While the evidence suggests things have to get pretty bad for a club to change manager early in the season, a few bosses are feeling the heat.
Manchester United
Simon Stone
There are ways of losing games of course, but I don’t see the trip to Fulham as being ‘make or break’ for Carrick in the sense of his job.
Carrick says it would be “ridiculous” to think that way – and I agree.
He got enough credit in the bank last season by steering Manchester United into the Champions League to ride out a poor start to the season.
I think the issue is United generate so much debate that a loss at Craven Cottage, which would be United’s first since 2009, against a team that has only one point and is bottom of the table, would lead to numerous external inquests – which in turn puts a laser focus on the club when they resume their campaign against Tottenham on 10 October.
Fulham
Nizaar Kinsella
It is unclear exactly how much danger Arbeloa is in, but there appears to be some substance to reports of disgruntlement among elements of Fulham’s squad early in the campaign.
His significant tactical changes since replacing Marco Silva have left the Cottagers vulnerable at the back, although they produced a more solid display in a goalless draw away to Liverpool last weekend. Silva spent five years at Craven Cottage.
However, owner Shahid Khan has shown a ruthless streak in the past when making managerial changes. Claudio Ranieri lasted just 106 days in charge, while Felix Magath was sacked in September 2014, albeit having been appointed the previous season.
Tottenham
Sami Mokbel
The results go from bad to worse for Tottenham. Having spent about £300m on new talent over the summer the club’s owners are getting very little bang for their buck in terms of points (and goals) scored.
But there is no sense whatsoever that Roberto de Zerbi is under pressure despite the club’s difficult start – no wins from six games.
The vibes with regards to how the team is starting to play are positive amid a sense that it is only a matter of time before they click.
Of course, for Tottenham, it needs to click sooner rather than later.
Crystal Palace
Sami Mokbel
Pierre Sage has endured an indifferent start to life at Palace. One league win so far hasn’t gone down particularly well internally, nor has the team’s leaky defence since the Frenchman’s arrival from Lens.
Allowances will be made for the unavailability – for a manner of reasons – of key attacking duo Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The 4-0 win over Lech Poznan in the Europa League on Thursday eased some of the pressure, but a defeat at Leeds this afternoon would come at the worst possible time for Sage.
Burnley
Nicky Hayen quit Genk to spearhead Burnley’s bid to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.
The Clarets started the season as third favourites for promotion, behind West Ham and Wolves, but are winless in their first eight matches.
In his pre-match news conference on Friday, the Belgian faced questions about his future.
Hayen admitted he was under pressure and Saturday’s game against fellow slow starters Derby was a must-win fixture.
But a disappointing 1-1 draw, with the Rams scoring a stoppage-time leveller, left Burnley rock-bottom going into the break.
The Burnley board might now be assessing their options.
Derby manager John Eustace, who almost took the club to the play-offs last season, is not safe either with the club in the relegation zone.
Watford
A Watford manager can never rest easy in their seat. Alessio Dionisi, appointed in the summer, became their 27th permanent manager in just under 18 years.
Friday’s defeat at Bristol City left the Hornets with two wins from their first eight league games under the Italian, who managed Empoli before moving to England.
Sitting in 19th position in the league table, three points above the drop zone, it would not be a surprise if owner Gino Pozzo decided to make an early change.
