We are in the football pre-season mode now that the World Cup has sung its last hurrahs. Pre-season, of course, is that time of year when club managers do their annual trading of players, clubs hire and fire managers and coaching staff, and clubs venture out to play trial games. We call them club friendlies – and that is just what they are. Bookmakers love these games and that should send a red flag to all punters – if bookies like something, there must be money in it for them – not us.

If you take the concept of a football friendly and analyse it – it’s a no win for most punters. We have just gone through a series of friendlies, most of which went to plan with the favourites winning. However, even in winning, games are not played according to match rules. Preston defeated Bamber Bridge 6-1 in their game with Preston using no fewer than 20 players. If you’re looking at special bets on particular players, be aware. They may only play half a game.

You will still get surprise results. For example, Crawley defeated Crystal Palace; Hereford defeated Swansea (who are still without a manager); and Leeds lost in a trial they expected to win. All three sides were reasonably short in the betting.

Today, Fulham play Brentford and, by rights, Fulham should win easily. However, who will they send onto the field, and are they trying a range of combinations and tactics? If they are then Brentford may be able to gain an advantage. Club friendlies are terribly unpredictable so when a team like Fulham are quoted at 1/2 to win – you have to think twice about backing them. Brentford on the other hand are at 9/2 and could be worth a smaller wager.

If you are looking to bet on club friendlies, think carefully first. Better yet, consider smaller bets on longer priced teams. If you lose, your losses are smaller. If you win, your wins are much bigger. Either way, there are dangers in taking such short prices on club friendlies – that’s why bookmakers love betting on them.