Leeds v QPR Preview: Whites set for Elland Road return as they take on QPR

By @ed_mcintyre98

Saturday afternoon sees Leeds United take on Mark Warburton's Queens Park Rangers side at Elland Road.

Leeds go into this weekends game following last Saturday's 0-0 draw with Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday away at Hillsborough. That pushed the Whites' unbeaten run to three games, and Marcelo Bielsa's side will no doubt be wanting to build on that as they look ahead to their November fixtures.

After last weeks points and other results from the weekends, Leeds currently sit in 2nd in the Championship table on 25 points, level with 2nd placed Preston and just two points behind league leaders West Bromwich Albion.

The Whites also sit just two points above upcoming opponents QPR who are down in 8th place. Mark Warbuton's side have struggled for consistency this season, picking up 7 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses from their opening 14 Championship fixtures. And they go into Saturday's game on the back of a 3-1 home loss to Brentford, meaning they are winless in their previous two.

Many would say QPR have a good strike force with the likes of Nahki Wells and former West Ham United striker Jordan Hugil, however what has let the London-based club down this season is their defence. QPR have failed to pick up a single clean sheet this season, conceding a total of 26 goals. While that may be an advantage for Leeds they will need to watch out for 21-year-old forward Eberichi Eze who has registered six goals and four assists so far this season, sparking Premier League interest.

Team news

Leeds United are set to welcome back 34-year-old Spanish midfielder Pablo Hernandez after suffering from a hamstring injury. Defender Liam Cooper returned off the bench during Leeds' 0-0 draw at Hillsborough last weekend after recovering from a groin problem. If both Hernandez and captain Cooper start on Saturday, it will be their first start since a 1-1 draw with Derby County at Elland Road on September 21.

However, Marcelo Bielsa also revealed in his press conference that Patrick Bamford (ankle), Ezgjan Alioski (hip) and Barry Douglas (knee) are all doubts while Adam Forshaw (groin) remains unavailable.

Elsewhere, QPR could start seven-goal striker Jordan Hugill after he completed a one-match suspension for five bookings. However, defender Yoann Barbet and midfielder Matt Smith remain doubtful.

Quick match facts

- Leeds have won their past two home league meetings with QPR, winning 2-0 in May 2018 and then 2-1 in December 2018.

- QPR have won their previous two games against Leeds, beating them 2-1 in the FA Cup third round in January and then 1-0 in the Championship in February.

Match information

Leeds United v Queens Park Rangers (QPR)

Sky Bet Championship

3:00pm Saturday 2nd November 2019

Elland Road