Leeds v Carlisle preview

See Leeds v Carlisle live on Sky Sports 1 from 7:30pm

By James Pearson   Last updated: 12th May 2008

Jermaine Beckford

Beckford: Set to return

Skysports.com will be providing a full minute-by-minute commentary of the Elland Road clash along with reaction from both camps following the full-time whistle.

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It is the battle of the Uniteds on Monday night as Leeds entertain Carlisle in the first leg of their League One play-off semi-final at Elland Road.

Goals are likely to be on the menu with the pair serving up nine in their two league meetings with Carlisle securing a 3-1 win at Brunton Park while Leeds triumphed 3-2 at home.

Whites boss Gary McAllister is likely to ring the changes to his starting XI after giving a number of regulars a much-needed break in their 2-1 success over Gillingham last time out.

Neil Kilkenny, Jonathan Howson and Dougie Freedman should all return, while Leeds are crossing their fingers leading scorer Jermaine Beckford will be fit enough to return following an ankle knock.

With left-back Alan Sheehan suspended Bradley Johnson is the favourite to deputise again in a back four consisting of Lubomir Michalik, Paul Huntington and Frazer Richardson.

Although Johnson could well revert to his more accustomed left-sided midfield role in place of Peter Sweeney with the likes of Rui Marques or Darren Kenton vying for the left-back role.

Thirlwell hope

Carlisle boss John Ward is again without defender David Raven but could welcome back skipper Paul Thirlwell.

Former Liverpool trainee Raven serves the final game of his three-match suspension but centre-back Danny Livesey will be available to replace him after serving a one-match ban.

Midfielder and captain Thirlwell could also return to action after missing most of the campaign due to a succession of injuries.

However, the game may come too soon for midfielder Jeff Smith (ankle) while on-loan defender Paul Reid has returned to parent club Barnsley for treatment on an ankle injury.

The 26-year-old, who was in his second spell at Brunton Park, has been restricted to just one appearance since rejoining the Blues in March.