Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce will ignore Liverpool v Newcastle and watch BBC drama Line of Duty

The Magpies have the chance to leapfrog Sunderland and move out of the bottom three if they win at Anfield tomorrow, with the Black Cats not in action until the visit of Arsenal 24 hours later.

While Sunderland kept their survival hopes alive with a 3-0 win at fourth bottom Norwich City last weekend, Newcastle have also shown flickers of life after four points from two home games.

But Allardyce says he can’t stand to be sweating on the fortunes of those fighting alongside Sunderland in the relegation battle and will distract himself from another pivotal afternoon in the dogfight.

The Sunderland boss said: “No, I couldn’t watch those games.

“I have enough tension and stress watching our games, without sitting in front of the telly wanting this team to do better against that team.

“I leave it, relax and watch Line of Duty or something like that!

“If we can play as well as that script, we’ll be alright!”

Winger Jeremain Lens - who missed the Norwich win with a minor knock - is again a doubt for Sunday’s visit of Arsenal due to illness.

Right-back DeAndre Yedlin is another concern after he trained on his own today, following an ankle injury earlier this week, although the on-loan Spurs man should be available to face the Gunners.

“DeAndre should be available, we’re think he’ll be alright,” added Allardyce.