Leicester vs QPR FA Cup Preview

• Draw after 90 minutes
• Leicester to qualify

The FA Cup third round brings an intriguing clash as Leicester City host Queens Park Rangers at the King Power Stadium.

Both teams enter the fixture under contrasting circumstances, with Leicester desperate for a confidence boost amid a torrid Premier League campaign, while QPR have rediscovered their form in the Championship.

Leicester City: Searching for Stability

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s tenure at Leicester City has been challenging, with the Foxes enduring a dismal run of form that has seen them lose their last five Premier League matches.

Sitting 19th in the league table, Leicester’s immediate focus is survival, but the FA Cup offers a chance to reignite their season.

Despite their struggles, Leicester have a strong recent record in the FA Cup, progressing past the third round in each of the last four campaigns.

The Foxes’ attacking options, including Patson Daka and Stephy Mavididi, will be pivotal as they aim to overcome their defensive vulnerabilities.

Injuries remain a concern, with key players like Wilfred Ndidi and Ricardo Pereira sidelined. However, the possible return of Victor Kristiansen and Kasey McAteer could provide a boost.

Key Player to Watch

• Stephy Mavididi: The winger has been a bright spark in an otherwise dim season, and his creativity will be crucial in breaking down QPR’s defence.

Queens Park Rangers: Riding a Resurgence

QPR arrive at the King Power Stadium in high spirits after a 2-1 victory over Luton Town. Marti Cifuentes has turned the tide for the Hoops, who are now 13th in the Championship after a run of six wins in their last 10 matches.

Despite their league improvement, QPR have a woeful FA Cup record, exiting at the third round in eight of their last 11 campaigns. However, they can take confidence from their last visit to Leicester, where they secured a 2-1 Championship win in March 2024.

Cifuentes has a mostly fit squad, although Paul Smyth, Zan Celar, and Karamoko Dembele are doubts. With a week’s rest following this match, QPR could field a strong XI in search of an upset.

Key Player to Watch

• Ilias Chair: The creative midfielder is pivotal to QPR’s attacking play and will be a threat from set-pieces and open play.

Head-to-Head Record

• Last Meeting: QPR stunned Leicester 2-1 at the King Power in March 2024 during a Championship clash.
• Historical FA Cup Record: The sides last met in the FA Cup in 1987, with QPR securing a dominant 5-2 victory.
• Leicester have won four of the last five meetings between the two teams, including a 5-1 Premier League win in 2015.

Tactical Insights and Key Battles

Leicester’s Attack vs QPR’s Defence

Leicester will look to exploit QPR’s defensive fragility, with Mavididi and Buonanotte driving the attack. QPR have conceded in their last six games, and their backline must stay organised to withstand Leicester’s pressure.

Midfield Control

The midfield battle between Leicester’s Oliver Skipp and Boubakary Soumare against QPR’s Sam Field and Ethan Varane could determine the game’s tempo. Leicester will aim to dominate possession, while QPR will look for quick transitions to catch the hosts off guard.

Set Pieces and Creativity

With both sides struggling defensively, set-pieces could play a significant role. Chair’s deliveries for QPR and Buonanotte’s creativity for Leicester could be decisive in a closely fought match.

Prediction

Leicester’s Premier League struggles may carry into this match, but their superior firepower and experience should see them through. QPR’s recent form and ability to score on the road make them dangerous, but the Foxes’ extra quality should prevail.

Prediction: Leicester City 2-1 Queens Park Rangers

Final Thoughts

This clash provides Leicester with a much-needed opportunity to rebuild confidence, while QPR will be eyeing an FA Cup upset to continue their resurgence.

With players like Stephy Mavididi and Ilias Chair poised to make an impact, fans can expect a competitive and entertaining encounter.