Leeds Utd v QPR Match Thread - Nketiah Injured, Bamford & Roberts Start
30 Oct 2019 10:32 am, by Ellandback1
Leeds Utd v Queens Park Rangers
Saturday 2nd November 2019 15.00 | Elland Road
The Hoops are the visitors to Elland Road on Saturday as Leeds look to regain an automatic promotion spot.
The Whites currently occupy third place in the pecking order, behind Preston on goal difference and the Baggies by two points. QPR on the other hand are in 8th place, though only two points behind Bielsa's men. Should Leeds lose, they could see themselves outside of the top six. Talisman Pablo Hernandez has responded well to treatment, and could be fit to face West Brom. There is also good news for Shackleton and Cooper. Both played a part in Monday draw against Burnley's U23's and although Cooper hobbled off at half time, it is expected that both will start.
Leeds were waiting to find out whether Bamford would be fit, but he has shaken off a knock and will start. The 26 year old turned his ankle during the latter part of the first half against Sheffield Wednesday and was substituted for Nketiah for the second period. NketiaH had been set for his first league start but will miss out due to an abdominal injury.
QPR could recall seven-goal striker Jordan Hugill after he completed a one-match suspension for five bookings. Defender Yoann Barbet and midfielder Matt Smith are still carrying knocks and remain doubtful.
Honours were shared last season as Leeds bear QPR 2-1 at Elland Road back in december whilst QPR won 1-0 at Loftus Road earlier this year. That result on a cold Tuesday night saw Marcelo Bielsa slumped in the corridor outside the changing room, head down, dejected after a disappointing loss. It was one of the turning points of last season, when Leeds had their destiny in their own hands they capitulated. Let's hope the first encounter between the two teams this season is a chance at redemption for Leeds and they can get back into the top two.
Leeds have won their past two home league matches against QPR, winning 2-0 in May 2018 and 2-1 in December 2018. Leeds home games have produced just eight goals scored in the Championship this season, fewer than any other side (5 for, 3 against). Only Leeds and West Brom (14 points) have won more away points in the Championship this season than QPR (12 points). QPR have not kept a clean sheet all season.
Leeds Starting XI:
Casilla, Ayling, White, Cooper, Dallas, Phillips, Klich, Costa, Roberts, Harrison, Bamford
Subs: Meslier, Davis, Berardi, Gotts, Hernandez, Clarke, Bogusz