QPR will look to continue their unbeaten start to the Championship season as they welcome Brighton to Loftus Road tonight. Saturday, saw the R`s grind out yet another 1-0 win, their fourth in a row, taking their points tally to a healthy 16 points from a possible 18. Rangers are looking impenetrable at the moment and if they can improve in the final third, they will be a dominant force in this division. However, I say that with some trepidation as I`m sure the unbeaten run will end at some point and this Brighton fixture looks like a potential banana skin.
Harry Redknapp`s side will want to carry on their 100% home record at Loftus Road tonight but Brighton will be step up in class compared to what they`ve faced this season. I still maintain Swindon have been the best team QPR have played so far this term but owing to the quality Brighton possess, that will surely change this evening.
I`m hoping for a few tactical tweaks to the side that started against the Blues. The choice to play Tom Carroll in a two-man centre midfield pairing very nearly backfired at the weekend and I would expect Redknapp to name three central midfielders from the off, especially if he is looking to persist with Carroll. I thought Gary O`Neill looked excellent in the middle of the park and initiated a lot of forward play with tidy progressive passes. I would start him in the middle tonight.
QPR Team News:
Junior Hoilett and Andrew Johnson are doubts with respective hamstring and knee injuries.
Possible line up:
SIMPSON – DUNNE – ONUOHA – ASSOU-EKOTTO
WRIGHT-PHILLIPS – HENRY – O`NEILL- BARTON – PHILLIPS
AUSTIN
Player to watch: Charlie Austin
It was brilliant to see Charlie score his first league goal against Birmingham on Saturday. The relief on his face was clear to see and the way in which the players gathered to celebrate with him was a great moment. All season, Austin has put his body on the line and has been a central figure to QPR`s success this season. He has led the line better than many would`ve anticipated and his work-rate is exceptional. Here`s hoping he can go on a goalscoring streak, as we`ve lacked goals so far this season.
Brighton Team News:
Leonardo Ulloa is suspended after his straight red against Reading. Fellow strikers Craig Mackail-Smith and Will Hoskins also miss out owing to injury.
Possible line up:
CALDERON – UPSON – WARD – GREER
BUCKLEY – CROFTS – CASKEY – LOPEZ
LUALUA
BARNES
Player to watch: –
Stat’s Life
QPR are the only Championship team yet to concede a goal in the second half this season.
The R`s are yet to concede with Richard Dunne on the field this season, going five games (all competitions) without conceding.
QPR have had a man sent off in each of their last two home matches in the league against the Seagulls.
The Seagulls have scored just two goals in their last six league visits to Loftus Road and are currently eight league games without a win there (D4 L4).
LAST FIVE
QPR: WWLWW
BRIGHTON: LWWDD
HEAD 2 HEAD
QPR: 30
BRIGHTON:28
Draw:15
LAST TIME OUT
Championship – 18/03/06
Loftus Road
QPR 1 (Ainsworth)
Brighton1 (Bignot og)
Team: Jones, Bignot, Shittu, Milanese, Evatt, Ainsworth, Bircham, Cook (Youssouf), Lomas, Gallen (S/O), Nygaard (Baidoo).
Attendance: 13,907
Ref Watch:
Referee: Andrew Madley
Assistants: Wade Norcott & Dean Treleaven
Fourth Official: Christopher O`Donnell
Andrew Madley is the match official for tonight`s game against the Seagulls. Last season, Madley issued 106 yellow cards and 3 red cards in 38 games.
Match Prediction:
1-1 Score draw. Austin to score.
Next Up
Who: Yeovil
Where: Huish Park
When: 21/09/13