Eagles Land In W12

AFTER their first home defeat of the campaign Queens Park Rangers are looking to bounce back in a rearranged fixture against Crystal Palace.

Times couldn’t be more different since the original fixture fell foul to the inclement conditions, with Rangers hitting a hot-streak in front of goal, with 14 goals in their last four home games.

When the fixture was due to be played in September, Rangers hadn’t picked up their first home win and with the likes of Ecclestone, Briatore and Mittal in town, the pressure was already mounting on Magilton.

A win against Neil Warnock’s fledgling Eagles will take QPR up five places above Bristol City and into a playoff place, while Palace are looking to rise above Watford and into the top half.

The Eagles themselves have started to find their feet in the Championship with only one defeat in their last eight with Darren Ambrose in sparkling form from midfield.

His eight goals this season, six in the league, have helped propel Palace away from the dreaded drop zone and into mid-table security.

Both sides will be hoping that the rain stays away this evening and that the game in hand can be used to great effect.

Last Fixture

QPR 1 (Taarabt 33)
Leicester City 2 (Fryatt 37, 64)

Team: Radek Černý, Peter Ramage (Rowan Vine 67), Kaspars Gork?s, Damion Stewart (Fitz Hall 55), Gary Borrowdale, Alejandro Faurlín, Mikele Leigertwood, Adel Taarabt (Patrick Agyemang 86), Ákos Buzsáky, Wayne Routledge, Jay Simpson.

Preston North End 1 (Wallace 35)
Crystal Palace 1 (Ambrose 37)

Team: Julian Speroni, Danny Butterfield, Claude Davis, Jose Fonte, Nathaniel Clyne (Stern John 73), Shaun Derry, Neil Danns, Johannes Ertl, Darren Ambrose, Alan Lee (Lee Hills 73), Victor Moses (Ryan Smith 76).

QPR Team News:

Jim Magilton looks set to make a couple of changes to the side that were defeated at home by Leicester City in front of the Sky cameras.

Despite his mistake Radek Černý should continue in goal despite Tom Heaton’s positive displays when called upon. Kaspars Gork?s may be partnered by former Eagle Fitz Hall following his return from injury.

Mikele Leigertwood may slot in at right back ahead of Peter Ramage who was run ragged by Dany N’Guessan on Friday, while Ben Watson returns to face his former club after serving a two match ban to partner Argentine Alejandro Faurlín.

Ákos Buzsáky, Adel Taarabt and Wayne Routledge are set once again to line up behind Jay Simpson – all hoping for better fortune than they got against Leicester.

Gavin Mahon (hip), Angelo Balanta (groin), Hogan Ephraim (ankle) Martin Rowlands (knee), Matthew Connolly (glandular fever) and Alessandro Pellicori (knee) remain sidelined.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: Adel Taarabt

Taarabt continues to prove his worth to the QPR fans with his excellent trickery and skill now combined with an eye for goal and more importantly a pass.

His distribution has improved dramatically in recent weeks laying on chances at will and also scoring goals against Preston North End, Derby County and Leicester.

The Moroccan international will have undoubtedly shown his current employers Tottenham Hotspur his credentials, as he bids to impress boss Harry Redknapp.

To read his career profile Click Here >>>

Crystal Palace Team News:

Who R Ya? >>>

Neil Warnock could make a couple of changes to his line-up following the draw against Preston North end at the weekend.

Argentinean Julian Speroni will be looking to continue his fine run of form against the R’s with Danny Butterfield, Claude Davis and Jose Fonte all looking to retain their places.

Young full back Nathaniel Clyne may make way with Clint Hill returning from a one-match suspension. Paddy McCarthy remains sidelined with a shoulder complaint.

Skipper Shaun Derry will sit in the holding role allowing Neil Danns and Johannes Ertl to roam forward.

Free-scoring midfielder Darren Ambrose and youngster Victor Moses will support lone striker Alan Lee despite Freddie Sears in contention for this evening.

Possible line-up:

Player to watch: Victor Moses

Vital QPR has outlined forward Victor Moses as the One to Watch this evening as the Eagles come to W12.

The young wide-man has been a mainstay in Neil Warnock’s side impressing in their run to the playoffs a couple of years ago.

The sprightly youngster has linked up well with new signings such as Darren Ambrose and Ryan Smith as Palace look to move into the top half.

To read our profile of the forward Click Here >>>

The Stat Attack

LAST FIVE

Queens Park Rangers: L W W W L
Crystal Palace: W D L D D

HEAD 2 HEAD

Queens Park Rangers: 35
Crystal Palace: 29
Draw: 28

LAST TIME OUT

Coca Cola Championship – 04-04-2009
Loftus Road

Queens Park Rangers: 0
Crystal Palace: 0

Team: Radek Černý, Peter Ramage, Kaspars Gork?s, Matthew Connolly, Damien Delaney, Mikele Leigertwood, Wayne Routledge, Liam Miller (Lee Cook 46), Hogan Ephraim, Adel Taarabt (Rowan Vine 73), Samuel Di Carmine (Angelo Balanta 85).

SEE ALSO:

QPR 1-0 Crystal Palace – 11-04-1955

Ref Watch:

Referee: Mr Mick Russell (Hertfordshire)

Assistants: Mr Mike George (Norfolk) & Mr Rob Whitton (Essex)

Fourth Official: Mr Steve Rubery (Essex)

QPR fans will be hoping that Mr Russell follows in the same vain as Mr Moss on Friday who officiated the game rather well in front of the cameras.

Rangers have seen some disappointing officiating displays in recent times including that of the notorious Andy Hall, but Mr Moss did give R’s fans some hope.

Mr Russell called off the clash between the two sides owing to a waterlogged pitch and will take charge of his first QPR game tonight.

To read our report on the official Click Here >>>

Match Prediction:

2-0 QPR

Rangers now have to show that they can bounce back at home after a disappointing home defeat to Leicester City on Friday

Their strike players didn’t find their feet against the Foxes who managed to stifle play and build their own attacks.

With the likes of Derry and Ertl in their artillery Palace have players capable of slowing the game down and stopping Rangers in their flow, but it’s hoped that Rangers can overcome their Friday demons.

Predictions

sandydl: 3-0 QPR

QPR4Me: 2-0 QPR

toboboly: 4-0 QPR

ImSitiv: 2-0 QPR

Superhoop50: 6-5 QPR

Nomar: 3-1 QPR

zranger: 1-1 QPR

DMD_QPR: 3-1 QPR

BEAT THE CLOCK >>>

Next Up

Teams: Sheffield Wednesday v Queens Park Rangers

Date: Saturday November 7, 2009 – 3.00pm

Ground: Hillsborough, Sheffield.