DERBY fever is next up to test the resolve of a Leeds United side sweeping all before them in Coca-Cola League One.

Simon Grayson’s charges play host to West Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town in a derby duel that will kick-off at 12.15pm tomorrow.

By the time other teams gird themselves for their Saturday showdowns Leeds could be no fewer than nine points clear, provided they see off the Terriers.

Town harbour their own promotion hopes even though they were dented in midweek when they were held to a 3-3 draw at home by anchor club Tranmere Rovers, the strugglers levelling three times for a share of the plunder.

In contrast, Leeds’ impressive progress at the head of the division continued apace with a comfortable 2-0 win at Oldham confirmed by goals from midfielder Neil Kilkenny and Luciano Becchio.

The victory was all the more likeable for manager Grayson as he opted to test the strength of his squad, resting the likes of 14-goal leading marksman Jermaine Beckford and wing ace Robert Snodgrass.

Said the Leeds manager: “We have nine games in a month so it is a luxury to be giving players a rest.”

Beckford and Snodgrass should be back to further boost a Leeds attack that has only been bettered in number of goals scored by tomorrow’s visitors. Huddersfield, under the stewardship of ex-Newcastle midfielder Lee Clarke, have amassed 41 goals in 19 games this term.

Grayson will ensure his team will be on their guard against the one-off fervour that a derby spat can provoke, and no doubt, too, he will issue a warning to his fliers not to be looking too far ahead to next Tuesday’s FA Cup second round replay against Kettering with a trip to Manchester United the mega-incentive.

So far, however, Leeds have carried out Grayson’s instructions to the letter in what is developing into a momentous season. His hope will be that continues at the expense of their nearest neighbours come tomorrow lunchtime.