United's 2-1 defeat to Millwall on Saturday cracked the last remaining unbeaten league record in England, but they left the New Den with a one-point lead at the top of League One intact.

Rovers, meanwhile, were licking their wounds from a frustrating home defeat to Yeovil Town. Trollope, pictured inset, won League One's manager of the month award for September, chosen ahead of Simon Grayson, but the prize has lived up to its cursed reputation.

Rovers were routed 5-1 at Norwich City on October 3 and have since been beaten by Southend and Yeovil. While Grayson attempts to steady his ship immediately at the Memorial Stadium tonight, Trollope will cross his fingers for a first league point since his squad won 3-2 at Southampton with a last-minute goal on September 29.

"We've got a tough week ahead," said Trollope. "On paper, the toughest week of the season.

"We're going into it on the back of three disappointments but it's time to show what we are about both physically and mentally. Leeds are one of the best teams – if not the best team – in the division so we know the challenge is there. We need to clear our minds and show strong unity."

Like Grayson, the league table is providing some comfort for Trollope.

His team held onto a position inside League One's top six despite their defeat to Yeovil – completed by two goals scored in the space of three second half minutes – and the club would move to within five points of the division's leaders with a victory this evening.