QPR vs Leicester City: three things to look out for

After a hard-fought FA Cup victory against Premier League Bournemouth, Leicester City are back in Championship action against struggling Queens Park Rangers. Here are three things FOL have picked to look out for in the upcoming fixture.

King Power atmosphere

Enzo Maresca has made little secret of his dissatisfaction with the lack of atmosphere at Leicester City's home games. In his post-match interview after the FA Cup tie, the LCFC boss called on the blue army to replicate their away atmosphere at home. He is well within his rights to criticise the Blue Army, who have turned out as usual in their numbers both home and away. Yet, whilst Leicester City's away followings have usually been vocal in their backing of the team, this cannot be said at home.

Having been to Leeds United away, it was apparent how a roaring atmosphere can completely turn the game on its head. After Leeds United equalised, it was clear there would only be one winner. There were nearly no empty seats, something that can't be said at Leicester City. This upcoming fixture will tell how much fans take the manager's pleas on board, or if we will continue with the same infuriating patterns of entitlement.

Ben Nelson to get his chance?

The suspension of Beckenbauer, sorry Jannik Vestergaard, has left a massive hole in the middle of Leicester City's defence. This opens up the opportunity for either Connor Coady or Ben Nelson to stake their claim for a first-team spot. Whilst Coady has often been favoured when the Dane has been absent, Ben Nelson has impressed when given the chance in cup games. Looking to the future, Maresca may decide to start the youngster, who is raw but has all the ingredients to be a top central defender in the future. The only difficulty of this decision are the higher stakes of taking risks now that LCFC's lead has been cut to 'just' six points.

A return for Jamie Vardy?

Jamie Vardy got injured at just the wrong time. Up to him picking up a niggling issue, he had entered one of those Vardy scoring streaks, scoring seven goals in eight games. In a boost to the Foxes, Enzo announced that the veteran striker will now be fit for Saturday's game, adding to the problem of who starts up front. The main question is whether Enzo Maresca sticks with Patson Daka, despite his costly miss against Leeds United. Daka's finish was poor, but he does facilitate Leicester City's press. Perhaps Maresca may bring back Kelechi Iheanacho, who was impressive as a substitute against Bournemouth. Only time will tell.