What Dan James has just admitted really sums up what Leeds aren’t good at, there may be a confidence issue

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Leeds United have been far from perfect this season. But sitting in 2nd place of the Championship table after 21 games isn’t bad going.

Leeds United are now three points behind leaders Sheffield United after a disappointing 1-1 draw at Preston last time out.

Daniel Farke’s men went into the game at Deepdale with high hopes after a stunning 3-1 win against Middlesbrough at Elland Road in the game beforehand. Though once again, Leeds’ away form is letting them down.

James shone for Leeds against Middlesbrough, scoring the second goal that game and setting the Whites up for the eventual win.

He’s now scored four and assisted two more in 15 Championship outings for the Whites this season, and Farke will no doubt be looking to the likes of James as Leeds welcome Oxford United on Saturday.

Leeds are tipped to blow away managerless Oxford United on Saturday. But James has revealed something of an Achilles heel at Leeds that may well be prevalent on Saturday.

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Dan James comments may suggest confidence issue at Leeds United

Speaking to West Yorkshire Sport Daily ahead of the weekend, James discussed how scoring the first goal in games is ‘so important’.

Leeds conceded first against Preston last time out and looked unsettled afterwards, almost lacking in confidence. James said: “Scoring the first goal’s always so important.

“And I think when teams have obviously sat back… Derby was a tough game at home, Plymouth obviously set up with quite a lot at the back, and it’s just about getting that first goal and then, can you go and score more. Can we dominate teams.

“And I don’t think we’ve been as good away at doing that, but that’s something we want to improve on.”

Leeds have won their last eight Championship games at Elland Road and boast the best home record in the league. Meanwhile, Farke’s side sit in 8th place of the away form table.

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Are the Leeds players lacking confidence right now?

Given their fine first half of the season, confidence should be sky high. But we’ve seen in games against the likes of Preston and Blackburn Rovers of late, Leeds struggle to get going in games.

When the Whites concede first, it looks like the pressure really gets on top of them. And James’ comments may suggest that, especially when he hints at some struggles breaking through teams who sit back.

That’s what Preston did for large parts of the game last Saturday. Then when they knicked a goal on the counter, Leeds looked lost for words.

Oxford will surely do the same this weekend. But if Leeds get the first goal, there’s a feeling that it could be a high-scoring one for the Whites.