Fulham boss Scott Parker makes surprise Newcastle United claim ahead of 'must-win' versus Wolves

Just three points separate the pair in the table with Steve Bruce’s side three points above the Cottagers, who occupy the third and final relegation spot.

However, that could change this evening. If Parker’s men beat Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage then the Magpies will drop into the bottom three on goal difference ahead of Sunday’s encounter at Burnley.

United’s fate very much remains in their own hands with games in-hand, however Parker says he’s concentrating on his side only.

And the former midfielder turned Fulham boss has conceded that the meeting with Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves is a must-win.

“No I honestly don't, because we need to win," Parker said when asked if he takes notice of Newcastle’s results.

"If we don't win between now and the end of the season, then that's the end, to be honest.

"We’ve been in this position for a long time in the sense of where we are as a team and what we want to do, so yeah of course Friday night is a game that we want to win, but so will be the following week against Arsenal.

“We needed to beat Villa, and after this we’re going to need to go to the Emirates and beat Arsenal. That’s what I want us to do. Are we capable of doing it? For sure we are.

“I understand and the team understands that we now have seven games to go and the end of the season nears, those games become more important, or certainly the emphasis on those games is to win. But nothing’s really changed in my mindset.”

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