Championship Sack Race: New Favourite Named After ‘Unbelievable’ Developments

In the latest twist of the Championship's intense managerial sack race, Valerien Ismael has emerged as the new odds-on favourite to be the next manager dismissed, following a series of dramatic developments across the second tier.[2][5]

Blackburn Rovers boss Ismael faces mounting pressure after his side's winless run stretched to nine matches, plunging them into the relegation zone—three points from safety. Bookmakers now list him at 8/11 to be sacked next, overtaking previous frontrunners.[2] This shift comes after Leicester City's Marti Cifuentes was officially axed on Sunday following a 2-1 defeat to Oxford United, confirming his departure after six disappointing months. Leicester, promotion hopefuls, sit six points from the playoffs in 13th, with interim boss Andy King taking charge.[4][5]

Cifuentes had been the 5/4 favourite prior to his dismissal, amid Leicester's struggles since their Championship return. Earlier, Ryan Mason was sacked by West Brom after a 2-1 loss to Leicester extended their poor away form to 10 games, leaving the Baggies 18th.[3][5] The division has seen seven sackings this season, including Gary Rowett (Oxford), Will Still, Alan Sheehan, and Liam Manning.[1][4]

Close behind Ismael is Eric Ramsay at West Brom (3/1), who has lost three of his last four since arriving, dropping the club to 21st—three points above Blackburn. Sheffield Wednesday's Henrik Pedersen (4/1) faces growing fan unrest, while Birmingham's Chris Davies (7/2) has steadied with six unbeaten games despite prior pressure.[2][5]

Outsiders include Watford's Javi Gracia (9/1) after four winless matches, and Charlton's Nathan Jones. Speculation swirls on Leicester replacements like Russell Martin (favourite), Robbie Keane (7/1), and Lee Carsley (10/1).[2][4]

As the second half of the 2025/26 season looms, more changes are expected, with clubs eyeing mid-season resets for survival or promotion pushes.[5]