Leeds United v Wycombe Wanderers: Grayson looks to cap off unbeaten year with Wanderers win

Namely, should his Leeds United side avoid defeat today at home to struggling Wycombe Wanderers, the 40-year-old will become only the fourth Elland Road manager to remain unbeaten at home in the league for an entire year.

Carlisle United were the last side to triumph in Leeds, goals from Michael Bridges and Danny Graham sealing a 2-0 triumph on January 10 last year, with the club's 23 league games since having yielded a phenomenal 63 points.

Wycombe, beaten 1-0 at Adams Park by Grayson's men in August and having endured a miserable campaign back in League One, are not expected to put much of a dent in that formidable record and if that proves the case then the omens are good for Leeds's promotion chances.

That is because in each of the seven previous times – four under Don Revie, two when Howard Wilkinson was in charge and once with Raich Carter as manager – when United have remained unbeaten on home soil for more than 12 months, the club has finished in the top two.

If Leeds do go on to be promoted come May, however, it seems highly likely they will do so without top scorer Beckford.

The 26-year-old has handed in a transfer request and made it clear he wants to move to Newcastle United. The Championship leaders have already had two bids turned down and this week returned with a third offer of 1.5m.

Leeds are understood to be mulling over the offer with sources in the North East suggesting a likely conclusion will come early next week, meaning Beckford could face Wycombe today despite having angered many fans with his attitude towards leaving.

In many eyes, the striker has gone from hero to zero following the winning goal at Manchester United last weekend but Grayson is hoping Beckford does not suffer a backlash from fans.

The Leeds manager said: "There are too many scenarios that could happen at the moment. But, while he is here, he will be considered for selection. I suppose there is a little bit of concern over how the fans will react but they have always backed the team I have put out. They backed Jermaine when he started against Hartlepool after his reaction at being taken off against Southampton (when Beckford refused to shake Grayson's hand on leaving the field and headed straight down the tunnel).

"The fans were singing his name at Old Trafford and Stockport, and I expect the same again."

If Leeds do avoid defeat today, it will be the first time since Wilkinson's side won the league title in 1991-92 that the club has gone unbeaten at Elland Road for 12 months.

Team news: Leigh Bromby returns from suspension after missing the win at Manchester United, while Andrew Hughes is a slight doubt with a hamstring strain picked up in the game at Old Trafford. Jermaine Beckford, who has scored five goals in his last three appearances for United, is in the squad despite handing in a transfer request.

Last six games: Leeds United DWWWWW, Wycombe Wanderers WLDLLL.

Referee: D Webb (County Durham).

Last time: Wycombe 0 Leeds United 1; August 15, 2009; League One.

SkyBet odds: Leeds win 1-4, Wycombe to win 12-1, draw 9-2.