Npower Football League Championship
Saturday 18th December 2010
Elland Road Stadium
Referee: S W Mathieson
Kick-off: 15:00
Leeds United (4th) V Queens Park Rangers (1st)
By The Godfather

Queens Park Rangers continued their tradition of producing dreadful performances on live television last Friday night, with Watford cruising to a 3-1 victory, the Rs’ first loss of the campaign. The Super Hoops seemed disjointed in attack and lacked the defensive resilience that has made them so successful so far this season. What is crucial is how Warnock’s men respond to this setback. In previous years, one heavy defeat has often led to a run of bad form, something that QPR cannot afford if they are to consolidate their position at the top of the Championship table.

This Saturday, QPR face another difficult test, when they travel to face an in-form Leeds United team. Following two consecutive victories over Crystal Palace and Burnley, manager, Simon Grayson, will fancy his chances against the league leaders.

Leeds United

Manager: Simon Gregson

Season 2009-10 finish: 2nd position (League One).

Leeds United finally managed to achieve promotion last season, having previously missed out on three occasions. Simon Grayson, a coach who arguably laid the foundations for Ian Holloway’s promotion-winning Blackpool team, is a very popular figure amongst the supporters. And now it seems that he might be able to take the Elland Road back to the Promised Land of the Premiership.

The Whites currently lie in 4th position, a massive achievement given that they have only just regained their Championship status. A victory on Saturday afternoon could see United occupy 2nd place, which would put them firmly among the automatic promotion contenders. Make no mistake: Leeds will certainly be ‘up’ for this fixture.

Men to watch

1. Leeds’ main attacking threat is top scorer, Luciano Becchio, who has notched an impressive total of 12 goals in all competitions so far this season. The Argentinean striker is clinical inside the penalty area and the likes of Gorkss and Connolly are going to have perform much better than they did on Friday night if they are to prevent him from making an impact. The 26 year-old lists Boca Juniors and Barcelona among his former clubs.

2. Grayson also has the talented Robert Snodgrass at his disposal, a player who, along with Jermaine Beckford, played a vital role in securing the club’s promotion to the Championship. Since joining Leeds in 2008, the 23 year-old has made 101 appearances, scoring 18 goals. Snodgrass can play either as a winger or a supporting striker.

3. United also have prolific striker, Ross McCormack, a player who recently joined Leeds from Cardiff City. During his spell with the Bluebirds, he netted 25 times in 74 starts, but this season has found it difficult to break into the first team ahead of the likes of Chopra, Bothroyd and Bellamy. McCormack is a pacey, skilful forward who is capable of causing the opposition serious problems.

4. Leeds United also boast the services of promising goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel. Son of the famous Manchester United keeper, Schmeichel actually began his career with Manchester City, but was unable to hold down a first team place. He joined Leeds earlier this year from Notts County and has since become popular with the supporters, making a number of vital saves.

QPR Team News

Rob Hulse was dropped to the bench for the Watford match due to illness and may not be available for this encounter. Patrick Agyemang has picked up a minor thigh injury and could be left out. Lee Cook and Peter Ramage remain long-term absentees.

Prediction

Following that dreadful performance on Friday night, I am sure Neil Warnock will have had strong words with the players. I expect that QPR’s performance will be much improved: and it will need to be against strong opposition. I predict a close encounter, most probably ending in a draw.

Leeds United 1-1 Queens Park Rangers