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As the Premier League hurtles toward the festive period, the managerial merry-go-round is in full swing, with several top-flight bosses feeling the heat of expectations and facing the ever-looming spectre of the sack.
Paul Heckingbottom was the first manager to be shown the door by Sheffield United, and the Steve Copper became the second when he was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest.
The spotlight is now on Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Crystal Palace’s Roy Hodgson, Burnley manager Vincent Kompany and Chelsea gaffer Mauricio Pochettino.
As the festive season approaches, one can’t help but wonder which manager might find themselves on the hot seat come the new year.
Erik ten Hag – Manchester United
The glamour and glory of Manchester United has been notably absent this season under the stewardship of Ten Hag.
Currently occupying seventh place in the Premier League with nine wins, a draw and seven defeats, the Red Devils have failed to meet the lofty expectations set for them.
Disappointing exits in the League Cup and the Champions League group stage have only intensified the scrutiny on Ten Hag.
The clash against struggling Nottingham Forest holds immense significance for the Dutchman, as it could be the final straw that breaks the camel's back.
A positive result is imperative for Ten Hag to quell the growing discontent among the United faithful and salvage their season, and luckily for him, his side are the favourite if you’re looking for a Forest vs Man United bet.
Roy Hodgson – Crystal Palace
Hodgson worked wonders in guiding Crystal Palace to an 11th-place finish last season after taking over from Patrick Vieira.
However, the Eagles currently find themselves in 15th place, with four wins, four draws and eight defeats.
The margin for error is thin, and a slip during the festive fixtures could see Hodgson's position become increasingly untenable.
Crystal Palace fans will be watching closely to see if their team can turn the tide and bring some much-needed festive cheer to Selhurst Park.
Vincent Kompany – Burnley
Vincent Kompany, the former Manchester City captain, orchestrated a remarkable transformation at Burnley last season — guiding the Clarets to Championship glory.
Much was expected of the new-look outfit in the Premier League this campaign, but the reality has fallen short of expectations.
Burnley currently finds themselves second bottom of the table with two wins, two draws, and 13 defeats — a stark contrast to the success they enjoyed in the Championship.
Despite the optimism that surrounded Burnley's return to the top flight, Kompany is grappling with the challenges of competing at a higher level.
Mauricio Pochettino – Chelsea
While Mauricio Pochettino's job at Chelsea doesn't appear to be immediately under threat, the expectations at Stamford Bridge are perennially high.
Despite significant investment by new owner Todd Boehly, to the tune of £1 billion, Chelsea find themselves in 12th place with five wins, four draws and seven defeats.
The festive fixtures present an opportunity for Pochettino to rejuvenate his team's fortunes and silence the growing concerns among the Chelsea faithful, but you certainly wouldn’t want to use your betting offers on the Blues in their current form.
However, continued underperformance may see the Argentine manager facing increased scrutiny in the new year.
