Last season, just 11 of the 20 Premier League clubs stuck with their managers throughout the season. There were 10 managers sacked in total including Newcastle’s Steve Bruce, Burnley’s Sean Dyche and Manchester United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who were later replaced with Eddie Howe, Vincent Kompany and Ralf Rangnick (for the rest of the season).
Watford even burnt through two head coaches before landing Roy Hodgson in January after doing away with Xisco Munoz and Claudio Ranieri. The Hornets were the only side to sack two managers in 2021/22 but ultimately still couldn’t avoid the drop – finishing 15 points off Leeds United in 17th.
We begin the 2022/23 season with manager Frank Lampard at a struggling Everton side favourite to take the hit first, standing at 7/2. The odds suggest Jesse Marsch to be next; 9/2 to be the next manager to leave. Personally, I think Marco Silva is overvalued by the bookies – he’s 8/1 to be next but if his Premier League job history is anything to go by he’s certainly in the running.
Frank Lampard @ 7/2
Super Frank’s early managerial career has been far from smooth sailing. He spent 17 months at the helm of his boyhood club, Chelsea, after taking over from Maurizio Sarri. His sacking came after lacklustre performances from his team, and he ended up at a low-flying Everton side. Everton finished the season just 4 points above Burnley in the relegation zone, and were looking down with fear all season. Frankly (pardon the pun), I don’t think they have much potential this season given the loss of Richarlison; their top scorer; to Tottenham was replaced by Burnley’s Dwight McNeil. Lampard is going to have real trouble keeping this side out of the relegation zone, and keeping himself at Goodison Park.
Jesse Marsch @ 9/2
Jesse Marsch took over from a fan-favourite in Marcelo Bielsa, and he’s certainly been under pressure ever since. Since their first season back in the top-flight, Leeds have trailed off and narrowly avoided going down thanks to a bit of final day dramatics against Brentford. Jesse Marsch is not an experienced manager given he was originally brought in as an interim, so I think a slow start to the season will bring him under a lot of pressure.
Ralph Hasenhuttl @ 5/1
It’s hard to look past the Southampton manager as one that’s not under pressure given some performances that come to mind. 9-0 and 9-0. The Saints have been in the top division for a while now, but I fear that they appear to be trailing off a little. Once top half hopefuls, last season proved that they could be falling into the category of relegation fighters. 15th in the league, 5 points off the drop zone isn’t a successful season by any means. I think Hasenhuttl is possibly an option to be first manager to be dropped this season.
Marco Silva @ 8/1
In Marco Silva, Fulham have a manager with a tactical know-how and Premier League experience. However, that experience also comes in the way of three failed stints at three different clubs. Sacked after Hull’s relegation, sacked with Everton in the drop zone, and sacked with Wolves’ poor form. Given Fulham have see-sawed between the top two divisions in England for 6 seasons in a row, I’ve got a feeling they’re going to have less patience than previously. If Marco Silva’s Lilywhites don’t perform early on, I could see the board looking elsewhere in desperation to finally stay where they belong.
Eddie Howe @ 16/1
Newcastle fans no doubt come into this new season with high confidence, and possibly a bit of naivety. New Saudi ownership brings money, but also brings over-expectation and pressure on all involved. It’s a bit of an outside option but I could see the fans turning on their manager if things don’t go well for them early on.
