QPR v Crystal Palace – Preview

As we all know now, on Wednesday, the FA announced that they have charged QPR and Chairman Gianni Paladini with seven counts of breaching FA rules. QPR supposedly broke several transfer rules and regulations that included third party involvement and payments to an unauthorised agent. QPR have denied any deliberate wrongdoing and are looking to challenge the FA’s allegations. If they are proven guilty then a fine and/or points deduction could be handed to the R’s.

Like many other fans I was shocked when I first read the news, if not slightly confused by the whole situation and how it supposedly occurred. Several different stories and with varying details have been written across the tabloids and each offering a different perspective, some more negative than others. But until a decision has been reached all that can be written is speculation and conjecture. The only option we the fans have is to continue back the team like we have throughout this season and try to focus on the next game.

Following Tuesday night’s loss away to Millwall, Neil Warnock’s men must pick themselves up and brush off the inevitable disappointment that comes with defeat. The R’s welcome London rivals Crystal Palace to Loftus Road on Saturday and the match is sure to be a feisty one. Palace are very poor away from home whereas QPR boast the best home record in the league, so providing Neil Warnock’s men are focused on the job in hand then we should be looking take all three points.

The two teams enter the match from different perspectives. Having won in midweek against Cardiff, the Eagles will be optimistic of snatching the points, whereas QPR will need to show ‘bouncebackability’ with a confident performance that would restore some morale amongst the suffering support.

Last Fixture

Millwall 2 (Morison, Trotter pen)
QPR 0

Team: Kenny, Orr, Hill, Shittu (Sent off), Gorkss, Derry, Faurlin, Buzsaky (Ephraim), Taarabt (Miller), Routledge, Helguson

Crystal Palace 1 (Dikgacoi)
Cardiff City 0

Team: Speroni, Clyne, Wright, McCarthy, Gardener, Ambrose, Danns, Moxey, Dikgacoi, Iversen, Vaughan

QPR Team News:

Danny Shittu is suspended after being sent off against Millwall. Matthew Connolly is expected to deputise in Shittu’s absence. Tommy Smith will be pushing for a start after several abject performances on Tuesday.

Jamie Mackie, Patrick Agyemang and Peter Ramage remain long term absentees.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: Alejandro Faurlín

I`ve picked Ali for two reasons, the first being that with all the media controversy surrounding his transfer to QPR/contract extension, the magnifying glass will be well and truly focused on the midfielder with the press waiting to see how he copes under the unwanted limelight and whether the allegations will affect his performance. The second reason is that he is a fantastic footballer and a total pleasure to watch. I feel sorry for our midfield maestro as he goes about his business with a quiet dignity on and off the pitch and the unwanted attention could prove to be a burden as the saga continues.

As a player he has fantastic technique and possesses a wide range of passing which enables him to start a counter-attack very quickly. Faurlin wins a lot of the air in midfield and can put a foot in when required. The Argentinean is considered an important member in the Rangers team, and has developed a superb partnership with experienced midfielder Shaun Derry. The pair suit each other very well, with Derry as the enforcer and Faurlin as the architect.

Crystal Palace Team News:

New signing Kemy Agustien goes straight into the squad following his loan move from Swansea. Alex Marrow could be available for selection having recovered from an ankle injury.

Dougie Freedman has several attacking options at his disposal with James Vaughan, Steffen Iversen, Pablo Counago, Wilfred Zaha and Jermain Easter all available.

Possible line-up:

Player to watch: Darren Ambrose

Darren Ambrose has been identified by DanielQPR as the player to watch ahead of this weekend’s match against Crystal Palace.

For Daniel’s comprehensive review of the midfielder Click Here >>>

The Stat Attack

LAST FIVE

Queens Park Rangers: DWWWL
Crystal Palace: WLDLW

HEAD 2 HEAD

Queens Park Rangers: 37
Crystal Palace: 29
Draw: 29

LAST TIME OUT

Coca Cola Championship – 2/10/10
Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace 1 (Cadogan)
QPR 2 (Taarabt, Helguson)


Team: Kenny, Walker, Hill, Connolly, Gorkss, Derry, Buzsaky (Leigertwood), Mackie, Ephraim, Taarabt (Smith), Helguson

Attendance: 17,771

Ref Watch:

Referee: Mr M Atkinson

Assistants: Mr M Mullakrey & Mr A Newbold

Fourth Official: Mr K Woolmer

Martin Atkinson is the match official for Saturday’s game and has officiated 29 games this season. His most recent game was the controversial affair between Chelsea and Manchester United.

Last season Atkinson issued 187 yellow cards and 6 red cards in 48 games.

Match Prediction:

Whether the recent allegations will have a direct affect on the playing side of things remains to be seen, hopefully it won`t and the R`s can get back on track and pick up a win. Before all this controversy I had initially thought this game was a home banker with the R`s proving too strong at home for Palace. However, if the allegations have been disruptive for morale then the game will be much tighter than I had previously hoped.

Crystal Palace have been much improved under Dougie Freedman, especially at the back (bar the Reading game) where they have kept four clean sheets. Darren Ambrose is a threat from set pieces and the former QPR target has played well since returning from injury. Rangers will need to step their attacking intent on Saturday and really go at Palace who are vulnerable away from Selhurst Park. If QPR attack from the off and get an early goal I could see a whitewash, although I do think the game will be a lot closer than what I originally thought a week ago, so I`m going for a narrow home win.

1-0 Home win.