Football
Next Liverpool Manager Odds: Arne Slot Under Pressure as former manager set to return?
Despite delivering a Premier League title in his debut season, Liverpool boss Arne Slot is now under mounting pressure following a sharp decline in form, writes Dave James.
Liverpool’s struggles deepened on Wednesday night as they crashed out of the Carabao Cup, suffering their sixth defeat in seven matches with a 3-0 home loss to Crystal Palace.
Ismaila Sarr struck twice in the first half for the visitors, before Yeremy Pino added a late third to compound a miserable evening for Reds fans at Anfield. Slot’s side finished the match with ten men after 18-year-old Amara Nallo was sent off just 11 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
The Liverpool boss made ten changes from the side that lost 3-2 to Brentford at the weekend, fielding a youthful and inexperienced line up that failed to cope with Palace’s energy and organisation.
The slump has sparked fresh speculation about his future, and according to the latest odds from the bookies, former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is the frontrunner to make a dramatic return to Anfield.
Klopp is currently priced at 3/1 to take charge of Liverpool once again, leading a long list of potential successors that includes Andoni Iraola at 5/1 and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner at 11/2.
Dave James from Whataretheodds.co.uk commented on the growing speculation, saying:
“The fact that Jurgen Klopp tops the next Liverpool manager market tells you everything about how much his legacy still resonates with fans and the hierarchy alike. His bond with Anfield was special, and there’s a genuine feeling that he could return one day if the circumstances were right.”
| Manager | Odds | Implied Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Jurgen Klopp | 3/1 | 25% |
| Andoni Iraola | 5/1 | 16.7% |
| Oliver Glasner | 11/2 | 15.4% |
| Steven Gerrard | 8/1 | 11.1% |
| Xavi | 9/1 | 10% |
| Pep Lijnders | 10/1 | 9.1% |
| Unai Emery | 12/1 | 7.7% |
| Julian Nagelsmann | 14/1 | 6.7% |
| Xabi Alonso | 16/1 | 5.9% |
| Roberto De Zerbi | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Klopp recently hinted in an interview that he would not rule out a return to Liverpool, adding further fuel to the speculation.
The German spent nine years at the club, delivering both the Premier League and Champions League titles before stepping down earlier this year.
Behind him in the betting, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has caught the eye after an impressive transformation on the south coast.
Priced at 5/1, the Spaniard has taken the Cherries from relegation candidates to European hopefuls. His high energy, pressing football fits neatly with Liverpool’s traditional identity, something that could appeal to the club’s owners.
Dave James added:
“Iraola’s stock is rising fast. What he’s done at Bournemouth has been remarkable, and his tactical philosophy mirrors what Liverpool fans have come to love. If the Reds are looking for continuity in terms of footballing DNA, Iraola would be a serious contender.”
The third favourite is Oliver Glasner at 11/2, who led Crystal Palace to a historic FA Cup win last season.
The Austrian has built a reputation for attacking football and strong player development, having previously guided Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory.
According to dave, Glasner’s success has not gone unnoticed:
“Glasner has proven he can deliver silverware and style. His FA Cup triumph with Palace was extraordinary, and he’s shown he can compete with the best. If Liverpool are looking for a manager with a winning mentality and modern approach, Glasner fits the bill.”
With Klopp, Iraola, and Glasner leading the early betting, Liverpool’s managerial market is already one of the most closely watched in English football.
While Arne Slot remains in the job, pressure is mounting at Anfield, and as the odds suggest, a managerial shake-up may be closer than many expected.
FA Cup favourites Arsenal have been handed a trip to League One side Mansfield Town as they continue their pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple.
FA Cup fifth round draw in full
Fulham v Southampton
Port Vale/Bristol City v Sunderland
Newcastle United v Manchester City
Leeds United v Norwich City
Mansfield Town v Arsenal
Wolves v Liverpool
Wrexham v Chelsea
West Ham v Brentford
Mansfield are through to the fifth round for the first time since 1975. They followed up an eye-catching third-round victory over Sheffield United by coming from behind to stun Premier League outfit Burnley in the fourth round.
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There are three all-Premier League ties in the draw. Newcastle United host Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers welcome Liverpool, while West Ham United face Brentford. Brentford reached this stage after eliminating sixth-tier Macclesfield.
Wrexham have been rewarded with a glamour home tie against Chelsea, while Daniel Farke will face his former club as Leeds United take on Norwich City at Elland Road.
The fifth round ties are scheduled to take place over the weekend of 7th and 8th March.
Nottingham Forest are searching for a new head coach after parting company with Sean Dyche.
Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers proved to be Dyche’s final match in charge, bringing an end to a brief spell that began in October following the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou.
Forest sit 17th in the Premier League table, just three points above the relegation zone, and are now preparing to appoint their fourth manager of the season.
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Here are some of the leading contenders.
Vitor Pereira
The former Wolves boss is expected to feature prominently in the betting. Pereira left Molineux in November 2025 with the club at the foot of the table, yet his broader CV remains strong.
He has won league titles in Portugal and China and guided Olympiacos to the Greek Super League crown. That success in Greece could appeal to Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Kieran McKenna
McKenna has been linked with several top-flight roles since leading Ipswich Town to promotion in 2023/24.
Known for encouraging a high-tempo style, he has also shown flexibility in adapting his approach to different opponents. Whether he would leave Ipswich while they remain in the promotion mix is uncertain, but Forest may view him as a long-term appointment.
Marco Silva
Silva’s contract at Fulham is due to expire at the end of the season and there has been little indication he will extend his stay at Craven Cottage.
The Portuguese coach has delivered stability, guiding Fulham to three straight mid-table finishes after promotion in 2021/22. Forest were previously linked with him following Postecoglou’s exit and could revisit that interest.
Enzo Maresca
Marinakis has shown ambition since acquiring Forest in 2017 and could turn to former Chelsea manager Maresca.
Although dismissed, Maresca oversaw a fourth-place Premier League finish and UEFA Conference League success in 2024/25. The Italian may seek a project offering backing and time, which Forest would need to guarantee if they retain top-flight status.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Solskjær has been out of work since departing Beşiktaş J.K. earlier this season. He had also been linked with a return to in a temporary capacity before Michael Carrick was appointed.
During his time at Old Trafford, Solskjær favoured a direct, counter-attacking style that could suit Forest’s current squad. His experience in the Premier League may appeal as the club look to steer clear of the drop.
There is just one Premier League fixture on Thursday night to conclude the midweek programme, with leaders Arsenal heading across the capital to face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The visitors sit top of the Premier League table, but the pressure remains firmly on as the title race tightens. Mikel Arteta’s side know any slip-up could prove costly at this stage of the campaign.
Brentford have emerged as one of the season’s surprise packages under Keith Andrews. The Bees are firmly in contention for a Champions League place and will see this clash as an opportunity to strengthen their position in the European race.
Successive away wins at Aston Villa and Newcastle have kept their European hopes alive and confidence is high in west London.
Bet Builder Predictions
Draw
Igor Thiago to commit 2+ fouls
Noni Madueke to score or assist
A Bet Builder featuring those selections is priced at approximately 15/1 with Bet365
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Despite their strong overall campaign, Brentford’s record in home London derbies is less convincing. The Bees have won just one of their last 11 such matches in the Premier League, drawing six and losing four.
They are winless in seven home London derbies since a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in August 2024.
Brentford famously beat Arsenal in their first ever Premier League match in August 2021, but they have not tasted victory against the Gunners in nine meetings across all competitions since, losing five of the last six encounters.
Arsenal’s position at the summit could look tighter by kick-off. Manchester City’s midweek result has cut the gap, meaning Mikel Arteta’s side may arrive in west London with only a three-point cushion.
The Gunners have been formidable in London derbies. They have lost just one of their last 23 Premier League matches against fellow capital clubs and only one of their last 20 away games against London opposition.
Defensively, Arsenal have set the standard this season.
No side has conceded fewer than their 17 league goals and they have kept four clean sheets in their last five top-flight outings. That resilience will be key again on Thursday.