The Premier League's infamous sack race is back, and this season promises to be a thrilling rollercoaster ride. With a fresh batch of managers taking the helm, the question on everyone's lips is: who will be the first to go in 2026/27?
Last season was a whirlwind of managerial comings and goings, particularly at Nottingham Forest and Spurs. The absurd Mr. Marinakis, known for his quick trigger finger, sacked three managers and has already added another to the list this summer. It's a far cry from Chelsea's relatively calm two managerial changes.
The 2026/27 season marks a new era with three of the so-called Big Six appointing new managers, and five of them doing so within the same year. It's a wild start to the Sack Race, and while we call it a race, it's not just about sackings; it's about the first manager to leave their post, by any means.
Let's dive into the rankings and explore the fascinating stories behind each manager's position.
The Safest Bets
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
Arteta, comfortably the longest-serving manager in the Premier League, is in a strong position. Arsenal's title win and steady Champions League improvement suggest a bright future. Arteta's safety is a testament to his ability to navigate the post-Pep world.
David Moyes (Everton)
Moyes' return to Everton feels like a natural fit, and his 18-month tenure has been stable. While Everton might be tempted to chase grander ambitions, Moyes' steady hand keeps him safe for now. However, the club's history of impulsive decisions could spell trouble.
Unai Emery (Aston Villa)
Emery's success at Villa has raised concerns about bigger clubs poaching him. The summer transfer window will be crucial in determining how persistent these fears become. Villa's balance between exciting signings and frustrating departures to larger clubs is delicate, but for now, Emery is secure.
The Long-Termers
Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton)
Hurzeler is an outlier, starting his third season with Brighton. He's one of only four managers to achieve this feat, and his performance has been impressive. Premier League management is dominated by Gen Xers, but Hurzeler's success challenges this trend.
Marco Rose (Bournemouth)
Rose is a new face in the Premier League, but his association with Barclays gives him an edge. Bournemouth's commitment to giving managers time is a refreshing change, and Rose can expect a patient approach.
The New Kids on the Block
Andoni Iraola (Liverpool)
Iraola's start at Bournemouth was rocky, but his current 18-match unbeaten run in the Premier League is promising. However, his previous winless streak is a concern. As Liverpool manager, the pressure is on, and the spotlight will be intense.
Michael Carrick (Manchester United)
Carrick made a strong case for himself last season, but the real test begins now. His predecessor's stubbornness left him with easy early wins, but the challenge of managing four fronts and a difficult summer transfer window could unravel quickly.
Regis Le Bris (Sunderland)
Le Bris, manager of the year last season, faces the risk of second-season syndrome. The excitement of a European tour could become a burden, but Sunderland fans should remain optimistic.
Keith Andrews (Brentford)
Andrews seamlessly stepped into Thomas Frank's shoes, and his familiarity with the club keeps him away from the Sack Race discussion.
The Wildcards
Xabi Alonso (Chelsea)
Alonso is the most exciting new manager, bringing a range of possibilities. His achievements at Leverkusen are impressive, but his struggles at Real Madrid leave some questions. Chelsea could be top in January or struggling in 12th by November - it's anyone's guess.
Daniel Farke (Leeds)
Farke's work at Leeds last year was excellent, but he faces two potential failures. Getting Leeds into relegation trouble or exceeding expectations and pushing for Europe could both be his downfall.
Enzo Maresca (Manchester City)
Maresca has big shoes to fill, following Pep Guardiola. While he's a very good coach, the charisma and tactics that made Guardiola successful might be missing. Maresca's tendency to self-fulfill his way out of title races is a concern.
Alvaro Arbeloa (Fulham)
Arbeloa's appointment feels like a Temu version of Alonso's Chelsea move. Fulham fans are comfortable with Marco Silva, so the transition will be interesting to watch.
Roberto De Zerbi (Tottenham)
De Zerbi is the big chaos agent this season. His wild new-look Spurs team has already undergone a costly reshaping, but the question remains: what will De Zerbi deliver?
Pierre Sage (Crystal Palace)
Sage faces the task of replacing Oliver Glasner, a manager who delivered two major trophies to the club. Sage's impressive work at Lens sets high expectations, but only time will tell if he can replicate that success in the Premier League.
Oliver Glasner (Nottingham Forest)
Glasner's move to Nottingham Forest is a coup, but the club's history with Mr. Marinakis means his position is inherently unstable. Glasner is a top-tier appointment, but the risk of an early exit is ever-present.
The Pressure Cookers
Eddie Howe (Newcastle)
Howe is under pressure to improve on Newcastle's 12th-place finish. The club's chaotic summer, losing key players and bringing in underwhelming signings, could be a hard reset, but Howe's survival seems unlikely.
Gary O'Neil (Ipswich)
O'Neil's promotion with Ipswich is a classic victim-of-success story. His predecessor, Kieran McKenna, managed to avoid the trap of success and failure, but O'Neil now faces the challenge of sustaining that success.
Frank Lampard (Coventry)
Lampard's return to the big time with Coventry is impressive, but he's not the favorite in the Sack Race. His position is secure for now, but the pressure is on to maintain that success.
Sergej Jakirovic (Hull)
Jakirovic's happiness at Hull is a surprise, as he's already discussing a new contract. However, his quote, "I'm waiting Mr. Chairman," suggests an October exit is likely.
The Premier League Sack Race is a fascinating insight into the high-pressure world of football management. While these rankings provide a snapshot, the true test lies in the unpredictable nature of the game. Who will be the first to go? Only time will tell.
