QPR win a 'massive boost' but PSR concern hangs over Foxes

In the build-up, Saturday had all the ingredients of a 'cupset'.

Leicester were in poor form (five straight defeats), struggling to score and unable to keep goals out. QPR were tough to beat (one loss in 11), and having made a perfect start to 2025 with two wins from two.

Throw in some unrelenting fog and there was understandably a lot of optimism among the near 5,000 travelling supporters.

The reality turned out to be a largely entertaining and enjoyable FA Cup afternoon for the home fans. Given recent results, this was a must win - anything less did not bear thinking about.

Ruud van Nistelrooy told me before the game the strength of the matchday squad he named was both out of respect for the competition, but also the desperate need to bring back the feel-good factor.

After conceding two soft goals against Championship opposition it is clear defensive frailties remain, something which surely needs to be addressed in the January transfer window. However, the Leicester manager will have enjoyed an attacking display that brought 10 goal involvements across seven different players.

The boss told me afterwards: "The overall performance was good - lots of good movement, crosses and finishes".

After what was only his 12th game as a manager in English football, and eighth at Leicester, the Dutchman was also keen to stress how he has been in charge for only "six weeks".

While reassured his side are moving in the right direction, they are far from the finished article, adding: "Our game play, game model and identity is coming on, little by little."

While many will insist Leicester are supposed to beat a Championship outfit, full-back James Justin said the result delivered "a massive boost" ahead of Wednesday's home game against Crystal Palace.

He was level-headed enough to admit "there is lots to work on" but felt the game was a much needed "confidence booster" in what he hopes could be a "big week" for the squad.

Justin's comments relate to results on the pitch, but there are off-field matters that also mean it will be a significant few days for the club. BBC Radio Leicester's understanding is that on Tuesday the Premier League will notify those who have breached profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) within their 2023-24 accounts.

Should Leicester be found to have complied with PSR then I would expect a swift resolution towards Van Nistelrooy's desire to "strengthen" the squad during the January transfer window, and provide even greater optimism they can drag themselves back up the Premier League table.

However, if they were found to have breached PSR - with the possibility of a points deduction as punishment - the already uphill challenge of remaining within the division, may then become insurmountable.