Successive matches against top five sides in League One followed by an FA Cup replay against Premiership big boys Tottenham are testing the strength of Simon Grayson's squad this week as they look to battle on league and cup fronts.

While the injury time penalty from Jermaine Beckford earned United more positive headlines and a memorable 2-2 draw with Spurs at White Hart Lane last Saturday it added to Leeds' already crowded fixture list with the fourth round cup replay pencilled in for next Wednesday at Elland Road.

Before that big date United were in action at fifth-placed Swindon on Tuesday night and suffered their worst defeat of the season in going down 3-0.

It was a tired performance, but some energy will have to be found for another key league game at home to fourth-placed Colchester on Saturday.

While there was no pressure on the players to perform at Tottenham it is back to being the big boys in League One with the weight of expectation back on and a lot of energy used up in a competition which could never be their main aim to succeed in.

Saturday's opponents, Colchester, with ex-Leeds coach Ady Boothroyd in charge, will be extra keen to pile the pressure on, especially having lost at home to the Whites in August.

With so many big games piling on top of each other Leeds boss Simon Grayson may look to freshen things up and may involve at least one new player.

Although initially not looking to do much business this month the goalposts have moved a little and United agreed to splash some cash this week with the permanent signing of winger Max Gradel from Leicester - a move that is bound to go down well with the fans after his successful loan spell at the club.

Another popular player, David Prutton, however, left the club for a month's loan at Colchester and with the transfer window closing next Monday more comings and goings are likely.

Leeds missed out on striker Lee Barnard, who signed for Southampton from Southend, but could turn to another target as the manager looks to cover all eventualities with such a tough schedule ahead.

Financially, the FA Cup run has brought a huge boost to United's spending power as they stand to gain up to £2 million from their high profile run in the competition - and maybe more if they can somehow pull off another giantkilling in the return with Spurs.

Victory would earn a lucrative fifth round tie against another Premier club in Bolton Wanderers, although to go through it is likely they will need more heroics from two-goal Beckford and goalkeeper Casper Ankergren or more of the good fortune enjoyed at White Hart Lane.