Rapid managerial turnover in the Premier League is making club head-to-head records less useful as a guide to forthcoming matches, the article argues. With many coaches newly appointed and facing short tenures, their tactical records against opposing managers may better explain how games unfold.

Guardian analysis found that 22 of the last 50 permanent Premier League managers who left had lasted under a year, while 11 current managers were appointed in 2026. Oliver Glasner’s strong record against Liverpool contrasts with his limited success against other leading clubs, but he has struggled against Liverpool’s new coach, Andoni Iraola, who recorded two wins, three draws and four clean sheets in five meetings. Of 190 possible pairings between current Premier League managers, only 97 have previously occurred.