The Sack Race: Predictions Ahead of the Festive Football Rush

As we barrel towards the festive season, the fixtures are piling up, and the pressure cooker is well and truly on for any manager who's not pulling their weight, especially with the January transfer window looming large.

This season, it seems half a dozen clubs are in a bit of a ‘crisis', with four managers already shown the door as the campaign unfolds. One of those four was Vítor Pereira, who was the top pick to go last time we checked.

So, who’s next, you ask? Let's see what the odds-makers have to say…

Daniel Farke
Odds: 2/5

It’s looking increasingly like a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ for Daniel Farke at Elland Road. Leeds United put in a commendable shift at the Etihad Stadium, clawing back from 2-0 down to level things up before Phil Foden snatched victory in stoppage time.

Farke will be banking on a rousing reception from the home crowd to lift his lads, especially with Chelsea and Liverpool on the horizon.

Thomas Frank
Odds: 4/1

Under Thomas Frank, Tottenham Hotspur have delivered five wins, five losses, and two draws in the league thus far.

However, recent performances have raised eyebrows. Since October, Spurs have played 11 games across all competitions, winning only three (against Leeds, Everton, and Copenhagen), while suffering six defeats, including three on the trot.

A tricky match awaits at St James' Park, and the Dane’s side will need to rediscover their early-season form in a hurry.

Arne Slot
Odds: 8/1

It’s quite surprising to see Arne Slot among the bookies' favourites, considering how last season went.

The back-to-back defeats against Nottingham Forest and PSV marked a low point in Slot’s tenure, though Liverpool did exactly what was expected against West Ham over the weekend.

A home clash with Sunderland, followed by another trip to Leeds, should enable Liverpool to build some crucial momentum, but any more losses could spell trouble for Slot.

Scott Parker
Odds: 12/1

Burnley always understood that surviving in the Premier League this season would be a tall order, and they’re finding it tough going.

Scott Parker’s side has eked out wins against Sunderland, Leeds, and Wolves, and drawn with Forest, which paints a picture of their level. However, they've faltered against everyone else, including a recent defeat to Brentford.

To avoid the drop, the Clarets need to start racking up points against their league rivals, but for now, Parker’s job appears to be secure.

Marco Silva
Odds: 12/1

Fulham find themselves sitting 15th in the table, which isn’t quite where they fancy being, especially with aspirations to push for European spots. But with a congested middle tier in the Premier League this season, Silva’s crew are just a few wins away from climbing higher.

The Cottagers went through a rough patch, losing five of six games from September to early November, but they've bounced back to win two in a row, including that notable victory away at Spurs.

Given what Marco Silva has achieved since joining, it’s hard to see the club making the decision to part ways with him unless there's an extended period of poor results.