It has been a funny old season, hasn't it? Chelsea see their title hopes dashed in recent weeks; Aston Villa suffering the ignominy of dropping into the relegation zone for the first time since 2002; Liverpool falling further than ever before; and then there is West Ham, who are bottom. All of the clubs' managers are facing the prospect of the stadium exit, but which one will be out of the door soon?
Roy Hodgson
Six months ago, the former Fulham boss' stock value was as high as it ever had been. Mid-table security capped by a run to the Europa League final meant a move to Liverpool was imminent. Rafa was forced out of the club after a disastrous campaign last year, which led to the inevitable appointment of Hodgson. Inherited a fundamentally poor squad, Hodgson sought to improve the quality of his team with four new signings, including Joe Cole on a free transfer. The signings have turned out as sheer disappointments, and to a large extent, are worse in quality than Rafa's bunch. Hodgson has had little money to spend since his arrival, and may not get the chance to spend a penny more under the new ownership regime of NESV.
His brand of football has left empty seats at Anfield. Lack of spark and verve to their play has been the main cause, and too much reliance on Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres seems to be the norm these days at The Reds. Passing is insipid and defensive displays have often been mediocre at best.
Hodgson looks the likelier to leave first, with fans unlikely to tolerate sloppy performances at home and unacceptable levels of performance away. Whether the board have a short-term replacement remains to be seen. Kenny Dalglish could well be moving a further few yards forward in the dugout soon from the cushy executive box.
Carlo Ancelotti
It is hard to believe that a manager who has presided in his club's first ever league and cup double last season to be on the cusps of the sack six months. But that is the ever-pressures of managing Chelsea. Transfer spending at the Bridge appears to be rarity these days when Roman Abramovich's chequebook remains in his draw, shut. It seems to be very unlikely that there will be any player movement at Chelsea this month.
A great start to the season - five straight wins in as many games, including two 6-0 drubbings - soon saw form dissipate. John Terry, Didier Drogba, and more notably Frank Lampard, all had lengthy spells on the sidelines. Their absences coincided with a home 3-goal capitulation against Sunderland, defeats at Birmingham and Wolves, and a mentally-sapping loss at Arsenal - a team they seemed to beat on a frequent basis in recent years.
Ancelotti also relieved his assistant Ray Wilkins of his duties, exposing the unease atmosphere around the club. The Italian should still remain in charge until at least the end of the season, but don't be surprised if Abramovich wields in the axe on the twice Champions League winning boss.
Avram Grant
A picture of uncertainty reigns over at Upton Park. New owners seek fresh start combined with higher expectations. What they got was fan animosity, player discontent, bottom of the league, and an arguably inept Israeli. You get the feeling he blagged his way through the interview process, clinging onto his 2008 Champions League exploits with Chelsea, and an FA Cup Final with Portsmouth. Great accomplishments, but some might say that was not all down to his managerial wizardry. An Olympic Stadium move has alienated the Hammers faithful, and while negotiations for a leasing contract goes on, West Ham decline to the depths of the relegation zone. They're not stranded alone however, as the bottom seven are split by just two points.
Grant's team have continually stuttered through the course of the season. A poor start, with only a home win against Tottenham to show for their feeble efforts, saw West Ham rooted at the bottom. The losing trend continued, but despite an upturn in form over Christmas that briefly saw the Hammers out of the drop zone, they were brought back down to earth with a 5-0 drubbing at Newcastle. Grant needs things to go his way, and quickly otherwise David Gold and David Sullivan will probably seek for short-term alternatives to salvage their season.
Gerard Houllier
Aston Villa can often be a confusing side to understand their intentions. Aspirations are high although investment is low compared to the renowned top sides in the league, but a below midtable finish should be a realistic position for them. Houllier has walked in shouldering the expectations of the midlands (although Birmingham FC have something to say about that), but have hit a concrete wall during the first half of the season. Home form has been very poor, while sloppy goals and lack of firepower have added to their woes. With Houllier also reportedly causing a split in the dressing room arguing with captain Richard Dunne, the task is nay impossible for the Frenchman.
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