Swansea City v Leeds United: United chief determined to silence doubters

The Elland Road club have lost just once in 20 league games but back-to-back home draws against Norwich City and Barnsley that saw five goals conceded have led to questions being asked of their ability to stay the pace in the race for the Premier League.

Grayson, however, believes Leeds are well placed to mount a concerted challenge and is looking for his players to maintain their impressive recent form when taking on the Swans in front of the live Sky cameras this lunchtime.

He said: “I hope people are not doubting us. We are in the shake-up. We have lost one game in 20 and to do that shows we have good players and they are playing with confidence.

“Hopefully, we can maintain that for the next 13 games.”

United trail second-placed Swansea by five points, making today’s game potentially vital as defeat in south Wales would leave Grayson’s men with a large gap to make up with just 12 games remaining.

Another important concern for Leeds is keeping the chasing pack at bay with Leicester City just three points behind and Hull City a further two adrift.

The tight nature of the Championship table means there are likely to be many twists and turns before the season ends on May 7, leaving Grayson believing that it is impossible to set a points tally to guarantee even a place in the top six. He said: “Some people will look at how many points you might need but I never bother.

“I don’t want us thinking we need a certain amount as I don’t think you can be certain in this division. It will go right down to the last few weeks of the season.”

Swansea only missed out on a place in the play-offs on the final day of last season and the Welsh club seem determined not to suffer disappointment come May.

Grayson added: “We know that Swansea are a good team with good footballers. They have a good home record and this is a chance for us to show what we are all about.

“All we can do is concentrate on what we are going to do and, hopefully, that will be three points to take into Doncaster.”

All the final day fixtures in the Championship have been brought forward a day to Saturday, May 7, kick-off 12.45pm.