The Premier League manager most likely to be fired is revealed, along with the risk levels for all 20 teams.
The 2026/27 Premier League season is just around the corner, and for many fans, a new season means fresh hope and excitement. But for some, those good vibes might not last long. So, who do you think might be the first manager to lose their job?
This season is already feeling unpredictable, especially since a record nine teams are starting with new permanent managers. Enzo Maresca is taking over at Manchester City from Pep Guardiola, Andoni Iraola is now Liverpool’s boss replacing Arne Slot, and Michael Carrick has been made permanent head coach at Manchester United.
Pierre Sage steps in for Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, while Glasner moves to Nottingham Forest, where he’ll have to keep tough owner Evangelos Marinakis happy. Matthias Jaissle replaces Eddie Howe at Newcastle, and Xabi Alonso is hoping to turn things around at Chelsea.
Alvaro Arbeloa, formerly of Real Madrid, has taken over at Fulham. Marco Rose, who managed RB Leipzig, will be Bournemouth’s first coach to lead them in the Europa League. Gary O’Neil gets another shot after taking over Ipswich Town, who just got promoted. Frank Lampard returns to the Premier League after leading Coventry City up, and Sergej Jakirovic will try to keep Hull City competitive after their play-off win.
Right now, all 20 managers are busy preparing their teams, but by Christmas, some might already be out of a job. SPORTbible has ranked who could be first to go.
1. Sergej Jakirovic – Hull City’s promotion was unexpected, but their squad might not be strong enough to compete. He could be out by Christmas.
2. Oliver Glasner – Despite winning three trophies with Crystal Palace, the Forest owner is known for quick sackings, so Glasner faces a tough challenge.
3. Frank Lampard – Returning to the Premier League with a newly promoted side, it’s uncertain if Lampard can keep them up.
4. Alvaro Arbeloa – Moving from Real Madrid’s reserves to Fulham’s first team is a big jump. Without strong signings, Fulham fans might worry.
5. Gary O’Neil – With experience at Wolves and Bournemouth, O’Neil has a fair shot, but a bad start with Ipswich could put him under pressure.
6. Daniel Farke – Leeds had a decent last season, but poor starts could bring pressure back.
7. Pierre Sage – New to the Premier League but with a good record, Sage is a bit of a wildcard.
8. Marco Rose – Proven in Europe but balancing league and Europa League games could be tough.
9. David Moyes – Safe for now at Everton, though fans wish for better results.
10. Xabi Alonso – Seen more as a long-term project at Chelsea, so he’s likely to get time.
11. Matthias Jaissle – Newcastle’s squad changes might give him some leeway.
12. Regis Le Bris – Staying in the Premier League would be a win for him, especially with Europa League games.
13. Keith Andrews – Brentford exceeded expectations last season and could keep momentum.
14. Roberto De Zerbi – Spurs trust him and with no European distraction this season, he could do well.
15. Michael Carrick – Keeping United in the Champions League last season likely bought him time.
16. Andoni Iraola – Liverpool tend to be patient managers, so he should be safe for now.
17. Fabian Hurzeler – Doing well at Brighton with an extra European competition to manage.
18. Enzo Maresca – Inheriting a strong Man City squad means he’s secure, even if he doesn’t win everything this year.
19. Unai Emery – After a great previous season with Aston Villa, Emery is probably untouchable.
20. Mikel Arteta – Winning the Premier League and nearly the Champions League with Arsenal, Arteta seems safest of all.
So that’s the rundown! While some managers face an uphill battle, others look ready to enjoy a long season. Let’s see how it all plays out!