November Premier League Manager of the Month Odds

Last year’s title-winning manager Jurgen Klopp insists his squad are as hungry as ever, despite many questioning their desire for more silverware before the start of the current season.

Three wins in their opening three games, including wins over Chelsea and Arsenal, quickly silenced any whiff of fatigue. However, their next fixture against Aston Villa produced one of the most spectacular upsets the Premier League has witnessed, with the Reds slumping to a crushing 7-2 defeat against a side who narrowly avoided relegation last season.

With Virgil van Dijk now out for the season, as well as a fresh injury concern for Fabinho, there are now serious worries at Anfield regarding their title defence.

Klopp's men will have two tough Champions League fixtures against Atalanta in November, combined with massive games against Manchester City and Leicester City, as well as a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion.

At 4/1, Klopp is the favourite for Manager of the Month, but questions remain on their defence and the club's capabilities in their title defence now.

It is a well-known fact that Jose Mourinho has won the domestic title in the second season at each of the clubs he has managed, aside from his tenure at Manchester United, and even then he finished second to a City team that finished on a record-breaking 100 points.

If recent results are anything to go by, most notably their 6-1 thrashing of Manchester United, Mourinho may have a say in this season’s title race. Harry Kane and Heung-min Son have looked as good as any Premier League partnership in recent times, with Kane assisting all eight of Son's goals in just six games, whilst Kane himself has five.

Spurs face Brighton, West Bromwich Albion, City and Chelsea in a vitally important month for the club which could answer the question on whether or not Mourinho's men can truly compete for the title.

However, with Kane and Son as good as anybody in Europe right now, plus with Gareth Bale fully fit, Mourinho's odds to win Manager of the Month at 14/1 might quickly be slashed as we head into November.

Leeds have settled into life back in the top-flight in no time and Marcelo Bielsa’s side look to be a serious threat to the top half of the Premier League, and perhaps even the European spots.

Prior to the international break, the Whites went toe-to-toe with Bielsa’s long-term admirer in Pep Guardiola, and played out one of the most exciting 1-1 draws in recent memory. The Leeds squad have been transformed by the Argentine’s pragmatic managerial style, and look capable of challenging anybody who comes their way.

While November may be a tough month for Leeds, with trips to Leicester and Arsenal, as well as home fixtures against Crystal Palace and Everton, it could also be a chance for Marcelo Bielsa’s tactics to be closely examined.

Bielsa is currently 14/1 to be November's Manager of the Month.

Arsenal look a resurgent side so far under Mikel Arteta, with the Spaniard keen to bring success at the highest level back to the Emirates, not long after securing the club's record 14th FA Cup.

Compared to recent seasons, it had looked like a positive start for Arsenal. However, a loss to Liverpool, a narrow victory over strugglers Sheffield United and then back-to-back losses from Leicester and City, have got Arsenal fans worrying again.

The addition of a much-needed centre-back in Gabriel has looked to be shrewd business, with the Brazilian certainly adding more defensive stability. In addition, Thomas Partey has been lauded as one of the signings of the window, and November should be the month he gets the ball rolling in an Arsenal shirt.

November begins with a trip to Old Trafford to face a fragile United side, while Villa, Leeds and Wolves will provide stern tests for Arsenal. However, they have shown much improvement throughout the last year, and Mikel Arteta could further prove his worth with a good run of fixtures in November.

The ex-City coach is currently 10/1 to be named Manager of the Month.

Everton’s impeccable start to the season saw them win all four opening games, scoring 12 and conceding just five. Carlo Ancelotti would go on to pick up the Manager of the Month award for September, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Italian repeat that feat in November, given the fixtures.

The Toffees face a trip to Newcastle United to begin the month, before facing Manchester United, Fulham and Leeds to round off a vital month for Everton's early title charge. Given the form of United, there is a huge chance for 12 points from the 12 available, especially if they can continue the form they find themselves in at the moment.

Everton have ended October in much weaker form, however, losing 2-0 to Southampton, despite a positive 2-2 draw in the Merseyside derby. Now, Ancelotti is currently 12/1 to pick up the Manager of the Month award in November.

Charlie Rhodes