Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez favourite to be sacked in Premier League with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte just 8/1 for the boot

NEWCASTLE boss Rafa Benitez is favourite for this season's Premier League sack race.

The bookies have chalked up the Newcastle boss at 7/2 to be given the heave-ho first this season, according to Ladbrokes.

But it's not great news for Chelsea chief Antonio Conte, who's 8/1 to be given the boot, despite winning the league title last term.

Conte's biggest rivals - Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola - look safe in their posts at 33/1 or bigger.

Richard Marsh of Ladbrokes News said: "The new Premier League season hasn't even started but already it doesn't look great for Rafa at Newcastle."

"Antonio Conte may have guided Chelsea to the title last season, but he's ominously high up the betting when it comes to the sack race."

So far this summer, Benitez has been busy in the transfer market bolstering his squad for life back in the Premier League.

The ex-Liverpool, Real Madrid and Chelsea boss already brought in ex-Norwich winger Jacob Murphy, defender Florian Lejeune and former Liverpool loanee Javier Manquillo, a full-back.

The Magpies have also linked up with midfielder Mikel Merino on loan, as well as the permanent signing of Chelsea winger Christian Atsu.

Now, Benitez is set to launch an audacious bid for Real Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez as he beefs up his attacking options.

Stoke boss Mark Hughes (11/2), West Ham No1 Slaven Bilic (6/1) and Leicester's Craig Shakespeare complete the top five most-likely to be sacked first.

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