QPR v Swindon – Match Preview

QPR welcome Swindon to Loftus Road tonight as the two clubs go head to head in the Second Round of the Capital One Cup. Rangers breezed through their First Round tie at Exeter, thanks to goals from Charlie Austin and Danny Simpson. Since then, in the league, the R`s promotion bandwagon has been gathering early momentum as Harry Redknapp`s charges have beaten Ipswich and Bolton since. Tonight will see QPR aim to continue their unbeaten streak this season but such is QPR`s unpredictable form in Cup competitions, an upset isn`t as farfetched as it seems on paper.

Redknapp might look to field a few squad players tonight who have been out injured and need minutes to regain form and fitness. The likes of Alejandro Faurlin and Armand Traore could feature and I expect Richard Dunne to play as he is still short of match sharpness. I`d like to see young Tom Hitchcock start alongside Charlie Austin. Austin will be looking to net against the club that gave him his first crack at the Football League. It will be intriguing to see how the likes of Frankie Sutherland, Max Ehmer and Hitchcock play should they feature tonight, as all three are on the fringes of first team football this season and will want to prove their worth.

QPR Team News:

Harry Redknapp could make several changes to the side that faced Bolton at the weekend. Junior Hoilett is a doubt with a hamstring injury.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: Alejandro Faurlin

Assuming he starts, I feel Faurlin could be the difference tonight. In a hard-working midfield, Faurlin could be afforded enough time on the ball to make things happen in advanced areas. Charlie Austin will be desperate to score after going three games without scoring (all comps) and players like Faurlin will be crucial because as we`ve seen in the past Ali can play defence splitting passes and create opportunities for others.

Swindon Team News:

Tijane Reis is a doubt with a knee injury.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: –

Stat’s Ya Lot

QPR have beaten Swindon eight times in their last 10 meetings in all competitions (D1 L1).

The R`s have lost three of their last four home ties at home, with two of those defeats coming at the hands of lower league opposition.

The Robins are unbeaten in their last four away fixtures in the Cup (W3 D1), with three of those games coming against opposition from a higher division.


LAST FIVE

QPR: WWDWW
SWINDON: LWWLD


HEAD 2 HEAD

QPR: 41
SWINDON: 35
Draw: 23

LAST TIME OUT

League Cup – 12/08/08
The County Ground

Swindon 2 (Cox, Paynter)
Queens Park Rangers 3 (Balanta, Blackstock, Delaney)

Team: Camp, Delaney, Connolly, Stewart, Gorkss, Cook, Parejo, Leigertwood, Blackstock (Di Carmine), Ledesma (Alberti), Balanta

Attendance: 7,230

Ref Watch:

Referee: Phil Gibbs
Assistants: Neil Hair & Paul Harris
Fourth Official: Ian Crouch

Phil Gibbs is the match official for tonight`s game against Swindon. Last season Gibbs issued 95 yellow cards and 3 red cards.

Match Prediction:

3-0 Home Win

Next Up

Who: Leeds
Where: Elland Road
When: 31/08/13