Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has reportedly been told that his job is on the line ahead of their clash with Brentford on Saturday.
The Eagles have now gone eight games without a win in the Premier League, causing a rapid descent down the table.
Palace are now just three points above the drop zone, with 18th-placed Luton Town still having a game in hand over the South London outfit.
With the club showing signs of slipping into a similar rut that cost Patrick Vieira his job last season, The Guardian claims that Hodgson is facing increasing scrutiny from club chairman Steve Parish.
Vieira oversaw a 12-game winless run at the start of 2023, and was replaced by the 76-year-old in March, before the veteran boss guided Palace to a comfortable 11th-placed finish.
Another defeat at home to Brentford could result in the end for Hodgson in his second spell at the club though.
Even though it is believed that Parish would be content to stick with Hodgson until his contract expires at the end of the season, the board are said to be worried about fan discontent if results on the pitch do not improve sharply.
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Hodgson's misery was further compiled when his side fell to a late defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday due to a late contentious penalty decision, for which the manager expressed his displeasure at the call.
"It wasn't my obvious idea of what a penalty looks like, but that's the same for so many penalties that I've seen given, because I'm conditioned to some extent after seeing penalties given and not given for many years." Hodgson said.
Despite their plummet down the standings though, Hodgson is not concerned about the side's present situation, or his own job security.
"The next question is whether I'm frightened to death now because we're only a few points above the relegation zone. I'll answer that one for you as well, no, I'm not." Hodgson added.
Should Hodgson be relieved of his duties though, the report claims that Steve Cooper would be the likely candidate to take over, after his recent sacking by Nottingham Forest.
Other options reportedly include Julen Lopetegui and Oliver Glasner, who are both currently without a club, and Lille boss Paulo Fonseca.
Andrew Delaney
