On this occasion we're looking for the full set and everything about Leeds United says to me that we're in the right form and the right shape of mind to regain our place in the Coca-Cola Championship.

A huge amount of credit is due to Gary McAllister and his players for securing a play-off position, but as wonderful an achievement as that is, there's another massive step to be taken. The journey starts on Monday night.

Carlisle United are a very strong team and are capable of beating anyone on their day.

That's been proven by their results and it would be foolish to under-estimate them.

Let's not forget that they were the first side to take three points from Leeds this season, or that they're the club with the best home record in League One.

It is no accident that Carlisle have appeared in the play-offs and all four of the teams involved are talented enough and mentally strong enough to claim a place in the Championship.

The fact that Carlisle are so strong at Brunton Park – a ground where few teams seem to enjoy playing – underlines the importance of the first leg at Elland Road.

I was delighted to see 38,000 supporters at the stadium for last weekend's game against Gillingham, especially since there was nothing at stake for Leeds.

It was the type of match that the fans could easily have bypassed – saving their hard-earned money for the play-offs – but the massive attendance is evidence of the feel-good factor that is swirling around the city and the club at the moment.


We're expecting to see the same size of crowd at Elland Road for the first leg of the semi-final on Monday, and that is undoubtedly a factor we must take advantage of.

It would not concern me if Leeds went to Brunton Park for the second leg next Thursday without a lead because under Gary we've looked capable of winning anywhere, but the intensity of our own surroundings could be crucial to the outcome of the tie.

Carlisle know that they will be asked to deal with a deafening atmosphere and their manager, John Ward, will also be aware that his side's form is not as good as that of Leeds.

Form is not always important in cup ties but if you ask either John or Gary whose results they would rather have behind them right now, both would say Leeds United's.

Leeds have won six of their last seven games, and the bonus last Saturday was that Gary was able to rest a few key players.

He'll go looking for a win on Monday night and I believe that Leeds will get it, giving them a lead to take to Cumbria.

There is every reason to be confident but no excuse for being over-confident. The play-offs can throw up all sorts of surprises and when it comes to knockout football, the little things are so crucial. A referee's decision or a flukey goal can easily be decisive.

The trick in these situations is not to panic – to remember that the game is being played over 180 minutes, not 90. There is a balance to strike between being aggressive and positive, and making sure your performance is controlled.

Everything I have seen of Leeds convinces me that they have the character and belief to do that. Let the drama begin.

Scoreline prediction: Leeds 2 Carlisle 0.