What counts a good return for Leeds United? And what is the minimum acceptable amount from these next three games?

It is possible that Leeds United go into their next international break almost halfway to their 40-point aim.

The Whites currently sit on 10 points after their first seven games and three straight wins in their following three matches would take them to 19. Of course, this is easier said than done. But given the form of Leeds this season, it is certainly not impossible.

Next up is Sunderland away on Sunday evening. The Black Cats sit bottom of the table as they balance European exploits with domestic duties.

They have lost both of their Premier League games following their Europa League fixtures so far, albeit one was against Manchester City in a high-scoring 5-3 defeat and the other was the long trip away at Bournemouth.

Regis Le Bris will have star striker Brian Brobbey back for the clash against Leeds in a timely return from injury, but all other players will be having to deal with managing fatigue incurred by their trip to Poland to take on Lech Poznan.

United's last two opponents - Arsenal and Manchester United - finished inside the top three last season, and one of them finished as champions, so this has to be taken into account when assessing their points return.

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But the fact is that Leeds have earned two points from the last three games and failure to beat Sunderland would mean they have gone winless in four; and thus just two wins from eight games overall.

A draw away from home in the top flight is never a bad result but for confidence and momentum purposes, getting a win soon is important - especially with Bournemouth away the week after. The Cherries will be playing on Halloween off the back of a midweek League Cup tie against Aston Villa.

That fixture is, though, at home and takes place on a Wednesday rather than the Thursday slot for Europa League matches - hence why the game is being kept at 3pm on a Saturday. Either way, Leeds will have had more rest time than their counterparts.

Bournemouth have only won one of their first seven Premier League games - their maiden victory being that win over Sunderland. The danger is that Marco Rose is finding his feet at the time they take on Leeds but the form table suggests United can go into the clash both hopeful and confident.

The absence of David Brooks amid his long-term injury picked up on England duty also helps Leeds’ cause. But it would be wrong to suggest this makes the clash an easy test.

Perhaps the greater chance of three points comes at home to Tottenham Hotspur amid their plight. Spurs did secure their first win of the season last time out against Coventry City at home, but have won just two of their past 13 league away matches; one of them coming against relegated Wolves last term.

Spurs next face Chelsea away, so the wait for a road trip triumph could elongate. But they do face Crystal Palace at home before the trip to Elland Road. It is hard to judge what type of Tottenham team could turn up in LS11.

For Leeds, their task is to try and ride the wave of momentum they have earned since the start of the season - and ensure they get a win again in these next three games. Their current points-per-game rate would see them finish on 54 points.

Last season, that would have been enough for a Europa League spot. With the league this year looking so open outside of the Champions League spots, many fans sense this could be a special campaign.

In order to keep this 1.4-points-per-game feat up, Leeds would need to earn more than four points in the next three fixtures - which is doable and perhaps should be the minimum benchmark.

A fair return would be five points, while six or seven would denote a very pleasing tally. Anything above that would be a superb effort.

Indeed, get maximum points, and Leeds fans may feel inclined to double-check that their passports are within their expiry date.