Uncategorized

QPR v Everton – Preview

|
Image for QPR v Everton – Preview

It was a rather uncomfortable atmosphere at Loftus Road last week as QPR struggled to recover from the dismissal of debutant Samba Diakite, losing 1-0 to an average Fulham side. Mark Hughes would`ve been immensely frustrated as yet again his side were set a disadvantage, throwing out any match preparation configured in training the week leading up to the match. Last Saturday had an all too familiar feel to it (see Norwich and Wolves at home for further details). QPR must keep their discipline tomorrow and for the rest of the season if they are to survive in the league.

Everton have been in superb form and have won four out of their last five in all competitions. Their run of form has seen them look more potent going forward and confident at the back, making life very hard for the opposition. Manager David Moyes has done a remarkable job at Goodison Park and it could only be a matter of time before he is offered a position elsewhere, possibly Tottenham should Harry Redknapp take the England job. The way he has kept Everton competitive on a tight budget is rather commendable.

Last Fixture


QPR 0
Fulham 1 (Pogrebnyak)

Team: Kenny, Onuoha, Ferdinand, Hill, Taiwo (Traore), Taarabt, Barton, Diakite (sent off), Wright-Phillips (Buzsaky), Zamora, Mackie

Everton 2 (Drenthe, Stracqualursi)
Blackpool 0

Team: Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Heitinga, Distin, Neville, Gibson (Barkley), Drenthe, Fellaini, Stracqualursi (Vellios), Gueye (Coleman).

QPR Team News:

New signings Djibril Cisse and Samba Diakite are suspended. Luke Young faces a late fitness test in the morning. Heider Helguson could return.

Possible line up:

Kenny

Young – Onuoha – Ferdinand – Taiwo

Wright-Phillips – Barton – Buzsaky – Taarabt

Zamora – Mackie

Player to watch: Joey Barton

The QPR captain has become a scapegoat for many fans in recent weeks. Against Fulham, a large section of Loftus Road booed the outspoken midfielder after a misplaced free-kick which, in my opinion, is a ridiculous way to treat a Queens Park Rangers player. I am of the opinion that Barton isn`t the best set-piece taker, but to boo him is not constructive and hardly likely to increase his confidence on the pitch. I don`t think he has been playing as badly as others have made out but there is certainly room for improvement. The Rangers skipper has said the players want to win as much as the fans, time to prove yourself, Mr Barton.

Everton Team News:

Midfielders Leon Osman and Jack Rodwell could return following recent injuries and a stint in the reserves. Darron Gibson is out with a knee injury.

Possible line-up:

Howard

Hibbert – Distin – Heitinga – Baines

Coleman – Fellaini – Barkley – Drenthe

Cahill – Jelavic

Player to watch: Steven Pienaar

Vital QPR has singled out Steven Pienaar as the One to Watch

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

The Stat Attack

LAST FIVE

Queens Park Rangers: LDLLL
Everton: WWDWW

HEAD 2 HEAD

Queens Park Rangers: 15
Everton: 20
Draw: 10
LAST TIME OUT

Premier League – 20/08/11
Goodison Park

Everton 0
QPR 1 (Smith)

Team: Kenny, Orr, Derry, Hall, Gabbidon, Taarabt, Faurlin, Buzsaky, Connolly, Agyemang (Bothroyd), Smith (Ephraim)

Attendance: 35,008

Ref Watch:

Referee: K Friend
Assistants: G Turner & I Gosling
Fourth Official: M Jones

Kevin Friend is the match official for tomorrow`s game. This season Friend has issued 77 yellow cards and 3 red cards in 22 games.

Match Prediction:

Desperate times are upon us at the moment. We need leaders on the pitch and are our flair players to produce. Right now confidence is low and morale amongst the fans is at rock bottom. A win could be a turning point for the R`s, one that could set us up for the rest of the season. Another loss and the doom and gloom merchants will be out in force, and even the most positive of supporters will find it hard to feel optimistic.

Everton will be a very hard outfit to break down. They defend extremely well as a unit and do not leave themselves open very often. In order to stand a chance of picking up any points tomorrow, we need to keep all our players on the pitch this time. Also, passing to our own players and shooting on target will of course help. It`s a simple game really, let`s stop overcomplicating it and get the three points tomorrow please boys.

1-0A Buzsaky special to prove decisive.

Next Up

Who:Bolton

Where:Reebok Stadium

When:10/03/12 – 12:45

Share this article