Hull City v QPR – Match Preview

Chris Ramsey will look to guide QPR to back to back Premier League away victories for the first time since September 1995, as the R`s face Hull City tomorrow. QPR ended a run of seven Barclays Premier League matches without a win with victory over Sunderland last time out (D2 L5). That victory also ended a Premier League record run of 11 away defeats since the start of a season.

When you consider that Harry Redknapp is one of the most experienced PL managers around, it`s astonishing that he couldn`t muster a single away point before leaving the club. While Chris Ramsey, a highly respected coach but ultimately inexperienced manager, picks up all three points at the first attempt on the road. It makes me think Redknapp must`ve really been going through the motions in his final months in charge.

In terms of the performance, it was a joy to behold to see a QPR side press their opponents all over the pitch, springing into attack once possession had been regained. Interestingly, Matt Phillips, who was a constant threat in his 52 minutes against Sunderland, became the first QPR player to assist two goals in a PL game since Danny Dichio in April 1996. Phillips played with a real swagger and confidence – something he hasn`t done since just before his injury against Burnley back in the Championship over a year ago. If Ramsey can get Junior Hoilett firing in a similar vein then QPR will have excellent options out wide.

The injury to Leroy Fer was the only downside from the victory at the Stadium of Light, with the Dutchman now sidelined for the 8-10 weeks with a knee problem. Whether Ramsey brings in a traditional number 10 to play behind Zamora or puts Charlie Austin back in the side alongside Zamora remains to be seen. Mauricio Isla`s absence could be the real selection headache for Ramsey with QPR rather short of viable options at right back.

Hull City Team News:

James Chester (shoulder), Liam Rosenior (hamstring) and Robert Snodgrass (knee) have long-term injuries.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: –

QPR Team News:

Mauricio Isla, Leroy Fer, Sandro, Richard Dunne and Alejandro Faurlin are all out with knee injuries, while Nedum Onuoha has a hamstring problem.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: –

Match Facts & Stats

HEAD 2 HEAD

Hull: 14
QPR: 15
Draws: 15

LAST TIME OUT

Premier League – 16/08/14
Loftus Road

QPR 0
Hull 1 (Chester)

Team: Green, Simpson (Phillips), Traore, Ferdinand, Caulker, Dunne (Zamora), Barton, Mutch, Faurlin (Hoilett), Austin, Remy.

Attendance: 17,603

Ref Watch:

Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistants: Lee Betts & Dave Bryan
Fourth Official: Craig Pawson

Anthony Taylor is the match official for Saturday`s clash with the Tigers. This season, Taylor has issued 101 yellow cards and five red cards in 24 games.

Match Prediction:

1-2 Away win.

Next Fixture

Who: Arsenal
Where: Loftus Road
When: 04/03/2015