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:
17. Eddie Howe - 33/1
Newcastle’s fantastic end to the season means spirits are high on Tyneside and although supporters will be trying to temper expectations, Howe will be under pressure to deliver once again next season. Photo: Stu Forster
18. Steven Gerrard - 40/1
Aston Villa have already backed Gerrard in the transfer market this summer and hopes will be high that he can guide his side to a top-half finish. Photo: Michael Regan
19. Pep Guardiola - 66/1
Manchester City will be going for another Premier League title this season and Guardiola will be hoping to deliver that once again. Photo: Shaun Botterill
20. Jurgen Klopp - 66/1
Unsurprisingly, the bookies don’t believe Klopp should be worried about being the first man sacked this season. Photo: Andrew Powell