On paper, Saturday's match is one of those where, when you look at past and present records at least, a certain three points are guaranteed. However, as Kevin Keegan knows only too well, football isn't played on paper. What's more, with Bradford's ex-Leeds contingent no doubt wanting to make a point to the United management team, you can bet that our visitors will have one or two surprises on their sleeves at the weekend.

Back to the stats, though, they certainly make for an interesting comparison. As things stand at present, we are sitting relatively pretty in second place on 29 points, having scored 26 goals and winning our last seven home games in all competitions - four in the Premiership. Bradford, on the other hand, are in seventeenth place on just 12 points, having scored only 11 goals and winning only two of their seven away games. Having said that, their away record is slightly more favourable to their home performances, where they've only managed a single victory all season.

Historically, things don't get much better. Of the last ten matches the two teams have played, Bradford have only won once - and they have never won a league game at Elland Road (the four victories shown above all coming in Cup competitions).

Of Bradford's current playing personnel the greatest interest from our point of view, of course, will come from the ex-Leeds contingent. Sharpe never fulfilled his potential at Elland Road although being plagued by injuries during his time with us didn't exactly help. He might still go on to do a good job for Bradford. Halle did a solid job for us over several seasons and all supporters will wish him well. However, surely the biggest cheer will be reserved for Wetherall. Regular visitors to 'Leeds United World' will know my high regard for David, a player I was genuinely sorry to see leave. He may have a few flaws in his make up but I can't recall a time he let us down in the time he played for us. Good luck, David!

We will be without Harry on Saturday, who was the scorer of the only goal the last time the teams met, in the Worthington Cup last season. Otherwise, O'Leary should be able to pick from a full strength squad.

Leeds managed to keep within touching distance of Manchester United at the top of the Premiership table, thanks to a 2-1 win over Bradford City at Elland Road this afternoon.

It was hardly a classic encounter but, without really stretching ourselves, we managed to do enough to ease past our local rivals - for a deserved win. The only slight worry came with Windass' last minute goal which made the three minutes of injury time rather more nervy than they ought to have been.

Harry Kewell, of course, was unable to play. Probably doubtful with a calf injury, his fate was sealed by FIFA, who banned him from starting against the Bantams. O'Leary had to move round his resources a little - and decided upon bringing in Bakke, who was to have another promising game. He played down the right side of midfield with McPhail moving to cover for Kewell's absence on the left. Smith and Bridges were once again preferred to Huckerby up front,

The game started frantically with United going for the jugular from the start, desperate to make up immediately for the loss at Wimbledon, suffered on their last trip out. Bridges had an early opportunity but otherwise, Bradford managed to contain Leeds' attacks quite efficiently, well marshalled at the back by ex-United man Wetherall.

Bakke seemed to be Leeds' most likely scorer in the opening period. Three times during the first half, he attempted long range efforts at the Bradford goal. The first, from some distance out, zoomed just over the bar, the second was saved by Clarke, in the Bradford goal, whilst the latter - a superbly struck effort from 25 yards out, looked to be heading for the top left hand corner until the Bradford keeper stretched to save.

Midway through the half, Kelly crossed from the right into the Bantams' area. The ball missed its intended target, Woodgate, and was headed away by Wetherall. However, it landed at the feet of McPhail on the left hand side of the box and he lashed a screaming drive just wide of Clarke's goal.

Then, as United forced a series of corners, one of them - taken by Harte - found Radebe at the far post. His header was beautifully struck but well saved by Clarke. An almighty scramble ensued but Bradford managed to clear the danger.

However, perhaps the best chance of the half fell to the visitors. Dean Windass crossed from the left wing, the ball being perfectly met by veteran Peter Beagrie. Nigel Martyn, though, who otherwise had a relatively quiet afternoon, showed his class with a full stretch save, tipping the ball over the bar.

The second half started in slightly more scrappy fashion than the first although we were starting to take more control of the game. The opening goal, however, came somewhat fortuitously, on 54 minutes. Batty won the ball and passed it through to the dangerous Bridges, who attempted a long range effort. His shot, though, was deflected by Smith into the roof of the net. That seemed to settle us down and we had several half chances to kill the game.

The second goal also had a slice of good fortune about it. Stuart McCall - who was lucky to still be on the pitch following two rash challenges - played a suicidal back pass to his keeper, which was latched onto by the ever industrious Bowyer. Lee collided with the keeper and the ball ran into the path of Batty, who himself was tripped by Clarke. There was a moment's pause as Durkin consulted with his linesman. Then a penalty was awarded, coolly slotted away by Harte.

With only ten minutes remaining, the game was as good as over - or so we thought. However, for some reason we started to get too casual, particularly in our defensive work. Lawrence had a gilt edged chance to pull one back but blasted over in nightmarish fashion, then on the stroke of full time, Windass rounded Martyn to grab a consolation goal. With Durkin playing over three minutes of injury time, there were a few missed heartbeats as Bradford pushed desperately forward for an equalising goal. However, although we were a little below par at times, we deserved the three points, which may prove extremely useful come next May.

Leeds Star Man - Lucas Radebe