Source: Daily_Mail
THE FIRING LINE: Reprieve for Rafa Benitez but find out who's closer to the Premier League chop
Paul Hart was the first Barclays Premier League manager to lose his job this season but we've got a pretty strong inkling that he won't be the last. So, who's next?No one's job is ever guaranteed but some are certainly less guaranteed than others. Here's Sportsmail's sack-race rankings - otherwise known as The Firing Line.Each week we'll bring you our latest chart of the managers under pressure, and those on Easy Street. Lee-ding the way: Lee Bowyer (right) celebrates after scoring for Birmingham to heap the misery on WolvesLiverpool boss Rafa Benitez is off top spot, earning some breathing space, after victory in the Merseyside derby. However, Manchester City's Mark Hughes creeps up after yet another draw in the Premier League and Avram Grant's honeymoon period is already over thanks to Portsmouth conceding eight goals in his first two games in charge.1Bolton Wanderers - Gary MegsonThe Trotters continue to flounder in the bottom three and despiteand battling draw at Fulham last weekend the spotlight remains onMegson. The trip to Wolves could define their season. UP ONE2Wolverhampton - Mick McCarthyWithout a win in nine, Wolves' defensive frailties and lightweightattack were exposed in the defeat by Birmingham. Rooted to the foot ofthe League with up Bolton next, Mick's on the edge. UP FOUR3West Ham United - Gianfranco ZolaPutting five past Burnley barely papers over the cracks, especiallyas they conceded three. With Carlton Cole out and Manchester United tocome, expect a quick return to the drop zone. NON-MOVER4Hull City - Phil BrownThere's a glimmer of light emerging over the KC Stadium of late.Eight points from the last four games means the heat is off Brown - fornow. It's a trip to Villa next. NON-MOVER5Wigan Athletic - Roberto MartinezThe Latics remain an enigmatic force this season - shipping nine toSpurs then beating Sunderland. Wigan's lack of consistency continues toraise doubts over Martinez's future. NON-MOVER6Liverpool - Rafa BenitezDerby delight but it's just three wins in 12, and even the talismanic Anfield captain Steven Gerrard has down-graded this season's ambitions to winning a place in the top four. DOWN FIVE7Manchester City - Mark HughesVictory over Arsenal's kids in the Carling Cup does not distractfrom the record of seven straight draws in the League. Hardly thetop-four form that Hughes needs - and it's Chelsea next. UP ONE8Everton - David MoyesThings are bleak at Goodison at the moment. Defeat in the derby, no new stadium, financial worries and hovering around the drop-zone. Moyes has vowed to fight, but for how long? DOWN ONE9Portsmouth - Avram GrantTwo games, eight goals conceded and the image of a drenched andglum-looking Grant on the touchline during defeat by Villa spokevolumes. Up next, a crunch tie with Burnley. UP FOUR10Burnley - Owen CoyleStill surviving on their home form, Coyle's side shipped five atWest Ham last week and now have a tricky away day at Portsmouth tocontend with. The Clarets boss remains fairly safe. UP ONE11Blackburn Rovers - Sam AllardyceThe results remain mixed for Rovers but the club will be boostedafter defeating Chelsea in the Carling Cup. Allardyce should return tothe touchline for the clash with Liverpool. DOWN ONE12Birmingham City - Alex McLeishThe new owners have promised £40m to spend on new players in January as McLeish tries to ensure their top-flight position. Does he need it? Unbeaten in five, with Wigan Athletic up next. DOWN THREE13Stoke City - Tony PulisPulis's side keep on grinding out the results and are sitting safe in ninth with 20 points from 14 games. However, the goals are hardly flowing for the Potters and it's Arsenal next. DOWN ONE14Sunderland - Steve BruceBruce bemoaned his side's 'lack of bottle' after the defeat by Wiganand pledged to bring new players to the club in January. Victories overbig clubs means the Black Cats boss is safe. UP TWO15Aston Villa - Martin O'NeillA Carling Cup semi-final place, sixth in the League and O'Neill evengot Emile Heskey to score a goal. Remarkable stuff! Things are tickingalong nicely at Villa Park and it's Hull next. NON-MOVER16Fulham - Roy HodgsonTenth-place Fulham have won just twice on the road all season. Good job they're at home to Sunderland, then. A new contract is on the way for Hodgson, so his position is safe. DOWN TWO17Arsenal - Arsene WengerWenger clams his young side are ready to take on all-comers now.Three defeats in the last four suggest otherwise. A new striker isbadly needed, he wont arrive in time for the Stoke clash. UP ONE18Tottenham - Harry RedknappSpurs are showing regular glimmers of form that could well take them into the top four. The abject defeat in the Carling Cup will be forgotten with victory away at Everton on Sunday. DOWN ONE 19Chelsea - Carlo AncelottiThe Italian boss was bathed with plaudits after the commandingvictory over Arsenal, but a Carling Cup exit has taken the gloss off agood week ahead of the clash with Manchester City. UP ONE20Manchester Utd - Sir Alex FergusonFergie continues to show faith in relative kids and failure in the Champions League was replaced by victory in the Carling Cup this midweek. Now for a trip to West Ham United. DOWN ONE THE FIRING LINE: Watch out Rafa Benitez! Find out who's safe and who's the next to go after Paul Hart's Portsmouth exitNORTHERN EXPOSURE: Strachan has made a mark but novelty is wearing offWhen Harry met Fergie: Redknapp and Sir Alex talk a good game Explore more:People:Sam Allardyce, Rafa Benitez, Steven Gerrard, MARK HUGHES, Lee Bowyer, Emile Heskey, Gary Megson, Gianfranco Zola, Alex McLeish, Roberto MartinezPlaces:Liverpool, Birmingham