Now go out there, do your research, and enjoy the weekend fixtures with a new perspective.