Teams all set to pay respects to Speed

Leeds manager Simon Grayson takes his side to Nottingham Forest for tonight’s npower Championship clash at the City Ground with both clubs planning to pay their respects to Gary Speed.

A minute’s applause will be held before kick-off and both teams will wear black armbands in memory of Speed, who started his career at Elland Road and made 312 appearances for the club.

Grayson spoke this week of his shock at losing a man he described as “a true friend”, while the flags at Elland Road have been flown at half-mast since news of his death broke on Sunday morning.

Other clubs are planning to hold a minute’s applause in memory of Speed in tonight’s nine-match programme, which is headed by leaders Southampton’s bid to shake off Saturday’s surprise loss to Bristol City.

Saints – who will equal a post-War record of 21 straight home wins with victory - remain top of the table by two points despite slumping to a 2-0 defeat against struggling City at Ashton Gate.

Adkins told Saints’ official website saintsfc.co.uk: “We are confident, our confidence remains sky high. The lads have all recovered well from the weekend’s game and we are all looking forward to this one.”

Like the hosts, who are without defender Richard Chaplow, Hull are looking to bounce back from a disappointing weekend after falling 3-2 at home to Burnley. Aaron Mclean is back from suspension for the Tigers.

Second-placed West Ham travel to fourth-placed Middlesbrough aiming to extend a fine away record in the league this season which has yielded six wins and just a single defeat from nine games.

Tony Mowbray’s Boro enter the game with injury concerns over striker Marvin Emnes (calf) and Barry Robson (thigh). Scott McDonald is doubtful due to illness and Kevin Thomson is definitely out.

Play-off hopefuls Leicester and Blackpool clash at the King Power Stadium, while Derby and Brighton, both in danger of fading a little after bright starts to the season, meet at Pride Park.

At the bottom, Bristol City will look to build on Saturday’s stunning win when they travel to Watford, while Doncaster will be confident of taking something from fellow strugglers Millwall.

Fresh from their exciting five-goal thriller against Hull, Burnley return to Turf Moor to take on Ipswich, while mid-table duo Reading and Peterborough look to leap into play-off contention with a win at the Madejski Stadium.