QPR v West Brom – FA Cup Match Preview

The third round of the FA Cup is here and QPR welcome West Brom back to Loftus Road for what should be an open and exciting game. There’s no real pressure on either side to progress to the next round, with both clubs firmly focused on the Premier League this year. Both managers have stated they will be rotating their squads due to the effects of the hectic festive period, which could make for a pulsating game, with fringe players out to impress in a bid to earn a place in the 25 man squad for the second half of the season.

Harry Redknapp has recalled several strikers, notably DJ Campbell who looks set to feature. Redknapp said he is a big fan of Campbell which should give the diminutive striker added confidence coming into the side. I’d like to see players like Hogan Ephraim get a run out to finally show if he has improved since the Championship days. Youngsters like Max Ehmer and Frankie Sutherland will be eager to impress should they get anywhere near the side. I could see Rangers going with a 442 formation. QPR have nothing to lose, there’s no pressure on them to win and who knows maybe the fantastic, unbelievable, historic victory win against Chelsea might provide a platform for them to build upon.

Steve Clarke will make several changes to his side mainly due to injuries. QPR have a fine chance of winning, providing they name a strong side. In my opinion, the FA Cup is a competition that should be treated with respect and it’s a real shame so many sides field weakened teams these days. A good cup run for QPR could have a positive effect on their league form. Success breeds further success and winning is a nice habit QPR could do with picking up.

Last Fixture

Chelsea 0
QPR 1 (Wright-Phillips)

Team: Cesar, Onuoha, Nelsen, Hill, Fabio, Derry, Granero (Park), Mbia, Hoilett (Wright-Phillips), Mackie, Taarabt (Dyer).

West Brom 1 (Lukaku)
Fulham 2 (Berbatov, Kacaniklic)

Team: Foster, Ridgewell, McAuley, Jones, Tamas, Morrison, Brunt (Thorne), Mulumbu, Gera (Long), Lukaku, Fortune (Odemwingie).

QPR Team News:

DJ Campbell is expected to start having finished his loan spell at Ipswich. Samba Diakite has left for the African Cup of Nations. Junior Hoilett is out with a hamstring injury. Fringe players such as Jay Bothroyd, Hogan Ephraim and Rob Hulse could play a part.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: DJ Campbell

For some strange reason Mark Hughes saw fit to name only 3 strikers in the 25 man squad at the start of the season, having left out the likes of Jay Bothroyd, Rob Hulse and the QPR supporting DJ Campbell. With DJ Campbell you have a natural goalscorer that will sweat blood for his boyhood club, yet Mark Hughes failed to see the importance of picking a player who would work hard for the side and chip in with a few goals. Campbell was sent out on loan to Ipswich and made quite an impression, scoring 10 goals in 16 games for the Tractor Boys. With QPR very limited in terms of attacking options, Campbell’s return and excellent recent form could provide a boost for Harry Redknapp and his Rangers side. He is expected to start against the Baggies and all eyes will be on Campbell to see if he is up to the task of firing the goals to steer Rangers to safety.

West Brom Team News:

West Bromwich Albion have several injury concerns with defenders Jonas Olsson, Steven Reid and Goran Popov all out injured. Claudio Yacob is also unavailable with a hamstring problem.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: Youssouf Mulumbu

Youssouf Mulumbu has been identified as the player to watch ahead of the FA Cup match against WBA.

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

The Stat Attack

LAST FIVE

Queens Park Rangers: WLLLW
WBA: DWWLL

HEAD 2 HEAD

Queens Park Rangers: 13
WBA: 18
Draw: 9

LAST TIME OUT

Premier League – 26/12/12
Loftus Road

QPR 1 (Cisse)
WBA 2 (Green go, Brunt)

Team: Green, Traore, Ferdinand, Hill, Fabio (Hoilett), Taarabt, Wright-Phillips, Faurlin (Diakite), Mbia, Cisse, Mackie.

Attendance: 17,782

Ref Watch:

Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Assistants: Simon Bennett & Darren England
Fourth Official: David Phillips

Mark Clattenburg is the match official for Saturday’s game against West Brom. This season Clattenburg has issued 53 yellow cards and 5 red cards in 16 games.

Match Prediction:

It might be the effect of the Chelsea game but I fancy us to win tomorrow. I think the crowd will get behind the players and therefore it will be an energetic display and one that should produce several goals.

2-1Home Win

Next Up

Who: Spurs
Where: Loftus Road
When: 14/01/13