Chris Sutton and Paul Merson both cite Sam Allardyce factor ahead of Leeds United v Newcastle United

Former Premier League winners Chris Sutton and Paul Merson have agreed on the outcome of Newcastle United’s visit to Premier League strugglers Leeds United.

The Elland Road clash will have consequences at both ends of the table as the Magpies look to secure three points to boost their bid to return to the Champions League and their hosts aim for a win that would increase their chances of remaining in the top tier next season.

An already high-profile meeting was given further intrigue last week when former Magpies manager Sam Allardyce returned to the game when he was named as successor to former Leeds manager Javi Gracia. Allardyce oversaw his first game in charge last Saturday when his side suffered a narrow defeat at current league leaders Manchester City - and former Blackburn Rovers striker Sutton has predicted a similar outcome at Elland Road on Saturday.

In his BBC Sport column, Sutton said: “I understand why Leeds can take heart from the scoreline in their 2-1 defeat at Manchester City last week, but the way the game went for the first 85 minutes or so was far less encouraging for Sam Allardyce’s side.

“After this game, Leeds have got West Ham away and Tottenham at home to end their season. At this point it is difficult to know how many points they will need to stay up, but they simply have to get something from this game. A win would probably lift them out of the bottom three and would be absolutely massive, but I just don’t see it happening.”

Former Arsenal and England forward Merson also made reference to Allardyce’s appointment at Leeds but believes the former Magpies manager will not be able to prevent his old club taking another step towards securing a place in the Champions League.

He wrote for SportKeeda: “Leeds need to win this match. But I can’t see anything but a Newcastle United win here. Sam Allardyce needed more time. They still have to face Newcastle United, West Ham and Tottenham and none of them are favourable fixtures for Leeds United. I’m going to go with Newcastle United here. I don’t see Newcastle not qualifying for the Champions League. Despite a rather tough set of fixtures coming up, they should be able to make it to the promised land.”