Premier League sack race: Irvine favourite but Monk has value

Previously assistant to David Moyes at Preston North End and Everton, Alan Irvine could soon be turning to his old friend for advice, though it could be in the most trying of circumstances.

Fresh from being unceremoniously dumped by Manchester United less than a season into his six-year contract with the Red Devils, Moyes could be the perfect man to call should Irvine live up to the bookies’ expectations and be the first manager to lose his job in the Premier League next season.

But while the 56-year-old is the undoubted favourite for the chop, there are plenty of other candidates to be the first to receive their marching orders – here are the top five.

Alan Irvine @ 5/1

Sacked from previous spells at Preston and Sheffield Wednesday, many an eyebrow was raised by the appointment of Irvine at West Brom, with Moyes’ former assistant arriving at the club after three years in a youth coaching role at Everton.

With a track record that recalls the likes of Steve Wigley and Les Reed, Irvine is the understandable favourite to go first, with West Bromwich Albion lucky to survive last season and yet to inspire much confidence in the transfer market.

Alan Pardew @ 6/1

The surprise joint-second favourite with Ladbrokes, Mike Ashley’s decision to splash the cash in the transfer market this summer could prove to be Pardew’s undoing, with the Englishman now able to choose from an improved squad that includes Jack Colback and Remy Cabella.

Pardew was fired by West Ham after failing to get the best out of players like Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez and with more high profile signings expected, the 52-year-old could fail to meet expectations which, combined with another touchline headbutt incident, may see him go.

Sam Allardyce @ 6/1

Another manager under pressure, many predicted a summer departure from West Ham for Allardyce following showdown talks with the club’s owners. In the end those behind the scenes backed Big Sam with Teddy Sheringham brought in as an attacking coach.

The Hammers have already spent big this summer too with the troublesome Mauro Zarate arriving and Ecuador World Cup star Enner Valencia likely to follow. Joining for some £20m in combined transfer fees, should the pair fail to fire West Ham up the table then Big Sam could be on his way.

Harry Redknapp @ 8/1

While Queens Park Rangers achieved promotion under Redknapp last season the reality is that ‘Arry was quite possibly one game away from the chop on more than one occasion with the Championship big-spenders struggling for form all season before a last-gasp play-off win.

Owner Tony Fernandes looks likely to spend big this summer and if Redknapp fails to deliver again, then the club once known for chopping and changing their management could wield the axe.

Garry Monk @ 14/1

The current dark horse in the sack race, the mass exodus currently being witnessed at the Liberty Stadium should spark concern among Swans fans with Michu the latest big name set to depart for sunnier climes.

Monk may have helped keep the Welsh club up last term but with almost half the teams in the Premier League failing to impress , a sluggish start could see Huw Jenkins push the panic button in much the same way as he did with Michael Laudrup. Get on Monk at this price!

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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