As the 2024/25 Premier League season gets underway, the competition is fierce—not only on the pitch but also in the dugout. While teams battle for glory, managers are fighting to keep their jobs in a league where the pressure to succeed is relentless. The “sack race,” as it’s commonly known, is an annual subplot in the Premier League, with fans and pundits alike speculating on which manager will be the first to receive their marching orders. This season, several managers find themselves already under the microscope.
Eddie Howe: The Leading Contender
Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle United, is currently the bookmakers’ favorite to be the first manager sacked this season. Despite leading Newcastle to a top-four finish last season and securing Champions League football, Howe’s position has been clouded by rumors linking him to the England national team job. The speculation, coupled with high expectations at Newcastle, has placed significant pressure on Howe to deliver results early in the season. His odds of being the first to go are currently set at 4/1 (TransferMarket) (Oddschecker.com).
Andoni Iraola: A Tough Start at Bournemouth
Newly appointed Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is also at risk, with odds around 6/1. Iraola faces the challenging task of keeping Bournemouth competitive in the Premier League, a league known for its unforgiving nature towards newly promoted sides and their managers. With limited time to adapt and high expectations from the club’s supporters, Iraola’s tenure could be short-lived if results don’t go his way (TransferMarket).
Other Managers Under Pressure
Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur and Nuno Espirito Santo at Nottingham Forest are also high on the list of potential sackings. Postecoglou, who took over at Spurs, inherits a squad that has struggled for consistency in recent seasons. Expectations are always high at Tottenham, and failure to challenge for a top-four spot could see him depart sooner than anticipated.
Nuno Espirito Santo, on the other hand, is under scrutiny after narrowly avoiding relegation with Nottingham Forest last season. With Forest’s survival in the Premier League hanging by a thread last year, Nuno’s ability to turn things around will be crucial. His odds of being sacked are currently in the range of 10/1 (Oddschecker.com) (Oddschecker.com).
Erik ten Hag and Vincent Kompany: Dark Horses in the Sack Race
Even managers with relatively secure positions aren’t entirely safe. Erik ten Hag of Manchester United is under immense pressure to build on his successful first season, where he led United back to the Champions League. Any significant dip in form could see his position come under threat.
Vincent Kompany, who led Burnley back to the Premier League with an impressive Championship-winning campaign, also faces a critical season. The challenge for Kompany will be adapting his team’s style of play to the top tier, where Burnley will be up against much tougher opposition (Squawka).
The Unpredictable Nature of the Premier League
The Premier League is notorious for its unpredictability, and the sack race is no different. Managers can find themselves in the firing line after just a few poor results, as the stakes are incredibly high for both clubs and their coaches. With the season just starting, it’s anyone’s guess who will be the first to go, but one thing is certain: the pressure is on, and the clock is ticking for several managers.
As fans and analysts keep a close eye on the early performances, the managerial merry-go-round is already in motion. Only time will tell who will be the first casualty in the relentless world of Premier League football (BettingOdds.com) (Oddschecker.com).