Betting sites are constantly looking for new ways to enhance betting options for customers with the addition of new betting tools, attractive promotions, and new betting markets. One new betting option that is available with a select number of betting sites is the ‘Opta Player of the Match‘ market.
This market offers punters a unique betting opportunity based on the statistical analysis conducted by Opta, one of the leading sources of sports statistics that is used by many online bookmakers. Herein,
We’ll be taking a look at how the Opta Player of the Match works, how you can bet on it, and some advise if you choose to do so.
What Is Opta?
Opta is a leading provider of sports data, particularly known for its football statistics. Betting sites use Opta’s football stats to provide customers with information such as:
- Shots on target (number of & by which players)
- Number of corners
- Player fouls
- Player tackles
- Player goals
- Player shots on/off target
- Goalkeeper saves
- Player assists
- Player passes
- Player fouls won/made
Opta’s data has been used for many years by betting companies to offer statistical betting markets which are most commonly used in Bet Builder. For example, a Bet Builder may consist of Player X to Score, Player Y to have Over 1.5 SOT & Player Z to make Over 4 tackles’.
Some betting sites have now started to use Opta data for a new betting option named, Opta Player of the Match.
Understanding the Opta Points System
The Opta Points system is designed to evaluate a player’s overall performance in a football match. Points are awarded for positive actions such as scoring goals and making successful passes, while negative actions, including receiving red cards or conceding goals, result in point deductions.
Positive Actions and Points Awarded
- Scoring a Goal: A player that scores a goal is awarded 10 points.
- Shots on Target: Each shot on target earns a player 4 points.
- Shots off Target: Shots that do not hit the target are still considered positive, earning 2 points each.
- Assists: Providing an assist for a goal adds 6 points to a player’s total.
- Passes: Each successful pass earns 0.2 points.
- Tackles: A tackle by a player is rewarded with 2 points.
- Interceptions: Similar to tackles, interceptions are valued at 2 points each.
- Fouls Won: Winning a foul earns 1 point.
- Goalkeeper Saves Penalty: A goalkeeper saving a penalty is rewarded with 5 points.
- Winning a Penalty: Winning a penalty adds 4 points to a player’s score.
Negative Actions and Points Deducted
- Goalkeeper Concedes Goal: Goalkeepers are penalised for conceding goals, with a deduction of 5 points per goal conceded.
- Red Card: Receiving a red card results in a significant penalty, deducting 5 points from the player’s total.
- Yellow Cards: Each yellow card results in a deduction of 2 points.
- Foul Conceded: If a player commits a foul, their points total is deducted 1 point.
- Offsides: When a player is caught offside, 1 point is deducted.
| Action | Points |
| Goal Scored | 10 |
| Shot On Target | 4 |
| Shot Off Target | 2 |
| Assist | 6 |
| Pass | 0.2 |
| Tackle | 2 |
| Interception | 1 |
| Foul Won | 1 |
| Saved Penalty (GK) | 5 |
| Win Penalty | 4 |
| Concede Goal (GK) | -5 |
| Red Card | -5 |
| Yellow Card | -2 |
| Foul Conceded | -1 |
| Offside | -1 |
Betting On Opta Player Of The Match
By understanding the points system of the Opta Player of the Match market, you should be able to make a prediction of which players are more likely to end the match with a positive points total. However, here are some tips for increasing your chances of backing the top Opta player.
Factors to Consider
- Player Position and Role: Strikers and attacking midfielders are more likely to score goals and provide assists, which in turn adds points to their Opta totals. Defenders and goalkeepers are more prone to point deductions due to goals conceded and increased chance of receiving yellow & red cards.
- Team Tactics and Opponents: Consider the playing style of both the player’s team and their opponents. A team with a strong attacking focus may provide more opportunities for forwards and midfielders to accumulate points.
- Recent Form and Fitness: A player’s recent performance and physical condition are good indicators of their potential to accumulate points. Consistently high-performing players or those with a high level of fitness are more reliable bets.
