QPR will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing away performance and defeat after making the long journey down to Plymouth. Another last minute goal saw the R’s slip back into the bottom three.
Moving matters forward to Saturday, QPR will now have to make the short journey to promotion chasing Watford in which will doubt be a stern test for the Rangers defence, with late concentration paramount with both sides seeing late action in their respective Boxing Day fixtures.
Vital Quotes:
De Canio spoke mainly about the officiating after the Plymouth game stating…
‘We didn’t take into consideration the standard of the referee when we prepared for this match. His performance offended me and every sportsman. He was bad throughout the whole match.’
However, he was quick to praise his team…
‘From day one the lads have given me 100 per cent. They have been fantastic in that respect, but that only makes us even more disappointed about the whole thing.’
‘This is the most disappointed I have been as QPR’s First Team Coach. When we lost at Stoke we lost because of our own mistakes, but today the referee was mainly responsible for our defeat. But we will lift ourselves for this weekend’s match against Watford.’
‘We will go there to do the best we can and hopefully come away with a positive result.’
Boxer says…
‘In all fairness criticism should come a little closer to home, despite the poor officiating on display.’
Watford Team News:
Watford have no fresh injury news going into the game at Vicarage Road.
However, with a disappointing start to the game against Cardiff, and the busy winter to come Aidy Boothroyd may be looking to reshuffle his pack.
Former Rangers favourite Dan Shittu may be recalled to the starting line-up after impressing as a late sub as the hornets chased for an equaliser.
With John-Joe O’Toole being withdrawn early in the game for tactical reasons, it is unclear if he will be ahead of Lee Williamson going into the crucial derby.
Long-term absentees Moses Ashikodi (broken leg), Junior Osbourne (cruciate knee), Gareth Williams (anterior cruciate), and the recently much talked about Al Bangura (elbow), will all be absent.
Player to watch: Marlon King
Joint fifth goal scorer in the Championship with 10 league goals, which arguably should be a lot more if it wasn’t for last seasons untimely injury, which albeit ended Watford’s season. An injury that spilled over into this season.
The 27-year-old former Barnet, Gillingham and Nottingham Forest striker has proven himself an excellent player under the guidance of Aidy Boothroyd, becoming an integral cog in the Watford machine contributing 23 goals in 55 games.
A player that must be stopped at all costs.
Queens Park Rangers Team News:
Mikele Leigertwood will serve a three-match ban, after some a frank verbal exchange with referee Mr. Bratt following this weekends fixture against Plymouth.
On a better note, big Jamaican Damion Stewart is now available for selection following a one-match ban.
Michael Mancienne has returned to light training following a hamstring injury, but isn’t anywhere close to making the 16.
Other than that Rangers have a fully fit squad in contention for Saturday.
Player to watch: Rowan Vine
It seems to be either Buszaky or Vine every week, as it appears they are the most affective players in an otherwise mediocre side.
The Boxing Day performance saw Rowan Vine credited with the goal that gave Rangers a first half lead, and his constant mazy and direct runs had the Plymouth backline in tangles. He could be the key that unlocks an unsteady home defence.
Match Facts & Stats
Watford’s home form has not been good of late, with their last home win coming against Hull in October, spelling a run of six games without a win at home.
Before the game against West Brom they were unbeaten at home, but since a 3-0 defeat they have failed to register the three points on home soil.
Rangers’ indifferent away form can be summed up in the last three away games. A draw, a win and a defeat at Scunthorpe, Burnley and Plymouth respectively.
Some consistency is required on the road, but with Rangers undoubtedly looking to go into the derby defensively it will be a difficult game to predict. Rangers four match unbeaten run came to an end at the death against Plymouth.
Historically Rangers have had far the better record against the Hornets with 44 league wins to Watford’s 27, with the teams drawing 28 times.
Hopefully history will be on Rangers side going into the crucial clash at the Vic.
Last time out
At Vicarage Road: 01/11/05
Watford 3 (Spring 39, McNamee 70, Young 76)
QPR 1 (Shittu 90)
At Loftus Road: 22/09/07
QPR 1 (Moore 59)
Watford 1 (Johnson 49)
Ref Watch:
Referee – C Foy
Assistants – S Rubery & M Scholes
Fourth official – KA Woolmer
Match Prediction:
For the latest match odds, click on www.williamhill.com
Next Fixtures:
Who – Queens Park Rangers V Leicester City
Where – Loftus Road
When – Tuesday 1st January 2008. 3:00pm
Vital QPR would also like to express their continued support for Watford’s Al Bangoura.
For all the latest news, keep it Vital Football QPR.