Soccer pool systems really work if they are based on sound statistical analysis. Why do the systems work? Simply, because the performance of soccer teams is not random in the long run: the teams actually play in general to form.
There are two parts to solving the problem of how to win soccer pools. The first is statistical analysis: the system designer will have looked at past team and match results, and will then produce a mathematical model that explains the results with a reasonable degree of accuracy and allows predictions to be made on that basis.
In reality, the precision only needs to be slightly better than random. In roulette, the casino makes money with a 2-3% advantage in the long run. In soccer pools, that margin is adequate in the long run, but we would expect to do much better from time to time and win. Of course, we want to earn enough to cover the stakes in those weeks that we don’t win, so that it becomes a profitable exercise.
The second part of the soccer pool problem is coverage. It’s not economical to cover every possible combination in a 49-game coupon: there are 450 million ways to line up eight tie games. Of course, there may not even be eight tie results on any given coupon. That’s where ‘plans’ and ‘permanents’ come in. These are ways of covering, say, 20 selections in a coupon in such a way that when there are between 12 and 15 tie results in a given coupon, then we can have a reasonable expectation of profit if we have chosen, say, six or eight of those. . raffles. Simply put, the plan can cover all 20 teams in such a way that 25,000 possible combinations of 8 matches are wagered. This reduces the odds significantly.
There are several systems available. Some are described in books available, for example, from Amazon; others can be downloaded online; spreadsheets are available; there is software There are books that specialize in ‘perms’ and software that do as well. Therefore, a great choice for those who are prepared to do their research.
However, the whole process is based on the solid prediction of the results of the matches. To do that (assuming you can’t afford to bet thousands of pounds or dollars on a regular basis), after you’ve bought a system, the user has to work to maintain the basic data on which the analysis is based. There are organizations that offer advice, and there are full sets of match data and predictions available online (usually by subscription only). If the bettor of the pools does not wish to subscribe, several hours of work will be required to prepare each entry.
The final key point is that to be successful in this arena, persistence is important: that a week where an entry is missed may be the week that would have been the winner. After all, we are working on a statistical basis.
In conclusion, soccer pool systems can work if they are well designed and used correctly (that means working by the numbers and not allowing one’s opinions on the likely outcome of a match to affect selections). If you are considering a system, then any reputable system should be prepared to demonstrate a successful record of results.