Leeds United currently occupy the third spot on the table, but they have a game in hand as they take on QPR in a midweek clash at Loftus Road. The Whites have meandered in the past few game weeks but got a crucial three points against Bolton Wanderers at the weekend.
London outfit QPR are on a wretched run of form as they have lost all of their last five games in all competitions. In fact, they are winless in the Championship this year. Therefore United should go in as absolute favourites in this clash. However, QPR have already beaten the Whites this season in the third round of the FA Cup.
Team News
Kemar Roofe is a major absentee as he did his knee in the game against Swansea. He could be out for the rest of the season. Barry Douglas should be close to recovering after suffering a muscle strain. Adam Forshaw is still out with a minor knee injury. Gaetano Berardi is back with the u-23s, but he could still be some time away from making senior team appearances. Teenager Jack Clarke is still out of contention after he collapsed in the dugout in the game against Middlesbrough.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup Vs QPR
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Kiko Casilla is the undisputed no. 1 in goal since his arrival in January. He is set to start once again. Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper are likely to continue their centre back partnership in defence. Ezgjan Alioki scored a crucial winner in the last tie, and the Macedonian has filled in well for Douglas in the left back spot. He should start once again if Douglas fails to recover in time. Luke Ayling is expected to start from the right back spot.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips is expected to start in the deepest role in midfield. Further up front, Mateusz Klich is a nailed on starter. Isaiah Brown has been named in matchday squads, but he is yet to make his debut for the Whites. Therefore we don’t expect Bielsa to start him and the attacking midfield role is likely to be occupied by Tyler Roberts.
Pablo Hernandez should operate from the right flank. Jack Harrison has picked up his performance in the last few games, and he should start on the left.
Attack
In the absence of Roofe, it is time for Patrick Bamford to step up and lead the Whites toward Premier League glory. He is expected to start up front.
