Leicester City v QPR preview: Pressure off for Pearson's men on final day
Sunday 24 May 2015 15:15, UK
Leicester and QPR meet on the final day with the pressure off both sides, but for very different reasons.
The Foxes' incredible run of form has seen them go from spending four months at the bottom of the table to securing their Premier League status for another season with a game to spare.
Nigel Pearson earned a nomination for Manager of the Year after tasting defeat just once in their last 10 Premier League outings, while striker Jamie Vardy has been given an England call-up by Roy Hodgson.
QPR, meanwhile, are already preparing for life in the Championship and handed Chris Ramsey a vote of confidence with a three-year deal as head coach, and Charlie Austin will also be in high spirits as he joins Vardy in the England squad.
Team news
Trending
- World Darts Championship: Lukeman back level after Rydz's rapid win LIVE!
- Rashford left out of Man Utd squad to face Spurs after 'new challenge' comments
- Transfer Centre LIVE! 'Saudi could offer Rashford way out of Man Utd'
- Five years of Arteta: Arsenal transformed but what's next?
- World Darts Championship schedule: Smith in action on Thursday
- Usyk vs Fury 2: Start time, ring walks, undercard and odds
- Tottenham vs Man Utd: Rashford absent again, Garnacho available
- Wolves appoint Pereira to succeed O'Neil
- The Friedkin Group complete Everton takeover
- Gabriel Jesus is back! Hat-trick for Arsenal striker sinks Palace
Leicester have announced Danny Simpson will be not be considered for the first team while the club examines current legal proceedings against the player.
Pearson has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Sunday's encounter, with David Nugent's calf injury keeping him out of contention, while the Foxes boss confirmed Matty James has undergone a successful knee operation.
QPR goalkeeper Rob Green (concussion) and defender Steven Caulker (hand) will both miss Sunday's clash after they were both forced off during last week's win over Newcastle.
Ramsey has no other new injury concerns, but may look to make some changes as he looks ahead to next season.
Opta facts
QPR have never lost to Leicester City in the Premier League, winning two and drawing one.
Leicester have kept five clean sheets in their last six PL games.
Matt Phillips has provided more assists in 2015 than any other PL player (8).
Jamie Vardy has eight assists from open play this season, level with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.
A win will ensure that Leicester break the 40 point barrier in the Premier League for the first time since the 2000-01 season.
Eight of Leonardo Ulloa’s 10 Premier League goals this season have come at home.
Merson's prediction
Leicester have done their job. They have been brilliant. I did call it when they were eight points adrift and I kept faith with them. There are two reasons why they’ve got out of trouble: Esteban Cambiasso and the ability to take their chances. I watched the QPR game against Newcastle last weekend and they got battered first half and second half they were really good. I’m just going to go Leicester but it wouldn’t surprise me if it went the other way.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (7/1 with Sky Bet)
Betting
With nothing at stake, these sides are expected to take a relaxed approach, with both teams to score rated very likely at 4/7 with Sky Bet. Leicester are the favourites (4/7) to take the three points, while a rare away victory for QPR is priced up at 4/1. A home win with both teams finding the target is 7/4, while over 2.5 goals to be scored is odds-on (8/15). Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson is backing Jamie Vardy to score first in a 2-0 win for the hosts at 28/1.
