Leeds United v Oxford United: Warnock looks to back his pledge with results

Warnock, chasing a record eighth promotion on his managerial CV, switches emphasis to the League Cup tonight, with the Whites hosting early League Two pacesetters Oxford United, managed by ex-Halifax chief Chris Wilder.

Warnock is set to hand opportunities to strikers at the opposite ends of the age spectrum in young Dominic Poleon and striker Andy Gray.

The Leeds boss said: “I’ve told Amy we’d try and win the cup this year. It will be a great game, I’m sure, because Oxford will be playing some good stuff because they are top of the league.

“I’m sure Oxford will lift things and be up for the challenge, so we’ll have to be ready.

“When you are underdogs coming to Elland Road, you always lift your game and play well normally. It’s just all about winning on Tuesday if we can.”

Former United defender Michael Duberry, 36, misses out on a return to West Yorkshire this evening due to injury with two other experienced players, full-back Andrew Whing and midfielder Peter Leven, also on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, the future of El-Hadji Diouf, whose non-contract arrangement with Leeds is understood to have expired, remains up in the air with a host of clubs waiting if a permanent contract cannot be struck.

The Senegalese international’s preferred option is to remain at Elland Road if a suitable deal can be reached, with money not thought to be a major stumbling block.

Last six games: Leeds: WLWWLD, Oxford: WWWDLL.

Last time: Leeds 4 Oxford 0; January 3, 1998; FA Cup, third round.

Referee: G Sutton (Lincolnshire).