Former Leeds director of rugby Andy Key has insisted Carnegie will have to "fight for their lives" if they are to avoid the drop.
Former boss backing Carnegie to survive
Former Leeds director of rugby Andy Key has insisted Carnegie will have to "fight for their lives" if they are to avoid the drop.
Bottom-placed Leeds go into the final weekend of the season trailing Newcastle by a point and with a vastly-inferior points difference.
And although Falcons face a tough trip to play-off chasing Bath on Saturday, Leeds travel to Northampton, who themselves are trying to secure a top-four spot.
Key guided Leeds to promotion in his first season at Headingley and then helped them avoid the drop last season, winning the Premiership Director of Rugby of the Year award as a result.
However he lost his job in February after the club found themselves embroiled in another relegation battle.
But Key believes his former charges can upset the odds at Franklin's Gardens.
"It is a big challenge this weekend, with everything riding on it," Key told
skysports.com.
Simple
"It is a very simple approach for Leeds. They have to try to come away with at least two or more points by upsetting the odds and then hope for the best.
"If everything had gone better earlier in the season then Leeds wouldn't be in this position so they have got to fight for their lives if they are to have a chance.
"Newcastle have to got to Bath, who are playing exceptionally well and pushing hard for the play-offs. And looking on from the sides now, I don't see Newcastle getting anything from that game.
"For Leeds, Northampton are pushing hard to secure four or take third, so it is not going to be easy."
Key still lives in Leeds and has watched the club in action since his shock departure - with the 52-year-old remaining in contact with head coach Neil Back.
"I've kept in touch with Backy, Alex Moreno and some of the management," Key admitted.
"I still live here as my wife is happy and I've no reason to move. It is about finding the next appointment.
"I've been to a few home games and have wished the guys all the best as I do really hope they stay up."
