Ben Parker has made his predictions for Leeds United’s trip to Queens Park Rangers tomorrow night.
The Whites will try to capitalize on Monday night’s 4-3 success over Middlesbrough by winning consecutive games for the first time since before the international break.
With Leicester City’s impressive 5-0 victory over Southampton all but ensuring their promotion, it’s now a two-horse contest for second place between Leeds and Ipswich Town.
Leeds is now one point ahead of Ipswich in second place, but they have played one more game. With Daniel Farke’s team playing first this weekend, a win would put extra pressure on Ipswich ahead of trips to Hull and Coventry City.
Leeds will have had 48 hours less preparation time than QPR for the match, which BBC analyst Jon Newsome finds ‘disgusting’, but ideally this can be turned into a benefit.
Parker predicts the outcome of QPR vs. Leeds on Friday.
Leeds should be confident heading into this game after returning to winning ways with four goals.
However, they could face a QPR side that is set up similarly to how Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers recently defeated Leeds.
Leeds have struggled against deep defenders all season, and with QPR so close to ensuring survival, it would be understandable if they were content with a point.
Parker predicted on the latest episode of the LS11 Podcast that QPR will set up that way, but he believes Leeds would have enough to get three points.
He said: “It always feels like Loftus Road is a tight, small pitch, and [QPR’s lack of safety] definitely adds to how they will set up, which is defensive. Four points for them, but with so many teams between them and the bottom three, you’d think they’re secure.
“They will be looking at this game thinking that if they can get a point, they should be in the Championship the following season, so you can see them playing for a point, which could make it difficult for Leeds.”
“But, following on from Monday, Summerville was back to his best, Rutter looked close to his best, Gnonto flew, and Bamford scored. After struggling against Sunderland and Blackburn, the front four performed admirably the other night. That’s a huge difference.
“It’s going to be close; I don’t see it being a basketball game like against Boro, so all we need is a moment from one of the four, and we’ll get it. remaining patient, then playing defensively as a team, remaining firm knowing QPR will get a chance or two. Clean sheet, and we’ll win the game. Prediction: QPR 0-2 Leeds.
Leeds will need to overcome QPR’s poor away record.
This is another crucial meeting in Leeds’ quest for the top two, as anything less than a win will give Ipswich the advantage ahead of their next two games.
And in order to take the three points, Leeds must significantly improve their recent record at Loftus Road, which does not make for pleasant reading.
Leeds have won just one of their last seven visits to QPR, including three consecutive defeats. Their last victory came in December 2017, when Kemar Roofe scored a hat trick to secure a 3-1 triumph.
