Placing a bet on soccer isn't an exact science.

There are plenty of ways to do it. Some prefer to monitor markets first, find what they consider value and then bet, whereas others may like analyzing the statistics for an upcoming game before ever consulting a bookie's listings.

While a soccer bet is never guaranteed to win, there are certain methodologies a bettor can follow to ensure that their chances are optimised.

No matter how frequently somebody wagers there are some essential soccer betting tools that are needed to inform a bet - the top 5 of which we've listed below:

1. Trusted Tipping Sources

   Weekly game previews, like the ones listed in bookies.com's tips section, are important for constructing an informed opinion of what may happen during a soccer match. Always read 3-4 previews and note any commonalities between them. Make sure that the tippers you're taking inspiration from are an authority on the subject of soccer betting - an easy way to do this is to read their previous work and biography (if available).

2. Bet Calculator

   Don't waste your time doing math! A quality betting calculator will tell you your potential returns quickly. The best calculators will allow you to pick between American style, decimal and fractional odds and will also allow you to calculate accumulators and multiples with ease.

3. Comparative List of the Latest Odds

   In order to maximise potential winnings it is crucial that you monitor the odds before a big game. You would be surprised at just how different the prices can be between the top online soccer bookies. If you're signing up for the first time make sure to avail of a welcome bonus. Most bookies will offer a free bet or will match a certain deposit by 100% up to a set number.

4. Comprehensive Soccer News Source

   The news around a team and/or player in the run-up to a big game can have a detrimental (or ultra positive, depending on how you look at it) effect on the odds and your chances of winning a bet. Keep an eye on team news specific to your bet - in particular look at player injuries.

5. In-Depth Soccer Statistics

   Without a doubt, this is the most important of all soccer betting tools. Using a solid statistics source to back up a wager is critical for optimising your chances of winning. Monitoring a team and individual player form can be the difference between a major payday and being laughed at by your bookie.

   For example - let's pretend that Liverpool have scored over 3.5 goals in 5 of their last 10 games while their upcoming opponents Cardiff haven't scored a single goal in their last 10. The statistics here indicate that an outcome of over 3.5 goals is more probable than others. It would be fair to say that, judging strictly by the stats, Liverpool would be likely to score - and also more likely to score over 3.5 goals. This justifies an over 3.5 goals wager.

   It is important to do proper statistical research before placing any wager - otherwise you may be wasting your time and money.