Stuart Dallas says that Leeds United know they will expect a close encounter with title rivals West Bromwich Albion on New Year's Day - but adds that they have prepared for this festive finale all season.
The Whites travel to the Hawthorns having reclaimed the summit of the Championship following their victorious 5-4 thriller against Birmingham City on Sunday.
Conversely, the Baggies fell to a shock home defeat against Middlesbrough, a result that saw them relinquish their grasp at the top of the table.
Leeds sit narrowly ahead on goal difference but could open up a three point gap with a win to cap off their run of four games in 12 days, with their fixture very much given the makings of a do-or-die encounter.
Speaking after victory at St Andrew's this weekend, Dallas acknowledged that it will be a close match between the top two - but that United are prepared to get up close and personal to achieve their goals.
"It all points to being a good game," he stated. "We have to go they and if we have to grind out a result, we will.
"We want to go and win the game of course, we’re not going there to draw or sit back, we’re going to win the game.
"Look, they’re a great side, a lot of quality players all over the pitch, a great manager. They’ll be looking to bounce back [after] today.
"Of course, we’ve prepared for this all season, pre-season. This isn’t a surprise, we play in this every year in the Championship, we know what it’s like, we know what we have to do.
"Going back to the background team we have, they prepare us in the best possible way to give us everything we need, and then you have to take a certain level of responsibility yourself and be prepared.
"[You do] what you need to do away from the club, know that the team here can only give you so much and you’ve got to be professional and take it upon yourself to be in the best possible shape ready. We’ll go away now, we’ll recover, and we’ll be ready for West Brom."
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