It might come as a surprise that we’ve made it this far into the 2023-24 Premier League season without one of the 20 managers being given the chop.
It’s become common practice in recent years to pull the trigger on head coaches after poor starts to campaigns.
In fact, by this stage of last season, five managers had already been sacked from their positions — Scott Parker (Bournemouth), Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea), Bruno Lage (Wolves), Steven Gerrard (Aston Villa) and Ralph Hasenhuttl (Southampton).
It must only be a matter of time before the first manager of this season is shown the exit, so let’s take a look at some of the leading candidates.
Erik ten Hag – 5/4
Erik ten Hag received heaps of praise for his first year in charge of Manchester United, guiding the Red Devils to a third-place finish in the Premier League and winning the League Cup.
That was their first piece of silverware since their Europa League and League Cup double in 2016-17.
However, Man United have had a rocky start to the 2023-24 campaign and find themselves in sixth, after seven wins and five defeats in their first 11 games.
The Red Devils are the favourites in the Everton v Man Utd odds for their upcoming game against the Toffees, but a defeat could leave Ten Hag in danger.
Paul Heckingbottom – 7/4
Not a lot was expected of Sheffield United or Paul Heckingbottom this season, as they were one of the favourites for relegation back down to the Championship.
However, sitting bottom of the league with just five points thanks to two draws and a solitary win at this stage of the season is not what the Blades’ board or fans would have hoped for.
That recent last-gasp win over Wolves has perhaps taken a bit of pressure off Heckingbottom’s shoulders for the time being, but Sheffield United need to build on that to save his job.
Andoni Iraola – 5/1
Many felt Bournemouth’s appointment of Andoni Iraola was incredibly harsh on Gary O’Neill.
The Cherries opted to draft in the Spaniard during the offseason to replace the former West Ham United midfielder, even though he saved them from the drop last season.
It hasn’t exactly worked in Bournemouth’s favour, as they’re currently in the relegation zone with just six points from one win and three draws — a few more bad results could see Iraola go.
Vincent Kompany – 6/1
Burnley were tipped to be the best performer of the three newly promoted teams.
However, that accolade currently goes to Luton Town as the Clarets are bottom and not worth adding to your football accumulators.
Vincent Kompany completely changed the look of Burnley last season, making them a nicer team to watch — and it worked, as they breezed to Championship glory.
The consensus was that style of play would work well for them in the Premier League, but it hasn’t thus far, and the former Manchester City captain might be starting to feel hot under the collar.
