Five games into the 2013-14 Premier League season and we've already seen our first managerial casualty. Sunderland relieved the duties of Paolo Di Canio on Sunday, the day after his side were thrashed 3-0 at West Brom. The fiery Italian manager won just 2 of his 12 Premier League games in charge of the Black Cats and was winless in his final 9. Sunderland are the only team without a win this season; their solo point coming in a 1-1 draw at Southampton. Moving forward to this weekend's fixtures, Sunderland welcome Liverpool to the Stadium of Light on Sunday. Brendan Rodgers' side are welcoming Luis Suárez back to Premier League action for the first time since April. Tottenham-Chelsea is the weekend opener on Saturday at lunchtime. The master versus the apprentice as some are dubbing it, with José Mourinho taking on André Villas-Boas. It's the North London side who head into the weekend on top between these two; Tottenham having picked up 12 points from their first five fixtures whilst Chelsea have dropped points to both Manchester United and Everton. Manchester City travel to Aston Villa looking to build on their 4-1 demolition of Manchester United in the derby last weekend, whilst David Moyes' side are looking to rebound at home to West Brom who recorded their first win of the season a week ago. League leaders Arsenal travel to Swansea in Saturday's evening game with the Gunners on a 7 away game winning streak in the Premier League, dating back to last season. The Swans haven't won any of their last 7 at home in the league. Stoke City host Norwich City on Sunday before matchday 6 ends with Everton at home to Newcastle on Monday night. If you're looking to make a bet on this week's action, here are some betting tips you may be interested in: Bet365 are offering money back on all correct score, half-time/full-time and scorecast bets if the game finishes 0-0. Additionally, there's up to £200 in free bets for all new customers signing up here.
Aston Villa vs Manchester City Saturday 28 September 15:00
Aston Villa have kept 1 clean sheets in their last 27 Premier League games Last season's top scorer Christian Benteke is out with a hip injury Aston Villa have lost both of their games at Villa Park this season Manchester City are the Premier League's top scorers with 12 goals in 5 games Manchester City put 4 goals past the defending league champions last weekend whilst Aston Villa's defence has looked vulnerable. Manuel Pellegrini is overloaded with an abundance of attacking talent at his disposal. Manchester City did the double over Aston Villa last season with the aggregate score 6-0 Recommended bet: Manchester City to win 8/15Value bet: Manchester City to win -1.5 goals 11/8FREE BET: Up to £50 free bet with Paddy Power for all new customers via this link. Free bet is matched to your first bet... so if you bet £10, you will get a free bet also for £10. Minimum stake is just £5.
Southampton vs Crystal Palace Saturday 28 September 17:30
Southampton won at Liverpool last weekend Southampton have kept 3 clean sheets in their opening five games Only the Premier League's top 3 have allowed fewer shots on their goal than Southampton through five games Crystal Palace's only points in their return to the Premier League came in a 3-1 victory over 10-man Sunderland Crystal Palace have failed to score in 3 of their five league games Only three teams have fired fewer shots on goal than Crystal Palace this season Recommended bet: Southampton to win 1/2Value bet: Southampton to win to nil 6/5
Swansea City vs Arsenal Saturday 28 September 17:30
Swansea City winless in 7 Premier League games at the Liberty Stadium, losing 4 Swansea City lost to 2 of the 3 top half teams they have faced this season Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur Swansea City were beaten 2-0 in this fixture last season which was the last time these two sides met back in March Arsenal have won their last 7 Premier League away games Mesut zil was involved in all 3 of Arsenal's goals last weekend and has been directly involved with 4 of the 6 Arsenal have scored since the playmaker joined from Real Madrid Only Manchester City have scored more goals than the 2.2 average Arsenal have struck from their five games Recommended bet: Arsenal to win 13/10FREE BET: Up to £50 free bet with Paddy Power for all new customers via this link. Free bet is matched to your first bet... so if you bet £10, you will get a free bet also for £10. Minimum stake is just £5.
Sunderland vs Liverpool Sunday 29 September 16:00
Sunderland are the only side without a win in the Premier League this season Sunderland have conceded the most goals in the Premier League (11) Sunderland have lost 4 of their 5 games; three of them by 2 goals or more Liverpool welcome back Luis Suárez who scored 23 goals in 33 Premier League games last season Liverpool have won 4 of their last 6 Premier League away games Liverpool have conceded just 3 goals whilst Sunderland have scored a joint-league low 3 goals. Recommended bet: Liverpool to win 8/11Value bet: Liverpool to win -1.5 goals 37/20
Barrie's View is a football stat man focusing mainly on the English Premier League. Barrie also contributes to other large football blogs, including Back Page Football and Football Talk, and has been cited by the USA Today.
