Welcome to EPL Fan Zone: Your Guide to the Premiership and Punts.

Alright mate, pull up a chair and grab a beer if you want…welcome to EPL Fan Zone!

It’s great to meet you – I’ll be your guide, I’m a old school defensive midfielder who back-in-the-day loved to get stuck in and scored a couple screamers. This blog’s for all of us who live for the drama of the beautiful game and are partial to a cheeky bet now & again.

Whether you’re buzzing cause your teams a title contender, or getting stressed out over relegation or just collecting bants to put the your boys in their place, I’ve got you covered. It’s all about top tips, match previews and proper footy banter.

We’ll also take a little dive into betting strategies.

Stick with me at www.eplfanzone.com for your weekly fix of Prem news and a few punts!

Mate, nothing beats the buzz of a new Premier League season – 2025/26 starts August 15, 2025 and it’s gonna be a proper roller-coaster.

Liverpool are defending their title, new signings will be shaking things up and promoted sides Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland are ready to scrap. There’s bets everywhere – title winners, relegation flops, you name it.

Mate, can’t kick off without mentioning our heavy hearts, thinking about Diogo…I want to take a moment to remember him – tragically lost in a car crash on July 3, 2025. The news hit me like a punch in the gut, proper deep. I’ll say more later but for now, my condolences go out to his family and the whole Anfield family.  So, as we dive into the season we pay our respects to the memory of Jota and his legacy.

Title Race:

Who’s Nicking My Old Dream?

I never got close to the title, but now I’m calling it – Liverpool are the ones to beat. Arne Slot’s lads pulled it off last season, nabbing their 20th title despite all the pundits and bookies banging on about Manchester City being guaranteed winners.

Liverpool shut ‘em up with a cracking campaign. With new stars like Florian Wirtz – £60m from Bayer Leverkusen, what a signing – and Jeremie Frimpong, they’re favorites at 4/5 (Bet365). Their opener against Bournemouth at Anfield, August 15, 8:00 PM BST should be a doddle, but then they face Newcastle away, Arsenal at home, and Everton away in the first five weeks. That’s a proper test mate – Newcastle’s a fortress with their passionate home support, Arsenal’s got title hunger, and the Merseyside derby’s always a scrap, especially without Jota’s magic touch to nick a goal.

Who Else Is in the Running?

Arsenal (6/4, Sky Bet): Arteta’s boys are desperate to lift that trophy I only dreamed of. But United, Liverpool, and City in their first five games? Brutal. If they hang in, their run-in – Fulham, Burnley, West Ham—could see them nick it.

Manchester City (2/1, Bet365): Pep’s crew had a shocker last season, no silverware and De Bruyne’s off. Still, we’d all agree top four’s in locked (1/5). They’re at Wolves on August 16.

Chelsea (7/1, Sky Bet): Maresca’s splashed £60m on Brighton’s João Pedro. With Palace and Fulham up first, they could sneak into the mix.

My Betting Tip: Chuck a tenner on Liverpool at 4/5 – solid as my old slide tackles. Or try Arsenal each-way at 6/4 if you reckon they’ll dodge the early punches. Bet365’s odds move faster than I ever did, so check ‘em live!

 

Relegation Scrap:

Who’s Dropping?

Mate, those relegation battles are heart-pounding stuff. The bookies reckon Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland…the promoted lads are already in hot water, and Southampton are in a right mess after last season.

Leeds face Arsenal first up…ouch! Sunderland host West Ham and Burnley’s off to Spurs. Tough gigs. Relegation Odds (OddsPortal):

Southampton: 1/100 – Defending worse than I did against Drogba. They’re gone.

Ipswich Town: 1/2 – Scraped by last year…their squad’s thin.

Leeds United: 7/4 – Smashed the Championship but their backline’s leakier than my old boots.

My Betting Tip: Stick Southampton’s relegation at 1/100 in your acca – its as safe as my old set-pieces. And mate, an acca is an accumulator. One bet where you bundle a few picks together, like picking winners for multiple matches. If they all come through, the odds multiply for a tasty payout, but one flop and it’s game over.

Southampton’s a banker for the drop…so it’s a solid leg to start with.

 

Feeling bold?

Add Leeds to stay up at 2/5 if their attack goes nuts – those lads could bang in goals like I used to dream of. Check OddsPortal to make sure you’re getting the best odds before you take a punt!

 

Key Matches to Get You Buzzing…

The fixture list’s dropped, and it’s got some proper bangers – perfect for a bet while you’re shouting at the telly.

Here’s what’s got me a little hyped:

• August 17, 2025: Man United vs. Arsenal (Old Trafford, 4:30 PM) – Spicy start. Both sides love a goal-fest, so over 2.5 goals at 9/10 (Bet365) is a cracker.
• September 20, 2025: Liverpool vs. Everton (Anfield, 3:00 PM) – Merseyside derby’s gonna hit hard without Jota. Liverpool to win at 1/2 (Sky Bet).
• November 8, 2025: Man City vs. Liverpool (Etihad, 3:00 PM) – Title-defining stuff. Both teams to score (13/20, Bet365) feels right.
• April 18, 2026: Everton vs. Liverpool (Everton’s new stadium, 3:00 PM) – First derby at their new ground. Draw at 11/5 (Sky Bet) for the banter.

My Betting Tip: Build a Game week 1 acca with Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea wins for 7/2 odds (Bet365). Check Sky Sports for fixture switches – European games can mess with your head like a dodgy ref.

Betting Odds 101: Cracking the Code.

Mate, those numbers on Bet365 or Sky Bet aren’t just gibberish – they’re your ticket to cash. Odds show how likely something is and what you’ll pocket if you’re right. UK bookies use fractional (e.g. 4/5) or decimal—fractional’s the classic way, so let’s stick with it for now.

(Let me be clear — here’s my disclaimer: When it comes to betting, take responsibility. Please hear me. Seriously, I’ve seen how betting can get out of hand. Be sensible).

• Fractional Odds: These show your profit per stake. Liverpool at 4/5 means you win £4 profit for every £5 bet, plus your stake back. So, a £5 bet gets £9 (£4 profit + £5 stake). Arsenal at 6/4? That’s £6 profit per £4 bet, so £10 bet returns £25 (£15 profit + £10 stake). Southampton at 1/100? Barely worth it—£10 gets £10.10 back. Lower odds (like 1/100) mean it’s more likely but pays less.

 

• Decimal Odds Comparison: You might see Liverpool’s 4/5 as 1.80 in decimal format—same thing. Bet £10 at 1.80, you get £18 (£8 profit). To convert fractional to decimal, divide the fraction (4 ÷ 5 = 0.8) and add 1 (0.8 + 1 = 1.80).

 

• Why It Matters: Bookies vary. A £10 bet on Haaland for top scorer at 4/5 (Bet365) vs. 3/4 (Sky Bet) saves you £0.50. Use OddsPortal to compare.

 

My Tip: Stick with fractional odds if you like the traditional vibe, and grab promos like Bet365’s “Bet £10, Get £30.” Bet responsibly, 18+, or you’ll be benched by your bank account.

Betting Strategies and Mindset: Play Smart, Get Your Head Right & Stay Cool.

 

Mate, once again I’ll get in a load a shite if I didn’t mention being responsible. Betting’s like playing midfield – you’ve gotta stay sharp, keep your cool and not lose your head when things go sideways.

Back on the training ground, you plan every move and betting’s no different. Here’s my playbook, plus some psychology tricks to stop you punting like some nutter:

 

• Bankroll Management: Set a budget – say, £50 a month – and bet 1-5% per punt (£0.50-£2.50). Keeps you in the game longer.

 

• Value Betting: Spot odds better than the real chance. If I think Isak’s got a 20% shot at top scorer (1 in 5), but Sky Bet’s offering 5/1 (16.7% implied), that’s value. Check BBC Sport or Transfermarkt for stats to back your gut.

 

• Mix Safe and Risky: Pair bankers like Southampton’s relegation (1/100) with spicier picks like Wirtz for 10+ assists (6/4) in an acca. Keep it to 4-5 legs – don’t go wild like I’ve done in the past.
• Spread Your Bets: Don’t lump it all on one match. Try £5 on Liverpool to win, £3 on over 2.5 goals, £2 on Salah to score. Saves you if one bet’s as off as my old free-kicks.

 

Live Betting: The Mid-Match Thrill:

Live betting’s like being on the pitch, reacting to every pass. With semi-automated off-sides speeding up calls, you can bet mid-game on next goal-scorer, total goals, or corners. Here’s how I’d play it:

 

• How It Works: Odds shift as the game unfolds. If Liverpool are 1-0 up vs. Bournemouth at half-time, their win odds might drop to 3/10, but over 2.5 goals could be 7/10 if they’re piling on. Bet365 and Sky Bet’s live markets are quick as my old sprints (well, almost).

 

• Examples:
  • Man United vs. Arsenal (August 17): If Arsenal score first and United are pressing, their comeback odds might hit 5/2 in-play. A £5 punt could return £17.50.
  • Liverpool vs. Everton (September 20): If it’s 0-0 at 60 minutes, bet £3 on Salah to score next at 6/5—he’s a derby king, could bag £6.60.
  • Leeds vs. Tottenham (October 4): Leeds’ mad pressing means corners pile up. If it’s under 9 corners at half-time, grab over 9.5 at 17/20 – £5 returns £9.25.
  • City vs Liverpool (November 8): If it’s 1-1 at 70 minutes, bet £2 on over 3.5 goals at 1/1 for a £4 return if it’s a late goal-fest.

 

• Live Betting Tips: Watch the game on Sky Sports or TNT Sports, or track stats on Flashscore. Bet small (£1-£2) to keep it fun, and don’t go mental if your team’s bottling it.

 

Betting Psychology: Keep Your Head in the Game: Betting’s as much about your mind as your wallet. Here’s what I learned from years on the pitch:

• Stay Calm Under Pressure: Don’t let a bad bet – like when I skied a ‘must score’ penalty make you chuck more cash to “fix” it. If your acca flops, take a breather. My rule: especially with larger bets – no betting for 24 hours after a loss. Keeps you sharper than a ref’s whistle.

 

• Avoid the FOMO Trap: When everyone’s hyping Haaland for top scorer (4/5), don’t just jump in. Back your own call – like Isak at 5/1 – pick your moment to pass instead of hoofing it.
• Set Goals, Not Dreams: Treat betting like a season-long campaign. Aim for small wins (£5-£10 a week) rather than a £100 acca that’s as likely as me starting for England now. Track bets in a notebook or Bet365’s app.
• Ignore the Noise: X posts screaming “United are nailed-on at 5/2”? Ignore ‘em like I ignored dodgy agents. Trust stats from BBC Sport or Opta.
• Enjoy the Crack: Betting’s meant to be fun, like a post-match debrief with the lads after a win. If you’re stressing more than cheering, cut back. A £2 live bet on Salah scoring is way more fun than a £50 punt you’re sweating over.

My Tip: Start with a small acca (Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea wins at 7/2) and keep £5-£10 for live bets. Use OddsPortal for value, and remember the clique – don’t bet what you can’t afford to lose!

There’s more to betting than picking a winner mate. Here’s what I’m eyeing:

• Top Goalscorer: Haaland’s the fave at 4/5 (Bet365), but Newcastle’s Isak (5/1, Sky Bet) could steal it if he stays fit. £5 on Isak could bag £30.
• Player Props: Without Jota, Liverpool’s Wirtz is my pick. Bet £5 on him for 10+ assists at 6/4 (Bet365) for £12.50 back.
• Corners and Cards: Leeds play like I did on a good day – full pelt. Over 9.5 corners (17/20, Sky Bet) is a steal; £5 returns £9.25.
• Live Betting: If City vs Liverpool is 1-1 late on, £3 on BTTS at 13/20 could get £4.95.

My Tip: Grab promos like Sky Bet’s free bets and check OddsPortal for the best odds. Bet smart, and remember you must be 18+.

 

In Loving Memory of Diogo Jota — A Proper Player, Gone Far Too Soon

This one’s heartbreaking.

Diogo Jota, just 28, tragically lost his life alongside his brother André in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025, following a devastating tyre blowout. He had only recently married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso. It’s gut-wrenching beyond words.

Those who play against him – they always said he was razor-sharp. On the pitch, Jota was a force. He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool after joining from Wolves in 2020 for £45 million. From his iconic Merseyside derby winner last season to that fearless header at Forest and his FA Cup brace against Arsenal in 2022 – every moment reflected his class and instinct.

And then there was the chant —  “Oh, his name is Diogo”  — still echoing in the hearts of the Kop. It gave me chills. It still does.

But beyond the goals and glory, Jota was deeply human. A devoted son of the City of Gondomar Portugal, he founded a football academy to give back to the next generation. He loved his family fiercely and lived with humility despite his brilliance. Klopp called him a “fantastic player.” Slot went further – “Liverpool’s soul.” Rival Everton fans where quick to pay tribute.

As we look ahead to the Community Shield against Palace on August 10, emotions will be running high. Let’s remember him not only for what he gave us on the field — but for who he was off it.

Rest in peace, Diogo. You were one of the good ones.

Betting Nod: Put £5 on Liverpool to score over 2.5 goals vs. Bournemouth (7/10, Bet365) for £8.50 back. Jota would’ve been all over that.

 

 

FPL and Betting:

 

Double the Fun. Alright mate, let’s talk FPL quickly – I’ll probably do a separate blog on Fantasy Premier League. It’s my kind of fun, like diving into stats before a big match, and it’s great for spotting betting punts. Here’s how FPL helps you bet smarter:

 

• Top Picks: Liverpool’s Mo Salah (9/10, Bet365, anytime assist) – £5 returns £9.50—dominates FPL with his goals and assists, so he’s a safe bet for an assist against Everton. Villa’s Ollie Watkins (6/5, Sky Bet, anytime scorer vs. Newcastle) – £5 gets £11 – is another FPL star, banging in goals and perfect for a scorer punt.
• Cheeky Punt: Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga (5/1, Sky Bet, anytime scorer). He’s a differential in FPL – low ownership, high reward – and could nick a goal in open games. A £3 bet could bag £18.
• My Tip: Use The Scout’s Fixture Difficulty Ratings on the FPL site to spot easy matches for your players, then match ‘em with bets like both teams to score (BTTS) or first goalscorer. If Salah’s got a soft fixture, back him to assist at 9/10. Bet responsibly, 18+,

 

Final Whistle:

If you do bet.  Bet Clever!!!

The 2025/26 season’s gonna be a mad one – Liverpool’s title push, Arsenal’s fight and relegation scraps will be tighter than my marking. Start with safe bets like Liverpool at 4/5 or Southampton’s relegation at 1/100, then spice it up with live bets or Wirtz’s assists.

Keep your head cool with my psychology tips, and as we say a farewell to Diogo, back the Reds to start strong.

Hit up Bet365 or Sky Bet for odds, and make sure you bookmark the blog and swing by www.EPLFanZone.com weekly for my tips.