Here at Sportscasting, we have the Leicester vs QPR preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup 3rd round clash at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester Vs QPR Preview
Foxes In Dire Form
After losing five straight Premier League games, Leicester City are afforded some respite on Saturday as their FA Cup journey gets underway.
The Foxes endured a miserable end to 2024 and the New Year hasn’t been too kind to them either. Last time out, Aston Villa beat the relegation strugglers 2-1 thanks to a late Leon Bailey winner.
Ruud van Nistelrooy knows just how big a job he has on his hands. The Dutch boss has picked up just one point since his debut victory over West Ham in early December.
Now, the former Manchester United striker will be hoping his side can stop the rot However, an FA Cup run perhaps isn’t the remedy to help starve off the threat of an immediate return to the second tier.
Interestingly, Leicester haven’t lost in the 3rd round since the 2018/19 season. In fact, only Chelsea and both Manchester clubs have won more cup ties than the Foxes since 2017/18.
Into the @EmiratesFACup 🏆#LEIQPR
— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 8, 2025
Rangers Aim For Third Win Of The Year
When the draw was made, QPR were deep in the relegation mire of the EFL Championship. With Saturday on the horizon, the R’s are one of the most in form sides in the land and up to 13th.
Marti Cifuentes’ side have tasted defeat just once in 11 outings. On Monday, the west Londoners got the better of Luton 2-1 at Loftus Road.
The last victory was their fifth in succession on home soil. The last time they managed such a feat was back in December 2013 when Harry Redknapp was in charge.
Now, the Super Hoops are primed to cause a mini upset. However, Rangers have the worst 3rd round record in history – losing a staggering 51 times. But, they did win their last FA Cup fixture against the Foxes 5-2 in 1987.
Ahead of the game, the best football betting sites in the UK price Leicester as the 8/13 favourites. QPR can be backed at 9/2 with the draw available at 10/3.
Leicester Vs QPR Team News
As is customary for Premier League sides these days, Leicester are expected to make a number of changes to their starting XI. Resting Jamie Vardy is the most obvious rotation.
The Foxes will be aiming to keep him primed and fit for the ensuing relegation battle. Patson Daka will start as the lone striker. Bobby Decordova-Reid will is also expected to get the nod from the off.
On the injury front, boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will be without Wilfred Ndidi, Ricardo Pereira, Mads Hermansen and Abdul Fatawu. However, Victor Kristiansen and Kasey McAteer could return.
Meanwhile, QPR have doubts over winger Paul Smyth. The Northern Irish international sustained a head injury in the win over Luton. Koki Saito is in line to replace him if need be.
Other than that, the Super Hoops have no new concerns. Zan Celar and Karamoko Dembele are still a few weeks away from returning.
January signing Ronnie Edwards came on as a sub against the Hatters on Monday and is set to start on the bench again.
Next up: Leicester City (A) 🦊 pic.twitter.com/snCXO10FMj
— QPR FC (@QPR) January 9, 2025
Leicester Vs QPR Predicted Lineups
Leicester (4-2-3-1): Iversen; Justin, Faes, Okoli, Kristiansen; Skipp, Soumare; Decordova-Reid, Buonanotte, Mavididi; Daka
QPR (4-2-3-1): Nardi; Ashby, Dunne, Fox, Paal; Field, Varane; Saito, Morgan, Chair; Frey
Leicester Vs QPR Prediction
On paper, it’s hard not to envisage a Leicester win but their dire form could continue at the King Power. Especially as Premier League survival is the main aim.
From QPR’s perspective, they also have bigger fish to fry and their shocking FA Cup 3rd round history should tilt the game in the Foxes favour.
Prediction: Leicester 2-1 QPR
