Sam Allardyce says that when Leeds United host Newcastle United 'we can't afford to lose'

To allow that to happen, he says avoiding defeat at home to a Newcastle Untied side chasing Champions League qualification is vital.

With three games to go, the Whites are 19th, two points adrift of safety. They host Newcastle in Saturday’s early kick-off, play West Ham United away eight days later, and Tottenham on May 28.

After consecutive defeats at Bournemouth and in Allardyce's first game as caretaker manager, at Manchester City, taking something on Saturday is essential, according to Allardyce.

"When we come off the field, we can't afford to lose," he insisted.

"It won't be over if we do, but that would mean two (remaining) games needing two wins."

Allardyce has not felt the need to spell out the seriousness of their situation to the players.

“They know themselves don’t they?" he commented. "Their Premier League status is in jeopardy.

"I kept West Ham in the Premier League for three seasons, now look where they are. Bolton had 10 (the first six with him as manager) and then crumbled.

"So we’ve got to try and survive this year. This is year three.”

Weekend results were bad for Leeds, but Allardyce insists nothing has changed for them.

"We would still have to win some games whether (Everton and Nottingham Forest) won or lost," he argued. "We won't stay up with 30 points. We've got nine points to go for and if we get nine, which is a massive ask, we'll stay up. If we get six we might do.

"I'll be very satisfied if when we play Tottenham we’re still in it."

Liam Cooper will again be missing with injury, but is hopeful he might feature again next week. Tyler Adams will not feature again this term.