The new Premier League season is just over a month old and we have already had our first casualty, with Dutch footballing legend and now former Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer given his marching earlier this month orders after a measly 4 games in charge. Although many have questioned whether Palace Chairman Steve Parish’s decision was a bit knee-jerk, the reality is that Palace are still rooted at the bottom of the table without even a single goal scored, never mind a win. Palace aren’t the only ones who’ve had a wobbly first few games and now the odds are stepping up for the next managerial axing. We’ve compiled a list of potential P45 recipients and you can click here to put a bet on the next big sacking.
Slaven Bilic, West Ham – current favourite
West Ham have just about settled into their new home according to Bilic, but the man chosen to turn the Hammers into a regular top 7 team is yet to get his side firing on all cylinders. Their opening game against Man United was an absolute demolition, with 4 goals shipped and a lack of fighting spirit especially in the second half. With only one win and one draw in 6 games, the shadow looming over Bilic is only getting bigger despite some promising signings in Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic.
Rafa Benitez, Newcastle
Although loved by the majority of Newcastle fans and the architect of an instant Premier League return for the Magpies after a year in the Championship, Rafa the Gaffer is still on choppy waters thanks to a strained relationship with estranged chairman Mike Ashley. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Sports Direct owner decided to throw his toys out of the pram if Benitez fails to maintain current form, but on the other side Benitez may just grow tired over a lack of support from management and walk himself.
Paul Clement, Swansea
The Swansea manager is riding high on many bookies’ next-to-go lists thanks to the poor performances seen in South Wales so far this campaign. Although heads were turned when Portuguese youngster Renato Sanchez arrived from Bayern Munich, he looked like a fish out of water in his debut against Newcastle. The loss of Gylfi Sigurdsson to Everton has also left gaping gaps in the Swans’ midfield. With one win so far against the equally wobbly Crystal Palace, the pressure will certainly be on Clement to get his team to come out fighting.
Ronald Koeman, Everton
The Dutchman may have steered Everton to 7th position last season and brought in some classy players over the summer including fan favourite Wayne Rooney, but this year’s campaign has been pretty disappointing for the toffees. They are really missing Romelu Lukaku and could do with Ross Barkley getting out of exile and committing to a future on Merseyside. Hammerings from Man United, Spurs, Chelsea and Atalanta in the Europa League have shown Koeman that Everton are still some way off top four status, something that he may not achieve if results remain poor.
Notable mentions: Arsene Wenger, Mauricio Pellegrino, Craig Shakespeare.