Orient manager Russell Slade saw his side book their place in the second round of the FA Cup Pic: Simon O'Connor

Orient boss hopes to upset odds at Sheffield United

Leyton Orient boss Russell Slade insists all the pressure is on Sheffield United in tonight’s game at Bramall Lane.

The Blades moved to the top of the League One table on Saturday while the O’s were slipping to a 1-0 home defeat to Crawley.

But Slade believes his team can make life difficult for the leaders.

He said: “We always seem to be going somewhere when a team is in form and they don’t come much bigger than Sheffield United away.

“They are a big, strong, physical side and they can grind you down.

“Now they’re at the top they won’t want to let that go, that’s for sure.

“They will be expected to win the game and the pressure is on them.

“But they have got to try to break us down and get three points.

“We’ve got to be strong, dig in and make sure we get a result.”

After league defeats to Hartlepool and Crawley, plus their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy semi-final knock-out by Southend, the O’s are keen to put last week firmly behind them.

And their manager believes his team has every incentive to keep pushing despite sitting 12 points off a play-off place.

Slade said: “There are a lot of points still to play for and we want to collect as many as those as we possibly can.

“Players have got different reasons for trying to finish the season off in style.

“Some of them are returning from injury – such as Kevin Lisbie, who is not far away – while others are fighting for a new contract.”

Leon McSweeney is a doubt for the O’s after missing training with a dead leg.