Leyton Orient will be hoping to pull off a surprise result this evening when they travel to League One leaders Sheffield United.

The O's have suffered a disappointing week after league defeats to Hartlepool United and Crawley Town alongside their Johnstone's Paint Trophy exit at the hands of Southend United. 

Russell Slade's side have drifted out of contention for a play-off spot and will start tonight's game as big outsiders.

Slade, who may have midfielder Martin Rowlands fit to return this evening, said "It is a big stage and they're coming thick and fast. Sheffield United and Bournemouth are both right up there so they will be big encounters and we've got to be ready for them.

"They've [players] got to lift themselves as well. We send them out there and prepare them in the best possible manner and they've got to stand up and be counted because the fact of the matter is every time we've gone behind we haven't won a football match this season.

"Maybe that shows a little bit of a soft mentality and we have to be a little stronger with each other and we have to be ruthless in both boxes."

Four consecutive wins for United have sent them to the top of a tightly congested table. The Blades, who won 1-0 at Brisbane Road in October, are unbeaten in the last five games against Orient.