Premier League sack race odds: Claudio Ranieri clear favourite to leave next

Parting ways with managers has become a key part of life in the professional game as clubs lean towards a 'grass is greener' approach to on-field matters.

Watford were the first team to jump this season and got rid of Xisco Munoz at the start of October.

Steve Bruce was then sacked quickly after the takeover that saw Newcastle become the talk of the town and Eddie Howe has been drafted in.

Nuno Espirito Santo was shown the door by Tottenham recently and was replaced by Antonio Conte.

And four more clubs have since been forced into action as Norwich sacked Daniel Farke, Dean Smith left Aston Villa, Manchester United said goodbye to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and of course, Everton showed Rafael Benitez the door.

That has seen fresh faces as Eddie Howe, Steven Gerrard and Smith were reintroduced as managers and already kicked off their first games in the league with a flourish.

Managers across the league will be looking over their shoulders as we approach the hectic festive period with one man under more pressure than most.

According to the latest odds from Sky Bet, the manager who is most at risk is Claudio Ranieri who appears to be on the brink of the sack following a poor run of results.

talkSPORT sources suggest Watford chiefs are 'actively searching for a replacement' for the 70-year-old following the Hornets' crushing 3-0 defeat to Premier League relegation rivals Norwich City.

Eddie Howe's poor run of results on the pitch has done little to aid his cause at Newcastle United.

Sean Dyche is just as likely as Ranieri to leave, according to the odds, while Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick is on the list as the Red Devils continue to struggle for consistency.

Brendan Rodgers is next as Leicester struggle, while Thomas Tuchel's frustrated figure at Chelsea puts him in contention to be next to leave as well.

At the other end of the list are Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and City gaffer Pep Guardiola who are near-certainties to keep hold of their prestigious roles.

David Moyes' heroics at West Ham have also seen his job become secure.