QPR manager Michael Beale is favourite for the Aston Villa job.
That's according to bookmakers Betfair, who've significantly altered their betting markets following the departure of Steven Gerrard.
BETFAIR: GET £30 IN FREE BETS*
Gerrard, 42, was relieved of his duties shortly after Thursday's 3-0 Premier League defeat at Fulham.
Villa have registered just two victories all season and sit 17th in the division, above Wolves in the relegation zone on goals scored.
Gerrard replaced Dean Smith in November 2021, but managed only 13 wins from 40 games during his 11 months in charge.
He leaves 32.5 win percentage, which is the 11th lowest in the club's history behind Gerard Houllier and Tim Sherwood.
Goals have been a major issue under Gerrard despite a wealth of attacking talent including Danny Ings, Leon Bailey and Philippe Coutinho.
The side managed just seven goals in the 2022-23 campaign, only Wolves have scored less.
Villa have the eighth highest wage bill in the Premier League, and have spent £270million since 2020 but find themselves sleepwalking into a relegation scrap.
Next Aston Villa manager
Betfair odds
- Michael Beale – 9/4
- Mauricio Pochettino – 11/4
- Thomas Frank – 7/2
- Sean Dyche – 11/2
- Unai Emery – 6/1
- Rafa Benitez – 14/1
- Kjetil Knudsen – 20/1
- Julen Lopetegui – 20/1
- Marcelo Bielsa – 25/1
- Scott Parker – 25/1
- Brendan Rodgers – 25/1
- Marcelo Gallardo – 25/1
BETFAIR: GET £30 IN FREE BETS*
A club spokesman said: "We would like to thank Steven for his hard work and commitment and wish him well for the future."
With Gerrard gone, the search for his successor is already underway and QPR boss Beale is now favourite at 9/4.
The highly-rated Englishman was approached by Wolves to replace Bruno Lage, but the 42-year-old told QPR he wanted to stay at Loftus Road.
An ambitious approach for Mauricio Pochettino is next in the betting market at 11/4, although that price has drifted from 4/6.
The Argentine, 50, has been a free agent since being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain in July.
He had planned to wait until after the World Cup to decide his future, and recently rejected Nice in favour of waiting for a 'big European job'.
Brentford's Thomas Frank follows at 7/2, but he's currently engaged in fresh contract talks with the Bees amid plenty of interest.
Sean Dyche and Unai Emery are next at 11/2 and 6/1 respectively, while Rafa Benitez is available at 14/1.
BETFAIR: GET £30 IN FREE BETS*
FOOTBALL OFFERS
How to get free bets on football – the best bookies to claim rewards and bonuses
Haaland 50/1 to score anytime during Liverpool vs Man City with BetVictor
Sign up to our new weekly betting newsletter for tips, free bets and price boosts
Win a Range Rover + £1k or £34k cash alternative from just 89p with our discount code
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
*Place a min £10 bet on the Sportsbook on odds of min 1/2 (1.5), get £30 in Free Bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly 18+ begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Most read in Betting Tips
Hippodrome Online Casino offer: Get a £100 welcome bonus + 100 spins
How to get up to £50 back as CASH if any of your first five football bets lose!
Ronaldo transfer news – latest odds: Chelsea favourites to complete January deal
Arsenal vs PSV: Get £20 in FREE BETS plus Bukayo Saka price boost – BoyleSports
Source: Read Full Article