In Focus: Five Premier League bosses who could face the sack with a slow start

The Premier League begins tomorrow as Arsenal face Crystal Palace and there is already pressure on some managers.

Whether it is due to underwhelming seasons, poor finishes or high expectations, not all 20 bosses are secure in their jobs.

We take a look at five who could be in trouble with a slow start.

Frank Lampard (Everton)

There is little room for optimism as Frank Lampard prepares for his first full season in charge of Everton. 

After only confirming safety in the penultimate game of the campaign by beating Crystal Palace, reinforcements have been slow.

James Tarkowski, Ruben Vinagre and Dwight McNeil have come in, but the departure of Richarlison casts a shadow over all of them.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is out of the opening day meeting with Chelsea, leaving Lampard without a recognised striker to due to Salomon Rondon’s suspension.

That is just the first obstacle for the 44-year-old boss, who will be thankful that they have four winnable games before a tough-looking September.

Ralph Hasenhuttl (Southampton)

It never feels like Ralph Hasenhuttl is secure in his position as Southampton boss, despite closing in on his four-year anniversary in charge.

They topped the league at one point, yet have also shipped nine goals twice in his reign and ended the season with nine defeats from 12 league games.

With Tottenham, Leicester, Manchester United and Chelsea to play in their first five matches, things could continue to spiral.

Saints legend Frankie Benali said: "There is always that optimism this time of year for every football fan, with a lot of hope, but it is clearly going to be a big season in many ways (for Saints).

"The run-in we had from the back end of last season was pretty dreadful, and it is important to get as a good a start as we can."

Jesse Marsch (Leeds)

Replacing Leeds’ demi-god Marcelo Bielsa was never going to be easy — and the jury is still out on Jesse Marsch.

The American kept them up last term and has certainly got credit in the bank as a result.

They have bought in seven new players, but it is the departures of midfield dynamo Kalvin Phillips and electric winger Raphinha that have fans worried.

It took Leeds 16 years to return to the Premier League after relegation in 2004 and the owners showed in sacking Bielsa that they are not prepared to go back to the Championship.

A quick start is vital with just two of the big six to play in their opening 10 games.

Marco Silva (Fulham)

It is just three months since Marco Silva guided Fulham to the Championship title, so it feels a touch harsh including him in the sack race.

But Fulham have become a yo-yo club and owner Shahid Khan would very much like to shed that tag.

They have made some intriguing signings, the arrival of Bernd Leno could be key, but they still lack depth at centre-half.

That is not Silva's fault, yet a slow start and the Cottagers will begin to wonder if the man who has ultimately failed at Hull, Watford and Everton is ever going to be good enough for the Premier League.

Liverpool’s visit on Saturday kicks off an opening stretch that sees them face four of the big six in their first seven games — the wheels could come off quickly.

Scott Parker (Bournemouth)

Bournemouth boss Scott Parker did not appear to be brimming with confidence speaking last week.

He said: "The staff, the players, the fans, everyone worked tirelessly for us to get to where we are currently.

"Like in any evolution, you’re going up another level and everyone just needs a bit of help now. 

"We need to make a decision on how that may look and what we're going to do to at least be competitive."

The Cherries are facing up to the prospect of a grim campaign and given the noises Parker is making, it would not be a surprise to see the axe fall if it goes as he predicted.