Aston Villa are quoted at 5/1 in bwin’s Premier League relegation odds after parting company with manager Dean Smith.
A 1-0 defeat at Southampton proved the final act for Smith, with that fifth straight loss leaving Villa with just 10 points from their opening 11 games.
Smith, a lifelong Villa fan, led the club to promotion and 11th place last season but lost star player Jack Grealish to Manchester City in the summer.
Chief executive Christian Purslow paid tribute to the work done by Smith but lamented the recent run of results.
He said: “This year, we have not seen the continuous improvement in results, performances and league position which we have all been looking for.
“For this reason, we have decided to make a change now to allow time for a new head coach to make an impact.”
Norwich are 2/15 for a quick return to the Championship after they axed Daniel Farke just hours after winning their first Premier League game of the season.
A 2-1 victory at Brentford, tipped in our match preview at 19/4, put the Canaries on five points but wasn’t enough to save Farke.
Sporting director Stuart Webber told the club website: “In continuing to demand the very best for our football club, this decision was not an easy one.
“I know how determined Daniel and his staff were to succeed at this level but we feel that now is the right time for a change to give ourselves the best opportunity of retaining our Premier League status.
“It’s important that we now look forward. We have 27 league games remaining and a long way to go in the current season.
“We know we have the ability within our playing squad and staff to start picking up points and climbing the league table.”
Magpies show spirit against Seagulls
Graeme Jones believes he will be handing over an improving side to Newcastle’s new manager after a 1-1 draw at Brighton put them on five points.
He declared: “I think he’s seen a togetherness, I think he’s seen a team that added a bit more possession, bit more control, especially second half on the ball.
“I think he’ll inherit a team that off the ball was prepared and capable of going and pressing a brilliant Brighton team with pressing football and keeping high up the pitch.”
However, the Magpies are yet to claim a top-flight victory this term and are 11/10 in bwin’s Premier League relegation odds.
Burnley are third from bottom on eight points following a 1-1 draw at Chelsea and can be backed at 6/5 to fall.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope pulled off several impressive saves to keep the Clarets in touch, with the England man left to reflect on a well-earned point.
“Part of hanging in there is making saves really, it’s part and parcel of coming to these places and getting points, it’s something that’s going to happen,” he told the club website.
“We’ve been nearly men a few times this season, so it’s nice to maybe get something we deserve. It just proves the hard work is going in the right direction.”
Watford are just above the drop zone on 10 points after losing 1-0 at Arsenal and are 4/7 in this market.
Leeds have 11 points following a 1-1 draw with Leicester and are 5/1 while Brentford are just a point better off after four straight league defeats and 4/1.
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