A ball is yet to be kicked in the Premier League but already punters can bet on who will be the first manager to leave their post this season.
There were six mid-season managerial changes last season, with the first occurring on November 14 when Slavisa Jokanovic was relieved of his duties at Fulham, whilst Jose Mourinho’s departure from Manchester United was certainly the highest profile.
Some managers are already under pressure ahead of the 2019-20 campaign and 888Sport offer a market on who will leave their post first.
Steve Bruce – Newcastle United
Steve Bruce is yet to oversee a game as Newcastle boss but is 4/1 (5.0) favourite to be the first Premier League manager to leave their post this season.
The experienced Englishman replaced Rafael Benitez at the helm in July, leaving Sheffield Wednesday after just five months there, although his top-flight record leaves much to be desired.
Bruce has been relegated from the Premier League twice and has just a 28 per cent win record in the division, whilst his tenure in charge of Sunderland may mean he struggles to win over Newcastle fans.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – Manchester United
Perhaps a surprise appointment to replace Mourinho back in December 2018, Solskjaer proved his worth by guiding his former club to 10 wins in his first 12 league games in charge.
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However, the Norwegian collected just eight points from the final 27 on offer and is 6/1 (7.0) to be the first Premier League manager to leave his job in the forthcoming season.
The Red Devils’ last five league fixtures included a 4-0 defeat at Everton as well as 2-0 home losses to Manchester City and relegated Cardiff, firmly putting the pressure on Solskjaer.
Graham Potter – Brighton
Also a 6/1 (7.0) shot, Potter entered the public domain when his Ostersund side faced Arsenal in the Europa League in February 2018, prompting Swansea to hire him last season after their relegation from the Premier League.
The Swans collected 65 points in the Championship last term, winning six of their last 10 games, but the Englishman perhaps faces a bigger challenge at a Brighton side lucky to avoid relegation.
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Chris Hughton was fired after claiming just two league wins in 2019, with the Seagulls also going six games without a goal, and the 6/1 (7.0) price on Potter being the first manager to leave may prove a popular wager.
Other contenders
Chris Wilder is a 12/1 (13.0) chance ahead of Sheffield United’s return to the top flight, whilst Daniel Farke can be backed at 14/1 (15.0) with 888Sport.
Frank Lampard is entering his first season in the Premier League and, although he led Derby County to the Championship play-off final during his debut managerial campaign, the 14/1 (15.0) quote could garner some traction.
Check out the latest Premier League odds with 888Sport
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