QPR vs Leeds United tips and predictions: Whites win in London to pile pressure on Ipswich
- George Dempsey
- 24 April 2024
Queens Park Rangers will look to preserve their Championship status on Friday evening when they play host to a Leeds United side aiming to move four points clear of Ipswich Town (2000 BST, Fri).
Queens Park Rangers vs Leeds United has been worth the price of the admission over the past decade, particularly if you support the home side.
The home team have won the last seven meetings, including Leeds’ 1-0 win in the reverse fixture, with five of those triumphs accompanied by a clean sheet.
This fixture has seen its fair share of controversy over the years and in recent meetings, Patrick Bamford has played pantomime villain to both sets of fans.
Daniel Farke’s side were dominant as the R’s set out to waste the clock from the opening minutes at Elland Road, but Asmir Begovic’s late red card for allegedly hauling down Bamford was the major talking point.
Leeds fans will say he wanted to avoid contact, Rangers fans will tell you it was a blatant dive, and QPR commentator Nick London opted to go viral by screaming ‘Bamford the cheat. He's a diving cheat!’.
Leeds’ last trip to Loftus Road was just as colourful, as Nakhi Wells’ positioning prevented the referee from spotting a double handball which allowed him to score the only goal of the game.
Bamford was also brought down by the keeper on that day, this time inside the box, but missed the resulting penalty and a trio of other chances.
The Whites have broken the curse of London since then but Rangers’ recent form, particularly beating Leicester and Southampton, is a warning.
Monday’s 4-3 win over Middlesbrough was Farke’s side at their best as they allowed Boro to have possession and neatly played their way behind for each of the goals.
The problems have come when a team decides to sit in and defend the box, which is an approach that paid dividends for Coventry, Sunderland and Blackburn earlier this month.
Still, 12 teams have left Loftus Road with a win this season and if Leeds can match the energy of Monday’s performance, they certainly have the quality to break down their stubborn hosts.
Key stats
- There have been under 2.5 goals in 12 of 20 meetings between the sides
- There have been under 2.5 goals in six of QPR’s last eight matches
- QPR have lost 12 matches at home this season, failing to score six times
- There have been under 2.5 goals in six of Leeds’ last 10 matches
- Leeds have kept a clean sheet in nine of their 12 away wins
