Bookies always set a total goal handicap on a football match based on the average number of goals for the particular league vs the home ground goal tendency vs the strength of the teams playing. So for example, in EPL the average goals per game is about 2.6. So in overall, all EPL matches should have a total goal handicap of 2.5 for all their matches.
Next the bookies will evaluate on the goal tendency based on the home ground of the team. If lets say Swansea home ground produces very little goals, the total goal handicap will be set for 2.25 in normal circumstances for football matches.
Lastly, if the teams involved is unevenly matched. Lets say Man Utd away give 1 ball to Swansea and hence, the total goal handicap for the game will be placed higher than the normal 2.25. Probably it will be set at 2.75 instead. Make sense to you?
Look at the following chart.
Let X = the normal total goal handicap for a match
BOOKIES EXPECTATION OF GOALS IN A GAME
VERY UNDER UNDER NORMAL OVER VERY OVER
X - 0.5 X - 0.25 X X+0.25 X+0.5
So to give you a better impression, let me provide an example.
Man Utd Vs Arsenal
Both teams standard arent too far off isnt it? And based on the average goals per match in EPL and with no teams giving more than 0.75 or 1 ball to each other,
Bookies should set this total goal handicap at 2.5 right?
But lets say bookie set 2.75, isnt it telling you bookies are expecting this match to over? or if bookies set 2.25, isnt it telling u it will be under?
With the above mentioned in mind, 3 Tier Handicap Ruling is just taking 'Under, Normal, Over' at the above chart. The whole chart can be called 5 Tier Handicap Ruling but lets not think so much ok?