Hammered Avram Grant faces the sack with axe looming over Roy Hodgson and Carlo Ancelotti

THE FIRING LINE

By DAN RIPLEY FOR MAILONLINE
Updated: 19:01 EST, 6 January 2011

One manager under intense pressure is not unusual in the Premier League. Sometimes, two can also occur. Even three, maybe every other season.

But FOUR top-flight bosses clinging to their jobs? Now that's a whole new concept!

For West Ham, who once again find themselves bottom under Avram ‘gravity’ Grant, what goes up, inevitably comes down after their recent mini-revival was emphatically ended at Newcastle in mid-week.

Time's up: Both Roy Hodgson and Avram Grant face the sack after enduring humiliating mid-week defeats

Certainly, Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson found the writing was most definitely on the wall when he arrived for training on Thursday morning.

Indeed, it’s no better for the champions, despite Roman Abramovich’s millions, as Carlo Ancelotti's lavished Chelsea squad can’t buy a win under the Italian of late.

And then there's Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier. Fortunately for him, he he made sure he still had the option to go back to his old job with French Football Federation should things go wrong at Villa Park. Probably one of his very few wise moves.

Open to defeat: Carlo Ancelotti is suffering a dreadful run of form with champions Chelsea

There has been a couple of surprise sackings this season but don’t be shocked if any one of these four bite the bullet in the next week.

Each week we bring you our latest chart of the managers under pressure, and those on Easy Street.

Here's Sportsmail's sack-race rankings - otherwise known as the Firing Line...

West Ham - Avram Grant

A sad turn of events for Grant, just as his side looked to be turning the corner they suffer a heavy loss at Newcastle in tandem with a very poor performance, back to the bad old days.  UP ONE

Liverpool - Roy Hodgson

Liverpool fans have lost patience with Hodgson, and in the defeat at Blackburn could be heard singing a well known chant about getting sacked in the morning along with the home fans. DOWN ONE

3

Chelsea - Carlo Ancelotti

Had admitted himself he is still lucky to have a job – and that was before the defeat at bottom side Wolves. Even the Blues’ Champions League place is far from certain now. UP ONE

4

Aston Villa - Gerard Houllier

Those heroics against Chelsea will all be forgotten after a limp performance in the home defeat to Sunderland. Says he has the board’s backing but they didn't say how long for...  DOWN ON

5

Fulham - Mark Hughes

Such is the Premier League table, defeat against West Brom would have left his side bottom, as it happens the thoroughly convincing win sees them 14th, albeit still very unsafe .NON-MOVER

6

Wolves - Mick McCarthy

Just what is it with Wolves? They struggle badly against West Ham and Wigan yet ruin many betting accumulators with wins over Chelsea and Liverpool. Very unpredictable. NON-MOVER

7

Man City - Roberto Mancini

You can take the man out if Italy but you can’t take Italy out the man. Mancini’s catenaccio tactics against Arsenal may be an effective way to win a point but it won’t win titles. NON-MOVER

8

Wigan - Roberto Martinez

Struggling or not, a draw is a credible result at Bolton especially after coming from behind. The Latics rode their luck though and it’s a struggle to find three teams with a weaker squad. UP ONE

9

Blackburn - Steve Kean

If he is remembered for one thing, it will be the rookie may have ended the vastly experienced Roy Hodgson’s reign at Anfield, after his side’s win over Liverpool – all without Ronaldinho too DOWN ONE

10

West Bromwich - Roberto Di Matteo

The Baggies are the most out of form team in the league with five straight defeats. After a strong start where a top-half finish seemed realistic, survival is once again the main objective. UP TWO

11

Birmingham City - Alex McLeish

Not many teams have gone to Blackpool and won by outplaying them this season, and McLeish can be happy with the response of his players after their woeful defeat at home to Arsenal. DOWN ONE

12

Newcastle - Alan Pardew

Positive start at St James’ Park, a 5-0 win is always a good way of winning over supporters. Sitting in the top-half of the table he can even afford to think about a challenge for Europe. DOWN ONE

13

Blackpool - Ian Holloway

After two straight defeats Holloway may fear his team’s fortunes are following a similar pattern to Hull’s debut season in 2008/09, which tailed off dramatically in the second-half. UP ONE

14

Stoke City - Tony Pulis

Mid-table mediocrity is a lonely place this season but that’s where the Potters find themselves. Europe is a step too far but Pulis has done an fine job to avoid a relegation battle. UP TWO

15

Bolton - Owen Coyle

Impressive home form was dented by the two points dropped against Wigan, allowing rivals Sunderland to pull ahead in the race for Europe. Must improve away from home. NON-MOVER

16

Sunderland - Steve Bruce

Quietly the Black Cats are taking big strides and European qualification must be the target given their position. They are just three points off a Champions League place. DOWN THREE

17

Everton - David Moyes

Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and now Tottenham have all felt the wrath of some kind against the Toffees. Trouble is Moyes can’t get results against lower clubs. NON-MOVER

Tottenham - Harry Redknapp

Is playing with fire regarding David Beckham, no matter what sort of influence the midfielder has on the club, the 35-year-old will be linked with any success or failure at White Hart Lane. NON-MOVER

Arsenal - Arsene Wenger

His frustration was evident as his side just could not break down Manchester City. Four points behind Man Utd having played a game more sees the Gunners’ title hopes fading. NON-MOVER

Man United - Sir Alex Ferguson

With an extended gap over all their rivals, Fergie could not have asked for a better start to the year. It can get even better by knocking arch rivals Liverpool out of the FA Cup. NON-MOVER