Sky Sports analyst Lewis Jones, widely known as Jones Knows, has provided his predictions and betting insights ahead of the upcoming round of Premier League fixtures. His analysis covers key storylines, including Liam Delap’s return to Ipswich Town, Aston Villa’s home record against Manchester City, and Manchester United’s ongoing struggles.
Delap Returns to Ipswich as Forest Visit Portman Road
Nottingham Forest travel to Ipswich Town for Friday night’s clash, where striker Liam Delap faces his former club. Delap proved to be one of the few positives during Ipswich’s 2024/25 relegation season, but the forward can expect a hostile reception from the home support. Known for his aggressive mentality and combative edge, Delap averaged 2.6 fouls per 90 minutes and accumulated 12 yellow cards during his final campaign with Ipswich. He has already collected two cautions in five starts for Forest, while referee Thomas Bramall previously sent him off during Chelsea’s victory over Wolves last season. Sky Sports tipster Jones tipped Delap to be booked at 3/1, predicting a 2-1 away victory for Forest.
Emery Targets Man City as Arsenal Host Everton
Aston Villa take on Manchester City at Villa Park on Saturday, with Jones highlighting Unai Emery’s remarkable home record against the league’s top sides. Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, Villa have played 13 home matches against teams finishing in the top four, recording eight victories, two draws, and only three defeats, which includes three wins over Manchester City. Backing Villa double chance at 6/5 is Jones’ selection alongside a 2-1 home win prediction, despite City entering the contest with seven wins from seven league games.
Later on Saturday, Arsenal welcome Everton to the Emirates Stadium. David Moyes has suffered 21 defeats in his last 22 away fixtures against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool dating back to his first spell at West Ham. Jones backed Arsenal to win with under 3.5 goals at 10/11, pointing out that Mikel Arteta’s side have seen that combination land in 12 of their last 14 home fixtures across all competitions. A 2-0 Arsenal victory is the predicted outcome.
Card Hazards and Attacking Form
Fulham visit Coventry on Saturday boasting strong attacking metrics. Fulham are averaging a league-high 33.5 touches inside the opponent’s penalty area per match and rank behind only Brighton and Manchester City for open-play expected goals per 90 minutes with 1.34. Jones tipped Fulham to score over 1.5 goals at Evens, forecasting a 2-1 away triumph.
The London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham on Saturday evening is expected to produce disciplinary action. Recent meetings have averaged six cards per fixture, while referee Chris Kavanagh averages 4.2 cautions per game since last season. Jones highlighted Levi Colwill to be carded at 4/1, noting that Tottenham midfielder James Maddison has drawn 77 yellow cards from opponents since 2018. A 1-1 draw is the predicted scoreline.
Sunday Clashes: Palace, Brighton, and Man United
On Sunday, Crystal Palace host Newcastle following a heavy 5-0 loss to Brighton. Palace have shipped two or more goals in 11 of their last 13 league outings, prompting manager Pierre Sage to consider tactical adjustments. Jones backed a goalless first half at 5/2, projecting a 1-0 win for Palace.
Brentford’s trip to Hull offers another specific angle, where Hull striker Oli McBurnie’s direct approach leads to opposing centre-backs drawing an average of 1.5 fouls per game. Jones backed Kristoffer Ajer to be fouled at least once at 10/11, predicting a 1-1 draw.
Liverpool host Brighton at Anfield, with the Seagulls entering the contest boasting a record of 19 points from 13 games against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City under manager Fabian Hurzeler. Jones backed Brighton on the draw no bet market at 11/8, predicting a 2-1 Brighton win.
Manchester United face Bournemouth at Old Trafford having made their worst start to a league season in 37 years, taking just seven points from seven matches and failing to win in their last seven across all competitions. Bournemouth are unbeaten across their past six encounters with United, scoring 15 times, leading Jones to predict a 3-1 Bournemouth victory and recommending Bournemouth draw no bet at 11/8.
The weekend action concludes with Sunderland hosting Leeds, where Jones tipped a 1-1 draw at 21/10, pointing out that Leeds have split the points in eight of their previous 16 Premier League outings.
Source: SkySports | News
