Former Leeds United defender Dom Matteo has predicted whether his old club will return to winning ways against Queens Park Rangers.
The Whites suffered their second defeat of the Championship season at Millwall on Wednesday night and will be eager to get back to winning ways ahead of the international break.
QPR travel to Elland Road as the most out of form side in the division having gone without a win in 10 matches. That said, they have picked up draws against both Sunderland and Burnley recently.
The away side will be without the likes of Ilias Chair, Karamoko Dembele, Jack Colback and several others for the game, giving Leeds the perfect opportunity to get back on track.
On the other hand, Daniel Farke has no fresh injury concerns to contend with in his Leeds squad, though changes could be wise due to the short turnaround from Wednesday night.
Matteo predicts Leeds vs QPR score
QPR are likely to be another team happy to defend on the edge of their own box against Leeds and so it will be up to Farke‘s side to find the answers.
At Millwall, Leeds simply couldn’t break them down and pundit Adrian Clarke believes those sort of matches have been a ‘big problem’ throughout Farke’s reign.
However, at Elland Road Leeds do seem to be better at finding that all important first goal, as shown by last weekend’s comfortable win over Plymouth Argyle.
And amid the lack of confidence currently at QPR, former Whites star Matteo has told LUTV‘s preview show that he is expecting a comfortable win for Leeds.
He said: “After a disappointing result against Millwall I expect us to go out and win the game. Prediction wise I am going to go 3-0 Leeds.”
Daniel Farke’s verdict on QPR ahead of Leeds clash
Farke was asked in his pre-match press conference about QPR’s struggles and insisted Leeds will remain ‘respectful’ of their opponents.
He says it is clear QPR are really feeling the effects of the number of injuries they currently have, but knows scoring the first goal will still be a challenge.
He said: “We are always respectful. It’s a fair assessment to say usually they are a possession-based side, they are struggling with injuries to key players. Not in a position they want to be and expect to be after a strong second half of last season.
“Fine margins, if key players are out it’s difficult. They will try to show a reaction. Won more points on the road than the home games, two clean sheets against Burnley and Sunderland in last two games before Middlesbrough.
“Always a big challenge to score the first goal. They have one more day and two more proper nights to rest. No excuse but it’s also an explanation why it will be another difficult game. You can’t underestimate one situation.
“We know how good they were against Burnley and Sunderland. Have to be at our best again. Hopefully Saturday evening we’re back in the top two with more points.”
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