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Preview – Posh v QPR

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TWO sides blighted by bad publicity, problems have been well-documented at Peterborough United and QPR in recent times.

But while Rangers’ owner remains relatively tight-lipped, Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony has spoken out in emphatic fashion.

The property speculator released a spectacular tirade on the club’s official website about anything and everything, before sacking boss Mark Cooper after 13 games in charge.

The old adage of people in glass houses not throwing stones in prevalent here as R’s fans know all to well what Peterborough supporters are going through at present.

Indeed Rangers latest entry in the Manger of the Year competition has yet to register his first win in charge of QPR, including the disappointing weekend defeat at home to Scunthorpe United.

Rangers invested modestly but prudently in their strike force in January while Cooper was allowed to fritter away the Posh dosh before being deemed surplus to requirements.

The visitors still have a glimmer of playoff hope to play for, while Peterborough are seeing their Championship status slip through their grasp after a disappointing season.

It’s yet another important game between the sides, from which the R’s will hope to yield maximum points in their fleeting playoff chase.

Last Fixture

QPR 0
Scunthorpe United 1 (Thompson 74)

Team: Carl Ikeme, Mikele Leigertwood, Rowan Vine (Antonio German 75), Ákos Buzsáky (Angelo Balanta 80), Kaspars Gork?s, Nigel Quashie, Matt Connolly, Alejandro Faurlín, Matt Hill, Jay Simpson, Adel Taarabt (Lee Cook 75).

Crystal Palace 2 (Danns 28, 65)
Peterborough United 0

Team: Joe Lewis, Kerrea Gilbert, Ryan Bennett, Tom Williams, Lee Frecklington (Aaron McLean 57) Charlie Lee, Chris Whelpdale, Jake Livermore, Josh Simpson, Craig Mackail-Smith (Reuben Reid 72), George Boyd.

Peterborough United Team News:

Peterborough welcome back Welsh international Craig Morgan from suspension and he may well slot back into the back four and bolster a leaking rearguard.

Joe Lewis will undoubtedly be in goal with Arsenal loanee Kerrea Gilbert and former R’s loanee Tom Williams set to start in their respective full-back berths.

Morgan may well partner young Ryan Bennett at the heart of defence but he will compete with makeshift centre-half Charlie Lee and January capture Exodus Geohaghan – Gabriel Zakuani is sidelined (groin)

Jake Livermore and Lee Frecklington may well see their places in the middle come under threat with Lee possibly stepping up from his position at centre back.

Chris Whelpdale and Josh Simpson may start wide, but George Boyd may drop wide left to accommodate an extra striker.

Craig Mackail-Smith should be partnered by Aaron McLean after Posh once again clung onto their strikers in an eventful transfer window at London Road.

Possible line-up:

Lewis

Gilbert – Morgan – Bennett – Williams

Whelpdale – Frecklington – Livermore – Boyd

McLean – Mackail-Smith

Player to watch: George Boyd

Peterborough United wide-man George Boyd has been outlined as the One to Watch this weekend as the R’s travel to London Road.

The winger once again avoided the move from London Road despite being subjected to the normal amount of speculation and conjecture surrounding his Posh future.

He has proven in recent seasons that he is capable of stepping up to the level required and while his team-mates haven’t fired this season, Boyd remains as reliable as ever.

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

QPR Team News:

Mick Harford has some big decisions to make ahead of the Peterborough United clash, with only five of the six loanees eligible to play.

Carl Ikeme may well make way for ‘keeper Radek Černý, while Kaspars Gork?s may continue alongside Matt Connolly, unless Matt Hill is the one to drop and Damion Stewart gets the nod.

Mikele Leigertwood could continue at full-back with either Connolly or Hill starting on the other flank, while Nigel Quashie and Alejandro Faurlín continue in the middle.

Hogan Ephraim and Angelo Balanta got some much-needed game time in the reserves and could be in contention, while Ákos Buzsáky and Adel Taarabt fight it out with the returning Lee Cook for a place on the wing.

Rangers have decisions to make with their front-line also with Tamás Priskin and Marcus Bent bolstering the forward line and competing with Jay Simpson and Rowan Vine.

Martin Rowlands (knee) and Gavin Mahon (knee) remain sidelined, with no word on the possible return date for the influential latter.

Possible line up:

Černý

Leigertwood – Connolly – Gork?s – Hill

Taarabt – Quashie – Faurlín – Cook

Bent – Simpson

Player to watch: Marcus Bent

The January capture Marcus Bent is a Championship journeyman, that has proven that with the right service he can be a match for any defence in this league.

The Birmingham City loanee has plied his trade for several clubs at this level, and has proven adept as playing as a target man and getting on the end of testing crosses.

His presence alongside either Simpson, Vine or Priskin will be necessary if Rangers are to get the desired goals this weekend

The Stat Attack

LAST FIVE

Peterborough United: L L L L L
Queens Park Rangers: D L D L L

HEAD 2 HEAD

Peterborough United: 6
Queens Park Rangers: 9
Draw: 9

LAST TIME OUT

Coca Cola Championship – 22-08-2009
Loftus Road

Queens Park Rangers 1 (Routledge 34)
Peterborough United 1 (McLean 16)

Team: Radek Černý, Mikele Leigertwood, Damion Stewart, Matthew Connolly, Gary Borrowdale, Wayne Routledge, Ben Watson, Alejandro Damián Faurlín (Martin Rowlands 58), Hogan Ephraim (Akos Buzsaky 69), Adel Taarabt (Rowan Vine 58), Jay Simpson.

SEE ALSO:

Peterborough United 0-2 QPR – 20-02-1967
QPR 3-0 Peterborough United – 31-08-1963

Ref Watch:

Referee: Mr Danny McDermid (Hampshire)

Assistants: Mr Darren Drysdale (Lincolnshire) & Mr Nick Hobbis (Birmingham).

Fourth Official:Mr Alan Parker (Derbyshire)

Danny McDermid will take charge of his first QPR game this weekend as Rangers travel to London Road to take on Peterborough United.

The official has not shied away from controversy in his short career, which included being charged for a verbal altercation with then Leeds United boss Dennis Wise.

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

Match Prediction:

3-2 QPR

There should be goals – and lots of them. Both defences have proven leaky and with Rangers bolstering their attack they may well edge this encounter.

The R’s can now look to a good strike force that has the potential for goals and keeping alive that flickering playoff hope.

They need to fire and the defenders need to do their job if Rangers are to get past Gannon’s Peterborough, who will undoubtedly be up for this clash.

LCF’S CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION LEAGUE >>>

BEAT THE CLOCK >>>

Next Up

Teams: QPR v Ipswich Town

Date: Tuesday February 9 – 8.00pm

Ground: Loftus Road, London

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