Simon Grayson is looking forward to the prospect of seeing his players pit their wits against Premier League opposition at Elland Road on Saturday.

Blackburn Rovers are the visitors for our only home friendly (3pm) and Sam Allardyce's squad will include former United goalkeeper Paul Robinson, ex-Liverpool man El Hadji-Douf and summer signings Steven Nzonzi, Gael Givet, Lars Jacobsen, and Elrio van Heerden.

"Saturday is about our players performing against Blackburn and competing against some World Class players," said the Leeds boss.

"We're looking forward to it. It'll be a step up and a good test.

"I'm grateful to Sam for bringing Blackburn across for the game. Sam is a good manager and I have a lot of respect for him."

The United boss is more than happy with the way United's pre-season is progressing, but he was quick to point out that, despite the step-up in opponents, Saturday's starting line-up won't necessarily be the XI that opens up the league campaign.

"Whatever team we play everyone will be anticipating that will be the team that starts on August 8," conceded the boss. 

"But I might pick a team on Saturday that plays 60 plus minutes and it might be slightly different at Newcastle on Wednesday night.

"I would say don't read into too much into it, but I know players will do and fans will do as well, but everybody still has a chance to get into the team when the season starts."

Neil Kilkenny (ankle) and Richard Naylor (back) are both absentees for Saturday's game.

Tickets are priced at £10 and £5 for the game and fans are advised to book in advance to avoid congestion on the day.

A crowd in excess of 10,000 is expected with the North Stand, East Lower, and West Stand open for Leeds United fans. The corner stands will be closed, and visiting fans will be housed in the South Stand.

For fans unable to attend, the game will be screened live on LUTV, with coverage starting from 2.30pm.