Before you place your shots on target bet, be sure to get yourself up to date on the rules, as there are a few things to remember with what qualifies as a shot on target.
According to OPTA, a shot on target is defined as “a clear attempt to score that would have gone into the net but for being saved by the goalkeeper or is stopped by a player who is the last-man with the goalkeeper having no chance of preventing the goal (last line block)”.
For example, if Bruno Fernandes shoots and the shot is off target but is deflected into the net, Fernandes will not have a shot target as it will go down as an own goal off the individual the ball last came off. Plus, shots blocked by another player, who is not the last-man, are not counted as shots on, meaning if Fernandes shoots from range and the shot is blocked by someone ahead of another opposing player, he doesn’t register a shot on target.
It is also important to remember that shots that hit the woodwork (post or bar) are not counted as shots on target, unless they hit the woodwork and go in as a goal. For example, if Kevin De Bruyne shots from range and it goes in off the bar and into the net, De Bruyne registers a shot on target.
OPTA also define a shot off target as a shot that “would have gone over or wide of the goal but for being stopped by a goalkeeper's save or by an outfield player”. Furthermore, shots that are blocked unintentionally by their own teammate is also regarded as a shot off target. Although, clearances off the line by an opposition player are counted as shots on target.