The Championship’s Friday night game sees Queens Park Rangers host Leeds United it would could prove to be a pivotal game in the fight for automatic promotion.
It’s simply a must-win game for Leeds whose chances of winning the Championship title this year will disappear if they are on the end of a defeat. A draw is by no means an ideal result either, with Ipswich Town currently a singular point behind whilst also having a game in hand.
Looking at the League table and the distance between the two clubs, this could be perceived as an ‘easier’ game for Leeds. However there is no such thing as an easy game in the Championship and QPR’s league position doesn’t exactly tell the full story of their season.
The R’s have looked like a different side since Marti Cifuentes took charge at the end of October and he looks to have saved them from relegation. Now sat in 18th and on 50 points, they are not yet mathematically safe but with a four point gap to Birmingham City in 22nd, look to be in quite a strong position to survive.
Both teams come into this off of the back of a win, QPR defeating Preston North End 1-0 on Saturday whilst Leeds surpassed Middlesbrough 4-3 in a thrilling Monday night clash. A win for Cifuentes’ side would get them over the line to safety whilst a win for Farke’s men would take them a step closer to a return to the Premier League. It’s got all the hallmarks of a cracker and it shouldn’t disappoint.
With that in mind, here’s how two of The Real EFL’s writing team see the game panning out…
“It’s a season-defining weekend in the Championship which could well see Leicester City gain promotion if Leeds and/or Ipswich slip-up. Leeds players and fans both know that they have to win this if they want to win the title and more importantly stand a realistic chance of automatic promotion. A win would put the pressure on the others given they’re the first game of the weekend, but dropped points would certainly open the door.
“I actually think their automatic promotion hopes may take a knock here, and QPR are by no means a pushover. Last weekend’s win over Preston was huge for the R‘s and another season in the second tier looks to be on the horizon.
“Cifuentes’ side draw a lot at home and that’s how I see the game going which would in turn open the door for Ipswich to climb into the top two. On paper Leeds do have the firepower to punish QPR on Friday night, but football isn’t played on paper…”
Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Leeds United
“Marti Cifuentes has undoubtedly changed the course of QPR’s season, but a monumental effort is needed to beat this Leeds United squad. Despite the Yorkshire side faltering in recent games, a controversial Wilfred Gnonto strike was enough to prevail against Middlesbrough last time out.
“However, with Rangers likely to be safe from the drop, they could take their foot off the gas and look to break down the Leeds press through patient, counter attacking football. Ideally, QPR shouldn’t take anything for granted considering how unpredictable the Championship has proven to be season after season.
“With that said, a desperate Leeds side bidding for automatic promotion will inevitably look to dominate possession, but could face an infuriating evening in front of goal against a low block. This game has a late winner written all over it.”
Queens Park Rangers 1-2 Leeds United