Under 3.5 Goals Meaning-What Does Under 3.5 Goals Mean?
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Written by Peris Wambu
- Updated: Jun 30, 2025
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The under 3.5 goals market in football implies that you win a bet if the total number of goals scored in the match is 3 or fewer. Therefore, the possible sum of goals for a win in this market must be 0, 1, 2 or 3. Continue reading to learn more about under 3.5 goals meaning with examples.
Under 3.5 Goals Meaning
Under 3.5 goals betting simply means you are betting on the possibility of a football match ending with a total number of 3 goals or less. If there are 4 or more goals scored, you lose the bet.
Sports betting sites use the decimal format to minimize the chances of a return of stake. That is why this market is recorded as under 3.5 goals. It also eliminates the possibility of a draw.
If you wish to succeed in this market, you should explore leagues where teams do not score too many goals. However, you have an allowance in case there are a few more goals in the match, as long as they do not go beyond 3. Generally, the under 3.5 goals market is more flexible compared to the under 1.5 goals and under 2.5 goals options.
As you explore the under 3.5 goals market, always remember that more factors come into play for a successful bet. Look out for teams’ current form, injuries, and type of league, among other things.
Under 3.5 Goals Bet Outcomes
The table below represents every possible outcome for a successful under 3.5 goals bet. You will also learn about the results that represent a lost bet.
SCORE | GOALS | RESULT |
0-0 | 0 | Win |
1-0 | 1 | Win |
0-1 | 1 | Win |
1-1 | 2 | Win |
2-0 | 2 | Win |
0-2 | 2 | Win |
2-1 | 3 | Win |
1-2 | 3 | Win |
3-0 | 3 | Win |
3-1 | 4 | Lose |
2-2 | 4 | Lose |
1-3 | 4 | Lose |
Examples of Under 3.5 Goals
In this section, you will find practical examples of how the under 3.5 goals work. First, we consider a match in the Serie A league featuring Juventus vs. Napoli. These are among the top four teams on the table and have an attacking mentality. However, since both are eyeing the title, no team is willing to concede but a few rare moments will lead to goals. A match between the two will likely end in either of the following scorelines: 0-0, 1-0, 2-1, 1-1, or 2-0. The total number of goals in each scoreline is 3 or less, hence you win this bet.
Another example features the possibility of a loss where more than 3 goals are scored. In a recent EPL match featuring Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace, the score line at the end of the match was 5-2 in favor of Manchester City. For punters who placed the under 3.5 goals bet, they certainly lost because the total goals scored were 7, which is more than 3.
Under 3.5 Betting Odds
The odds for the under 3.5 goals betting market at football prediction sites are usually higher compared to those of the under 2.5 and under 1.5 goals markets. In under 3.5 goals market, there is an additional goal allowed for a winning bet.
Just like other markets such as handicap betting, there are several factors that influence the under 3.5 goals market. They include match circumstances, past goal-scoring stats and team forms.
Below are some reasons why the odds are likely to be higher in the under 3.5 goals market:
Demand in the market: The demand for various markets will influence the odds. For instance, if many punters are going for the under 2.5 goals market, this high demand might lower the odds. On the other hand, the under 3.5 goals market has a perceived high risk with low demand. The odds will therefore be slightly higher.
Higher chances of scoring: Most football matches record more than two goals. Therefore, there is a higher possibility of success in the under 3.5 goals market compared to the under 2.5 goals market, which is stricter.
Higher margin of error: An increased allowance of up to 3 goals provides more leeway for a successful bet. For instance, in the under 2.5 goals market, a match ending with a total of 3 or more goals will lead to a loss. However, the under 3.5 goals market allows for an extra goal, resulting in a winning goal. The winning chances are higher.
Tips and Strategies for Under 3.5 Goals Betting
The success of under 3.5 goals relies on various strategies. While there are a few challenges you will likely encounter, the following tips can help you overcome them.
Stay Updated with Team and Player News
As a bettor, you must be alert to the changes that happen to teams and individual players to make informed decisions. You do not have to know everything that happens in the sports industry. However, identify your ideal league that favors the under 3.5 goals market and keep up with new information as it comes in.
Staying updated is very important because you learn about new styles of play, a hired manager or change in game tactics. All these tactics have a huge bearing on the match results.
New information will enable you learn about the injuries especially about prolific goal scorers. For instance, if you are betting on Manchester City and Erling Haaland is injured, the game is likely to have very few or no goals scored.
Goalscoring Form
A team’s goal-scoring form is a critical parameter that you need to consider when betting on the under 3.5 goals market. If a team has struggled to score goals in their last 3 matches, it is highly likely that their next match will also have little or no goals.
Luckily, you have sufficient information online, including statistics and previews. You also monitor the scoring trends for each team, whether they have a high or low scoring record in the season.
Home vs Away Stat
In most football matches, the home team always has an advantage and tends to be more attacking than the away team. During the entire season, home teams will score more goals, unlike when they are away.
On the other hand, away teams always play defensively. They do not attack as much when they play away from home. Before you commit to a bet, make sure you review a team’s home and away records to increase your winning chances.
Head-to-Head Analysis
This statistic focuses on previous encounters between two teams over a period of time. Arch rivals have a history of vicious battles that often result in goalless draws or a total of 1 or 2 goals.
The English Premier League has a longstanding vicious head-to-head battle between Manchester United and Arsenal. Most of their encounters, irrespective of the competition, often end in a total of 3 or fewer goals. This result is attributed to their urge to keep the bragging rights.
Weather Conditions
While teams may be prepared with all their attacking players fit, the weather conditions will significantly impact the scoring pattern in that match. In case of extreme temperatures, wind or rain, many teams tend to be cautious and adopt defensive play.
If you establish that a match will be played under extreme weather conditions, the success chances in the under 3.5 goals market are very high.
Top Betting Sites with Competitive Under 3.5 Goals Odds
If you are looking for the best betting site where you can find competitive odds on the 3.5 goals markets, we suggest the sites below;
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