Last time out, Leicester City provided their best display this season, with a dominant win over Ipswich Town. First-half wonder goals from both Abdul Fatawu and Bobby Decordova Reid set the tone, before Jordan Ayew made it three. Marti Cifuentes’ side currently sit eighth in the league, as the Spaniard looks ahead to his first trip back to Loftus Road. Therefore, here is the Leicester predicted lineup to take on Queens Park Rangers.
Leicester Predicted Lineup vs Queens Park Rangers
How Leicester City Have Lined Up Recently
Against the Tractor Boys, Cifuentes made just one change. Jakub Stolarczyk remained in between the sticks, as he continues to adjust following a month-long injury in November. The centre-back partnership of Jannik Vestergaard and Ben Nelson was also present, as Wout Faes continues his stint on the bench. Meanwhile, Luke Thomas reprised his role at left-back, whilst Ricardo Pereira replaced Hamza Choudhury on the other side.
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Meanwhile, in midfield, once again, no alterations came. In the double pivot, Oliver Skipp accommodated Jordan James as Harry Winks remains out of contention due to off-the-pitch matters. Just in front of them was Decordova Reid, who is in great goal-scoring form with three in his last three games. Out wide, both Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu started with the latter scoring from inside his own half. To cap off the eleven, Jordan Ayew led the line, and managed to score in back-to-back fixtures for the first time at club level in almost two years.
Leicester City’s Recent Form And Tactics
With Cifuentes’ new-look tactics, City look much improved. The focus on a strong mid-block and carrying a threat on transitions seems to be increasingly prominent in the last few games. The Foxes’ haven’t enjoyed more possession than their opposition in any of their last three games, with their total reaching as low as 24%.
If not for a 83rd minute goal against Bristol City, Leicester would have secured nine points from their last nine; a league-changing tally. However, they did conceded to the Robins, and this tally stands at seven points from nine. Despite seeing less of the ball, City’s threat in front of goal has been transformed. This is likely due to the profile of players suiting this style more as it compliments their best traits.
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For example, Fatawu and Mavididi’s pace and directness has flourished as of late, as they aren’t in as many situations where they are doubled up on. Likewise, the adjustments have also helped Skipp and James. The duo’s hard-working nature off the ball bodes incredibly well with the system, and has made up for the absence of Winks, who typically flourishes in more possession heavy sides.
To be just four points off third place Preston North End is incredibly surprising and perhaps best epitomises this tumultuous season. The quality in the Championship isn’t the highest this season, but the battle for the play-off positions promises to be competitive. With Leicester just finding form now, anything can happen come May.
Leicester City Team News
As confirmed by the Spaniard, some absences are to be expected for the trip to Loftus Road. Patson Daka is away for the Africa Cup of Nations, as Zambia take on Mali in a few days time. Meanwhile, the likes of Caleb Okoli and Harry Souttar are also unavailable. On the other hand, there are also positives. Jeremy Monga and Aaron Ramsey are returning, which heavily boosts the Foxes’ attacking options off the bench.
Leicester Predicted Lineup vs QPR
GK: Jakub Stolarczyk
RB: Ricardo Pereira
RCB: Ben Nelson
LCB: Jannik Vestergaard
LB: Luke Thomas
DM: Oliver Skipp
DM: Jordan James
RW: Abdul Fatawu
AM: Bobby Decordova Reid
LW: Stephy Mavididi
ST: Jordan Ayew
Featured Image Credit:
IMAGO / Pro Sports
