We might only have five games Premier League season, but a number of managers may already be at risk of being sacked after a poor start to the season.
The international break is often a time when clubs opt to change managers and the new extended three-week break from action could leave a number of vulnerable bosses looking over their shoulders.
101 Great Goals takes a look at the five managers most at risk of being fired.
Roberto DeZerbi
Roberto De Zerbi is undoubtedly the manager under the most pressure heading into the international break, with Tottenham bottom of the Premier League after five games.
Spurs have only managed two points and their own Defeat at home by 3-2 against a previously unbeaten Aston Villa on Saturday means they are still looking for their first win of the campaign.
Their lack of goals is particularly worrying as De Zerbi’s side have found the net just twice in their opening five league games despite considerable investment over the summer.
The international break gives him time to work on his squad, but another poor result with Tottenham’s return could leave his position in serious doubt.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United have suffered another frustrating start Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham leaving them with just five points from their first five games.
Having guided United to Champions League qualification last season, Carrick would have hoped for a much better start to the new campaign, but performances have been inconsistent and Sunday’s late equalizer only salvaged a point.
United’s high expectations mean the pressure can mount quickly, especially when the results don’t come. Their first game after the international break is against Tottenham, making it a potentially important game for both Carrick and De Zerbi.
Alvaro Arbeloa
Álvaro Arbeloa has also found himself under early pressure following Fulham’s winless start to the Premier League campaign.
Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United was another frustrating result, especially after Fulham had gone ahead and clawed their way to the three points.
The former Real Madrid defender has yet to reach the crisis point that De Zerbi has, but Fulham must start turning promising performances into wins.
The international break could offer Arbeloa valuable time to work with his squad ahead of a crucial series of matches.
Pierre Sage
Pierre Sage is another manager worth keeping an eye on, although the pressure around the Crystal Palace boss is not as intense as it is at Tottenham or Manchester United.
Palace have made a mixed start to the campaign and Sunday’s goalless draw at Leeds means they are still looking for the consistency needed to push into the top half of the table.
Sage will have time on his side, but an extended winless run would inevitably increase scrutiny. For now, he remains one to watch rather than an immediate candidate to lose his job.
Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard may have been given a bit of a breather with Coventry’s first Premier League win of the season on Saturday.
The 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest it was particularly important after a difficult opening to the campaign and will allow Lampard to head into the international break with some much-needed positivity.
Coventry will still need to improve significantly if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle, but the win has eased some of the immediate pressure.
A poor streak after the break, however, could quickly see Lampard back in the sack race conversation.
