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QPR v Leeds Tips: Bamford to fire Bielsa’s boys back to the top?

| 26.02.2019

Leeds United will return to the top of the Championship with victory over Queen’s Park Rangers at Loftus Road tonight.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men dropped down to third 10 days ago as title rivals Sheffield United and Norwich City took advantage of the Whites’ inactivity to jump into the top two.

Leeds have the chance to put things right under the lights this evening. But can they get the three points they need to return to the summit?

Match Odds

After a tricky New Year period, the Whites are now bang in form. Bielsa’s boys are unbeaten in three matches, winning their last two at home to Swansea City and Bolton Wanderers.

Our traders go 10/11 about them inflicting a sixth straight defeat on the woefully out-of-form R’s.

Steve McClaren’s men aren’t just losing. They’re shipping goals too. Eight conceded in their last three at Loftus Road leads us towards Leeds to Win and Over 2.5 Goals in the match at 2/1.

QPR are 29/10 to claim a surprise three points, with a first draw between the sides in West London since 2014 out at 5/2.

Talking Tactics

The Hoops are expected to match Leeds’ 4-1-4-1 with a 4-4-1-1 set-up, with target man Matt Smith playing just in front of Nahki Wells. He’ll enjoy a real battle with Pontus Jansson.

Kemar Roofe’s absence for the visitors means that Patrick Bamford will continue to lead the line ahead of Mateusz Klich and Tyler Roberts.

Pablo Hernandez and Jack Harrison will be responsible for providing width. They’ll be looking to get in behind and exploit an R’s side that looks vulnerable on the flanks and from set-pieces.

With that in mind, home centre-halves Joel Lynch and Toni Leistner will really have to be on their game to deal with the aerial threat of Jansson and Liam Cooper from free-kicks and corners.

Midfield pair Bright Osayi-Samuel and Eberechi Eze will look to provide the creative spark for McClaren’s men.

Goalscorer Odds

Bamford’s been in decent form since returning from injury, netting against both Norwich City and last time out v Bolton. He’s 6/4 to get on the scoresheet here.

Youngster Roberts is chalked up as a 15/8 shot, with aerial threat Jansson available at 13/2 for his second goal in three matches.

The Loftus Road faithful will be hoping Wells can rediscover his touch in front of goal after going five matches without hitting the net. He’s 11/5 for his second strike against Leeds this term.

Smith is available at the same price, with 20-year-old Eze 11/4 for his fifth of the season.

Match Info

Where: Loftus Road

When: 7:45pm

How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event

Click# here for the latest QPR v Leeds United odds.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication

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Author

Nick Murphy

Nick is a graduate of the UEA where he doubled up as the sports editor of the student newspaper. He supports Dagenham & Redbridge and previously edited the matchday programme at Victoria Road. Darts and Horse Racing are among his other favourite sports.