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Published 11:53 19 Aug 2026 BST
Updated 11:54 19 Aug 2026 BST

Hull City supporters are currently in dreamland as they prepare for the Premier League opening weekend - but it could soon turn into a nightmare for manager Sergej Jakirovic.
An AI supercomputer has tipped Jakirovic to be the first manager to be sacked in the Premier League this season, citing a ‘nasty’ opening run of fixtures.
Hull kick off their season against Manchester United and play Aston Villa, Chelsea and Newcastle before the international break gives teams a breather.
According to the simulator, that could leave Hull looking for a new manager at the start of November with the board under pressure to stop the predicted struggles.
Elsewhere, Alvaro Arbeloa needs to fill the boots of Marco Silva which will be no mean feat and with ‘limited senior managerial experience’ the season could turn on him quickly.
The third manager cited as at risk by AI ahead of the return of the Premier League is Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris.
He took the division by storm last season following promotion from the Championship, securing the Black Cats a seventh placed finish and qualification for Europe.
But second season syndrome can hit hard, especially when having to balance domestic leagues and cups with European football meaning the games come thick and fast.
Sunderland have a few injuries to combat and an opening day defeat away against Ipswich could set the season off on the wrong note.
Supercomputer predicts Premier League sack race
1st - Sergej Jakirović — Hull City
2nd - Álvaro Arbeloa — Fulham
3rd - Régis Le Bris — Sunderland
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