Artificial intelligence has tipped Manchester United manager Michael Carrick as one of the next Premier League bosses to be fired, but not before Saturday's opponent, Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi, is shown the door first.
As England's top flight gets back to business following the international break, excitement is building about what to expect from United. A middling start to the campaign sees Carrick's side sat in 12th place with just one win to their credit, falling short of the expectations Carrick built up last term.
Still, that's not as bad as De Zerbi, who saved Spurs from relegation but now resides at the base of the Premier League table. Spurs travel to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, where anything but three points could be enough to seal De Zerbi's fate.
AI supercomputer study
According to an AI supercomputer study conducted by Tipman Tips, De Zerbi is the outright frontrunner to get the sack next. He's followed by Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa, with Carrick calculated to be the third-most likely to be sent packing.
Like Spurs, the Cottagers have also failed to get a win on the board across their first five games under new boss Arbeloa. They sit level with Tottenham on just two points at the bottom of the standings.
United's sole win over Ipswich Town, a 5-2 drubbing back in August, is all that separates them from the likes of Fulham and Tottenham. That could mean Carrick is equally at risk of being fired if United allow Tottenham to draw level on Saturday.
United's struggles
A derby defeat to rivals Manchester City last month was perhaps unsurprising given their nemesis' strength this season. However, a 2-0 loss at promoted Hull on the opening weekend was a much more bitter pill for a club of United's stature.
Naturally, expectations are even higher at a club like United, who dream of getting back to challenging for titles on a consistent basis. The club's board took its time in appointing Carrick as the next permanent manager after success in his interim role last term.
Other managers at risk
Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner sits fourth in the AI estimations of who's most likely to be dismissed next. His Crystal Palace replacement, Pierre Sage, completes the top five after a stuttered start to life at Selhurst Park.
Forest sit level on points with United and are 13th in the table. They inspired some belief with an away win at Aston Villa prior to the international break but then fell 1-0 at home to Premier League new boys Coventry.
Palace are one point worse off in 15th after losing three of their first five league tests under former Lens and Lyon boss Sage. Again, the Eagles have already lost to promoted opposition after succumbing 3-2 at home to Ipswich last month.
Saturday's showdown at Old Trafford has a lot more than just three points at stake for the two managers. Carrick and De Zerbi are among the most favoured tips to be fired next in the Premier League, with both bosses seemingly fighting for their futures.
