Dread it? Run from it? Destiny arrives all the same.
That's right, folks, Big Sam is back in the big time! Leeds have opted to bite the bullet with four games remaining in the 2022/23 season as they attempt to preserve their status in the Premier League.
The Yorkshire outfit conceded goals at a disgraceful rate under Javi Gracia, and the task of shoring up their defence in a bid to survive now falls on the wise old shoulders of Sam Allardyce.
The former England boss failed on his most recent adventure to keep West Brom up, and he has his work cut out if he's to beat the drop at Elland Road.
Here's how Leeds' remaining fixtures compare to a few of the other teams in huge trouble.
Leeds' remaining fixtures
- 06/05/23 - Man City vs Leeds (15:00)
- 13/05/23 - Leeds vs Newcastle (12:30)
- 21/05/23 - West Ham vs Leeds (13:30)
- 28/05/23 - Leeds vs Tottenham (16:30)
It's certainly not an easy start for Allardyce in West Yorkshire as he visits the Etihad next Saturday to take on a Manchester City side vying for their third-straight Premier League title. The Citizens haven't tasted defeat since February.
The week after they host Champions League chasers Newcastle in the Saturday early kick-off before they face West Ham, who should be safe by the time their clash rolls around, and Tottenham.
Allardyce will probably view their final day encounter against Spurs as their most winnable.
Leicester's remaining fixtures
- 08/05/23 - Fulham vs Leicester (15:00)
- 15/05/23 - Leicester vs Liverpool (20:00)
- 22/05/23 - Newcastle vs Leicester (20:00)
- 28/05/23 - Leicester vs West Ham (16:30)
Leicester will play on four straight Mondays down the stretch. After they played out a classic against Everton last time out, the Foxes visit Fulham two days after King Charles III's coronation.
The Cottagers are playing for very little, and Dean Smith will surely fancy snatching something from Craven Cottage. They'll probably need to win in west London because they host a resurgent Liverpool and visit St. James' Park in their two matches after.
Leicester's season then concludes at the King Power against West Ham. Smith will be hoping the Hammers are mathematically safe by the time Matchday 38 rolls around.
Nottingham Forest's remaining fixtures
- 08/05/23 - Nottingham Forest vs Southampton (20:00)
- 13/05/23 - Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest (15:00)
- 20/05/23 - Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal (17:30)
- 28/05/23 - Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest (16:30)
Forest simply have to win next Monday as they host Southampton, who have all but succumbed to the second tier. Steve Cooper's side picked up a big win at the City Ground last time out against Brighton, and they need another when the Saints come to town.
Fail to win there, and they'll have a mountain to climb. Although, Forest may fancy their chances at Chelsea despite their dismal away record. The Blues are on course for their worst-ever finish in a 38-game season since the Premier League's inauguration.
Their final home game of the campaign comes against title-chasing Arsenal, but the Gunners' dreams might have already been dashed by the time they visit the City Ground.
Forest then end the season away to Crystal Palace. The Eagles' appointment of Roy Hodgson has proven to be a masterstroke and they've emerged as one of the most in-form teams since the veteran Englishman's arrival.
Everton's remaining fixtures
- 08/05/23 - Brighton vs Everton (17:30)
- 14/05/23 - Everton vs Man City (14:00)
- 20/05/23 - Wolves vs Everton (15:00)
- 28/05/23 - Everton vs Bournemouth (16:30)
It's Brighton away and Manchester City at home up next for Everton following Monday's draw at Leicester.
Their performance at the King Power will give supporters hope they can come away with at least a point at the Amex, and Sean Dyche will be hoping City's focus on Real Madrid will see them slip off the boil at Goodison Park.
The Toffees are on the road one final time on Matchday 37 as they visit Wolves before they host Bournemouth on the final day of the season. The Cherries are poised to be safe when they travel to Merseyside.
