As Latics prepare for tomorrow's visit to Elland Road, Leeds old-boy Sean Gregan is tipping his former club to claim automatic promotion, despite the recent downturn in their form.

Leeds have won only once in their last eight league matches, but the Latics captain believes Simon Grayson's side will eventually triumph over adversity.

Gregan, who left Leeds for Latics almost three years ago, said: "Obviously Leeds have hit a recent wobble, but I have no doubts they will win automatic promotion.

"Leeds are out of the FA Cup so you cannot say that was a distraction. They had been flying all season and until recently hadn't had a sticky patch which all teams get at some stage of the season.

"They are still second and have the points on the board. They have a massive squad and they are a tough test for any team going to Elland Road."

Leeds ended 2009 in top spot as they held a commanding 11-point lead over third-placed Norwich.

Today Leeds are second, three points behind leaders Norwich and only one point clear of third-placed Colchester.

"Leeds were that far ahead that they have been able to lose games and still be in touch with the top-of-the-table," Gregan added.

The Latics central defender added the enormous size of the Leeds squad is a massive advantage as they have a depth most others don't possess.

"They have six, seven, maybe eight different options up front and it is the same all over the park. That is something a club like ours does not have," Gregan explained.

"That is why we find ourselves in the position we are in. When we lose three, four and five players of our main eleven, we are going to struggle.

"The size of the Leeds squad is such that they could probably field three teams."

Gregan believes that when Latics start converting the chances they are creating, they will rapidly climb the League One table.

He said: "We keep saying we have played well and we should have won, but the bottom line is that we haven't.

"We would not be far away if we could start converting our chances. The good thing is that we are playing well and creating chances."

Gregan admitted he still receives stick from fans on his return to Leeds, though he says that is like water off a duck's back.

He has had the last laugh, however, as Latics have won in each of the last two seasons at Elland Road adding it would be nice to complete a hat-trick tomorrow.