by Gwyn Griffiths

GUDJON Thordarson believes the Crewe faithful hold the key to success against Leeds today.

The fallen Elland Road giants have sold out their 2,236 allocation and will command two sides of Gresty Road (the BMW and the Wulvern Housing Stand).

But Thordarson hopes his side's super form – which has seen them win six in the last nine games – will tempt back the stay-away fans.

With the likelihood of a gate around the 6,500 mark, the Alex boss declared: "This will be a big test for my supporters. They will bring 2,000 and more, so it will be an extra challenge to our fans to get behind the team. I think it is important we feel we are at home.

"In the past the players have found it hard to live up to their expectations, but hopefully they can give Leeds a game they will be proud of."

Crewe were crushed 5-2 when the sides last met at Elland Road last September, but Thordarson predicts this tussle will be much tighter.

"Most of my players want to prove a point as they suffered that big defeat. The pressure is all on Leeds. They are a big club and they want to get out of this league as soon as possible."

He has not given up on Calvin Zola's fitness after it emerged the striker suffered cramp rather than a hamstring strain in the midweek draw with Bristol Rovers.

But Tom Pope is most likely to be handed a recall provided his ankle stands up after a week's training.

"Hopefully one of our big strikers will be fit, otherwise we will have to approach it differently," said the Crewe boss, who wants to persuade Trinidad to let Dennis Lawrence join their squad after Crewe's game at MK Dons on Tuesday.