As Newcastle United almost discovered last year, a slow start to the campaign can have disastrous effects come the end of the year.
The Magpies went 14 games without a win last season and although they ultimately secured survival with relative ease come May, they had to become one of the most in-form teams in the league in order to achieve this.
After a summer of shaping the squad, managers will be under pressure to deliver from the off, or they could be facing the sack from ever more anxious owners.
With the World Cup mid-season, next year could be a season like no other in the Premier League, however, one guarantee is that there will be one or two managers that pay the price for on-field failings.
Here, courtesy of odds provided by Betfair, we take a look at the odds given to each manager to be first sacked next season:
After a summer of shaping the squad, managers will be under pressure to deliver from the off, or they could be facing the sack from ever more anxious owners.
9. Steve Cooper - 14/1
Cooper transformed Nottingham Forest’s fortunes after being appointed and deserves to lead them in their first season in the top-flight since 1999. Photo: Michael Regan
10. Bruno Lage - 14/1
The bookies don’t believe Lage is in much danger of being the first man to leave his job this season, however, he will want his side to start the season in better form than they ended the last one. Photo: Gareth Copley
11. Patrick Vieira - 20/1
Crystal Palace had a good campaign last year and Vieira will be looking to push on once again this time around. Photo: Alex Broadway
12. Antonio Conte - 20/1
Speculation over his future has followed Conte ever since he joined Spurs last year. Securing Champions League football was his first aim, they now have to back him in the transfer market to progress further. Photo: David Rogers