Last updated 18:55, Thursday, 15 May 2008

LEEDS’ midfielder David Prutton insists Gary McAllister’s side will pay little attention to Carlisle’s formidable record at Brunton Park tonight.

The Blues boast the best home record of all League One’s teams this season and their 17 wins included the memorable 3-1 triumph over Leeds last November.

But influential Prutton said the importance of home advantage can be overstated – and could equally add to the pressure on United.

“It's a tough place to go, but Leeds United’s a tough place to go,” said the long-haired schemer.

“In a way, I think there's maybe a little too much made of that because you know that if you go to a stadium and play well – as Carlisle did against us - then you've got every chance of winning.

“You can’t let records worry you too much and I don’t think it will have much impact.

“We can turn some of the pressure onto them with it being a tough place to go and a bit of a reputation. We can go there without any fear, knowing what we have to do to win. That’s a very freeing state of mind to be in.”

Prutton was part of the Nottingham Forest side that suffered an alarming play-off defeat at this stage to Yeovil last season despite leading 2-0 from the first leg and then 3-1 on aggregate until the final 10 minutes.

“Last year I saw how the play-offs can develop, and it's a warning and an encouragement to me that nothing is set in stone,” said the 26-year-old. “We’re quietly confident.

“It’s a huge game which the season rests on so this is where you back yourself and show optimism. You’ve got to go hell for leather. That’s the only way you can approach it. I’m not saying we’ll be completely gung-ho but it’s ours to win.”

Leeds boss Gary McAllister will make a late check on Jermaine Beckford, who was substituted in Monday’s second half feeling the effects of his recent ankle injury.

The Yorkshire side’s Carlisle-born defender Paul Huntington is likely to get a rough ride from home fans tonight in response to his taunts at the travelling Cumbrian fans at Elland Road last April.

Tonight’s game, meanwhile, will see Leeds coach Neil McDonald back at Brunton Park for the first time since his controversial sacking as Blues manager in August.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS: Carlisle (4-5-1): Westwood; Raven, Livesey, Murphy, Horwood; Hackney, Bridge-Wilkinson, Lumsdon, G Smith, Dobie; Graham.

Leeds (4-4-2): Ankergren; Richardson, Huntington, Michalik, B Johnson; Prutton, Kilkenny, Douglas, Howson; Freedman, Beckford.