Michael Owen has stated that Leeds manager Jesse Marsch had a big job on his hands to 'turn the tide of confidence' following their 3-0 home defeat by Aston Villa.
After showing signs of improvement despite their 1-0 loss in Marsch's first game at the club, Leeds' display against Aston Villa was similar to that of the last matches under the Marcelo Bielsa regime.
Leeds are just two points clear of the relegation zone in 16th - though Everton and Burnley behind them could go ahead if they win their games in hand.
Owen told Amazon Prime that their clash with Norwich this weekend could be the 'biggest game of the season'.
He said: 'This man has got a big job on his hands to turn that tide of confidence. Not just with the players but in the stands as well, as soon as they start believing it will transmit on the pitch.
'He's had a tough job so far but you can't help keep looking at that fixture at the weekend against Norwich, wow, I don't think there's been a bigger game this season.
'Norwich just have to win. Leeds have got to stop the rot. A draw probably isn't enough. I think if Norwich lose they're down. If Leeds lose where do they go from there. Their confidence will be absolutely rock bottom.'
It was a comfortable win for Villa, after goals from Phillipe Coutinho, Matty Cash and Calum Chambers.
Paul Robinson, who was relegated with Leeds back in 2004, said the team are playing without confidence.
He said: 'I've seen it in recent games and saw it tonight more evident than ever. I've been relegated with this team and know how hard it is to play in front of this crowd with expectation. These players are playing without confidence.
'The players wanted to play that final ball but nobody would dare play that final ball or forward pass. That's becoming infectious, the need for three points is becoming more apparent. If he didn't know what kind of job he had on his hands he's seen it tonight.'
He went on to add: 'When you look at the league, Leeds' goal difference is absolutely terrible.
'Games in hand are not games in the bank but when you've got a goal difference as bad as Leeds it's like another point of there tally.
'A point isn't good enough, a win is a must for Leeds on Sunday.
Despite their struggles, Owen said that Leeds have to take the positives and that Marsch will need to pick his players up.
He said: 'You're going to have to spend next couple of days really picking those players up.
'It's not looking pretty in terms of how many games they've played. Everton and Burnley poised below them with games in hand.
'But they'll have to think Watford and Norwich are bankers to go down. Then they just need to stay ahead of one of the other two teams.
'If they beat Norwich then all of a sudden then they get some breathing space. The confidence returns but it's a big if in their predicament.'