It’s been a close race between the American and National League in terms of the World Series this decade, as the American League has a 5-4 lead since the Yankees won in 2000. This is why it’s difficult to figure out a sportsbook system when betting on World Series futures for this year. Here’s a couple of tips to help you along:

1) Look at the trends

Since 2000, the end of the Yankees’ three-peat, the World Series has bounced between leagues except for 2004 and 2005, when the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox went back to back for the American League. Last year was won by Philadelphia, so odds are, it’s the American League’s turn. Due to their win in the All-Star Game, the American League will also have homefield advantage.

2) No back-to-backs here

That Yankees team was the last one to repeat as World Series winners, and only one team has won twice this decade, Boston in 2004 and again in 2007. That could rule out the Red Sox and Phillies this year, and they’re two of the top three teams in this Northbet.com baseball year’s World Series futures.

3) Watch for the darkhorses

Darkhorses are a tough thing to pick for World Series futures. Usually it’s not recommended, but then you get teams like Tampa Bay from last year that come out of nowhere. However, at this point last year, we all knew that the Rays were for real, after months of wondering. A team like Colorado, for example, is ranked just outside the top contenders and shouldn’t be your first choice in your sportsbook system.