Premier League Tips

Last weekend's returns - Loss of £2.04
Overall returns - Profit of £12.32

Weekend accumulators:
Winners: Arsenal, Reading, Manchester City, Everton and Newcastle. Fiver returns £117.73

Goals Galore: Arsenal, Reading, Wigan, Everton and Southampton. Fiver returns £60.24

Saturday 27th October

Aston Villa vs. Norwich
Saturday's early kick off see's Paul Lambert come up against Norwich for the first time since leaving the club in the summer. It's fair to say the way Lambert departed Carrow Road has left a bittersweet taste in the mouths of the Norwich fans despite the amazing work he did with the club in the three years he was there.

Aston Villa are slowly getting there under Lambert, and drastic change was never going to happen overnight. Norwich were superb in their surprise victory of Arsenal last week, and will have to be as good if they are to register their first away win of the season on the weekend.

I don't fancy many goals at Villa Park, however Lambert should get revenge over his former employers in a narrow victory.

Aston Villa 1 Norwich 0 - 8/1 with Betvictor - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Under 2.5 goals - 13/12 with 188bet. - Returns of £10.41
Aston Villa to score first - 4/6 with Ladbrokes - Returns of £8.33
Darren Bent to score and Aston Villa to win - 13/5 with BlueSquare - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Loss of £1.46

Arsenal vs. QPR
Back to back defeats for Arsenal have turned a promising start into an average one. Mark Hughes and QPR would've settled for an average start, and after eight Premier league games they are winless and bottom of the pile.

Against the bigger sides this year QPR have competed well, earning home points against the likes of Chelsea and Everton, but away from home they've been poor since their return to the top flight. Arsenal need a win to keep in touch with those above them, and three points aren't a given especially when you consider they've dropped five points at the Emirates already this year.

On their day Arsenal can beat anyone, and they should have too much for a disjointed QPR at home on Saturday.

Arsenal 3 QPR 1 - 11/1 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Over 2.5 goals - 1/2 with Paddy Power - Lose a fiver
Thomas Vermaelen anytime goal scorer - 6/1 with Ladbrokes - Lose a fiver
Both teams to score - 4/5 with Skybet - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Loss of £20

Reading vs. Fulham
After seven win less games, at home to Fulham is a must win match for Brian McDermott and his Reading side. Fulham were very patient in their win against Aston Villa on the weekend, and despite dominating the game had to wait until the 84th minute for their winner.

The Championship winners are in need of their first three points of the season

Reading have improved over their last three games, and were unfortunate not to beat both Newcastle and Swansea, so back them to register their first win of the campaign here.

Reading 2 Fulham 1 - 11/1 with Betfred - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Both teams to score - 4/6 with Bluesquare - Returns of £8.33
Reading to win - 17/9 with Pinnacle - Lose a fiver
Pavel Pogrenyak anytime goal scorer - 5/2 with bwin - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Loss of £11.67

Stoke City vs. Sunderland
The game at the Britannia see's the battle of the draw masters. Between them they've drawn 10 out of 15 Premier league matches, so it's safe to say the draw is the bet I've gone with here.

The additions of Charlie Adam and Steven N'Zonzi have brought an extra bit of quality to the Stoke midfield and if either side are to win it'll probably be Stoke given their impressive home record; however I can't separate these two sides.

Stoke City 1 Sunderland 1 - 6/1 with Betfred - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
First team booking Stoke - 5/4 with bet365 - Returns of £11.25
Draw - 12/5 with Skybet - Returns of £17
Both teams to score - 21/20 with Coral - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Profit £8.25

Wigan vs West Ham
Another borderline decision went against Wigan on the weekend, with Arouna Kone's header ruled out for offside, with replays suggesting the Ivorian striker was onside. If the correct decision was made then Roberto Martinez's side would've had all the momentum heading into the final 15 minutes of their game with Swansea, however the Welsh side managed to prevent a Wigan equaliser.

West Ham impressed again last weekend, and they were extremely clinical at home to Southampton in a 4-1 win. Sam Allardyce's side head to Wigan in form and full of confidence, and an away win could be on the cards.

Wigan 1 West Ham 2 - 11/1 with Totesport - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Both teams to score - 4/6 with Ladbrokes - Returns of £8.33
Andy Carroll anytime goal scorer - 9/4 with Stan James - Lose a fiver
Draw or West Ham - 4/7 with Skybet - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Loss of £11.67

Manchester City vs. Swansea
Manchester City will be wanting to put their Champions league nightmare behind them in the form of a fourth consecutive Premier league victory. Swansea had struggled since their early victories, but their 2-1 win over Wigan was a huge one for the club.

Mancini has said City need a miracle to progress from their Champions league group

Roberto Mancini's side will have too much for Swansea at the Ethiad and will win comfortably.

Manchester City 3 Swansea 0 - 15/2 with Bet Victor - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Sergio Aguero to score and Manchester City to win - 6/5 with Ladbrokes - Lose a fiver
Over 2.5 goals - 11/21 with Betfair - Lose a fiver
Manchester City to win to nil - 12/8 with Skybet - Returns of £12.50

Match returns - Loss of £7.50

Sunday 28th October

Everton vs. Liverpool
The first Merseyside derby of the season comes along with both teams finding their best form of the year. Everton have lost just the once in the league this campaign and have made their best start to a season since 2004/05. Liverpool are unbeaten in three Premier league matches, their best run of the season, collecting seven points from nine.

Gerrard with his match ball after Liverpool's 3-0 derby day victory at Anfield last year

Everton don't have the best record in this derby, however I fancy them to edge it here by the narrowest of margins.

Everton 2 Liverpool 1 - 10/1 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Both teams to score - 8/11 with Bet 365 - Returns of £8.63
Everton - 17/10 with Betfred - Lose a fiver
A penalty to be awarded - 15/8 with Paddy Power - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Loss of £11.37

Newcastle vs. West Brom
Both of these sides conceded late leads last weekend, with West Brom eventually losing at home to the ten men of Manchester City, whilst Demba Ba scored a late own goal in the Tyne-Wear derby to help Sunderland rescue a late and probably undeserved point.

Newcastle are yet to find top gear yet this year, winning just twice in the league. West Brom's have been fantastic, and would've been disappointed to lose to City last week, just showing how far they've come under their new manager Steve Clarke.

Despite their Europa league mid-week match, I fancy Alan Pardew's side to win here.

Newcastle 2 West Brom 1 - 8/1 with Stan James - Returns of £45

Other tips:
Demba Ba anytime goalscorer - 6/4 with Coral - Returns of £12.50
Newcastle to win - 68/67 with Pinnacle - Returns of 10.07
Both teams to score - 13/19 with 32 Red - Returns of £8.42

Match returns - Profit of £55.99

Southampton vs. Tottenham
Southampton were poor last week, with their second half showing in particular not good enough, whilst Tottenham and Andre Villas-Boas was left to curse their selection problems as Spurs lost 4-2 at home to Chelsea.

One thing is for sure, there will be goals in this game. Between them they've just one league clean sheet this year, and both don't have a problem finding the net, just keeping them out.

Back Tottenham to win here in a classic.

Southampton 2 Tottenham 3 - 25/1 with Stan James - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Over 3.5 goals - 11/8 with Paddy Power - Lose a fiver
Both teams to score - 4/7 with Ladbrokes - Returns of £7.85
Jermaine Defoe anytime goal scorer - 6/4 with Boyle Sports - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Loss of £12.15

Chelsea vs. Manchester United
Neutrals will be hoping for a repeat of last year's classic encounter, as Manchester United came from three goals down to rescue a point at Stamford Bridge. But this Chelsea side is a much stronger one then the one that lost the said lead back in February.

Just two points dropped from eight games represents a brilliant start for Chelsea, however their performance in Ukraine on Tuesday wasn't up to scratch. United have scored for goals for fun this year, but also have problems at the back, and have missed their injured captain Nemanja Vidic heavily.

I can't see too much between the sides so back the draw here.

Chelsea 2 Manchester United 2 - 13/1 with 188bet - Lose a fiver

Other tips:
Double chance: Draw or Manchester United - 8/15 with Paddy Power - Returns of £7.67
A red card to be awarded - 17/10 - Returns of £13.50
Manchester United HT/ Draw FT- 14/1 with Sporting Bet - Lose a fiver

Match returns - Profit of £1.17

Weekend returns - Down £20.41
Overall returns - Down £8.09

Mid table for a new look Villa

It wasn't a massive surprise to see Villa part company with Alex McLeish following a terrible end to the season which saw them only realistically secure their Premier League survival in their penultimate game with a 1-1 draw with Spurs. Another Scot was brought into replace ‘Big Eck’ in the form of Paul Lambert following an incredible three years with Norwich City. Lambert took no time to dive into the Eredivisie with the additions of Karim El Ahmadi and more importantly the Dutch centre half Ron Vlaar.

Villa started the previous campaign well, going seven games unbeaten and come the middle of the season they occupied the middle of the Premier League; however once Darren Bent’s season was finished prematurely due to injury away at Wigan in and around the same time the impressive Robbie Keane’s loan deal expired, Villa struggled to score goals and only won one of the last 16 matches. All season the club only won seven games, with only bottom club Wolves only winner fewer, leaving most Villa fans praying for the end of the season and the departure of their unpopular manager.

It’s a really big season for the likes of Barry Bannan and Marc Albrighton whom have to put their inconsistency behind them and fulfil their obvious potential if Villa are to have a good season. Having lost Ashley Young and Stewart Downing last season, Bannan and Albrighton have the credentials to ensure big money isn’t needed in an attempt to replace the creativity Villa lacked last season. If these two youngsters aren’t ready then Steven Ireland will have to re-discover his Manchester City form.

Key player – Darren Bent It’s fair to say Villa missed their £24million striker when the England international’s ankle injury finished his season at the end of February. In the 38 Premier League games played for the Villa since his arrival in the January transfer window of 2011, the former Spurs man has 18 goals, and the burden will lay heavily on him to be in and around the 20 goals, which he has consistently done at this level.

Villa will need Bent's goals if they are to have a successful season

Verdict – 11^th Paul Lambert’s first season in charge won’t see them challenge for Europe, but it really is about rebuilding at the club, and their young manager is the right man. Expect an improvement in the style of football at Villa Park and maybe a good cup run.

View from a fan – @Studav19

What would be an ideal season?
After last season I’d be very happy with a decent cup run as well as challenging for Europe

What would be a nightmare season?
A nightmare would definitely be finishing lower than last season and being relegated to the Championship.

Have you got the right manager?
I believe Lambert is the right man for the job. Given the backing he really can wake the sleeping giant that is Villa over the next 2-3 years.

Which other Premier League player would you like to sign?
There’s too many! But realistically a good one would be Adam Johnson

How key is a fit Darren Bent to achieving your clubs goals this season?
If his head and heart is in it he’ll be a huge bonus to us this season but he needs the support.

Are there any young players we should look out for this season?
I’m a huge fan of Nathan Baker, he’s a very good young centre half. Also Nathan Delfouneso may find his form under Lambert. 

Norwich and Swansea- The perfect example of how it should be done.

Currently as we sit more then half way through the Barclays Premier League, two of the three promoted sides in Norwich and Swansea City have excelled and find themselves in a more then comfortable position.

Core of British players

One of many positives to come from the success of these sides is the fact more then just the core of their side is British. Paul Lambert at the start of the season even went as far to say he won’t be adding any players from outside of Britain.

Looking at the duo's recent fixtures' both sides selected an impressive eight British born players. Unlike QPR, whose had significantly higher budgets available to them, these British players have been plucked from the lower leagues, or were even promoted with the club. When QPR lost to Wolves on the weekend, they also fielded eight British players; however their highly assembled squad had 46 England caps (47 including the injured Jay Bothroyd) between them at Mark Hughes' disposal; in comparison to Swansea and Norwich whose English born players have never even got close to an England squad.

Danny Graham and Grant Holt are just two perfect examples of how to get to the top. Graham was deemed not good enough by Middlesborough and released back in 2007. He scored goals with both Carlisle and Watford which earned his move to Swansea and despite a shaky start has more goals then the likes of Fernando Torres, Danny Welbeck and Bobby Zamora. If Graham's rise to the Premier League was steep then Holt was like climbing Everest. Having started his career of with Workington, spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest followed and a career in the second tier of English Football looked his peak; however he then joined League Two side Shrewsbury and a hat full of goals followed, which saw him move to Norwich, who were then in League One and fast forward two years to today and he finds himself a Premier League footballer.

Both Lambert and Brendan Rodgers have gambled with introducing untested home based players into the greatest league in the world and the move has worked fantastically, with calls for some of these unheralded players to be given England recognition. 

Style of football

Everybody by know is aware of Swansea City's approach, with their short passing game a joy to watch. Many promoted sides have come up with the belief that to stay in the league you can't afford to be brave and attempt to play football all over the pitch; however Swansea's attacking and possession game has totally disproved that theory. 

Swansea sit second in the Premier League for passes completed, only behind a David Silva inspired Manchester City. A midfield creative pairing of Joe Allen and Leon Britton, whose passing percentage even tops the mighty Xavi Hernandez of Barcelona, have adapted to Premier Life exceptionally. I even feel the step up in league suits 'The Swans', because they are given more time to play, in comparison to the hustle and bustle of the Championship. Rodgers has built a side that will play from the back, with Michel Vorm under clear instructions to pass the ball out instead of giving it the old heave-ho up field, with the goal below a perfect example of how Swansea play.

Norwich unfairly have been described as a set piece side, simply because of the threat in the air provided from both Steve Morison and Grant Holt.

Having watched them play frequently this season that couldn't be further from the truth. Lambert has a side that plays good football and like Swansea prefer it on the floor. Wesley Hoolahan was a fantastic addition to Norwich back in 2008 and in the middle of the park, he is the Canaries most creative spark. Anthony Pilkington, a summer addition from Huddersfield Town had added not only goals and assists but genuine class on the right hand. 

With Holt and Morison through the middle there is going to be the obvious urge to try and pick them out due to the aerial ability; however Norwich don't pump it long. Norwich over the last few weeks have highlighted how strong they are on the counter attack, with superbly crafted counter goals against the likes of Wolves and West Brom recently. 

Managers
It's fair to say Paul Lambert and Brendan Rodgers had differing playing careers, with Lambert a Scottish international and a Champions League winner with Borussia Dortmund, in comparison to Rodgers who had to retire at the age of just 20. Rodgers worked with the Reading and Chelsea youth clubs due to his early retirement.

Both managers didn't have fantastic starts to their career as Rodgers couldn't enforce his style of play with Reading and was sacked just a few months into the job and Lambert had an unsuccessful spell as Livingston manager.

Rodgers was offered the Swansea job at the start of the 2010/11 season and earned the club promotion via the play-offs at the first attempt. For Lambert jobs with Wycombe and Colchester United followed and with the latter side came his big move, on the opening day of the 2009/2010 season Colchester travelled to Norwich City, just relegated from the Championship and stunned their East Anglia rivals 7-1. Barely a couple of weeks later Lambert was announced as the manager of Norwich City and back-to-back promotions have followed.

Resources
Neither Norwich City or Swansea had a massive transfer budget available to them at the start of the season. Norwich spent £2.8million on bringing Morison to the club and in total £8.3million, whilst Swansea spent just less. Both sides also added shrewdly in the January transfer window, with Swansea bringing in the talented Gylfi Sigurdsson on loan from Hoffenheim as well as the short term deal of Josh McEachran from Chelsea. Norwich captured Leeds captain Jonathan Howson for a bargain £2.5million as well as Ryan Bennett from Peterborough, who was immediately loaned back.

Norwich's key- Late goals
The Canaries have scored an incredible 10 goals in the last 15 minutes of matches and their late goals have earned them eight points, which without with leave them just above the relegation zone. Their recent 2-1 away victory's against West Brom and QPR were perfect example of them being able to run late into a game. Both games looked set to finish 1-1; however Norwich counter attacked against both teams who are expected to be in and around them and took vital away wins.

The last time Norwich were in the Premier League they failed to record a single victory away from home, which ultimately was their downfall; however this time around they've won three times on their travels and have amassed 13 points (which is just one less then Arsenal).


Swansea's key- Home form
Swansea have lost just once at the Liberty Stadium this season, and that was against Manchester United. 21 points and just seven home goals conceded represent a fantastic achievement. Because they have most of the ball, even against the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United at home, sides have struggled to have scored at the Liberty, with Arsenal the only side to score twice there.

Rightly so Swansea are praised for their attacking flair but defensively they are very strong too, conceding just 29 goals in 24 games, with most of them coming on the road. Vorm has been brilliant this season for the Swans and Ashley Williams has been a rock at the the heart of the defence.

At the start of the season both clubs were tipped to struggle; however they sit 9th and 10th respectively in the Premier League ahead of their match together at the Liberty on Saturday and whatever the result, one thing for sure, this season they've both been winners.