Leeds United will be looking to return to winning ways in the Championship on Saturday when they welcome Queens Park Rangers (QPR) to Elland Road. The Whites will aim to bounce back from a midweek defeat and reclaim their place in the top two, while QPR, struggling near the bottom of the table, are hoping to find some form and move out of the relegation zone.

Leeds United have enjoyed a solid start to the season as they push for automatic promotion back to the Premier League. Daniel Farke’s men have accumulated 26 points from 14 matches, putting them just two points behind second-placed Sheffield United and four behind leaders Sunderland. Much of Leeds’s success has been attributed to their strong performances at Elland Road, where they have won five of their seven home games, scoring 15 goals and conceding only five.

After an impressive 3-0 home victory over Plymouth Argyle last weekend, thanks to goals from Daniel James, Joel Piroe, and Brenden Aaronson, Leeds looked poised for another positive result. However, they suffered a setback on Wednesday with a 1-0 away defeat to Millwall, ending an eight-match unbeaten streak. With automatic promotion spots in sight, Farke’s men will be eager to secure a fifth straight home victory on Saturday to re-establish their momentum.

In contrast, QPR find themselves in a challenging situation, currently sitting 23rd in the EFL Championship with just ten points from their opening 14 games. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Marti Cifuentes’s side has had a poor start to this campaign, winning only once—a 2-0 victory over Luton Town in August. Since then, they have managed just five points in 10 matches, with three of those coming from consecutive draws against Coventry City, Burnley, and Sunderland.

Most recently, QPR fell 4-1 at home to Middlesbrough, a result that deepened their struggles and left them five points adrift of safety. With only one win this season and mounting pressure near the bottom of the table, the Hoops are desperate for a turnaround and face an uphill battle to secure points against a strong Leeds side at Elland Road. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.

Team News & Tactics

Leeds United

Leeds United head into Saturday’s match against QPR with a few injury concerns, as midfielders Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, along with winger Largie Ramazani, remain unavailable due to injuries. Despite their recent defeat to Millwall, Daniel Farke is expected to field a similar lineup, with the solid midfield pairing of Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell continuing their partnership. The backline will remain unchanged, featuring Jayden Bogle, Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon, and Junior Firpo.

In attack, Farke could make adjustments, with Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford competing with Joel Piroe for the central striker position. Meanwhile, Manor Solomon is vying for a starting role on the wing, potentially replacing one of Daniel James, Brenden Aaronson, or Wifried Gnonto.

In a probable 4-2-3-1 formation, Illan Meslier is expected to start as the goalkeeper. Jayden Bogle will take up the right-back position, with Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon forming the central defensive partnership, while Junior Firpo lines up at left-back to complete the back four.

In midfield, Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell will operate as the double pivot, offering defensive stability and support in transition. Wilfried Gnonto is likely to start on the right wing, Brenden Aaronson in the central attacking midfield role, and Daniel James on the left wing, adding creativity and width to the attack. Mateo Joseph is expected to lead the line for Leeds United, aiming to break through the QPR defence.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Struijk, Rodon, Firpo; Tanaka, Rothwell; Gnonto, Aaronson, James; Joseph

QPR

Queens Park Rangers continue to struggle with a lengthy injury list as they prepare for their trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United. Defenders Kenneth Paal, Jake Clarke-Salter, Morgan Fox, and Harrison Ashby are all set to remain sidelined, which weakens their defensive options. In midfield, Jack Colback is unavailable, while attackers Karamoko Dembele and Michael Frey are also out, limiting QPR’s attacking depth.

In the absence of Frey and Dembele, Zan Celar is expected to lead the line once again, likely supported by Ilias Chair and Koki Saito. Nicolas Madsen could slot into the central midfield alongside Jonathan Varane and Kieran Morgan, while Sam Field will continue to deputise in defence to cover the team’s numerous absentees.

In a probable 4-5-1 formation, Paul Nardi is expected to start as the goalkeeper. The backline will likely feature Jimmy Dunne at right-back, with Steve Cook and Sam Field as the central defenders, while Hevertton will take up the left-back position.

In midfield, QPR will likely set up with five players, including Ilias Chair on the right wing, Jonathan Varane and Kieran Morgan in central midfield roles, with Nicolas Madsen providing additional support in the centre. Koki Saito is expected to play on the left, adding width and creative support to the attack. Zan Celar is set to lead the line as the lone striker, aiming to make an impact in front of goal.

Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Nardi; Dunne, Cook, Field, Santos; Chair, Varane, Morgan, Madsen, Saito; Celar

Key Stats

• Leeds United have won their last four home league matches against QPR, dating back to May 2018.
• In the last eight meetings between Leeds and QPR, the home team has won each time, with Leeds winning 3-1 at Loftus Road in December 2017.
• Leeds United have won 21 of their last 27 home league matches (with 3 draws and 3 losses), including each of their last four at Elland Road since a 1-0 loss to Burnley in September.
• QPR have gone three consecutive away EFL Championship games without scoring (1 draw, 2 losses). The last time they went four away games without a goal was in February 2010.

Player to Watch

Daniel James

Known for his explosive speed and relentless work rate, James has been instrumental in Leeds’ attacking play, particularly at Elland Road, where his direct runs and ability to stretch defences create valuable opportunities for his teammates.

With three goals already this season, James has shown his knack for getting into dangerous positions, often arriving in the box at the right moment to capitalize on scoring chances. Against a QPR side that has struggled defensively due to multiple injuries, James’s pace and movement could prove difficult to contain, especially if Leeds dominate possession and create space on the flanks.

In addition to his goalscoring potential, James’s pressing ability will be crucial in disrupting QPR’s buildup play. His energy off the ball could force turnovers and provide Leeds with quick transitions, putting the opposition defence under immediate pressure. Expect James to play a significant role in Leeds’s efforts to bounce back with a win, as his contributions on both ends of the pitch could make all the difference.

Prediction

Leeds United 3-0 QPR

Leeds United’s formidable home form and superior squad depth make them the clear favourites in this matchup. With QPR struggling both offensively and defensively, Leeds are likely to control the game and secure a comfortable victory. the hosts’ firepower at Elland Road should prove too much for a struggling QPR side, helping the Whites reassert their place in the EFL Championship promotion race.