Victory for Neil Back's Leeds side would lift them above fellow strugglers Newcastle © Getty Images

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Matches: Leeds Tykes 5 - 22 Newcastle Falcons

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | Leeds Tykes | Newcastle Falcons

Strugglers Leeds and Newcastle will go toe-to-toe at Headingley on Sunday in a clash that is set to go a long way to deciding who preserves their Aviva Premiership status.

Basement side Leeds have notched just one victory this season - a 15-13 upset win against Gloucester on New Year's Day - and as a result are firmly rooted to the bottom of the table. But they remain within touching distance of the Falcons who have recorded two victories in this campaign - also against Gloucester and Wasps - but are just three points clear of their relegation rivals.

Leeds enter the clash on the back of a 39-0 mauling at the hands of high-flying Saracens while Newcastle suffered a 23-13 home defeat against Exeter.

Both sides have played down the finality of the clash and with their earlier meeting having fallen victim to the cold snap the losers can at least look forward to another chance at redemption. But there is no denying that the game will have a huge bearing on who will be playing Premiership rugby next season.

Leeds - Player to Watch: With the game set to be a nervous affair, fullback Ceiron Thomas's ability to handle the pressure and land his kicks is set to be pivotal.

Leeds - Team News: Australian international Lachlan MacKay has been named at fly-half having missed the last two Premiership clashes. Ceiron Thomas comes in for Leigh Hinton at fullback whilst James Craig will partner Marco Wentzel in the second row. Phil Nilsen starts in place of Steve Thompson, with the England hooker away on international duty along with Hendre Fourie. Daniel Browne moves from the second row to openside flanker.

Newcastle - Player to Watch: Fly-half Jimmy Gopperth's boot is arguably the most important weapon in the Falcons' limited armoury and he is sure to play a key role at Headingley.

Newcastle - Team News: Kiwi Jeremy Manning starts at fullback with Alex Tait moving to the wing replacing South African flyer Gcobani Bobo. In the front row, Kieran Brookes comes in for Scotland international Euan Murray and local boy James Fitzpatrick gets the nod at inside centre. After impressing for the Development Team earlier in the week, Tom Catterick gets a place amongst the replacements.

Key Battle: With so much at stake, possession is going to be vital so expect a bruising battle for the ball between both sets of forwards. The Leeds back-row trio of Kearnan Myall, Dan Browne and Alfie Tooala will have to dominate their Newcastle counterparts Tim Swinson, Will Welch and Ally Hogg if they are to secure a priceless win.

Trivia: The Falcons have lost just once in nine previous visits to Headingley.

Stats: Leeds have lost their last four games in all competition while Newcastle have secured just one win in their last seven games in all competitions.

Quote Unquote:

"There is no getting away from the fact that this is a massive game for both clubs because of where we find ourselves in the Aviva Premiership table. Having said that, win or lose on Sunday, neither side's fate will be decided by the end of the weekend." - Leeds head coach Neil Back

"It's all there to play for on Sunday and it's not the end of the world whatever happens with the result as there's still plenty of rugby left. We've just got to go down there and keep doing what we do well." - Newcastle boss Alan Tait

Fantasy: When it comes to the ESPNscrum Premiership Fantasy Rugby game, Newcastle's Jimmy Gopperth (94) has the edge on Leeds' Ceiron Thomas (52).

Prediction: Both sides have failed to set the Premiership alight and Sunday's clash has the makings of a tense and error-ridden battle. Expect home advantage to help Leeds score a narrow and priceless victory.