Blackpool v Leeds: Redfearn looking for United to climb higher

Today, though, the travelling United devotees will merely be witnesses with hundreds of Blackpool supporters set to boycott the game after staging a protest against owner Karl Oyston outside Bloomfield Road.

Tangerine Knights, a supporters’ group, is urging fans to instead go and watch AFC Blackpool in the North West Counties Premier Division, six levels below the Championship.

For Leeds manager Neil Readfearn, however, any protest by the home supporters will be a mere sideshow with his only priority being a ninth victory of 2015.

He said: “A lot of these sides above us have got to play each other, they can’t all win so there’s ground to be made up if we keep this run going.

“We can put ourselves in a really good position. I know the impact of a good finish. It is important that we finish well.”

In contrast to the home side, who could be relegated today if results go against them, Leeds are in rude health at the moment.

Wednesday night’s 3-0 win at Fulham powered them up to 12th and through the 50-point barrier that traditionally proves enough to avoid the drop.

United’s safety being assured could persuade Redfearn to give a couple of youngsters their chance in the remaining weeks, even if those currently in the side are desperate to stay in the XI.

He added: “We have had to check on the lads after the game against Fulham, but because they are playing well and we are winning, the lads want to play.”

As for blooding youngsters such as Lewis Walters, Redfearn added: “Ideally, Lewis will play some of them or a part in some of them.”