"I have sympathy for the situation that Kevin Blackwell and Leeds find themselves in," admitted Pards. "Like ourselves, when Leeds were relegated they were looking to push on to a higher level in the Premiership.
"That scenario can compound the problems of relegation, not just financially, but also on the psychology of the club. Suddenly there is negativity and it's difficult to haul yourself out of that downward spiral.
"I think West Ham United have coped extremely well with relegation and are now in a strong position to push for a return to the Premiership. But the Leeds example shows how difficult relegation can be.
"They have got some great players and staff though and I'm sure they'll turn things around. But hopefully they won't start tonight."
Both clubs on show tonight carry with them proud traditions, and under the atmospheric floodlights at Upton Park, Alan expects the Boleyn Ground to be a cauldron of emotion.
"Leeds are a proud club with proud traditions," he said. "Their fans, like ours, are some of the most passionate in football and that should make for a really special atmosphere at Upton Park tonight.
"It's difficult when you have been relegated and lost a lot of good players to then go out and recruit people on a slim budget that have to carry the pride and history of a big club.
"But Kevin Blackwell has done a great job bringing through promising young players and mixing them with experienced professionals like Brian Deane.
"Brian did a great job for us last season, but unfortunately I couldn't guarantee him a place in the first-team every week and he decided to move on. He's a real threat with his presence up front and we'll have to watch out for him this evening."
With confidence high after wins over Watford and Sunderland, the Hammers go into tonight's live Sky TV clash as clear favourites. But Pards warns that off the back of two successive defeats Leeds could be dangerous, just like his side were two weeks ago.
"Leeds will be really motivated to do well tonight," he said. "This is a big game for both clubs and Kevin Blackwell will be desperate to put things back on track after a couple of poor results.
"I know how going a couple of games without a win can feel, and I'm aware of how dangerous big clubs like Leeds can be in the middle of a bad spell. We'll be taking nothing for granted. It will be a very tough game, but with a few players coming back into the squad after injuries and suspensions I feel that we've got enough quality to win the game.
"The win at Sunderland has really given the squad belief that they are back to form and capable of going on a good run over Christmas.
"We need to keep the momentum going with a strong display tonight and hopefully take another important three points."