Here are the latest Leeds United evening headlines on Monday, May 15.
Robinson backs Allardyce's goalkeeper call
Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has backed Sam Allardyce's decision to take Illan Meslier out for the firing line. After a tough campaign for the young French 'keeper, one of Allardyce's first selection decisions was to install Joel Robles in goal for the defeat at Manchester City, with the former Everton and Wigan man retaining his place against Newcastle United.
With just two games left this season, it would appear that Robles will now keep the gloves for the rest of the Whites' relegation battle and it's a decision that Robinson sees the benefit in, for all parties involved.
READ MORE: Scenario that could hand Leeds United cruelest and most dramatic end to season
“Listen, Sam’s been brought in for a reason – to do a job – regardless of who he upsets along the way, it doesn’t matter, " the former England man told Sky Sports News.
“His job and his remit is to keep Leeds United in the Premier League and how he sees fit to do that, he’s got a young goalkeeper in the last 18 months, has been absolutely outstanding barring recent form.
“He’s come to a point in his career where he was in a bit of a rut, he was letting in goals, his confidence was low.
“We talk about Meslier individually, he’s got the potential to be a top-class goalkeeper, [with] his age, his experience, but at the moment where Leeds are in, Sam clearly didn’t think mentally, physically he was right, and he needed a change.
“They could have gone to Manchester City and conceded four or five and that could have changed the dynamic completely – he made a huge decision, he’s worked with Robles before at Everton, so he obviously knew that he’d be able to come in and do a job.
“Robles did well at Manchester City, and like I said, Sam’s been brought in for a reason and he made a decision he thought would help them along the way.”
Allardyce admits his fingers are crossed
Leeds United head coach Sam Allardyce admits his side need favours if they are to take a Premier League survival mission to the final day for a second year in a row.
Allardyce picked up his first point since signing a short-term deal for the Elland Road hotseat during a hotly-contested 2-2 draw at home to Newcastle last Saturday.
The Whites have just two matches remaining: West Ham away next Sunday and Spurs at home on the last day. They are a point from safety but that could be increased to two if Leicester overcome Liverpool on Monday night.
"I hope it goes to the wire," admitted the 68-year-old.
Injury and suspension list
Leeds United showed a resilient streak in their draw with Newcastle United but know their relegation fate still lies out of their hands. The Whites took the lead at Elland Road on Saturday before falling behind and then ultimately recovering to snatch a point which could prove vital come the end of the season.
Sam Allardyce's side currently sit a point adrift of safety, albeit with relegation rivals Leicester City in action against in-form Liverpool on Monday night. The Whites know they must pick up points from their final fixtures against West Ham and a final-day home encounter with Tottenham, while hoping others elsewhere suffer defeats.
Leeds kick-off their next match in the capital a day after Everton and Nottingham Forest have played against Wolves and Arsenal respectively.
Here is a look at the five players who are suspended, ruled out or considered injury doubts for Sunday's clash with the Hammers.
Leeds' red card luck
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher feels Leeds United defender Junior Firpo was 'lucky' to avoid being sent off earlier in the draw with Newcastle United following a heavy challenge with Bruno Guimaraes. Gallagher has also praised Simon Hooper for getting the 'big decisions right' in the feisty encounter at Elland Road which finished in a 2-2 draw.
Firpo was initially shown a yellow card for a foul on Guimaraes in the second half, before VAR reviewed the incident for a potential red card. No further action was ultimately taken, and Gallagher feels it was the right call as the full-back did not make full contact with the Magpies midfielder.
Reviewing the foul on Sky Sports' 'Ref Watch' segment, Gallagher said: "I think he is lucky in so much as he catches him with his shin rather than his studs. That's what saves him, his legs go in between his opponent's legs, he doesn't catch him full on."
