Queens Park Rangers welcome Leicester City to Loftus Road in a clash that sees former manager Marti Cifuentes return to his old stomping ground. Both teams are level on 31 points, separated only by goal difference.
The state of play
QPR sit 9th in the Championship with 31 points from 21 matches. Julien Stephan has transformed the Hoops' fortunes, with his side winning four of their last six games including impressive victories over Hull City, Blackburn Rovers, West Brom and Birmingham City.
Despite losing 3-1 at Middlesbrough last time out, QPR remain just three points off the play-off places. Alongside Coventry and Southampton, they are one of only three teams to have won their last three home fixtures.
Leicester City arrive in 8th place on the same points as their hosts. Cifuentes has steadied the ship after a difficult start, collecting seven points from the last four away fixtures including wins at Norwich and Derby (3-1). A 3-1 home victory over Ipswich last weekend, highlighted by Abdul Fatawu's stunning long-range goal, boosted confidence.
Team news
QPR could welcome back Steve Cook and Karamoko Dembele after the 3-0 deficit at Middlesbrough. Sam Field and Harvey Vale are also pushing for returns after spells on the sidelines.
Leicester will be without Patson Daka, who has departed for the Africa Cup of Nations to represent Zambia. Jordan Ayew will lead the line, while Aaron Ramsey and Jeremy Monga could return to the squad after injury. Victor Kristiansen and Caleb Okoli remain sidelined.
Key players
Rumarn Burrell has been a revelation for QPR with nine goals from 21 matches this season. Only one player in the EFL has netted more this calendar year. Richard Kone provides creativity in attack.
For Leicester, Stephy Mavididi is a constant threat from wide areas, while Bobby De Cordova-Reid has scored in three consecutive matches, making him crucial to the visitors' hopes.
Head-to-head
Leicester have had the upper hand recently, winning two of the last three meetings including a 6-2 thrashing in the FA Cup. However, QPR snatched a win at the King Power last season, reminding everyone this fixture can swing either way.
Prediction
This promises to be an entertaining encounter with both sides capable of scoring freely. Loftus Road can be a difficult place to visit and QPR's home form suggests they can get something. A draw seems the most likely outcome.
Prediction: QPR 2-2 Leicester
