Bournemouth v QPR – Match Preview

This weekend, Harry Redknapp takes his QPR side back to his old stomping ground in a bid to help cement their place in the play-offs. Waiting on the south coast for the R`s is an in-form Bournemouth side led by Eddie Howe, a former player under Redknapp. The Cherries have put a good run together, helped immensely by the goalscoring of Lewis Grabban, who has scored 10 league goals in 2014; no Championship player has bagged more.

QPR laboured to a 1-1 draw last time out against Blackpool and the performance lacked any sort of tempo or intent in attack – an all too familiar problem this season. The R`s will need to be much improved if they are to take anything out of this game against a well-drilled Bournemouth team. Injuries to Nedum Onuoha and Aaron Hughes could mean a start for Danny Simpson, who himself has just returned from a lengthy absence.

The news that top-scorer Charlie Austin is in the squad has been greeted by equal measures of excitement and trepidation. It`s a huge boost to get Austin back at this stage of the season, especially with the slight chance of catching Burnley in second, but like many I hope he isn`t being rushed back, even though Redknapp told the press “He’s come back double quick because of the type of lad he is.” Let`s hope he is medically ready for a return because he has been sorely missed up top.

Bournemouth Team News:

Andrew Surman has recovered from injury and could start. Charlie Daniels could be in contention.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: –

QPR Team News:

Charlie Austin is in contention having recovered from a shoulder injury that has kept him out since January. Jermaine Jenas is also in line for a start.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: –

Match Facts & Stats

Bournemouth have won just once in their last nine league games against QPR (D2 L6), though this did arrive in the most recent fixture at home.

QPR have conceded in each of their last 15 away league games against Bournemouth, last keeping a shutout there in April 1954.

The Cherries have won each of their last three league fixtures. They have never won four in a row in the second tier.

Lewis Grabban has bagged 10 league goals in 2014 so far, no player has scored more than him.

Junior Hoilett has completed more dribbles than any other Championship player (76).




LAST FIVE

Bournemouth: DLWWW
QPR: WLWWD

HEAD 2 HEAD

Bournemouth: 26
QPR: 33
Draw: 14

LAST TIME OUT

Championship – 03/12/13
Loftus Road

QPR 3 (Austin, Hoilett, Phillips)
Bournemouth 0

Team: Green, Simpson, Dunne, Hill, Assou-Ekotto, Barton, Carroll, Hoilett (Phillips), O`Neill (Traore), Johnson (Jenas), Austin.

Attendance: 16,331

Ref Watch:

Referee: Jon Moss
Assistants: Scott Ledger & Adrian Holmes
Fourth Official: David Phillips

Jon Moss is the match official for tomorrow`s clash against the Cherries. This season, Moss has issued 99 yellow cards and 3 red cards in 31 games.

Match Prediction:

2-1 Home win.

Next Fixture

Who: Blackburn
Where: Ewood Park
When: 08/04/14