Sam Allardyce is set to step into the Leeds United hot seat this week as Javi Gracia's successor on a short-term contract until the end of the season. Coming in as Leeds' third manager of the campaign and with just four games remaining, the task at hand is simple enough in its description - keep Leeds in the Premier League.
The job description may be easy enough to sum up, meeting the target is a totally different proposition. Starting with a trip to Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, the Whites' four-game run-in is a 22-day test of nerve, quality and desire with the Champions up first followed by three games against sides in differing form but all with something riding on it.
What's crucial is Leeds make the most of the opportunity they have at home, with two games still to play at Elland Road. Champions League-chasing Newcastle United are up first and then on the final day it's a Tottenham Hotspur side bidding to qualify for Europe. Making Leeds hard to beat again at home in the final two games is crucial according to Jamie Carragher, who believes Elland Road could hold the key to the Whites' survival in the top flight.
"The only thing I can think the Leeds board and hierarchy will be thinking is can we make Elland Road a fortress in these last couple of games at home?" explained Carragher.
"That’s the only thing they can think, and the only thing they can do. If they could bring someone in where it becomes a tough game for the team going there - where there’s an atmosphere, where there’s energy - because right now that has just vanished completely."
Leeds' board will hope Big Sam can instil just that, with a resilience often associated with Allardyce teams needed to grind out two massive results at home which could keep the side in the Premier League.
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