Football

Ranking Premier League Managers by Sack Risk: Who’s Safe & Who’s on the Brink?

As the Premier League kicks into full gear, so does the pressure cooker of managerial expectations. From Champions League chasers to relegation dogfighters, every boss is under the microscope. Here's a rundown—starting from the most at risk—of who’s clinging on and who’s cruising through the new campaign.

1. Vitor Pereira – Wolverhampton Wanderers

Vitor Pereira
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Wolves' gamble on Vitor Pereira paid off last season as he kept them up with key early wins, but that good will is quickly evaporating. After four straight losses and major squad departures, the pressure is already mounting.

2. Graham Potter – West Ham United

Graham Potter
sbonsi / Shutterstock.com

Graham Potter hasn’t convinced fans or the board, with West Ham suffering heavy defeats and sinking into early relegation form. Despite public backing from Karen Brady, the mood in East London suggests his time could soon be up.

3. Ruben Amorim – Manchester United

Ruben Amorim
Photo: Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Ruben Amorim’s rocky start at Old Trafford saw United record their worst-ever finish. Despite backing from INEOS and new signings, fans are restless and a Manchester Derby defeat hasn’t helped his case.

Read also: The 20 Greatest Football Fanbases in the World – Ranked by AI

4. Daniel Farke – Leeds United

Daniel Farke
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Daniel Farke led Leeds back to the top flight but is already facing doubts from ownership. A weak start and his poor Premier League track record could make this a short-lived reunion with the big time.

5. Scott Parker – Burnley

Scott Parker
Cosmin Iftode / Shutterstock.com

Burnley’s return under Scott Parker has shown defensive promise, but staying up is still a tall order. The loss of key players like James Trafford adds pressure to a manager who has struggled in past top-flight campaigns.

6. Keith Andrews – Brentford

Keith Andrews
Franziska, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In his first senior role, Keith Andrews is stepping into big shoes at Brentford after Thomas Frank's departure. Though early signs are decent, question marks still loom large over his ability to lead in the long run.

7. Unai Emery – Aston Villa

Unai Emery
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Despite a strong start to life at Villa Park, Emery's side has hit a goal drought and PSR issues loom. The Spaniard remains respected, but a prolonged slump could put even his job at risk.

Read also: 11 Footballers Tipped for Ballon d'Or Greatness—But Never Made It

8. Marco Silva – Fulham

Marco Silva
Cosmin Iftode / Shutterstock.com

Marco Silva continues to punch above his weight at Fulham, but his contract is winding down and speculation could become a distraction. Still, his track record and fan support offer a solid safety net.

9. Enzo Maresca – Chelsea

Enzo Maresca
daykung / Shutterstock.com

Chelsea’s new man delivered silverware early, but the club’s chaotic history with managers keeps Maresca on thin ice. Any disagreement with the board or dip in form could spell trouble despite recent success.

10. Fabian Hurzeler – Brighton & Hove Albion

Fabian Hurzeler
Instagram/fabian.huerzeler

Brighton's youngest-ever Premier League manager made a strong debut, but a heavy loss to Forest revealed potential cracks. He’s exciting and safe for now, but the expectations are growing fast at the Amex.

11. Ange Postecoglou – Nottingham Forest

Ange Postecoglou
IOIO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

Postecoglou’s bold style returns to the Premier League via Forest, where the board is known for making quick decisions. He inherits a strong squad, but the club’s trigger-happy leadership means his seat isn’t entirely cool.

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12. Regis Le Bris – Sunderland

Regis Le Bris
Instagram/1regislebris

A surprise hit, Regis Le Bris has Sunderland sitting comfortably after their return to the top flight. His tactical flexibility and squad development make him one of the more secure new arrivals.

13. Eddie Howe – Newcastle United

Eddie Howe
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Eddie Howe has proven his worth with silverware and Champions League qualification. Even after selling key players, Newcastle looks poised to build, not break, under his leadership.

14. Thomas Frank – Tottenham Hotspur

Thomas Frank
Instagram/spursofficial

Taking over a troubled Spurs side, Thomas Frank is off to a good start but still faces pressure from a demanding fanbase. His track record at Brentford suggests he’s up for the challenge.

15. David Moyes – Everton

David Moyes
Photo: Rnoid / Shutterstock.com

David Moyes returned to steady the ship at Everton and has lifted them out of danger. With new ownership and decent form, his job looks secure—for now.

Read also: Golden Oldies: The 10 Oldest Goalscorers in the Top-5 Leagues Since 2000

16. Andoni Iraola – Bournemouth

Andoni Iraola
Saolab Press / Shutterstock.com

Iraola has earned praise for Bournemouth’s steady rise and big scalps like wins over United and Arsenal. He’s more likely to be poached than sacked.

17. Oliver Glasner – Crystal Palace

Oliver Glasner
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Glasner delivered FA Cup glory and European qualification—Palace’s greatest season ever. He’s safe as houses at Selhurst Park.

18. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal

Mikel Arteta
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Arteta is still hunting a Premier League title, but back-to-back second-place finishes and a Champions League semi-final show real progress. Fan backing remains strong, but patience has limits.

19. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City

Pep Guardiola
Jose Breton- Pics Action / Shutterstock.com

Even after a dip last season, Guardiola remains untouchable. With a new contract and fresh signings, City is backing their mastermind to bounce back.

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20. Arne Slot – Liverpool

Arne Slot
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Slot couldn’t have started better—winning the league and rebuilding the squad while maintaining perfect early-season form. He’s as safe as they come on Merseyside.