Premier League Predictions: Arsenal's Fast Start & Other Key Matchups

Arsenal appears poised for another strong season, making them the team to watch. Their opening match against Coventry is expected to be a straightforward win, with odds of 1/6 for a victory with Sky Bet.

A noteworthy betting angle involves Myles Lewis-Skelly, who is being recognized as a central midfielder. In his seven starts in this position, he has averaged 4.3 foul involvements (fouls won + fouls committed) per 90 minutes. The "four or more" line has been met in six of these matches, making it a strong bet at 10/11 with Sky Bet.

Coventry has bolstered their midfield with power and athleticism for their Premier League return, which should lead to more fouls in central areas. Frank Onyeka, on loan last season, is a prime example, averaging 2.5 fouls drawn per 90. New signing Caleb Yirenkyi adds further energy and aggression to the midfield.

Lewis-Skelly is expected to be heavily involved in the action.

SCORE PREDICTION: 3-0 | JONES KNOWS' BEST BET: Myles Lewis-Skelly +4 foul involvements (10/11 with Sky Bet)

Hull City vs Manchester United, Saturday 12:30pm

Questions remain about whether Michael Carrick can build on last season's third-place finish and if the squad has sufficient depth for a demanding schedule. Carrick has assembled a squad rich in attacking talent, with enhanced technical ability and physicality in midfield, and a more flexible possession structure.

However, Manchester United still struggles to prevent games from becoming chaotic and conceding chances. Under Carrick, they averaged 1.5 expected goals against per 90 last season but only conceded 1.05 goals per game. Their pre-season collapse against AC Milan suggests these defensive issues persist.

Fueled by a strong start, Hull City could contribute to a high-scoring game. A bet on "both teams to score" at 10/11 with Sky Bet appears sound.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-3

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was outstanding in pre-season, earning a penalty and being named man of the match. This is unsurprising given his performance for Everton last season, where he ranked 11th among Premier League midfielders for combined goals and assists per 90 (0.41). His relentless energy provides David Moyes with a midfielder capable of late runs into the box, pressing, and carrying the ball forward. He is available at 11/8 with Sky Bet to score or assist in a match where Everton is expected to secure maximum points.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-0

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds, Saturday 3pm

Morgan Gibbs-White was exceptional at the end of last season, scoring seven goals in his last six games. The managerial change is a positive development for Gibbs-White's goal-scoring potential this season.

Tactically, Gibbs-White is well-suited to the two attacking midfield roles behind the striker favored by Oliver Glasner. When Glasner works with a talented forward using his vertical style, the player's goal returns typically see a significant improvement.

Gibbs-White is a strong candidate to score in this match, available at 9/4 in the anytime goalscorer market with Sky Bet.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-1

Ipswich vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm

Sunderland may face a "second season syndrome," especially with the added pressure of a European campaign. Historically, teams outside the 'big six' that participate in a European competition after a season without one tend to earn, on average, 12.5 fewer points the following season.

The increased workload and potential prioritization of European matches later in the season negatively impact Premier League form. Last season alone, Newcastle (-17), Nottingham Forest (-21), and Crystal Palace (-8) all saw their league form decline while competing in Europe.

Furthermore, Sunderland overachieved by 13 points last season according to Opta's expected goals model, placing them among the bottom three teams based on these metrics. The last seven teams to finish five or more places above their expected finishing position have subsequently seen a regression in their league standing the following season.

Sunderland is a tempting bet for relegation at 3/1 with Sky Bet, and Ipswich could set the tone for the season with a home win at 8/5 with Sky Bet.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-1

Brentford vs Tottenham, Saturday 5:30pm

Roberto De Zerbi is an exciting but unpredictable manager, making Spurs a thrilling prospect this season. However, Micky van de Ven's absence for the opener presents opportunities for Brentford.

A new center-back partnership facing Igor Thiago, Kevin Schade, and Dango Ouattara in the first competitive match of the season is a concern, especially given Tottenham's likely high defensive line and possession-based approach. De Zerbi's possession game should create chances for Brentford's counter-attacking tactics.

Goals are anticipated, making a bet on Brentford to score over 1.5 goals at evens an attractive prospect.

SCORE PREDICTION: 3-2

Brighton vs Aston Villa, Sunday 2pm

Brighton has focused on refinement over the summer, while Aston Villa has undergone a significant rebuild. This explains Brighton's favoritism at 6/5 with Sky Bet.

However, Unai Emery has experience with such rebuilds and is known for his consistency and ability to manage player departures. Since taking over at Valencia in 2008/09, he has consistently finished in the top seven of every league he has managed in (15 out of 15 seasons), with an average finishing position of 4.3.

This record makes a strong case for him being the league's best pound-for-pound manager. With Emery at the helm, Aston Villa is expected to win many games this season, starting with this one. A "draw no bet" on Villa at 5/4 with Sky Bet is a recommended wager.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-2

Manchester City vs Bournemouth, Sunday 2pm

Marco Rose is a logical choice for Bournemouth, with his Red Bull background suggesting a continuation of aggressive pressing, vertical attacking, and a willingness to engage in transition battles. Crucially, his appointment allowed for a proper handover, avoiding a last-minute scramble in August.

Bournemouth is expected to be well-prepared, while Manchester City's new system may still be bedding in without Pep Guardiola.

A "both teams to score" bet with over 3.5 goals in the game is an option at 5/4 with Sky Bet via their BuildABet function.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-2

Newcastle vs Liverpool, Sunday 4:30pm

Alexander Isak faces a charged atmosphere as he returns to Newcastle. A year ago, the Swedish striker expressed dissatisfaction with his relationship at Newcastle, citing broken promises and a lack of trust, leading to a contentious £130 million move to Liverpool.

The interesting betting angle is not whether he scores, but whether Newcastle players will target him. Sky Bet offers a "to be fouled" market, which is ideal for betting on Isak.

His historical foul-winning numbers are relatively low, explaining the bookmakers' generous pricing. Odds of 10/11 for him to be fouled once or more, and 4/1 for two or more fouls, are excellent bets because the market is based on his usual foul-winning profile, not the narrative of the match.

Isak will be a marked man. Every time he touches the ball, the crowd will react. Every time he turns a Newcastle defender, there will be an audible response. If a Newcastle midfielder or defender tackles him, St James' Park will erupt.

A Newcastle player can easily ignite the crowd by bringing Isak down. While not suggesting premeditation, the natural aggression of a fiercely competitive opening-day game, amplified by a hostile atmosphere towards a specific player, will create this dynamic.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-2 | JONES KNOWS BEST BET: Alexander Isak to be fouled +1 times (10/11 with Sky Bet) & Isak to be fouled +2 times (4/1 with Sky Bet)

Fulham vs Chelsea, Monday 8pm

Chelsea has appointed Xabi Alonso, a manager with a clear and recognizable football philosophy, rather than another coach focused on maximizing the existing squad. His work at Bayer Leverkusen showcases the real Alonso, and his time at Real Madrid can be excused.

Getting Chelsea competitive this season, especially without the distraction of European games, is achievable. They could even emerge as Arsenal's closest challengers. A win away at a Fulham side facing uncertainty over its future would be a significant step in that direction. Marco Silva provided tactical clarity, Premier League experience, and consistent mid-table finishes. Without that stability, Fulham is now taking a risk.

Chelsea is considered a strong bet this weekend at 17/20 with Sky Bet.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-2 | JONES KNOWS' BEST BET: Chelsea to win (17/20 with Sky Bet)

Jones Knows' best bets...

• 1pt on Myles Lewis-Skelly +4 foul involvements (10/11 with Sky Bet)
• 1pt on Chelsea to beat Fulham (17/20 with Sky Bet)
• 1pt on Alexander Isak to be fouled +1 times (10/11 with Sky Bet)
• 1pt on Alexander Isak to be fouled +2 times (4/1 with Sky Bet)