QPR boss makes "big mistake" claim over Luton Town as Sheffield United 'verbally agree' striker deal

Marti Cifuentes, manager of QPR celebrates after the final whistle of the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City FC and Queens Park Rangers FC at Cardiff City Stadium on November 27, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales.Marti Cifuentes, manager of QPR celebrates after the final whistle of the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City FC and Queens Park Rangers FC at Cardiff City Stadium on November 27, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales.
Marti Cifuentes, manager of QPR celebrates after the final whistle of the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City FC and Queens Park Rangers FC at Cardiff City Stadium on November 27, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. | Getty Images
The latest news from around the Championship as QPR prepare to take on Luton Town

Queens Park Rangers host Luton Town at Loftus Road on Monday night knowing that they could jump to 13th in the Championship table with a win. The R’s have won their last four games at home after picking up seven points from a possible 12 over the festive period.

They are six points above the bottom three after Hull City dramatically drew 3-3 with Leeds United over the weekend as the Tigers came from 3-1 down to rescue a point against the Championship leaders while Cardiff City drew 1-1 at play-off hopefuls Middlesbrough.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Luton have found it tough in their first season back in the second tier after they were relegated from the Premier League, particularly away from home. The Hatters have lost 10 of their last 12 league games on the road but QPR boss Marti Cifuentes has warned that the Kenilworth Road outfit are not to be taken lightly on Monday evening.

Underestimating Luton is a “big mistake”

Looking ahead to the game, Cifuentes said: “Hopefully everyone understands from the growth we have experienced during challenging times that there is no place in this group for complacency. We know how ruthless this league can be, we know how easy it can be to drop one percent and get punished, we saw it a few days ago against Swansea.

“If someone expects because Luton’s performances away in terms of points has not been great that this will be an easy game, it would be a big mistake. I am sure that is not where the players are, I am sure everybody knows we need to probably improve the level of performance against Watford, and that is going to be a constant in the next weeks The level of challenge will grow and grow because of expectations – teams come to us knowing it is not easy.

“It is always good to have this rivalry, and the fans enjoy these kind of games. I know for the players there is this extra feeling to try to win these games for our fans. At the moment the most important thing is to keep growing this feeling that we can be very strong at home. That is where the focus is, to make sure the opposition feels from minute one that it is not easy to get points from Loftus Road.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sheffield United ‘verbally agree’ loan move

Ben Brereton Diaz of Southampton is challenged by Renato Veiga of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on December 04, 2024 in Southampton, England.Ben Brereton Diaz of Southampton is challenged by Renato Veiga of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on December 04, 2024 in Southampton, England.
Ben Brereton Diaz of Southampton is challenged by Renato Veiga of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on December 04, 2024 in Southampton, England. | Getty Images

Millwall and QPR’s Championship rivals Sheffield United are challenging for a place in the Premier League and are seeking to add to their squad this month to bolster their hopes of beating Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland to the Championship title. According to talkSPORT, the South Yorkshire club have verbally agreed a loan move for striker Ben Brereton Diaz. He spent the second half of last season on loan with the Blades and scored six times in 14 Premier League games.

The Chile international joined Southampton for £7million from La Liga side Villareal in the summer but has struggled to find his best form on the south coast. He he has yet to score for the Saints this term and has not started a game since September and now looks to be on his way back to Bramall Lane. The report adds that there is an option to make the move permanent come the end of the season.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice