Wolves v QPR – Preview

The new look QPR head to Molineux this Saturday to face Mick McCarthy`s Wolves in what should be a fiercely competitive and hard-fought fixture. Wolves made one of the most astute signings of the transfer window in former Birmingham centre half Roger Johnson and consequently have started the season in assured fashion picking up points against Blackburn, Fulham and Aston Villa. McCarthy has done an admirable job keeping Wolves up the past two seasons and this season he will be hoping to build on that achievement.

Even though the R`s couldn`t find a way past a resilient Newcastle side, they will be heading into Saturday`s game full of confidence and hopeful of getting a result. Last year Joey Barton took a bit of stick off several Wolves players and it will be interesting to see how he handles himself in this fixture considering he is now the permanent QPR captain. If QPR can impose themselves, much like they did against Newcastle, then Wolves could be in for a bit of a shock, especially if Jay Bothroyd manages to sort himself out in front of goal.

Wolves are one of the most organised outfits in the Premier League and can be dangerous from set pieces. Joint record signing Steven Fletcher got off to a slow start at Wolves but now looks every inch the established Premier League striker. He is a threat in the air and makes things very difficult for defences. I expect QPR`s wide players to cause problems because I feel Wolves are weak in the full back positions. Their wingers usually do a good job of screening the full back which may alleviate some of the pressure down the flanks.

Last Fixture

QPR 0
Newcastle 0

Team: Kenny, Young, Traore (Connolly), Gabbidon, Ferdinand, Derry, Faurlin, Barton, Taarabt, Wright-Phillips (Puncheon), Bothroyd (Campbell)

Wolves 0
Tottenham 2 (Adebayor, Defoe)

Team: Hennessey, Stearman, Ward, Johnson, Berra, Kightly (Hammill), Henry, Hunt (Jarvis), O`Hara, Fletcher (Vokes), Doyle

Wolves Team News:

Striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is out with an ankle injury and David Edwards is unavailable due to a back injury. It seems key men Steven Fletcher and Matt Jarvis face late fitness tests on their respective groin and ankle complaints.

Possible line-up:

Player to watch: Kevin Doyle

Kevin Doyle has been identified by DanielQPR as the player to watch ahead of Saturday`s match against Wolves.

To read his comprehensive review of the strikerClick Here >>>

QPR Team News:

Armand Traore is a doubt after coming off against Newcastle although according to Neil Warnock it was due to cramp so it is likely Traore will be fit for the game. DJ Campbell is likely to remain on the bench as he continues to fully recover from the mystery illness that kept him sidelined for much of August.

Jamie Mackie and Kieron Dyer are both unavailable but the good news is that Mackie has been given the go ahead to resume first team training next week.

Possible line up:

Player to watch: Alejandro Faurlin

I think it`s fair to say that Alejandro Faurlin has taken a few games to adapt to the pace of the Premier League but after Monday`s display against Newcastle the Argentinean maestro has finally arrived in the top flight. Faurlin completely bossed the game and was very unlucky not to receive the man of the match award. Along with Shaun Derry, Faurlin looked assured in possession and broke up possession expertly. It seems the new players have brought out the best in the old favourites which is a pleasure to see.

Match Facts & Stats

LAST FIVE

Queens Park Rangers: LWLLD
Wolves: WWWDL

HEAD 2 HEAD

Queens Park Rangers: 12
Wolves: 16
Draw: 15

LAST TIME OUT

Championship – 18/04/09
Molineux

Wolves 1 (Ebanks-Blake)
QPR 0

Team: Cerny, Ramage, Stewart, Gorkss, Connolly, Routledge, Lopez (Leigertwood), Mahon, Cook (Ephraim), Vine (Taarabt), Helguson

Attendance: 27,511

Ref Watch:

Referee: Mr A Taylor
Assistants: Mr D Cann & Mr D Bryan
Fourth Official: Mr M Dean

Anthony Taylor is the match official for Saturday`s game. This season Taylor has issued 15 yellow cards and 3 red cards in just 3 games.

To read more see: Ref Watch >>>

Match Prediction:

Wolves vs QPR poses an interesting clash of styles. QPR are certainly more expansive and attack minded since the late influx of players whereas Wolves are well organised and fairly rigid in terms of their positional play. Much like Newcastle, McCarthy`s men will be stubborn and tough to break down and if QPR can score an early goal then home crowd might become frustrated. Wolves have two hard working strikers both of which are strong in the air and good at holding up the play. They have pace down the wings in Jarvis, Hunt and Kightly. However, QPR are well matched to cancel out that particular threat with the signings of Traore and Young.

I think it will be a tight game with not much between the two sides. I think QPR still need time to gel as a defensive unit which could be their hindrance. Wolves don`t appear to be blessed with too much pace at the back which could be their downfall against a fluid and pacey QPR attack.

1-1 Draw.

Next Up

Who:Aston Villa

Where:Loftus Road

When:25/09/11 – 16:00