Simon Grayson believes that Leeds United have done serious psychological damage to Derby County by beating the Rams for the third time this season.
Leeds did a league double over Derby in the Championship this season and have now beaten the Rams 1-0 at Pride Park in the first leg of their playoff semi-final tie, producing a dominant performance.
Derby struggled to land a blow on Leeds and did not register a shot on target throughout the whole 90 minutes, despite playing at home.
They now have a massive task ahead of them in going to Elland Road on Wednesday night and looking to overturn the deficit.
And former Leeds manager Grayson thinks huge mental damage has been done by Leeds to Derby, meaning Frank Lampard has a huge job on his hands.
"Psychologically for Derby, that's three times Leeds have beaten them", Grayson said on BBC Radio Leeds after the match.
"That's going to be a massive obstacle in their way and Frank Lampard's got a lot to do with his team to get them back on track.
"When you beat somebody three times and going into the fourth game, not that you get complacent, but you're very confident of the ability you've got within your group."
Leeds will start as firm favourites to finish the job on Wednesday night in front of a packed Elland Road, with Derby needing to turn the tables and change the mood music to come out on top.
The winners of the tie will play either Aston Villa or West Brom at Wembley in the playoff final.
