The space behind the full-back

Watch the first few minutes without following the ball. Look at where the full-backs stand when their team has possession. If both push high and the holding midfielder does not drop between them, the space behind is open.

That space does not stay empty forever. The opposition will find it. When they do, the centre-backs have to shift across. That movement creates gaps between the defensive line and midfield. That is where chances appear.

For betting, this means not backing the clean sheet. It might mean looking at over 0.5 goals in the first half, or corners from the side where the full-back is most advanced. But only if the price makes sense.

The opening minutes are free information. Use them before you place anything.

Give the match ten minutes. The shape tells you what the odds cannot.

Question: Which full-back are you watching in the first ten minutes today?