Leeds United legend Eddie Gray has admitted that Derby County will prove to be a stern test for the Whites, but insists the league leaders are more than capable of securing the desired result.
The Whites will be aiming to put an end to their miserable run in all competitions after suffering a third straight defeat with their FA Cup third round exit against Queens Park Rangers.
Marcelo Bielsa could face a daunting prospect at Elland Road on Friday when Leeds face fellow promotion candidates in the form of Frank Lampard's Derby.
The reverse fixture between the sides worked out as a largely one-sided affair in August as Leeds secured a 4-1 win at Pride Park.
However, Gray is sure that the Rams will pose a sterner test this time around at Elland Road, but feels that Leeds have enough in their ranks to come out on top at the end of proceedings.
“I think the thing about that game is they want to prove to the others that they are a better team than they showed at Derby because we ran over the top of them at Derby”, Gray said on LUTV.
“I mean we thrashed them there.
“So they will be wanting to get one over on us, they are still battling away at this present time, they still have hopes for top-two, don’t worry about that.
“But, they are battling away and maintaining their place in the top six, that is their first challenge.
“They will put up a stern test for us, but we are more than capable of rising to that and I’m looking forward to the game next Friday night.”
Despite suffering successive losses in the Championship against Hull City and Nottingham Forest, Leeds continue to lead the race for promotion with 51 points at the moment.
