Preview: Leicester vs QPR

Leicester go in hunt of high-flying QPR on Saturday when the Championship table-toppers visit the Walkers Stadium.

Neil Warnock's side have began the season in blistering form, winning five of their opening six matches to take their place at the head of the pack.

The R's have hit a fearsome 17 goals already this campaign, spear-headed by summer signing Jamie Mackie who has six of his own already.

QPR manager Warnock invested impressively in his squad over the summer months, picking up Mackie himself, Adel Taarabt, Tommy Smith and Bradley Orr on permanent deals.

Add the capture of Derby striker Rob Hulse to the mix and you have yourselves a rather formidable Championship outfit.

But standing in their way of a fifth victory of the campaign are a Leicester side buoyed by an excellent display against Cardiff midweek.

City's first league win of the season has restored confidence among the Blue Army, and no doubt the squad themselves who will head into Saturday's encounter with few fears.

The Foxes dispatched the West London club on both occasions last season, claiming a well-earned 2-1 victory at Loftus Road before demolishing the R's in style at the Walkers by four goals to nil.

This season should prove to be a different kettle of fish however, as a rejuvenated QPR side look to maintain their superb opening to the campaign.

Leicester manager Paulo Sousa: "If we can all work together, as a club, then we can beat QPR. The supporters can play their part in this by creating a special atmosphere. I have the belief and I know that the players share this belief.

"We are a good team and if we can maintain the intensity of the second half against Cardiff, we will be very hard to beat."

Leicester could welcome back goalkeeper Chris Weale after a shoulder injury, meaning Carl Ikeme may not face his former club.

Sousa is likely to stick with the same side which produced so well midweek, meaning there could be no place once again for striker Matty Fryatt.

The young striker haunted Neil Warnock and his QPR side in last season's fixture at the Walkers, scoring twice in a superb display.

Back at the club for good, Waghorn is looking to get off the mark since his permanent deal went through earlier in the month.

Signs of danger were evident against Cardiff midweek with several attempts on goal, but the young forward will be keen for a repeat performance of last season's feats with a goal.

QPR will hand a late fitness test to influential midfielder Alejandro Faurlin, who is struggling with a groin injury. Akos Buzsaky should fill in if the the Argentine does not make it.

Meanwhile right back Bradley Orr is out with a calf injury, so the on-loan Kyle Walker should continue to deputise.

In a side full of star performers already this season it is former Spurs man Taarabt who is taking the early plaudits.

Signed for just £750,000 in the summer - arguably the league's best deal of the transfer window - Taarabt has began the campaign in red hot form for Warnock's side.

The Leicester backline will be more than wary of his pace and eye for goal, but will be hoping that the inconsistent forward of last year will turn up.

Last meeting:
Leicester 4-0 QPR
King (5) Waghorn (45) (50) Howard (78)

- Leicester have registered the most attempts on goal in the division so far - 90.

- They have also won more corners than any side - 59.

- The Foxes are the only side in the division not to score first in a match however, and have conceded the opener the most times.

- QPR on the other hand boast the Championship's best defensive record after conceding only two goals so far.

- They have hit the most penalties in the division so far - 5.

- This is QPR's best start to a season since 1978.

G D Scott

QPR have hit sensational early form, but after the midweek performance against Cardiff there is no reason why we can't get anything from this match. Leicester 1-1 QPR.

Tuesday 21st September:

Carling Cup

Portsmouth (A)

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Spain