Keith Andrews will have a point to prove when Brentford’s campaign gets underway, according to the odds for the Premier League sack race.
The Bees hierarchy certainly took a gamble on the Irishman after selecting the former set-piece coach to replace Thomas Frank, who joined Tottenham.
It’s going to be big boots to fill after Frank’s success, particularly for someone stepping into their first managerial role.
And it appears that has been reflected in the bookmakers’ odds in the Premier League sack race for the upcoming campaign.
Keith Andrews second favourite to be sacked
Irish bookmakers believe Andrews has a strong possibility of being the first Premier League manager to lose their job.
At 4/1, he is the second favourite behind Norwich’s Daniel Farke to be the first manager sacked.
Much could depend on whether Brentford can keep their two key players in the transfer window.
It appears as though Bryan Mbuemo, who scored 20 goals and assisted seven last season, could be heading to Manchester United if the player gets his wishes.
His departure would prove a significant blow, particularly if Yoane Wissa also departs. Nottingham Forest and Tottenham are thought to be interested in the striker.
Andrews has added quality to his team in goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, while the experience of Jordan Henderson could prove key to any success.
Premier League sack race
So it’s Farke (7/2) and Andrews who lead the betting, but Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris can be backed at 5/1.
Le Bris did a terrific job guiding the Black Cats to the top flight, but are tipped to struggle in making the step up following back-to-back promotions.
In the last two seasons, all promoted teams from the Championship were immediately relegated, as the gulf in class continues to grow.
That’s why Burnley’s Scott Parker is next in the betting at 6/1.
Although it wasn’t a recently promoted team that sacked their manager first last season, that award fell to Erik ten Hag, who lasted until the end of October at Manchester United.
Steve Cooper was then sacked at Leicester three weeks later. In total, there were seven Premier League sackings across the season.
Mikel Arteta and Arne Slot supposedly have the ‘safest’ jobs heading into the new campaign, with odds of 66/1 to get sacked first.
Full sack race odds
Daniel Farke (Norwich) – 7/2
Keith Andrews (Brentford) – 4/1
Regis le Bris (Sunderland) – 5/1
Scott Parker (Burnley) – 6/1
Nuno Espirito Santo (Nottingham Forest) – 12/1
Vitor Pereira (Wolves) – 12/1
Eddie Howe (Newcastle) – 16/1
Graham Potter (West Ham) – 16/1
Ruben Amorim (Manchester United) – 16/1
Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace) 20/1
Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth) – 20/1
Enzo Maresca (Chelsea) – 20/1
Marco Silva (Fulham) – 20/1
David Moyes (Everton) – 20/1
Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton) – 25/1
Thomas Frank (Brentford) – 25/1
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) – 40/1
Unai Emery (Aston Villa) – 50/1
Arne Slot (Liverpool) – 66/1
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) – 66/1