LaLiga Handicappers are Choosing Ronaldo and Messi to Be Leading Goal Scorers

Football bettors have a tendency to put their money on favorites. Sometimes, however, it can be a good idea to pick a long-shot.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that online sportsbooks in the UK are predicting that a flashy name like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi will lead La Liga in total goals scored this season. Both are world-class footballers who show a flair for the dramatic while approaching each game with consistency.

Bet365 is going with Cristiano to end the season with the goals crown, giving him 8/11 odds compared to 11/8 for Lionel Messi. Other high profile scorers are Luis Suarez at 10/1, Mario Mandjukic at 25/1, Neymar at 33/1 and Gareth Bale at 40/1.

Making a long-odds wager may be worth it

While the goals champion looks to be a two-man race, there is a reason that many handicappers advise putting at least some of your money on a long shot. It makes more than sports and gambling news when a guy like Neymar wins the title; it also makes a lot of money for people who bet money on him.

Putting $50 on Ronaldo and $10 on Neymar could be a good strategy. If Ronaldo wins you pocket $68 minus $10. If Neymar wins you pocket $330 minus $50. In either of those scenarios you win money; in the latter you win big.