Leeds United have just two matches left to ensure their long-awaited return to the Premier League does not end after three seasons. The Whites need to pick up points while relying on their relegation rivals to stumble elsewhere.
Survival specialist Sam Allardyce was called upon with just four matches remaining, and his two games in charge so far have brought a solitary point. Leeds' delivered an improved display in a narrow defeat at defending champions Manchester City, while a 2-2 draw was played out with high-flying Newcastle United at Elland Road last time out.
However, this mini-revival could still come to a shuddering halt in the penultimate weekend, with United currently sat a point adrift of safety. It is not a scenario Leeds' fans will enjoy contemplating, but the worst-case scenario for the upcoming fixtures could condemn the Whites to relegation with a match to spare.
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Allardyce's side travel to face West Ham on Sunday afternoon, and will already know the results of how relegation rivals Everton and Nottingham Forest fared. The Toffees travel to Wolves in the 3pm kick-off, before Steve Cooper's side host Arsenal in the televised evening kick-off.
A victory for Everton coupled with Forest avoiding defeat would set the stage for the doomsday scenario for Leeds. It would mean United trailed by four points, and they would know that defeat at the London Stadium would confirm their relegation.
However, those of a more positive disposition could choose to focus on the best-case scenario from the upcoming round of fixtures. Victories for Arsenal and Wolves would open the door for Leeds to leapfrog both of their rivals sat above them, with a win against the Hammers moving them up to 16th ahead of a tense final day.
Leicester City sit a point behind Leeds after a demoralising defeat on home soil to Liverpool in their last outing. The Foxes return to action on Monday night with a trip to Newcastle, knowing that they need to become only the third team this season to win at St James' Park to stand a realistic shot of avoiding relegation.
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