The full-back and the space behind

Watch where the full-back stands when his side has the ball. If he is high and wide, the space behind him is already open before the pass is played.

That space becomes a transition lane for the opposition. One turnover and the winger runs into it. The centre-back has to step across. The defensive shape breaks.

A bet on counter-attacking chances or corners conceded often reflects that risk better than the match odds. But only if the price makes it ordinary.

Let the first five minutes show you whether the full-back stays or drifts.

Question: Which full-back position do you check first in the opening minutes?