QPR v Hull City – Preview

IT COULD be an Easter to remember as QPR could win promotion to the Premier League this Monday if they beat play-off chasing Hull City. In what has been a fantastic season, the R’s could finally reap the rewards of a long arduous but ultimately enjoyable campaign that has seen Rangers stay in the top two places all season. Neil Warnock’s men entertain an industrious Hull side in front of a sold-out Loftus Road that will be rocking, knowing that even a single point could secure promotion, providing Norwich and Cardiff fail to win.

QPR will be buoyed by their hard-fought draw against Cardiff where they showed tremendous character to restore parity after twice going behind. They will be looking to tie-up the title in style with a victory of Nigel Pearson`s men who will no doubt set his side up to be extremely rigid and hard to break down. The resilience displayed against Cardiff epitomised this current QPR side. They never give up, knowing that while players like Taarabt, Routldege and Faurlin are on the pitch they always stand a chance of getting something out of the game. Each of those players can provide the killer pass or score the goal that can make the difference.

Nigel Pearson faces an injury crisis ahead of Monday’s match. The Hull manager has several key players missing which will no doubt make his team selection a difficult one. Vital players such as Robert Koren and Nicky Barmby miss out, which will be a blow as they provide a creative spark for the Tigers. Hull who sit in 10th place, three points outside the play-offs still have a slight chance of making the top six. Realistically they need to win all their remaining games to be sure of a place which could signal an attacking approach to Monday’s game.

Last Fixture

Cardiff 2 (Bothroyd, Bellamy)
QPR 2 (Taarabt x2)

Team: Kenny, Orr, Hill, Gorkss, Connolly (Hall), Derry, Faurlin, Taarabt, Smith (Agyemang), Routledge, Helguson

Hull 2 (Simpsons, Gerrard)
Middlesbrough 4 (McDonald x3, Arca)

Team: Mannone (Duke), Dawson, Hobbs, Chester, Gerrard, Rosenior (Mclean), Koren, Evans, Garcia (Cairney), Fryatt, Simpson

QPR Team News:

QPR have no fresh injury concerns but Neil Warnock may look to freshen things up. Matt Connolly could make way for Fitz Hall who was impressive when he came on in the second half against Cardiff.

Jamie Mackie remains a long term absentee. Peter Ramage and Lee Cook are still a week or two away.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: Adel Taarabt

For the second time this season Adel Taarabt produced a dazzling display against promotion rivals Cardiff City. The Queens Park Rangers captain scored two sensational goals that made sure QPR shared the points that consolidated the R’s position at the top. Incidentally Taarabt equalled QPR legend Paul Furlong’s record of 18 goals in a season at Championship level – a fine feat. Taarabt will be looking to continue his fine form and a supportive home crowd could be the perfect environment for the Moroccan to display his inspirational skill.

Hull City Team News:

Robert Koren is out with a hamstring injury and Liam Rosenior is also out with a knee injury sustained against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Vito Mannone misses out with a reoccurrence of a shoulder problem. Nick Barmy misses out with a calf injury.

Possible line-up:

Player to watch: Matty Fryatt

Matty Fryatt has been identified by DanielQPR as the player to watch ahead of Monday’s match against Hull.

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

The Stat Attack

LAST FIVE

Queens Park Rangers: WLWDD
Hull: LWDWL

HEAD 2 HEAD

Queens Park Rangers: 15
Hull: 13
Draw: 14

LAST TIME OUT

Coca Cola Championship – 29/1/11
Loftus Road

Hull 0
QPR 0

Team: Kenny, Orr, Hill, Connolly, Gorkss, Derry, Faurlin (Vaagan Moen), Routledge, Taarabt, Smith (Hulse), Miller (Ephraim)

Attendance: 20,601

Ref Watch:

Referee: Mr C Webster

Assistants: Mr S Artis & Mr M George

Fourth Official: Mr J Magill

Colin Webster is the match official for Monday`s game and has officiated 29 games this season. His most recent game was the stalemate between Doncaster and Crystal Palace.

Last season Webster issued 66 yellow cards and four red cards in 29 games.

To read more see: Ref Watch >>>

Match Prediction:

Surely Monday is the day we have been waiting for? 15 years outside of the top flight could be over (FA permitting) should Rangers win. Hull are struggling with injuries but boast the best away record in the league which is some cause for concern. However, should the right Rangers turn up then it could be a party atmosphere at Loftus Road come the final whistle. Hull do have enough about them to beat us have and possess lethal strikers at this level, Matty Fryatt and Jay Simpson can both do damage, the latter scoring on Saturday and will be looking to score against his former club (albeit on loan).

I think should Hull look to attack us then it will play into our favour and the game will become stretched. I don`t see a player in that Hull side who could man-mark Taarabt out of the game like Robbie Savage did for Derby and I think following his impressive performance on Saturday, Taarabt could wreak havoc and lead the club to glory on what could be an afternoon to remember.

2-0

Next Up

Who: WATFORD

Where: VICARAGE ROAD

When: 30/04/2011 – 15.00