Every Premier League manager is at risk of something. Whether you’ve been at the top for a long time or have recently started a new job. The ugly fact of football is that the sack might come at any time, such is the desire for immediate success and remedies.
Of course, some people are more likely to experience this than others, but predicting it can be difficult because you never know what downfalls and surprise tales will come out during the course of a season. However, that is why we have asked AI to predict who will lose their positions at the summit of English football.
20Pep Guardiola – Manchester City
What AI said: “Guardiola is the most secure, notwithstanding City’s top-four tussle last season. His track record makes dismissal impossible, with speculative 25/1 odds.
Pep Guardiola, one of, if not the greatest managers in history, is unlikely to lose his position. Given that he signed a new deal at the Etihad last season, it would take some effort for the Cityzens to perform so poorly that the upper management concluded they were better off without the former Barcelona coach.
19Mikel Arteta – Arsenal
AI stated: “Arteta’s sustained growth and second-place finish last season assure his safety. Only an unexpected collapse might create pressure.”
Some think that if Mikel Arteta does not win a major prize at the Emirates this season, his time in North London will be finished. After being a perennial second-place finisher, Arteta and Arsenal have been more aggressive in the transfer market to close the gap on the top, and the AI believes he will at least have a whole season to produce the goods.
18Arne Slot – Liverpool
The answer the AI gave: “Slot’s title win last season and Liverpool’s patient hierarchy make him nearly untouchable, even with a tough start.”
What an impression Arne Slot left during his debut season at Anfield. The Dutchman became only the fifth manager in history to win the Premier League on his first attempt. That fact alone should be enough for him to make it through the season, even if the Reds’ performance plummets. While their actions in the Community Shield raise uncertainties about how they will begin the season, you would expect them to continue competing and Slot to be safe.
17Unai Emery – Aston Villa
What AI said: “Emery’s Europa League success and Villa’s stability make him extremely secure.” Only a terrible season would put him in danger.”
Unai Emery’s work at Aston Villa has been nothing short of amazing, given that the club appeared to be on the verge of relegation under Steven Gerrard. It will be difficult for Villa to burst through the glass ceiling and challenge for the top slots, so as long as they remain steady, the Spaniard should stay placed.
16Eddie Howe – Newcastle United
What AI said: “Howe’s Carabao Cup victory and Newcastle’s strong position make him very secure.” A voluntary departure is more frequent than a dismissal.”
Eddie Howe has lamented Newcastle’s lack of transfer activity, and Alexander Isak’s future may not benefit the Magpies this season. But Howe has done an excellent job at St James’ Park, and as long as he can produce top performances in Europe while keeping Newcastle in good shape domestically, there is no reason to suppose he will go after winning the Carabao Cup last season.
15David Moyes – Everton
This is what AI said: “Moyes’ experience and two-year contract make him safe unless Everton’s performance craters dramatically.”
David Moyes, one of the most successful Premier League managers in history in terms of points, made an emotional return to Everton to help the club prepare for their new stadium. Like Newcastle, there has not been a lot of transfer activity, which may concern the Scot if it leads to stasis or deterioration. He’ll be hoping that getting Jack Grealish through the door will motivate his team.
14Oliver Glasner – Crystal Palace
What AI said: “Glasner’s mid-table finish and favorable influence since 2023-24 ensure his security. Only a catastrophic downturn might imperil him.”
What the AI has completely omitted with their Oliver Glasner submission is that the Crystal Palace manager has also delivered the club’s first two trophies, following two stunning Wembley performances in the FA Cup final and the Community Shield. Glasner has earned his place in history and should be given the opportunity to correct any wrongs that may arise. That being said, Steve Parish is a risk-averse chairman, so if he even suspects that something needs to change, he will not hesitate to act.
13Vitor Pereira – Wolves
AI said: “Pereira stabilized Wolves last season. He’s likely to have some freedom unless Wolves collapse early in the season.”
Vítor Pereira’s Wolves appear underprepared for the new season, resulting in a surprising low ranking. Losing Matheus Cunha hasn’t helped, and the Wolves haven’t done anything in the transfer market to replace him. With that, their squad appears to be a little undercooked, and Pereira will need to do a fine job steering them to safety while also keeping his job.
12Fabian Hurzeler – Brighton
What AI had to say: “Hurzeler’s long-term project at Brighton and their strong starts make a sacking unlikely, though interest from elsewhere (e.g., German national team) could be a factor.”
Fabian Hürzeler, the Premier League’s youngest full-time manager, has had a strong start at Brighton and hopes for continued success, even without João Pedro. Suggestions from the AI that he may land the Germany job appear a little farfetched at this point, but if they don’t perform well at the 2026 World Cup, it may become a more plausible prospect.
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