Queens Park Rangers manager Marti Cifuentes has been speaking about Leeds United ahead of Friday night’s Championship clash between the two sides at Loftus Road.
A match-up that is crucial for both sides at either end of the Championship table, Daniel Farke‘s side have got to win to keep the pressure on Ipswich going into the weekend.
Meanwhile, QPR sit in 18th place in the table but are only four points ahead of 22nd-placed Birmingham City. They need a win to confirm their place in the Championship next season and avoid relegation.
On paper, Leeds should see off Cifuentes‘ side with ease despite being away from home. Leeds are the division’s third-best away side while QPR have the 23rd-worst home record during the 2023-24 campaign.
But there is a lot more to it than that. Leeds have the pressure of trying to stay in the top two with Ipswich boasting a game in hand, while the Elland Road club’s record in London is poor.
Last season, albeit during a season in which Leeds were relegated from the Premier League, The Whites played eight games in London and lost all eight.
Cifuentes was quizzed on Leeds ahead of the game, telling QPR’s website that they are a “fantastic” side while also commenting on his opposing manager Farke.
Cifuentes comments on ‘fantastic’ Leeds and Daniel Farke
“It is always a big challenge to play against big teams, with experienced managers but we are looking forward to facing that challenge. Leeds are a fantastic team and they have a lot of talent in their team.
“We know that if we want to get something from the game, we need to show our quality and be at our best. We are aware that if we want to get the three points we need to produce a solid performance.”
A win for Leeds will see Farke’s men go four points clear of Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich in second ahead of The Tractor Boys’ clash against Hull City on Saturday. Ipswich will have two games in hand after QPR.
Leeds injury news ahead of QPR clash
Patrick Bamford was on target for Leeds on Monday night in the 4-3 win over Middlesbrough. But The Whites could be without the one-time England man on Friday night due to a knock to Bamford’s knee.
Farke confirmed as much in his press conference this week, while Connor Roberts is also expected to be out. Pascal Struijk, Dan James and Stuart Dallas will also be missing. But Jamie Shackleton could return.
You would imagine that if Bamford can play, he will. It seems unlikely that Farke will make any changes to his starting line-up following the 4-3 win over Middlesbrough earlier in the week.
