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LORIMER: Play off place is essential
For the first time this season, Leeds United are at a juncture in their campaign where the players can put to bed any fear that a play-off place might elude them.
There were times in November and December – a truly disastrous period for Leeds –when it seemed increasingly dangerous to count chickens.
Back then, the guarantee of a top-six finish would have been welcome indeed.
A play-off place could be certain by the final whistle at Elland Road tomorrow and it is a sign of the mediocre position that the players have climbed from that, after an
11-game unbeaten run, the deal has still to be signed and sealed.
Had that passage of outstanding form been a reflection of United's entire season, a play-off position would have been safe some time ago.
Tranmere Rovers will not catch us if we beat them this weekend – our goal difference is an obstacle they have no chance of overcoming – and Simon Grayson's players should make the most of the experience tomorrow.
A bit like the play-offs, this is a situation where one good result can put things beyond doubt.
The squad have dealt with a lot of games and demands over the past few months and have risen to the challenge made to them by Simon midway through February.
When he warned that individuals were playing for their futures after Hereford United, he meant it and credit to everyone for taking that on board.
The road has been incredibly tough and what the squad can do without is a poor result tomorrow which hikes up the pressure for their visit to Hartlepool United and our last home game against Northampton Town.
Leeds made no mistake when given the chance to secure a top-six finish last season, winning with 10 men at Yeovil Town and it would benefit Simon to have the freedom to rest a few players, blood a few others and have a final recap during our final two matches.
The likes of Mike Grella would benefit from a full run-out and Simon can consider offering him that once the threat to United's position in the top six has gone.
It is not unlikely that Grella will be asked to feature at some stage of the play-offs and a bit of extra match practice would do all the fringe players good.
That, however, is something that can only happen if nothing rides on results against Hartlepool and Northampton.
Every time United turn out at Elland Road the conversation turns to their incredible home form.
A victory tomorrow would be their 10th in succession at home and the last time that happened in a single season was way back in the 1968-69 campaign when I was playing for Leeds United and had just reached my 22nd birthday.
Interestingly, when we went unbeaten for 29 matches in the 1973-74 season, we never put more than three wins together at home.
That shows how vital it is to be consistent on opposition territory as well as in front of your own fans and that is something this Leeds team seem to be getting to grips with at last.
Leicester City got the better of us on Monday, but they knew as well as we did that the game could have gone either way. I don't think the atmosphere affected us and it is good to know that the players can now go into that type of environment and turn on the style.
As for Elland Road, I'd like to see two more victories there before the play-offs start. If and when we get to the semi-finals, 11 wins in a row would give our opposition something to worry about, knowing that they have to break that sequence.
At times in the last couple of years, I haven't always agreed with the idea that Elland Road is a fortress which visiting teams fear. I suspect they do now.
Every week Peter selects a treble based on the William Hill weekend coupon. His selections are: Aston Villa, Birmingham City and Hearts.
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 0 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
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