QPR v Man City – Match Preview

QPR host last year’s title winners Man City tonight, in what should be an intriguing and pulsating match. City come into the game in top form, winning their last six in all competitions and worryingly for QPR, City haven’t lost a league game this season, when they’ve scored first. QPR come off the back of an embarrassing defeat to MK Dons but in fairness, it was essentially a reserve side that featured. However, that doesn’t excuse the total lack of desire, effort and commitment by the players in that match. Tonight, Harry Redknapp will resort back to his trusted side that has not lost a league game in 2013.

Roberto Mancini will want to secure three points tonight in a bid to close the gap on Man United. Playing a side bottom of the table represents a great opportunity for City to claim three points but football being the sport it is, upsets are a common occurrence and the champions will need to be fully focused, in order to beat a dogged Rangers side. The resurgence of David Silva has contributed to City’s recent form and he will look to find space in-between the midfield and defence to influence City’s attacking play. R’s midfielder Shaun Derry will need to be at his best to quell the threat in these areas.

Last Fixture

QPR 2 (Bothroyd, Fabio)
MK Dons 4 (Traore og, Lowe, Harley, Potter)

Team: Green, Traore, Ferdinand, Fabio, Ben-Haim, Park (Zamora), Granero, Faurlin, Mackie, Bothroyd, Campbell.

Stoke 0
Man City 1 (Zabaleta)

Team: Pantilimon, Kompany (Clichy), Zabaleta, Lescott, Kolarov (Aguero), Milner, Garcia, Barry, Silva, Dzeko, Tevez (Rodwell).

QPR Team News:

Shaun Wright-Phillips is doubtful because of an ankle injury. Junior Hoilett is struggling with a hamstring problem.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: Ryan Nelsen

It will be a huge blow to QPR when Ryan Nelsen leaves this week for Toronto. Nelsen has been a consummate professional and has performed consistently well in a bad side all season, which is some achievement. Nelsen and Clint Hill have formed a resilient pairing and recently, the two, along with Shaun Derry have formed a strong spine to the side. QPR must replace Nelsen in the remaining days of the transfer window, if they are to stand any chance of survival. It’s disappointing that Nelsen didn’t see out his contract but I hope he does well in the MLS.

Man City Team News:

Samir Nasri and Mario Balotelli return after illness. Skipper Vincent Kompany is out with a calf injury. Matija Nastasic is a doubt with a minor knee problem.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero has been identified as the player to watch ahead of the match against the Man City.

For Vital QPR’s comprehensive review of the strikerClick Here >>>

The Stat Attack

LAST FIVE

Queens Park Rangers: DDWDL
Man City: WWWWW

HEAD 2 HEAD

Queens Park Rangers: 12
Man City: 22
Draw: 15

LAST TIME OUT

Premier League – 01/09/12
Etihad Stadium

Man City 3 (Toure, Dzeko, Tevez)
QPR 1 (Zamora)

Team: Green, Ferdinand (Onuoha), Nelsen, Bosingwa, Fabio, Park, Wright-Phillips, Granero (Cisse), Faurlin (Dyer), Johnson, Zamora.

Attendance: 45,579

Ref Watch:

Referee: Phil Dowd
Assistants: Simon Long & Gary Beswick
Fourth Official: John Moss

Phil Dowd is the match official for tonight’s match against City. This season Dowd has issued 85 yellow cards and 3 red cards in 24 games.

Match Prediction:

I can’t see us getting much out of tonight if i’m honest. City are in superb form, whereas QPR have been stubborn, if not unspectacular, slugging out the odd result. If City get an early goal, it will be curtains for us because it will result in QPR having to attack City, therefore leaving themselves open and susceptible to the counter. If QPR can keep it tight and frustrate City, then it will become a very different match to what they would’ve expected. If the crowd can generate a hostile atmosphere towards the away side, it will work in our favour, as it has done many times in the past. That said, i’m clutching at straws thinking the atmosphere and a tight defence will be enough to beat them. Going forward we have added quality in Loic Remy and I feel confident given the opportunity he will score tonight.

1-3 Away Win.

Next Up

Who: Norwich
Where: Loftus Road
When: 02/02/13