Leicester City Faces QPR in Crucial FA Cup Third Round Clash

Leicester City will host Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the King Power Stadium. The match marks a critical juncture for Leicester, who are struggling in the Premier League relegation zone after five consecutive defeats. QPR, meanwhile, enter the game with momentum, having secured back-to-back Championship wins.

Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is under pressure to deliver a victory, both to boost team morale and avoid the embarrassment of losing to a lower-division side at home. The Foxes have a strong FA Cup record, having not been eliminated in the third round since the 2018-19 season. However, their recent form has been dismal, with no points earned in their last five Premier League matches.

QPR, on the other hand, have shown resilience under manager Martí Cifuentes. The Hoops are mathematically closer to the Championship playoff spots than the relegation zone, having won six of their last 10 league matches. Despite their poor FA Cup record—losing 51 third-round matches since 1925—QPR will aim to capitalize on Leicester’s struggles.

Team news reveals Leicester’s injury concerns, with key players including Wilfred Ndidi and Ricardo Pereira sidelined. QPR also face fitness doubts, but Cifuentes is expected to field a strong lineup. The match promises to be tightly contested, with both teams desperate for a win to bolster their respective campaigns.

BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton predicts a 2-1 victory for Leicester, while actor Billy Bob Thornton foresees a 2-2 draw, with QPR advancing on penalties. The outcome could hinge on Leicester’s ability to rediscover their attacking prowess and QPR’s defensive resilience.