The Premier League's Sack Race is an annual tradition that keeps fans on the edge of their seats, and the 2026/27 season promises to be no exception. With a host of new managers and a few familiar faces, the question on everyone's mind is: who will be the first to go?
The Big Six Shakeup
The so-called Big Six clubs have been particularly active in the managerial market. Three of them have brand new managers, and five have made appointments within the last year. This turnover is a testament to the high expectations and intense pressure that come with managing these elite clubs.
Roberto De Zerbi's appointment at Spurs in March was a bold move, and he's already the 12th longest-serving manager in the Premier League. His task is to rebuild a squad that has seen significant changes, with six new players joining before the summer transfer window even opened. It's a high-stakes gamble, and Spurs fans will be hoping for a quick return on their investment.
Arsenal's Arteta: The Safe Bet
Mikel Arteta, the longest-serving Premier League manager, is in a comfortable position at Arsenal. After a successful season that saw them crowned champions, Arteta's steady leadership has the Gunners poised to defend their title. With a strong Champions League campaign also under their belt, Arsenal looks set to continue their upward trajectory.
Everton's Moyes: A Natural Fit
David Moyes' return to Everton has been a success, despite the club's mid-table finish last season. His experience and familiarity with the club make him a safe bet for the upcoming season. However, Everton's tendency to make impulsive decisions could always lead to unexpected changes.
Villa's Emery: A Wanted Man
Unai Emery's impressive work at Aston Villa has not gone unnoticed. There's a constant fear that a bigger club will swoop in and lure him away, especially if Villa fails to strengthen their squad significantly this summer. Emery's ability to consistently deliver results in a challenging environment makes him a highly sought-after manager.
The Premier League's Youth Movement
The Premier League is witnessing a generational shift, with managers born in the 1980s gradually replacing those from the 1970s. Fabian Hurzeler, a 1990s outlier, is starting his third season with Brighton, a testament to his ability to adapt and succeed in a competitive league. This trend reflects the evolving nature of football management, with younger coaches bringing fresh ideas and strategies.
Bournemouth's Rose: A New Beginning
Marco Rose, a familiar face in Premier League circles, takes over at Bournemouth. Despite a disastrous start at his previous club, he's been given time to implement his ideas. Bournemouth's patience could pay off, but the pressure will be on if results don't come quickly.
Liverpool's Iraola: A High-Risk Appointment
Andoni Iraola's appointment at Liverpool is a gamble. His recent unbeaten run at Bournemouth is promising, but his previous winless streak raises concerns. Managing a club like Liverpool, where every result is scrutinized, will be a significant challenge. Iraola's success will depend on his ability to maintain consistency and manage the expectations of a demanding fanbase.
Manchester United's Carrick: Easy Mode to Hard Mode
Michael Carrick's impressive performance as Manchester United's interim manager last season earned him the permanent role. However, the upcoming season will be a true test of his abilities. With a full schedule and the pressure of managing a club with high expectations, Carrick will need to prove his worth beyond the 'easy mode' he experienced last season.
Sunderland's Le Bris: Second-Season Syndrome
Regis Le Bris, last season's manager of the year, faces the challenge of second-season syndrome at Sunderland. The excitement of European football could become a burden, and the club's fans will be hoping for a strong start to the season.
Brentford's Andrews: Business as Usual
Keith Andrews, who seamlessly stepped into Thomas Frank's shoes at Brentford, is expected to continue the club's success. Without the distraction of European football, Andrews should keep Brentford away from the Sack Race discussion.
Chelsea's Alonso: A Wild Card
Xabi Alonso's appointment at Chelsea is intriguing. His managerial career has been a mix of stunning achievements and struggles. Chelsea fans can expect anything from a title challenge to a mid-season sacking. Alonso's ability to adapt to the Premier League and manage a club with high expectations will be crucial.
Leeds' Farke: Avoiding the Relegation Trap
Daniel Farke's task at Leeds is twofold: avoiding relegation and managing the club's expectations. Leeds must not become complacent, as even a mid-table finish could lead to calls for a higher-profile manager. Farke's success will depend on his ability to balance short-term results with long-term stability.
Manchester City's Maresca: Following in Guardiola's Footsteps
Enzo Maresca has the unenviable task of succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. While Maresca is a talented coach, he lacks Guardiola's charisma, which could impact the team's performance. The pressure to maintain City's success will be immense, and Maresca will need to find his own style to lead the club forward.
Fulham's Arbeloa: A New Era
Alvaro Arbeloa's appointment at Fulham marks a new era for the club. Following Marco Silva's successful tenure, Arbeloa has big shoes to fill. Fulham's ability to adapt to a new manager and maintain their recent success will be a key storyline to watch.
Tottenham's De Zerbi: Chaos Agent
Tottenham's appointment of Roberto De Zerbi is a bold move. The club has made significant investments in new players, reshaping their defense and midfield. De Zerbi's task is to mold this new-look squad into a cohesive unit. However, Tottenham's recent history of managerial instability and De Zerbi's combustible nature could make this a high-risk appointment.
Crystal Palace's Sage: The French Connection
Pierre Sage, fresh from steering Lens to second place in Ligue 1, takes over at Crystal Palace. His success in France is impressive, but the Premier League will be a different challenge. Sage's ability to adapt to the English game will be crucial for Palace's success.
Nottingham Forest's Glasner: A Top-Tier Appointment
Oliver Glasner's move to Nottingham Forest is a coup for the club. His departure from Crystal Palace, where he delivered major trophies, was a surprise. Glasner's experience and track record make him a top-tier appointment, but the club's history of managerial changes means his position is never truly secure.
Newcastle's Howe: A Summer of Disappointment
Eddie Howe, the second-longest-serving Premier League manager, faces a challenging summer at Newcastle. The club's inability to attract top signings and the departure of key players have left fans disappointed. Howe's task is to navigate this turbulent period and rebuild the squad, but the pressure for immediate results could lead to his departure.
Ipswich's O'Neil: A Victim of Success
Gary O'Neil's success at Ipswich has made him a victim of his own achievements. His impressive work has led to a promotion, but it remains to be seen if he can replicate this success at a higher level.
Coventry's Lampard: A Resurgence
Frank Lampard's work at Coventry has been remarkable, guiding the club back to the Premier League. His ability to manage a club with limited resources and deliver results is commendable.
Hull's Jakirovic: A Settled Manager
Sergej Jakirovic's contentment at Hull is evident, with the manager discussing a new contract. However, the Premier League is a ruthless environment, and even the most settled managers can find themselves under pressure if results don't go their way.
The 2026/27 Premier League season promises to be a thrilling ride, with managerial changes and challenges galore. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the first managerial departure, but the real excitement lies in the stories of these managers, their strategies, and their ability to navigate the pressures of the Premier League.
