The early odds for every manager in the Premier League Sack Race 2022/23

The fixtures are out, transfers are being made, the sun is shining, and the new Premier League season is now seven weeks away.

One intriguing market that always grabs attention is the Premier League Sack Race, which over the years has been ‘won’ by the likes of Jose Mourinho, Slaven Bilic, Frank de Boer and last year’s unfortunate victor, Xisco Munoz, who was sent packing by Watford after all of seven games.

There's no trigger-happy Watford this season, but there are a few managers that head into the new campaign under scrutiny, while history tells us bosses are only ever a few poor results away from the chop.

Paddy Power, Betfair, and BetVictor have all already priced up a market on who will suffer the almighty-blow-to-the-ego by becoming the the first top-flight manager to leave, so we've analysed the odds and picked out the best prices on each of the 20 incumbents...

Ralph Hasenhuttl (Southampton)

Odds: 6/1

Installed as one of the early frontrunners to suffer the indignity of being the first manager out the door is Ralph Hasenhuttl. The Austrian may be the fourth longest-serving manager in the Premier League, yet he heads into the new season feeling the heat following a woeful conclusion to the previous season.

Southampton scraped one win from their final dozen games, losing the last four in a row, to finish in a deflating 15th. Hasenhuttl will hope to bolster a squad that’s in real need of an injection of impetus. Keeping hold of main man JWP is also a must.

The Saints are notoriously slow starters which doesn't bode well ahead of an opening six games against Tottenham (a), Leeds (h), Leicester (a), Man Utd (h), Chelsea (h), and Wolves (a).

Frank Lampard (Everton)

Odds: 10/1

Everton have absolutely chomped through the managers in recent years. In Frank Lampard they hope to have a keeper who can build on the explosion of passion and emotion of last season’s escape from relegation, and gradually lift the club back to a level where they believe they should be operating. 

Nothing is ever straightforward at Goodison Park especially when it comes to managers, but while Lampard has connected with the fans he’ll want to avoid a slow start to the season and he'll be desperate to cling onto star man Richarlison. Both Paddy's and Betfair have actually priced him up as the 7/2 favourite, but you can back him at 10/1 with BetVictor. Either way, he's too short here.

Brendan Rodgers (Leicester)

Odds: 10/1

2021/22 was a bit of a strange season for Leicester, whose boss Brendan Rodgers came under pressure at various points. They fell short of expectations in the Europa League and could only muster four wins away in the league. However, a strong finale jumped the Foxes up to 8th which they’ll be happy about given they were as low as 14th with just two weeks to go. They also reached the Europa Conference League semi-finals and beat Man City to win the Community Shield.

With no European football this season, fans will expect Leicester to be challenging for a top-six finish, which will require more consistency and a significant improvement on the road. At 10/1, he probably won't have many backers.

Scott Parker (Bournemouth)

Odds: 10/1

Scott Parker delivered promotion at the first time of asking - the second of his managerial career - and now he’ll be bidding to avoid a third relegation from the top-flight.

He will be quietly annoyed at the fixture generator which has handed his side arguably the most difficult start of any Premier League team: Aston Villa (h), Man City (a), Arsenal (h), Liverpool (a), then Wolves (h). Ouch. A winless start could leave him vulnerable.

Marco Silva (Fulham)

Odds: 12/1

Slavisa Jokanovic was the unfortunate ‘winner’ of this market in 2018, losing his job a few months into the season after winning promotion from the Championship, but Fulham did keep the faith in Scott Parker during their last top-flight appearance which ended in relegation.

Marco Silva’s reputation was slightly bruised prior to taking the Fulham job, yet he fired his free-scoring troops to the title in his first season and will now be bidding to make an instant impact upon his Premier League return. 

Might get a few nibbles at 12s.

Jesse Marsch (Leeds)

Odds: 12/1

Replacing a legend is never easy but Jesse Marsch successfully kept Leeds in the Premier League following a dramatic final day win. He now has the whole summer to properly embed his blueprint upon this Leeds squad, which could well be depleted given that Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha are hotly linked with moves away.

A poor start could see doubts creep in, we've already seen that the hierarchy aren't afraid to make a big call if results and performances don't go their way.

At 12/1, Marsch is one to consider.

Bruno Lage (Wolves)

Odds: 14/1

At one point Wolves looked like they could challenge for a Champions League spot but in the end a lack of goals coupled with a slog to the season’s end - 2 points from 21 - saw them finish in 10th; disappointing considering what could have been.

Fans will demand more attacking intent and potency from Lage’s approach. His side, who were defensively strong, mustered all of 38 goals in 38 games; fewer than all but the relegated trio.

At 14/1 Lage is definitely one to keep an eye on in the early stages of next season, especially if his side fail to make the most of a reasonable opening six games during which they face only one of last season’s top-10 teams.

Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)

Odds: 14/1

Arsenal made strides last season despite falling short of a top-four finish which was there for the taking.

Mikel Arteta signed a new three-year contract in May, extending his stay through to 2025. It’s therefore difficult to see the Gunners making a managerial change anytime soon unless things really do turn sour…as they often can at the Emirates.

Steve Cooper (Nottingham Forest)

Odds: 16/1

If there's one manager, outside of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, who is surely safe and secure in the job its Steve Cooper.

The Welshman has performed miracles at Nottingham Forest, leading the club from the relegation zone to a first Premier League promotion this century.

He's an absolute hero at the City Ground and looks an almost offensive price at 14/1-16/1. The only reason to account for this is another club coming in for his services.

Graham Potter (Brighton)

Odds: 20/1

The excellent Graham Potter seems a tad short at 10/1 with BetVictor, but 20/1 elsewhere.

It’s unlikely to be anything to do with his job security at Brighton, with whom he led to their highest ever finish last season. However, the relatively low price could be incase another club swoops in for his signature.

Potter's name trended on Twitter after nearly all of England's recent Nations League games. There's no chance Gareth Southgate will be sacked prior to the World Cup, but a shambolic showing in Qatar could potentially see an opportunity open up in the New Year: Potter is currently a leading contender in the market, which you can find below.

Antonio Conte (Tottenham)

Odds: 20/1

Antonio Conte is an emotionally-charged manager who grabs headlines. He's elite and no-nonsense. If something doesn't sit well with him he'll get his point across no problem.

There may still be a slight concern that PSG come knocking, however on transfer evidence it looks like the Italian is definitely staying at Spurs. He's made some shrewd additions so far as bids to close the gap on the top-three and make a statement in the Champions League.

You never really know with Conte, so 20/1 seems about right.

Patrick Vieira (Crystal Palace)

Odds: 20/1

Exciting times at Crystal Palace with Patrick Vieira building a talented and exciting side at Selhurst Park.

Frank de Boer was infamously sent packing by the Eagles just four games into the 2017/18 season, but any period of patchy form under Vieira will not result in the sack.

Similarly to Graham Potter, the danger would be other club taking a fancy to the Frenchman.

Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea)

Odds: 25/1

In the space of 18 months Thomas Tuchel has won the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and been crowned The Best FIFA Football Coach. He's reached two FA Cup finals and a League Cup final; losing two of those last season on penalties. He also handled last season's difficult off-field circumstances thrown at him with dignity and integrity.

Yet, this is Chelsea, and still there are flickers of uncertainty as they embark on a new era under owner Todd Boehly. This is reflected in Tuchel's 9/1 price with Paddys and Betfair, but will definitely attract interest at 25/1 with BetVictor.

Thomas Frank (Brentford)

Odds: 25/1

Thomas Frank was one of our managers of the 2021/22 season, commanding attention with a few eye-catching results and his high-energy brand of football in what was Brentford's first ever Premier League campaign. 

Exceeding expectations can be a blessing and a curse for managers. Building on a successful debut campaign in the league has proved to be a thorn in the side in the past, including Chris Wilder at Sheffield United.

Eddie Howe (Newcastle)

Odds: 33/1

Eddie Howe coached his way to a Manager of the Season nominee last term following his exploits at Newcastle. His impact was notable: inspiring a frustrated fanbase, improving players, and lifting the Toon to a creditable 11th place finish.

Howe’s next task is to propel the club to the next level. He definitely has credit in the back, buckets of goodwill, and deserves time but we don't yet know how his mega-money and hugely ambitious owners will react to any prolonged periods of poor form or inconsistency; especially if a certain Argentinian is available.

BetVictor have Howe in as one of the early favourites at 8/1, however he's well worth a look at a massive 33/1 with Paddys and Betfair.

Erik ten Hag (Man Utd)

Odds: 33/1

After a long and drawn out process, Erik ten Hag was eventually chosen as the latest manager tasked with bringing the 'glory days' back to Man Utd, who were dreadful last season.

They can't get any worse, surely?

The Dutchman will be given plenty of time to make his mark. It's difficult to envision there ever being a scenario where he's the first manager to leave, unless his side are in the relegation zone come Christmas...

David Moyes (West Ham)

Odds: 33/1

David Moyes has performed one of the greatest managerial turnarounds in recent years. A reputation in tatters following spells at Man Utd, Real Sociedad and Sunderland, he's now a bonafide maestro at West Ham with whom he's led to a Europa League semi-final and consecutive top-7 finishes.

The only surprising thing being his odds aren't longer than 33/1.

Steven Gerrard (Aston Villa)

Odds: 40/1

An interesting one to ponder out at 40/1.

A talented young English manager in charge of a talented team, yet Gerrard has yet to find a consistent winning formula since his appointment in November; claiming just two wins from the final 11 matches last season (against relegated Burnley and Norwich).

Given the calibre of players in the club's ranks there is an anticipation that Villa can make a real statement next season. Gerrard does, however, still have a lot to prove, especially with some of the money being spent. If there's a really poor start or losing streak then the pressure could be ramped up, as Dean Smith found out last term. At a large 40/1, Gerrard could attract a few suitors.

Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)

Odds: 66/1

No chance.

Pep Guardiola (Man City)

Odds: 66/1

See above.

Full odds below...