Who's next to kick the bucket?

Avram Grant, Gerard Houllier, Carlo Ancelotti, Mark Hughes, Mick McCarthy and Roberto Martinez. These are the names of the managers, and the bookies' favourites to be sacked next. Each of these have managed sides struggling, or, in the case of Ancelotti, a side who has lost form recently.

First up, Grant. The West Ham manager has had a torrid time at Upton Park, winning just 4 games in 23 matches. The ex Chelsea coach hasn't found the key to managing the Hammers, but partly due to the almost-zero action in the transfer windows. Each day, especially after every lost match, Grant must be nervous about every phonecall. The man's literally walking a tightrope which is destined to snap. On one side, there's rumours of the owners being 'fully supportive' of Avram, yet on the other there's talks of Martin O'Neil being approached. No one knows for certain what's going on, and Grant is especially kept in the dark.

Next we have the Villa manager. The Spaniard came in for O'Neill in the Summer and has made little impact. Top 7 finishers last season, they're now in a relegation scrap. However, with a win under their belt and a late fight at the Birmingham Derby at the weekend, and with the capture of Darren Bent for a Villa-breaking £18-24 million, things are looking up for the club.

Ancelotti's Chelsea started perfectly at the beginning of the season. With a hefty lead at the top by 7 points they were looking strong. But it all changed when Ray Wilkins left it was as if a revolt occured at Stamford Bridge. The players loved him, and their slide began. after just 2 wins in 13 matches, including losses to Sunderland and Liverpool, they are now barely in the Champions League running, fighting for a 4th-place finish with Tottenham, and with the Black Cats also eyeing that spot. Any more slumps and the Italian could expect to be kicking the football bucket soon.

The final three of the list are minor managers (in sense) as they were expected to struggle this season. Mccarthy's Wolves, Martinez's Wigan and Hughes' Fulham are all down near the bottom fighting for survival. Wolves is the most expected to drop, as they're 'newbies' to the top flight this season, but that's also a sign suggesting that, since Micky's been there for a while, the board may see him as being able to win them promotion yet again. Martinez and Wigan, who weren't too bad last season, are struggling significantly. Hughes too is, but, even though they're in a relegation fight, these three managers are perhaps more safe than the other half, unless Chelsea, West Ham and Villa can turn their game around then they would be in serious trouble.

However, as we know there's always shocks in the game. Christ Hughton's sacking at the Toon was one of the biggest as they were in a solid top half position, and had a strong backing for the manager, so who knows who will go next. But of course, the course of the game within the next few weeks will show who'll be getting sleepless nights.

Thanks for reading.