Premier League Sack Race 2025/26: Early Predictions for the First Manager to Face the Axe

2025-08-10
Premier League Sack Race 2025/26: Early Predictions for the First Manager to Face the Axe
GOAL

The 2025/26 Premier League season is just around the corner, and with it, the inevitable speculation about which manager will be the first to lose their job. After a whirlwind year for many players, with limited respite from intense competition, the pressure is already mounting. GOAL’s expert writers have been weighing in, offering their early predictions on who might be under the most scrutiny and potentially facing the sack before Christmas.

The Premier League is renowned for its ruthless nature, where results matter above all else. A poor start, a string of disappointing performances, or a breakdown in team morale can quickly put a manager's job on the line. This season promises to be particularly challenging, with several new faces in the dugout and heightened expectations across the board.

The Contenders: Who's on the Hot Seat?

Several managers find themselves under immediate pressure. Erik ten Hag at Manchester United remains a key talking point. Despite securing silverware last season, the team's performances have often been unconvincing, and the ownership’s patience is reportedly wearing thin. A slow start could see him facing a swift exit.

Unai Emery at Aston Villa has done a remarkable job, but the club's ambition is now sky-high. Any failure to secure European qualification could lead to questions about his long-term suitability. The squad needs further strengthening, and if those reinforcements don't arrive, the pressure will intensify.

Ange Postecoglou’s arrival at Tottenham Hotspur has been met with enthusiasm, but the lack of a proven goalscorer and a defensively shaky side could prove his undoing. While his attacking philosophy is exciting, results will ultimately dictate his future. A failure to challenge for the top four could lead to a change.

Don't discount Jesse Marsch at Leeds United. Their return to the Premier League will be a baptism of fire, and if they struggle to adapt and find themselves in a relegation battle, Marsch could find himself under immense pressure. The weight of expectation in Yorkshire is considerable.

Finally, David Moyes at West Ham United is always a name mentioned in these discussions. While he has a good rapport with the fans, the club's financial constraints and limited squad depth make it difficult to compete consistently. A poor showing in the Europa Conference League, coupled with domestic struggles, could spell the end for Moyes.

The Predictions

Our writers are divided, but a consensus is emerging. Many believe Erik ten Hag is the most likely candidate to be the first Premier League manager sacked this season. The constant scrutiny from the media and the demanding ownership create a volatile environment. A negative points difference after the first ten games could be the tipping point.

Others highlight Unai Emery as a potential casualty, pointing to the high expectations at Aston Villa and the need for immediate progress. However, the majority agree that Ten Hag's position is the most precarious.

Ultimately, the sack race is a cruel and unpredictable game. But one thing is certain: the pressure is on, and managers across the Premier League will be feeling the heat from the very first whistle. Only time will tell who will buckle under the strain.

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