Leeds United head to Anfield this weekend knowing so much is on the line if they're to have a positive final run in ahead of the World Cup break. The Whites dropped into the bottom three for the first time this season after last weekend's disappointing defeat to Fulham.
The Cottagers ran out 3-2 winners at Elland Road to pile further misery onto Jesse Marsch and the Whites hierarchy. The American head coach has reiterated he has the full support of Andrea Radrizzani, Victor Orta and Angus Kinnear despite an eight game winless run, stretching back to August.
Leeds have not won since their emphatic 3-0 win over Chelsea and despite some decent displays, have plummeted down the Premier League table. This weekend they face Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool who have a point to prove themselves.
READ MORE: Every word Jesse Marsch said on Liverpool, injuries and his Leeds United future
Currently unbeaten at Anfield this season in the Premier League, the Reds have struggled on the road and were beaten by basement boys Nottingham Forest at the City Ground at the weekend. They responded with a solid 3-0 win over Ajax in the Champions League and all eyes are now on the weekend.
LeedsLive has taken a look at the best and worst possible cases for the Whites this weekend.
Best case
Leeds United could rise as high as 15th with a win at Anfield in what would be the best possible case to alleviate any pressure on Marsch - at least in the short term. That would rely on Aston Villa losing on the road at Newcastle United, Southampton being beaten by Crystal Palace and Leicester City losing against Manchester City.
The Whites' superior goal difference would lift them above the Saints, Foxes and the Villains if all three taste defeat. Leeds would also need favours from Brentford and Arsenal in their games against Wolves and Nottingham Forest to ensure the two sides below them are unable to leapfrog Marsch's side.
All five aforementioned sides have tough games, with Southampton and Wolves arguably the easiest of those. A point at Anfield would not be enough to jump out of the bottom three, with a two-point gap to Leicester in 17th.
Worst case
It's pretty simple for Leeds. They know defeat at Anfield this weekend could see them drop to the foot of the Premier League table if results go against them. Forest would need to pull off a similar performance to last weekend when they beat Liverpool, on the road to high flying Arsenal. If Leeds lose and Steve Cooper's side draw, they'll move above the Whites.
The same goes for Wolves on the road at the Bees. A point for interim boss Steve Davis and defeat at Anfield would lift the Molineux side above the Whites.
Leeds could also be cut further adrift if Leicester are able to beat Manchester City, Southampton beat Palace, Villa beat Newcastle and Bournemouth beat Tottenham. Some of those results may be big asks, which should hopefully work in Leeds' favour.
If the aforementioned results do occur, the Whites could be four points adrift of safety come the start of play against Bournemouth next weekend.
READ NEXT
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- 'Not a happy club right now' - National media verdict on Leeds United's defeat to Fulham
- What Angus Kinnear told Leeds United supporters outside Elland Road about Jesse Marsch's future
