It all starts tomorrow

Leeds United take on Nottingham Forest in tomorrow's televised clash. The sides share a rich history which adds extra incentive to the game for both the fans and the players. The reverse fixture certainly had an element of spice to it as a player brawl broke out. The game ended 1-1 at the City Ground back in August. It is a huge fixture. United find themselves 1 point ahead of Forest with both sides occupying a play-off place. Simon Grayson and Billy Davies will both be targeting the 2nd automatic promotion spot however a chasing pack including Reading, Burnley and Watford are thriving on the possibility to crash the party.

Over 30,000 people will attend this vital match up. Form doesn't count for anything at this stage of the season with every side playing sweating blood for their own targets and aspirations. Leeds must respond from a shocking performance against Sheffield United. They have had two week off however 7 first team players have been away with their nations. I believe the break came at the perfect time for the Whites who now have to rally together to fight for promotion.

Skipper Jonny Howson is the only doubt for Leeds ahead of tomorrow's clash. Grayson said that if he is not 100% fit he won't play because there are 7 more crucial games after this one. Billy Paynter won't feature after receiving his marching orders last time out at Bramall Lane. He is serving the first of his 3 match ban. Everybody else is available. Ross McCormack could make his return to the squad after his blistering scoring record for the reserves. New loan signing Jake Livermore is available to make his debut after completing the formalities last week.

Davies has ruled out his captain Paul McKenna after he picked up an injury in training. Talented striker Rob Earnshaw is a major doubt for the game as he is suffering with a torn hamstring.

Goals have been Leeds' forte this season being the league's top scorers, but have the goals dried up? United have failed to score in their last 2 games and if unless they can turn the heat up in front of the Elland Road faithful tomorrow they might find it a challenge with Nottingham Forest having the second best defence in the division only second to league leaders QPR. Although Forest's defence is strong they have scored the least amount of goals out of the teams in the top 9.

Forest have not won in 7 and haven't beaten Yorkshire opposition all season! To add further misery to the travelling side, Leeds are unbeaten in 12 at Elland Road. Leeds seem to be the comeback kings this season with them snatching 22 points from losing positions.

Key match-ups tomorrow:

Two of the finest stoppers in the Championship will walk across the white line tomorrow and will do anything to stop the ball from crossing their goal line. It's Schmeichel v Camp.

Explosive wingers are a priceless asset for teams nowadays and tomorrow should be a fine exposition of the quality both teams have within their arsenal. It's Gradel v McGugan.

All in all it has the makings for a sublime promotion encounter and I'm sure everything will be left on the pitch after an enthralling 90 minutes at Elland Road.