Leeds United v Southend United: Leeds chief happy to see pressure switch to rivals

League one: SIMON GRAYSON insists Leeds United's rivals for an automatic promotion place could choke under the weight of expectation that comes with being in the top two.

The Elland Road club breathed fresh life into their faltering challenge on Easter Monday with a 2-1 win at Yeovil Town that brought to an end a four-game losing run.

United's slump in form has allowed, first Millwall and then Swindon Town to occupy second place behind runaway leaders Norwich City in the past week.

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And Grayson, whose side trail the Robins by two points, believes the pressure that comes with being the team the chasing pack are targeting could have a huge bearing on the final six games.

He said: "A lot of sport, and football in particular, is played in the head. You have to be mentally strong and determined to make things happen for you but you also need a relaxed attitude to certain things.

"One or two clubs who are up there will have to deal with a different type of pressure.

"Nobody expected them to be in the position they are. We were expected to be up there and that comes with playing for Leeds United.

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"Pressure is a major factor that can do strange things to people. We have had to deal with it all season, so I would like to think the players can deal with it now.

"We still have a great opportunity. Our fans have been outstanding all season and we have three home games to send them home with three victories to edge ourselves closer to being promoted."

United host relegation-threatened Southend United today as Swindon travel to seventh-placed Colchester United and Millwall host Gillingham.

Fifth-placed Charlton Athletic, meanwhile, travel to Southampton.

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On paper, Leeds and Millwall appear to have the more straightforward games but Grayson insists his side must be wary of a Shrimpers side who have endured a difficult time due to the club's financial uncertainty.

The United manager said: "We have talked about the pressure of playing for Leeds this season but when you are not getting paid at the end of the month like the Southend lads, then that is pressure.

"We have to put everything like that aside and try to win the game. After that, I hope Southend stay up."

Southend manager Steve Tilson, a lifelong Leeds fan, brings his side to Elland Road on the back of just one win in 16 games, which has left them third from bottom.

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He said: "It does surprise me that Leeds have struggled lately because they have a big squad and some quality players.

"But this game is about as tough as it gets for us and we need to be ready.

"There would be no better place to turn things round and if we can get anything there it will give us a huge boost."