At the start of the week that will see Leeds launch their appeal at arbitration against the fifteen point deduction impsed by the Football League, it seems ironic that the team they are looking to replace will be the visitors at Elland Road.  Carlise currently sit on 79 points, the same number that Leeds United have fought and won this season, but the Yorkshire side sit back in sixth place on 64 points with their sanction.  Depending on the outcome of the case, the game really could be to proverbial '6 pointer' and could be the difference between an automatic promotion at the end of the season.

Leeds go into the game in good form, unbeaten in five games and winning their last two.  They have also kept a clean sheet in their last four games, since drawing 3-3 to Port Vale back nearly a month ago. Carlise on the other hand have stuttered slightly of late, managing only two draws and losing to Nottingham Forest in their last four outings.

Gary McAllister is likely to keep the same players in his starting line up that took to the field against Leyton Orient, although on-loan left back, Sheehan starts the first of his two match suspension.  Darren Kenton, who lost his place last week to Frazer Richardson following an injury could return with a shuffle at the back, but the Leeds Manager also has the choice of bringing Rui Marquez back to the starting line up.  Paul Huntington looks likely to keep his place after two impressive performances covering for Marques and the Angolan international, who has not yet signed a new contract with Leeds, may have to settle for a place on the bench.

There are more decisions for the midfield too.  Johnathon Douglas has impressed since returning from injury to cover the injured David Prutton, who himself had been turning in the his best perofrmances of the season since moving to the centre of midfield.  Howson is almost certain to continue in the centre and Johnson, who has been substituted for injury in the last two outings has had a full week to recover.  Freedman and Beckford are almost certain to continue up front.

They are choices a manager relishes having the opportunity to make but McAllister seems to reward victories with the players keeping their place.

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