This weekend promises to be a critical one in the battle for survival in the Premier League. Leeds United go into the weekend knowing that if results go against them - Burnley and Everton picking up victories with the Whites losing to Brighton - then relegation would be all but confirmed due to their vastly inferior goal difference.
However, Paul Merson has provided hope that Jesse Marsch's side can beat the drop, as he believes Burnley will struggle for any more points, whilst he thinks Leeds have two winnable fixtures against Brighton and Brentford. "They've [Leeds] got two games that are winnable and if they beat Brighton or get a point I think they stay up - because I don't see Burnley winning another game," he explained in his Daily Star column.
"They just have to stay composed because there's too much madness at the moment. I don't like to use the word brainless, I prefer composure. But there are people who panic under pressure and there are people who don't, and these players are self-destructing."
"They have got to pull themselves together because they need to stay in the Premier League and it's getting harder and harder. Everton have started picking up points and it's in their hands to stay up now so Leeds have got to respond."
Read more: Frank Lampard discusses Everton survival chances and delivers injury latest ahead of pivotal weekend
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Whilst Marsch's side have to concentrate on their own results, it is possible that they could win their final two fixtures but still go down, as long as Burnley match their results. With that in mind, the Whites need Burnley to drop points against Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle.
They have been boosted in those hopes as the Clarets have injury problems to key players, particularly at centre back. Ben Mee has been ruled out for some time already and appears to not be ready to return this weekend, whilst interim manager Mike Jackson confirmed James Tarkowski has missed training this week and is a major doubt for Sunday's fixture against Spurs.
Leeds United line-up vs Brighton
Leeds' manager has some tough selection decisions to make on Sunday, given that the Whites have some of their most senior players unavailable, as Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas are both out due to suspension and injury. Meanwhile, Dan James has joined Ayling on the suspended list after his red card against Chelsea.
Beren Cross has suggested his preferred line-up against the Seagulls, with Raphinha pushed back up into attack and Jamie Shackleton coming in at right back. Another debated selection will be the left back position, as Junior Firpo could return to the starting XI. However, Beren has chosen Pascal Struijk as his preference.
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