Leeds have fitness problems to resolve
Several players picked up knocks in the game at Colchester on Saturday, namely Neil Kilkenny (ankle), Robert Snodgrass (ankle and toe) and Richard Naylor (head). But of course with the size of our squad we have cover for all these positions, and Robinson, Hughes and Marques are all standing by if need be. The squad have stayed down in Essex since the Colchester game rather than returning to Leeds and having to travel south again, so they should all be feeling fresh and raring to go.
Leeds are now unbeaten in the last nine games and have won the last five games, but tonight’s game will be a more difficult assignment than we might have expected a few months ago, as Orient have been in very good form themselves in the last few months. They were deep in trouble when Geraint Williams replaced Martin Ling earlier in the season, but have since pulled clear of the relegation zone and have won five of their last six games.
Simon Grayson acknowledged the home side’s improvement when he spoke to our official site. "It'll be a difficult game, but they are all difficult. 'George' has done a good job since going there as manager. He's got some good results and pulled them away from the threat of relegation. We go on the back of a win, though, and will be looking to get another victory. We keep testing them saying 'can you get the results?' and they keep coming up with the answers." Confidence is a massive part of football and we're showing that at the moment."
Leeds can take heart from the wins at Crewe and Colchester, who are two other sides that have moved up the table after changing managers in mid-season. Ben Parker confirmed that the squad’s confidence has improved since the three successive away defeats at Walsall, Huddersfield and Hereford. "We might have been nervous earlier in the season when we were away, but these last few weeks we've looked solid as a team and we always have goals up front. We played some great football under the previous manager, but it wasn't always winning football. Under this manager we have been mixing it up and getting results."
But O’s boss Geraint Williams was also sounding chipper when he spoke to the Evening Standard, but he know this game will be a big test of their revival. "Leeds coming to town is a glamour game in this division. And with a big club in town it's a chance to show our fans that we mean business. We've won three of the last five at home and our target has now got to be to make it four in six."
Orient could be without leading scorer Adam Boyd and their captain Stephen Purches, both due to ankle problems. But Purches’ fellow defender Tamika Mkandawire will be available after a quick recovery from his knee injury.
We really need another win if we’re to stand any chance of automatic promotion, but I’m not sure that we’ll get one. I think tonight we will have to make do with a draw.
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