Rangers go into tomorrow’s clash at Bristol City bursting with confidence after the 4-0 mauling of Carlisle in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.
The fixture is a re-rerun of last season’s opening day encounter, when an injury time equaliser from Damion Stewart gave the Superhoops a deserved share of the spoils.
A lot of has happened to both teams since that scorching afternoon a year ago, with the hosts narrowly missing out on promotion to the top flight.
City come into the game off a defeat to lower league opposition in the Carling Cup. Crewe Alexandra beat them 2-1 on Tuesday night; the first defeat of the season for Gary Johnson’s men.
Vital Quotes:
QPR Assistant Manager Tim Flowers told qpr.co.uk he was very happy the midweek outing against Carlisle:
‘That’s two clean sheets on the bounce and we’re progressing very nicely in all area’s of the pitch.’
‘When we go ahead we are very dangerous.’
‘We took a lot of confidence from scoring early in the second half. We were in our rhythm then, and the lads looked first class’.’
City boss Gary Johnson told BBC Radio Bristol he fully expects Rangers to be up near the top of the table:
‘They will be there or thereabouts because they have enough money to give good salaries to people who would not normally come to the Championship. Martinez did it with Spanish players at Swansea, and I did with Yeovil.’
Bristol City Team News:
Jamie McAllister (Shin) is set to miss out at Ashton Gate after being injured in the Carling Cup defeat at Crewe in midweek. Gary Johnson has no other injury worries, as he looks to continue City`s unbeaten start in the league.
Player to watch: Nicky Maynard
City smashed their transfer record over the summer to bring in striker Nicky Maynard in from Crewe. A fee of 2.2 million was paid to the Gresty Road outfit, after netting 35 times in 57 games. He is already off the mark in this campaign, after scoring in front of the Sky Camera’s during the 1-1 draw with Derby.
QPR Team News:
Rangers are set to be without Fitz Hall, after he picked up a groin injury in last Saturday’s win over Doncaster. Akos Buzsacky returned to full training this week, but is still not available for selection. Dexter Blackstock and Damien Delaney are doubts, after being ill, before and during the 4-0 romp over Carlisle United.
Player to watch: Martin Rowlands
Martin will take no prisoners and will be eager to stir up the midfield.
Match Facts & Stats
Stat Attack
angers come into the game with just one away win in the league in 2008. This came in February during a 3-2 triumph over Southampton. The hoops have won on the road since then, a 3-2 win over Swindon in the first round of the Carling Cup earlier this month.
Head to Head
he Superhoops have the upper hand in meetings between the two sides, with 29 wins to City’s 24. Rangers record at Ashton Gate is less convincing, with the last victory being thanks to a Karl Connolly double in a 3-1 win in September 2002.
Last time
he last time the two sides met was on the 2nd Feb, when the R’s put in one of their most comprehensive displays in a 3-0 win at Loftus Road. Patrick Agyemang got a first half brace, with Akos Buzsacky finishing off City with a second half strike.
Ref Watch:
Darren Deadman (Cheshunt) is in charge this weekend, and he could be a good omen for the R’s. His last appointment with QPR came in that 3-0 triumph over Bristol City in February.
Match Prediction:
City are strong at home, Rangers are free-scoring, but without Fitz Hall could be weakened at the back. Gumbo Hoop goes for a repeat of last seasons clash at Ashton Gate. 2-2