Premier League 2019-20: Sack race predictions, betting, tips and odds

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer under pressure from the start

Scoring one of the most important goals in Manchester United's history earned Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the opportunity to move into the Old Trafford hotseat but it won't be enough to save him from the chop if the Red Devils start slowly.

A golden start of ten wins and a draw from the first 11 matches led some to suggest Solskjaer possessed the Midas touch and the elimination of Paris St-Germain in the Champions League sealed his transition from caretaker to permanent boss.

However, two victories in the last 12 matches of the season, after an ultimately lucky success over PSG, paints a very different picture of Solskjaer's managerial qualities.

• Which teams could challenge the Premier League big six?

United's tricky start – Chelsea at home followed by a trip to Wolves – means OGS is challenging Steve Bruce for sack-race favouritism.

Bruce is walking into a difficult situation at Newcastle as a former Sunderland boss aiming to replace Rafael Benitez.

The fans hate owner Mike Ashley and Newcastle face fixtures against Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool in their first five matches.

Roy Hodgson has been the early one for support in this heat, which feels harsh, but he celebrates his 72nd birthday as Crystal Palace start their league campaign. Could Hodgson be seen as a dinosaur?

Managers who are safe - for now

New Brighton boss Graham Potter has been trusted with improving the attritional football of previous Albion gaffer Chris Hughton. There will be many 'proper football men' saying be careful what you wish for should he start slowly.

Frank Lampard has the support of the Chelsea supporters and would surely need to make a disastrous start to be considered a runner even with Roman Abramovich calling the shots and Sheffield United's Chris Wilder recently signed a new three-year contract.

• The Premier League's new faces of 2019-20

Dean Smith fits the trend of last year's 'winner' Slavisa Jokanovic.

Aston Villa, like Fulham, are ambitious playoff winners and Smith is one to consider, possibly more than fellow newly-promoted boss Daniel Farke at Norwich.

There is a realism regarding Norwich's survival bid and Farke has plenty of credit in the bank from last season. The same is also true of FA Cup finalists Watford with Javi Gracia.

• Pat Nevin: timing couldn't be worse for Frank Lampard

Ralph Hasenhuttl could be using Southampton as a stepping stone but needs a vacancy to appear and Brendan Rodgers wouldn't walk out of a club without finishing the job would he? Err...

Leicester ruthlessly sacked Claudio Ranieri so anything is possible with Rodgers, while Arsenal could do with a decent start under Unai Emery following a poor end to last term.

West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold are rarely in a hurry to wield the axe, which will please Manuel Pellegrini, but the same may not be true for Marco Silva at Everton.

Some bosses are immovable objects

Darling of Dorset Eddie Howe seems to have the Bournemouth job as long as he wants it and Wolves coach Nuno's name is sung with a passion usually reserved for Molineux marvels like Steve Bull.

Sean Dyche surely gets to decide when it's time for him to leave Burnley and Mauricio Pochettino, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are the most important figures at their clubs.

Verdict: Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson is walking on thin ice

Hodgson got a bit of flak from the Selhurst Park natives last season, is in the last year of his contract and will have to cope with either a disgruntled Wilfried Zaha or no Zaha at all.

It's a difficult market for value but only Huddersfield gained fewer home wins than Palace's five last season so most season-ticket holders didn't get much for their money which increases the pressure on the former England manager.

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