QPR v Sheffield Wednesday – Match Preview

The new season is finally upon us and QPR begin their campaign by welcoming Sheffield Wednesday to Loftus Road. Harry Redknapp and his coaching staff have spent the summer trying to rectify many of last season`s failings, albeit through player sales and acquisitions, improving the fitness of the squad and thirdly attempting to unify the group with two successful pre-season trips. The opening game will be the clearest indication yet as to whether the club have recovered from the crushing disappointment of last season`s relegation.

Encouragingly, QPR are unbeaten in their last three competitive meetings with the Owls, winning two and drawing the most recent fixture 1-1 at Loftus Road. The same can`t be said for their recent league form with the R`s currently enduring a nine-match winless streak (D2 L7). However, a new season represents a fresh start and nothing would remove the hangover of last season more than three points tomorrow.

This summer, Redknapp has bought sensibly with the solid if unspectacular additions of Danny Simpson, Richard Dunne and Karl Henry, all of whom will improve the solidity and resilience of the side. However, this week Redknapp pounced to sign the prolific Charlie Austin, which could prove to be a masterstroke, as QPR were hopelessly short of firepower last season, scoring just 13 goals in their 19 Premier League home games in 2012-13; fewer than any other side.

Wednesday manager Dave Jones has a reputation for building physically imposing teams and Wednesday`s most recent signing of 6ft 6in Rapid Vienna striker Adam Nuhiu suggests he hasn`t deviated from that plan. His aerial prowess could potentially prove a useful foil for the exciting Michail Antonio, whose eight goals and 10 assists last season earned him high praise from supporters and the media. Although, they just about survived relegation last season, the experience of that battle will stand them in good stead this season.

QPR Team News:

Charlie Austin could make his debut for the club along with Danny Simpson, Karl Henry and Richard Dunne.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: Andrew Johnson

AJ was desperately unlucky to miss the majority of last season through injury and could`ve been a useful option had he not been side-lined. The early indications this summer suggest Johnson could be a key player for QPR this season. He has looked very sharp in the friendlies and even scored a few goals which will help his confidence. If (and that`s a big if) he can stay fit for most of the season, he`s more than capable of scoring 10 or more goals.

Sheffield Wednesday Team News:

Wednesday will be without Lewis Buxton (shin splints) and Kieran Lee (hip).

Possible line up:

Player to watch: TBA

Stat’s Life

This is the 14th time in the last 18 seasons that the R`s have begun their league campaign with a home fixture. Of the previous 13, they have lost only two (W7 D4).

Charlie Austin scored against 14 Championship sides in 12/13. Only Jordan Rhodes (18) & Glenn Murray (17) netted against more.

Indeed, Austin scored nine headed goals last season, more than any other player.

QPR right back Danny Simpson has kept 22 clean sheets in 61 games in his career in the Championship.

Last season in the Championship, the Owls had the highest percentage of goals scored by defenders (23%)

The Owls committed 12.5 fouls per game on average in 2012-13; more than any other side in the Championship.


LAST FIVE (League)

Queens Park Rangers: LDLLL
Sheffield Wednesday: LDDLW

HEAD 2 HEAD

Queens Park Rangers: 19
Sheffield Wednesday: 27
Draw: 14

LAST TIME OUT

Championship – 03/04/10
Loftus Road

QPR 1 (Faurlin)
Sheffield Wednesday 1 (Soares)

Team: Ikeme, Ramage, Stewart, Gorkss, Hill, Leigertwood, Faurlin, Ephraim (Cook), Taarabt, Simpson (German), Priskin (Vine)

Attendance: 13,405

Ref Watch:

Referee: Scott Mathieson
Assistants: Carl Brook & Matthew Buonassisi
Fourth Official: Barry Holderness

Scott Mathieson is the match official for Saturday`s opener against the Owls. Last season Mathieson issued 105 yellow cards and 8 red card in 38 games.

Match Prediction:

Hopefully QPR can turn the tide of last season and begin the campaign with a win tomorrow. Wednesday will be organised and looking to hit Rangers on the counter attack but if the QPR players put in a committed team performance, they should edge it. Obviously, Antonio is the danger man – keep him out of the game and a lot of their creativity and spark will be diminished.

2-1Home Win.

Next Up

Who: Exeter
Where: St James Park
When: 06/08/13