Our football betting expert previews the weekend’s Premier League fixtures and flags his top tips and score predictions.
Liverpool v Chelsea (Sat, 12:30)
Chelsea look disjointed under Enzo Maresca right now — lacking structure and rhythm, with distractions piling up ahead of the cup final and a summer World Cup. Anfield remains a hostile place for visiting teams and Liverpool are strong at home, losing just once in their last 11 there. Chelsea look vulnerable, so take the straightforward option with some goals value: Liverpool to win and over 2.5 goals (11/8). SCORE PREDICTION: 3-1.
Brighton v Wolves (Sat, 15:00)
Wolves may not instil faith in many areas, but they are excellent at drawing fouls and winning cards. Players like Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Matheus Nunes often put defenders under pressure, and Mats Wieffer’s hybrid role sees him engage in physical duels — he’s been booked in recent games against Wolves and carries a decent card rate this season. A wager on Wieffer to be booked looks appealing (11/4). SCORE PREDICTION: 3-0.
Fulham v Bournemouth (Sat, 15:00)
This has a real end-of-season intensity — it matters in the race for European places. Fulham will push at home while Bournemouth are on a long unbeaten run and determined to stay in the mix. Both teams will see the value of a win, so the goals market is attractive: Over 3.5 goals (11/8). SCORE PREDICTION: 3-2. JONES KNOWS’ BEST BET: Over 3.5 goals (11/8).
Sunderland v Manchester United (Sat, 15:00)
Back Bruno Fernandes to register an assist again (11/8). He’s been creating constantly and plays like a man hunting records — he’s on 19 Premier League assists this season, one shy of the single-season record. Follow the playmaker; he’s the conductor for United’s attacks. SCORE PREDICTION: 1-2. JONES KNOWS’ BEST BET: Bruno Fernandes assist (11/8).
Manchester City v Brentford (Sat, 17:30)
City cannot drop points if they want to keep pressure on Arsenal, but they showed defensive cracks at Everton recently. Brentford’s Igor Thiago has been outstanding this campaign and is the primary outlet for their attack — at 2/1 to score anytime he looks good value. SCORE PREDICTION: 3-2.
Burnley v Aston Villa (Sun, 14:00)
Villa are focused on results rather than style as the season winds down. Many of their wins have been narrow affairs — 12 of 17 by one goal — so backing them to win by a single goal is a smart angle (5/2). SCORE PREDICTION: 0-1.
Crystal Palace v Everton (Sun, 14:00)
Palace have been vulnerable from set-pieces, conceding lots from dead-ball situations. Everton’s centre-backs are threats in the box on corners and free-kicks. Splitting stakes on Michael Keane to score first (16/1) and James Tarkowski to score first (25/1) offers long-shot value in a tight, physical game. SCORE PREDICTION: 0-1.
Nottingham Forest v Newcastle (Sun, 14:00)
Bruno Guimarães has a huge impact on Newcastle’s results — they win far more often with him in the side. His influence returned in the win over Brighton and made Newcastle look like themselves again. Back Newcastle on the draw-no-bet market (10/11) against a fatigued Forest. SCORE PREDICTION: 1-2.
West Ham v Arsenal (Sun, 16:30)
Arsenal are heavy favourites in the title race and will be tested in a potentially tight, scrappy contest at West Ham. Viktor Gyökeres has been in excellent form — nine goals in his last 12 league games — and his physical, combative style makes him a plausible match-winner. Consider Gyökeres to score first (9/2). SCORE PREDICTION: 0-1. JONES KNOWS’ BEST BET: Viktor Gyökeres to score first (9/2).
Tottenham v Leeds (Mon, 20:00)
Spurs’ recent performance at Villa showed tactical control and aggression under pressure — they dominated territory and limited the hosts’ chances. If they reproduce that level, Leeds could be overwhelmed. Spurs are available at around 4/5 and look a sensible call. SCORE PREDICTION: 2-0.
Jones Knows’ weekend treble (1pt)
Over 3.5 goals in Fulham v Bournemouth, Bruno Fernandes to register an assist, and Viktor Gyökeres to score first — priced around 33/1.
Jones Knows — Profit & Loss 25/26
Season running tally provided by the column: currently down 49.75 units after Matchday 35.
Remember: bets are never guarantees. Back responsibly and only stake what you can afford to lose.