John Carver has set his Newcastle United side the task of securing four points from their remaining games to ensure their Premier League survival.

The Magpies have lost seven league matches in a row to sit far too close for comfort to the drop zone, with just five points separating Newcastle from 18th-placed Sunderland going into the weekend action.

And the Tynesiders face a tough prospect at lunchtime on Saturday, when they pay a visit to a Leicester City outfit who had won four in a row before being beaten 3-1 in midweek by champions-elect Chelsea.

Newcastle are 4.00 to win at Leicester and can be backed at 11.00 to secure a 1-0 victory.

However, Carver believes that a win and a draw from the final four games of the campaign should be enough to keep Newcastle in the top flight.

He told his club’s official website: “I think we need four points to be safe, that’s what’s in my head at the moment. There’s one or two tough games for the sides at the bottom but Leicester have just won four in a row.

“Sunderland did it last year and anyone else could go and do that, so you’ve got to set the bar a little bit higher and I think four points would be ample.”

Following their clash with the Foxes, Newcastle finish off their season with a visit from West Bromwich Albion and a trip to Loftus Road to take on another of the relegation candidates, Queens Park Rangers.

On the final day of the season, Newcastle entertain West Ham, managed by former Toon boss Sam Allardyce, at St James’ Park.