Tottenham v QPR – Preview

On Sky

THE elation of a victory over Chelsea must now be placed on the back-burner as Queens Park Rangers look to carry a wave of momentum into Sunday’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

More old friends will be reacquainted, not least the two side’s management that have displayed and vocalised their respect for one another in recent times.

Kyle Walker and Adel Taarabt will face off against the clubs they have represented, while Les Ferdinand and Bradley Allen help make up part of the Spurs back-room set-up.

In Tottenham, QPR face a very different prospect in terms of opposition with Spurs consistently carving out free-flowing, entertaining football – that is the mantra that supporters demand of their side.

Now Champions League football is on the agenda for Spurs, who have recruited wiser than their North London neighbours but can Rangers help scupper the charge this Sunday?

Last Fixture

Queens Park Rangers 1 (Helguson 9pen)
Chelsea 0

Team: Paddy Kenny, Clint Hill, Shaun Derry (Jamie Mackie 82), Fitz Hall, Adel Taarabt (Tommy Smith 62), Alejandro Faurlín, Joey Barton, Luke Young, Heidar Helguson, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Anton Ferdinand.

Blackburn Rovers 1 (Formica 28)
Tottenham Hotspur 2 (van der Vaart 15, 53)

Team: Brad Friedel, Kyle Walker, Younes Kaboul, Sebastien Bassong, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Aaron Lennon (Danny Rose 70), Scott Parker, Luka Modric, Rafael van der Vaart (Jermain Defoe 88), Gareth Bale, Emmanuel Adebayor.

Tottenham Hotspur Team News:

Prospect QPR signing Sebastien Bassong could once again line up for the home side despite a late fitness test for former Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas.

There will be no place for Tom Huddlestone and defensive duo Michael Dawson and Ledley King owing to injury, but better news for Steven Pienaar who could make his first appearance this season.

Possible line-up:

Player to watch: Kyle Walker

Vital QPR has singled out former QPR loanee Kyle Walker as the One to Watch this weekend – will he haunt the side he once served so well?

To read our profile of the player Click Here >>>

QPR Team News:

You’d have to have a heart of stone to deny the heroes against Chelsea another opportunitiy against Spurs – but the possibility of a duo returning could be temptation indeed for the R’s boss.

Danny Gabbidon (knee) closes in on a return while Armand Traoré (strain) looks to reclaim his spot at left back against the recently returned Clint Hill.

Jamie Mackie or Tommy Smith are looking for their opportunity for a start should Warnock decide not to start with former Spurs man Adel Taarabt.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: Anton Ferdinand

Anton Ferdinand has hit the press a lot recently – but unfortunately it’s not been for his fine form in the Rangers back-line. The incident involving that Chelsea defender has taken up the column inches but the defender has done ever so well to hold the rearguard together.

His aerial prowess will need to be at its best against a tough customer in Emmanuel Adebayor this weekend and I would expect this to be a key battle along with Derry tracking the ever industrious duo of van der Vaart and Modric.

The Stat Attack

LAST FIVE

Tottenham Hotspur: W W W D W
Queens Park Rangers: W D L D W

HEAD 2 HEAD

Tottenham Hotspur: 18
Queens Park Rangers: 13
Draw: 16

Premier League – 09/12/1995
White Hart Lane

Tottenham Hotspur 1 (Sheringham 3)
Queens Park Rangers 0

Teams:

Ian Walker, Sol Campbell (Justin Edinburgh 84), Colin Calderwood, Clive Wilson, David Howells, Jason Dozzell, Ronnie Rozenthal, Chris Armstrong, Ruel Fox, Teddy Sheringham, Gary Mabutt.

Jurgen Sommer, David Bardsley, Steve Yates, Andy Impey, Alan McDonald, Trevor Challis, Simon Barker (Lee Charles 78), Ian Holloway, Trevor Sinclair, Kevin Gallen (Simon Osborn 63), Mark Hateley.

Ref Watch:

Referee: Mr Howard Webb (S. Yorkshire)

Assistants: Mr Darren Cann (Norfolk) & Mr Jake Collin (Liverpool)

Fourth Official:Mr Stuart Atwell (Warwickshire)

Howard Webb takes charge of his first QPR game since the Playoff Final against Cardiff City in 2003, following on from his excellent run as an official into the Premier League and beyond.

To read our report on the official Click Here >>>

Match Prediction:

1-1 Draw

Those who have read my predictions, prior to the wonderful Jack taking over this column on a consistent basis, will know that I tend to let my heart rule my head – which is will give you an indication as to the kind of tough test I expect this weekend.

I fully expect Tottenham to be aware of some of the threats that QPR can provide and by nullifying these and playing their natural game, it should be plain sailing for the hosts. Football however is never that simple, and if QPR can show the same spirit they’ll be in with a fighting chance.

BEAT THE CLOCK >>>

Next Up

Who: MANCHESTER CITY

Where: LOFTUS ROAD

When: 05/11/2011 – 1730