'Famous last words, but I'm still confident'

Post-international break is where it all went wrong for Leeds United this time last season, and some fans are fearing the same fate – understandably so.

There are several factors this season, however, that look kindlier than a year ago, going into the final eight games.

We are top and two points clear of third place rather than second and one point clear of third. Our goal difference (51) is higher than the 42 it was at this stage last year – and more than double Sheffield United's.

Due to a chaotic start, we spent much of last season chasing the top two – winning every single game bar one draw from 1 January up until the March international break.

The break seemingly killed our momentum, and we looked exhausted on the back of it – winning just two of the remaining eight games (D2, L4). This break comes on the back of one win in four (D2, L1) - so needless to say it's a lot more welcome.

Another key factor is that Sheffield United and Burnley must play each other, so one is guaranteed to drop points, if not both. Leicester and Ipswich had already played each other twice by this stage last season.

Another blow in last year's international break was Georginio Rutter's surgery on a hernia – after being pulled from France's under-21 squad. He returned to Leeds half the player he was some weeks prior, and it took a few games for him to rehabilitate.

Similarly, and to play devil's advocate, Willy Gnonto has just sustained an ankle injury playing for Italy Under-21s. It comes just days after a promising performance off the bench for Leeds in a 2-2 draw at QPR – sparking calls for him to start ahead of Brenden Aaronson. The extent of the injury is currently unknown.

Considering all the above, I'm still confident that Leeds will get over the line this time around – famous last words.