The Premier League weekend is stacked with drama, and South African punters have plenty of angles to consider. From Ruben Amorim’s troubles at Manchester United to blockbuster clashes like Liverpool vs Arsenal, here’s a full breakdown with predictions and betting insights.
Chelsea vs Fulham – Saturday 13:30
London derbies often bring fireworks, and this one has the added spice of being played right before the international break – historically a fixture list that sees more yellow cards than usual. Expect a feisty encounter with plenty of fouls.
- Betting angle: Over 4.5 cards looks strong.
- Score prediction: Chelsea 2–1 Fulham
Manchester United vs Burnley – Saturday 16:00
Rúben Amorim’s job is hanging by a thread. United have just seven wins in 29 league games and were humiliated in the Carabao Cup by League Two opposition. Burnley, on the other hand, are organised and playing with belief.
- Betting angle: Burnley on “Draw No Bet” is excellent value.
- Score prediction: Burnley 2–1 Manchester United
Sunderland vs Brentford – Saturday 16:00
Brentford remain deadly from set-pieces, and centre-back Sepp van den Berg is due a goal with his constant aerial threat. Sunderland’s energy at home makes them dangerous, but Brentford’s attacking structure will create chances.
- Betting angle: Back Brentford’s defenders for goals.
- Score prediction: Sunderland 2–2 Brentford
Tottenham vs Bournemouth – Saturday 16:00
Spurs look revitalised, with Richarlison rediscovering his Everton form under a freer system. Bournemouth’s high-pressing approach leaves gaps at the back, which Tottenham’s pacey attack can exploit.
- Betting angle: Richarlison to score looks a solid play.
- Score prediction: Tottenham 3–1 Bournemouth
Wolves vs Everton – Saturday 16:00
Jack Grealish is thriving in his new Everton role, playing direct football and providing creativity. Wolves are competitive, but the Toffees’ counter-attacking style may be too much here.
- Betting angle: Grealish to assist is the standout pick.
- Score prediction: Wolves 1–2 Everton
Leeds vs Newcastle – Saturday 18:30
Promoted sides are proving tough to beat at home, and Elland Road is buzzing. Newcastle are missing key forwards and lack bite in midfield, making this a tricky away day.
- Betting angle: Back Leeds at home for value.
- Score prediction: Leeds 1–0 Newcastle
Brighton vs Manchester City – Sunday 15:00
Erling Haaland’s aerial threat is becoming a new weapon for City, as their crossing game develops. Brighton won’t sit back, but that could play into City’s hands.
- Betting angle: Haaland to score a header is worth a punt.
- Score prediction: Brighton 1–2 Manchester City
Nottingham Forest vs West Ham – Sunday 15:00
The weekend before an international break usually delivers goals – and West Ham’s defence has looked shaky, conceding heavily in recent weeks. Forest’s pace and direct style should trouble them.
- Betting angle: Over 2.5 goals is the play here.
- Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 3–1 West Ham
Liverpool vs Arsenal – Sunday 17:30
Two title contenders meet early in the season, and neither will want to lose ground. History tells us these heavyweight clashes in August often end in draws.
- Betting angle: Back the draw – it offers value and makes sense tactically.
- Score prediction: Liverpool 1–1 Arsenal
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace – Sunday 20:00
Oliver Glasner has a stunning record against Unai Emery, and Ismaila Sarr has been electric in these fixtures. Villa’s quality at home can’t be underestimated, but Palace know how to frustrate them.
- Betting angle: Sarr to score or assist is worth considering.
- Score prediction: Aston Villa 1–1 Crystal Palace
Best Bets for ZA Punters
- Burnley “Draw No Bet” vs Manchester United
- Over 4.5 cards in Chelsea vs Fulham
- Haaland to score a header vs Brighton
- Over 2.5 goals in Nottingham Forest vs West Ham
- Liverpool vs Arsenal draw
For South African punters, this weekend is all about smart plays rather than emotional punts. United are too short, Liverpool-Arsenal screams stalemate, and the underdog angles are where the real value lies.
