With news having broken that Leicester City manager Steve Cooper was dismissed by the club after their defeat to Chelsea, things have truly been shaken up in the Premier League sack race.
Southampton boss Russell Martin still appears be the favourite to be the next manager to leave, but West Ham's Julen Lopetegui has joined him, with the Hammers now sitting only three points above the drop zone. Both managers are priced at 6/5, as a two-horse race has emerged as to who will be the next to receive their P45.
Elsewhere, with Wolves climbing above Ipswich Town after another win against Fulham, pressure has begun to ease on Gary O'Neil, but he is by no means safe just yet. Oliver Glasner and Sean Dyche are also in the mix, but are both seen as clear outsiders in the current market.
Current favourites
Russell Martin – 6/5
With only one win and one draw from 12 games, it is safe to say that Southampton's return to the Premier League has not been very impressive. Manager Russell Martin has insisted on playing out from the back, with Saints averaging the second most completed passes per 90 minutes, only behind Manchester City.
However, it has not been successful at either end of the pitch, as they have only managed nine goals and have conceded 24. Stubbornness over the tactical approach is likely to backfire for Martin if their current form does not improve. At 6/5, the current Saints boss does not seem far from being shown the door.
Julen Lopetegui – 6/5
Similarly to Martin, things have not gone to plan for new West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui. The Spaniard took over from David Moyes in the summer, but has failed to make any impact at the London stadium. Three wins from 11 games means West Ham have only garnered a measly total of 12 points from their opening 11 fixtures.
Moyes was often criticised for his defensive football, but there have been no signs of improvement from Lopetegui. The Hammers have only managed 13 goals, but have conceded 19, which is quite a worrying record considering the summer signings of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo.
At 6/5, Lopetegui is level with Martin in the sack race. A game against Newcastle beckons for the Spaniard, but anything other than a win could spell disaster for his position. He would be a good choice to back for the next manager to leave his post.
Sean Dyche – 10/1
A clear outsider in the current market, Everton boss Sean Dyche is priced at 10/1. This is mainly due to the club being winless in four league games, having drawn 0-0 to Brentford in their most recent fixtures. Thomas Frank's Bees had been reduced to 10 men after 41 minutes, too, which made the result all the more disappointing for the Toffees.
However, there is really no suggestion that Dyche is close to the sack, and should not really be considered too seriously in the race against Martin and Lopetegui, unless both teams suddenly undergo a drastic change in their form. Dyche's 10/1 price does not provide value for punters considering Everton are still two points above the drop zone.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
