Ancelotti 6-1 for Everton as Koeman gets vote of confidence

Everton manager Ronald Koeman was told on Monday that he has the club's "total support" but he remains odds-on to be the next Premier League manager out of a job and recently-departed Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti has been installed as 6-1 favourite to replace him.

The Italian, who is said to be interested in a return to the Premier League after a spell at Chelsea, heads Sky Bet’s market from 8-1 shot David Unsworth, a former Toffee and now the club’s Under-23 manager.

After his sacking at Bayern Ancelotti was linked with a possible move to England, although West Ham is seen as a more likely destination given that the manager still owns a house in London.

The international break at the beginning of October has seen managerial departures in the Premier League in the last two seasons, although Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri gave his backing to Koeman after Sunday’s home defeat to Burnley.

“That was the only unexpected loss,” said Moshiri.

“The four pre-qualifying Uefa games and two group games on Thursdays haven’t helped. There is mental fatigue and seven injuries.

“These are early days and Koeman has my total support.”

The Dutchman will no doubt be glad the focus is switching to World Cup qualifying, although the pressure is on for his country­men as Holland face must-win fixtures away to Belarus on Saturday and at home to Sweden on Tuesday if they are to reach the finals.

Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk has been called up to the Oranje squad after recovering from injury.

England are 1-3 to book their passage to Russia with victory over Slovenia at Wembley on Thursday while Scotland are 7-5 to beat Slovakia at home, a result which would propel them to second in the Group F table if Slovenia do not win.

Northern Ireland are already assured of a top-two finish in Group C and are 12-1 to beat leaders Germany in Belfast.

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