QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth says he wants his players to play without fear at Loftus Road, as they prepare to welcome Championship leaders Leicester City.

Rangers have taken just one point from five home matches this season and find themselves in the relegation zone after a 2-0 midweek defeat at West Brom.

But Ainsworth has told his squad to forget about pressure and enjoy their football.

"I just want the players to enjoy their football and be able to make clear and sensible decisions," he told qpr.co.uk.

"Pressure and fear can manifest itself in many ways. I need to have them playing at Loftus Road without that fear and to just play to the best of their ability, which I don’t think I’ve seen at home. 

“It would be just like QPR to put in a performance against Leicester which no pundit expects. Hopefully that’ll be the case on Saturday.

"Both of the moments which led to the goals on Tuesday were probably a result of stress and that’s understandable. 

“The boys are feeling the pressure because of where we are – but as I have always done, I will tell them to let me deal with that."

Leicester sit five points clear of Ipswich at the summit, - having played one game more, and have won 12 of 13 matches in the second tier since relegation last season.

QPR have lost five in a row and have injury problems in defence, with Jimmy Dunne serving a one-game suspension following his sending off for two bookable offences at the Hawthorns and Jake Clarke-Salter, Steve Cook and Morgan Fox all possible absentees.

"It looks like centre-halves are going to be slim pickings," added Ainsworth.

"Jake came off with a suspected hamstring injury on Tuesday, so we’ll have to have a look at that and see where he is.

“Morgan’s going to be out until after the international break, he had a procedure on his knee so we have to give him time to recover from that. 

"Jimmy is absolutely devastated but he will learn from this. He’s a big player for this club and is going to play a big part this season. 

“I feel for him. There’s a miscommunication issue for coming on the pitch and when I see the video, he doesn’t do much around the penalty. It’s unfortunate but we have to take it on the chin.”

QPR visit fellow strugglers Rotherham next weekend, then host mid-table Bristol City before the international break.

And Ainsworth is hoping the supporters can help them turn the corner.

“Fans are entitled to their opinion. I totally understand the frustration and I’m well aware of it," he added.

“I hope you can get behind us on Saturday.”