Leeds United v Reading: Grayson on the defensive as big screen test looms against the Royals

The Elland Road club take on the Royals in front of the live Sky cameras knowing they need to return to winning ways or risk dropping out of the play-off places for the first time in five months.

Nottingham Forest, Burnley and Hull City trail Leeds by just two points, meaning Grayson’s side cannot afford any repeat of the defending that has seen 21 goals scored past Kasper Schmeichel in the last 10 games.

Such a poor defensive record – only four other Championship sides have conceded more goals than the 68 that have flown into the Leeds net this term – means the back four and goalkeeper have come in for criticism.

Grayson, however, said: “When we put the team together in the summer, the defence was one area where we needed to strengthen. Individually, they have all played at the highest level and at times they look like a Premiership outfit.

“There is enough experience in that back four and I don’t want to highlight them as a reason why we have conceded too many goals. It is as a team.

“And it is as a team that we need to be more defensive-minded. I don’t want to set up a team that’s going to draw 0-0 every week because that is not us. But somewhere down the line we have to defend better.”

Asked what was being done to improve United’s defensive record, Grayson replied: “We work really hard with both departments, attacking and defensive. We don’t just come in, have a jolly-up and let them get on with what they’re doing.

“If we weren’t creating chances and people were calling us a dull, boring team, then we would be getting criticised for not doing any work on the attacking side. It is about trying to get the right balance. But a lot of teams would have gone for our back four.”

Luciano Becchio is a major doubt for tonight’s game after scans revealed the injury that forced Leeds’s top scorer out of last weekend’s draw with Watford was a hamstring strain.

Grayson added: “Knowing Luciano, he could turn round and say that he wants to play.

“But it is far too important a stage of the season to run the risk if he is not fit. If he doesn’t play then we have got a game on Monday (at Crystal Palace) and another two big games after that.

“If Luciano is out then we have got other players who can come into the team and who have done well before.”

Last six games: Leeds United DLWLLD, Reading WWWWWW.

Referee: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).

Last time: Leeds United 1 Reading 1; Saturday, April 15, 2006; Championship.