Saturday 15th March 12:30pm Loftus Road

Leeds United travel to Loftus Road on Saturday lunchtime with a golden opportunity to solidify their promotion ambitions, aiming to pull five points clear of Sheffield United and a significant seven points ahead of Burnley in the Championship standings. Their midweek victory against Millwall propelled them back to the top spot and provided a timely confidence boost ahead of the international break.

However, Daniel Farke's side will be wary of the challenge presented by Queens Park Rangers. Despite suffering four consecutive defeats, the R's boast a formidable home record, winning seven of their last ten games at Loftus Road. This home form starkly contrasts with their recent overall results and highlights the potential banana skin this fixture represents for Leeds.

Leeds have a dismal recent history at Loftus Road, losing all of their last four visits, including a humbling 4-0 defeat last April, a low point in a previous promotion push. Overcoming this psychological hurdle will be key for Farke's men going into the International break.

Injury concerns are present for both sides. For Leeds, midfielder Joe Rothwell is being assessed after coming off early against Millwall with a knee issue, though it is considered minor. Striker Patrick Bamford is gradually reintegrating into training following a hamstring injury sustained on New Year?s Day.

While his return is anticipated, Farke has cautioned that full fitness is still some time away and no return date has been specified. Max Wober is still recovering from knee surgery whilst skipper Ethan Ampadu remains sidelined for the foreseeable future with a meniscus cartilage issue, which could yet see him go under the surgeons knife.

QPR are battling a more significant injury crisis. Key playmaker Ilias Chair is a major doubt after hobbling off against Middlesbrough with a suspected hamstring injury. Chair's absence would be a significant blow as he has been instrumental in QPR's attacking play since returning from injury earlier in the season. Further compounding their woes, Jonathan Varane has missed the last two games through injury, and influential midfielder Sam Field is likely out for the season with an ankle injury.

MOT.

(Credit: motforum.com)