Premier League preview: how to fill out your football accumulator this weekend

Tottenham v Chelsea

White Hart Lane, 12.45, Saturday

THE WEEKEND’S MOST eye-catching fixture is the early Saturday with the meeting of two London clubs who know each other well and two Portuguese managers who know each other even better.

Much of the build-up has revolved around the relationship between Jose Mourinho and Andre Villas-Boas – once inseparable, a fall-out between the pair means they don’t speak these days.

Spurs’ new-look outfit have impressed in these early stages in contrast to the Blues, whose form since Mourinho’s return has been patchy at best.

Bet: Draw @ 9/4

Aston Villa v Man City

Villa Park, 3pm, Saturday

Manuel Pellegrini has got Manchester City playing well after a shaky start as the 4-1 win in the Manchester derby showed.

With a huge game against Champions League holders Bayern Munich in midweek, the Chilean may again decide to rotate his team, while Sergio Aguero and David Silva are certain to miss out.

After a first win since the opening day against Norwich last weekend, Villa were thumped 4-0 by Spurs in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday and must manage without their top scorer Christian Benteke, sidelined by a hip injury.

Bet: Man City @ 4/7

Fulham v Cardiff

Craven Cottage, 3pm, Saturday

Two teams languishing in the bottom five meet at Craven Cottage both desperate to get a couple more points on the board.

Fulham picked up their first home win of the season against Everton in the league cup during the week but haven’t impressed in recent games which has resulted in unrest from some of their fans.

Cardiff’s brilliant victory over Man City is a month ago now and since then the Bluebirds can count themselves unlucky in places, and poor in others.

Bet: Fulham @ 23/20

Hull v West Ham

KC Stadium, 3pm, Saturday

Hull City showed remarkable fighting spirit to twice come from behind to see off Newcastle last weekend and are in decent form ahead of the visit of West Ham.

Ireland’s Robbie Brady scored his second Premier League goal of the season and they will need him to continue to chip in if they are to survive.

West Ham went down 3-2 to Everton in their last league outing and on the road they haven’t been able to find the back of the net. They are also still without main striker Andy Carroll.

Bet: Draw @ 9/4

Manchester United v West Brom

Old Trafford, 3pm, Saturday

Manchester United could be boosted by news that Robin van Persie is set to return to the fold after recovering from a groin injury.

The derby day defeat poured more pressure on David Moyes but victory over Liverpool since then has afforded him some breathing space.

West Brom effectively ended Paolo Di Canio’s Sunderland career with former Black Cat Stephane Sessegnon scoring against his old club, and the Baggieswere unlucky to go out of the league cup to a young Arsenal team on penalties.

Bet: Manchester United @ 3/10

Southampton v Crystal Palace

St Mary’s, 5.30pm, Saturday

Southampton are up to seventh in the table thanks to their win against Liverpool and manager Mauricio Pochettino will be pleased that his team are scoring with two more goals coming against Bristol in the Capital One Cup.

His opposite number Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway returns to the touchline after serving a two-match ban and even with him being his usual animated self, Palace face a mammoth task to stay in the top flight.

Bet: Southampton @ 1/2

Swansea v Arsenal

Swansea’s star man Michu. Credit: Nigel French/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Liberty Stadium, 5.30pm, Saturday

The late kick-off this evening sees currently Premier League leaders Arsenal travel to South Wales to take on Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.

The Gunners are on a winning run of eight games in all competitions but won’t have it easy against the Swans.

They are certain to be unhappy with going out of the Capital One Cup early as holders and can call upon defeating the same opposition at the Emirates last season for confidence.

Bet: Draw @ 2/1

Stoke v Norwich

Britannia Stadium, 1.30pm, Sunday

The Mark Hughes era has started reasonably well at the Britannia Stadium and Stoke will fancy their chances of earning three points against a Norwich side who could soon find themselves in a bit of bother.

While they have lost out to bigger clubs in Arsenal and Liverpool, the Potters were good money for their draw with Man City and have also beaten West Ham and Crystal Palace in the league.

Chris Hughton’s Canaries have just four points from the first five games and will need their expensive new recruits to start settling in. One good sign at least was the sight of Gary Hooper scoring against Watford in midweek.

Bet: Stoke @ 21/20

Sunderland v Liverpool

Stadium of Light, 4pm, Sunday

Kevin Ball takes charge of Sunderland for the visit of Liverpool as owner Ellis Short looks to find a manager to replace the departed Paolo Di Canio.

Bottom of the table with just a single point to their name, it could go either way for the Black Cats here depending on how their players react to recent events.

Liverpool’s great start to the season suffered set-backs in the shape of losses to Southampton and Manchester United but the Reds do seem to be moving in the right direction and having Luis Suarez back will no no doubt improve them.

Bet: Draw @ 5/2

Everton v Newcastle

Goodison Park, 8pm, Monday

The final game of the weekend is Newcastle’s trip to Everton on Monday night.

Morale-boosting wins against Chelsea and West Ham have been followed by a defeat to Fulham on Tuesday, albeit with a weakened team.

Newcastle overcame Leeds in their last game but must be still reeling after letting the lead slip away twice against Hull at St James’ Park.