I wish we could play SWP on both sides to double up on both Bale and Lennon/Walker, using his pace. Traore can be naive defensively, but he needs to play because he's quick. Hill, who played there against Chelsea is a great war-horse but is slower than me!! And I'm 50!! Gabbidon was excellent at centre back before he got injured and his replacement, Fitz Hall isn't up to Prem standard so it will need Ferdy to play the same way he did against Chelsea when he was immense. We may get at your defence if Taarabt is at his best and determined to do something against his old club and SWP can always make a dangerous break or two, but I fear you will have too much quality for us on Sunday and that you'll come away with all three points, probably by 2 or 3 goals!!
Spurs and QPR legend Clive Allen relishes first derby for 15 years - QPR - London 24 Clive Allen Spurs and QPR legend Clive Allen relishes first derby for 15 years By Ben Pearce, Tottenham correspondent Thursday, October 27, 2011 12:00 PM When it comes to discussing a clash between Tottenham and QPR, there are few who are better qualified than Clive Allen, the Spurs coach who emulated his dad by playing for both teams. Between them, father and son have helped to shape the last 50 years of the two London clubs’ histories, ever since Les Allen joined the Lilywhites in 1959. He was ever-present in the Spurs team which won the double under Bill Nicholson in 1961, before switching to QPR. Les went on to score 62 goals in 146 games as the Rs were promoted two seasons in a row, reaching the top flight for the first time ever while also winning the League Cup in 1967. He proceeded to manage Rangers from 1968 to 1971, and his son followed in his footsteps, starting his career at Loftus Road in 1978. Clive even outdid his father, netting 83 goals in 147 games in his two spells at QPR and helping Rangers to the FA Cup Final in 1982 – against Tottenham of course. Spurs won the replay 1-0 and Allen switched sides two years later, scoring 84 goals in 124 games for the Lilywhites, including a strike in the 1987 FA Cup Final against Coventry – which the Lilywhites lost 3-2. Having also played for Crystal Palace, Chelsea, West Ham and Millwall, Clive Allen has represented more London clubs than any other footballer in history. But there are no doubts about his two favourite clubs – and he is eagerly awaiting their first meeting for 15 years on Sunday. “Other than Tottenham, QPR are the club who are closest to my heart,” Allen told London24.com. “My dad was the manager there and that’s where I started my career. I’ve got a very big soft spot for QPR, it’s a second home for me. “As I was growing up I always went to the games with my grandfather, watching my dad play. “Then I spent time there when my dad was the manager, kicking around at Loftus Road when I was six or seven years old, before signing my apprenticeship when I was 16. I know the place inside out, I’ve got a lot of fond memories. “If I had to pick one I’d have to say making it to the Cup Final in 1982. We beat West Brom in the semi-final at Highbury, and we went on to play Spurs in the final. “Unfortunately I picked up quite a nasty ankle injury early in the game, but it was an incredible achievement for the club and I think it set us up for a very successful period at that time. “QPR are always one of the first results I look out for. I have to say that they were out of the top flight for too long, so it’s good to see them back. Now, with their financial position, things look rosy and hopefully they can have a good season.” While Neil Warnock’s Rangers are currently in the top half of the table after Sunday’s derby win over Chelsea, Allen believes it is too early to predict whether the Rs will survive the drop. “Like a lot of clubs, I don’t think anyone can say how they will do at this moment – but I don’t think any of the newly-promoted teams have started too badly,” he said. “Norwich and QPR have done particularly well, and it’s good for the game that they can come into the Premier League and be competitive. “There’s always that factor with the new clubs where no-one’s quite sure what they’re about, and they spring a few surprises. But it always depends on that second half of the season, how they cope with that.” Adel Taarabt will be in the spotlight this weekend as he returns to Spurs, and Allen admits that the maverick Moroccan hasn’t changed a bit since he left White Hart Lane. “I know Adel very well. I’ve seen him at his brilliant best and I also had to deal with him when he was at his worst,” said the Tottenham coach. “He can be a world-beater, and he can also be the most frustrating player to play with and work with. He is that type. “There was a lot of discussion amongst the staff here when he left. We’d had him for a few years, and Adel wanted the chance to play regular first-team football. “That wasn’t going to happen for him at the time with us, but he’s taken his chance at QPR. He’s an incredible talent, there’s no doubt about that, and he harnessed a lot of that talent in the Championship last season – he showed what he’s capable of. “The biggest challenge he has now is to see if he can produce that consistently in the Premier League. That’s going to be the big test for him.” Taarabt is yet to score this season – but he is not the only one. Indeed, Rangers have managed just seven goals in their nine top-flight fixtures to date. Only Wigan have scored less. “That’s the level we’re at in the Premier League, it’s not easy to score goals,” said Allen. “QPR are finding that difficult, as a lot of teams do. “They were free-scoring last season and their play warranted that, but perhaps they’re just not quite able to control games the way they did last season in the Championship. “But I’ve been watching them and seen what was a great result on Sunday against Chelsea. We know what we have to do, we certainly have to be at our best to get a result on Sunday.” Follow me on Twitter @BenPearceSpurs iReader http://www.london24.com/sport/champ...n_relishes_first_derby_for_15_years_1_1109400
As I said, I'm not sure Lennon will start so I'd put SWP on the right. Walker can match SWP for pace and if SWP cuts onto his right, he might find Parker/Sandro a brick wall to get past.
QPR striker set to face spell on the sidelines - QPR - London 24 Bothroyd is likely to find himself on the becnh rather than the starting XI over the coming weeks QPR striker set to face spell on the sidelines Ian Cooper, QPR correspondent Thursday, October 27, 2011 1:26 PM Bothroyd to remain on the bench as Helguson keeps his place in Rangers side Jay Bothroyd is set to remain on the bench for QPRâs trip to Tottenham on Sunday as manager Neil Warnock continues Heidar Helgusonâs run in the side. Warnock snapped up Bothroyd, who has one England cap, on a free transfer in July. But the former Cardiff City man, who scored 20 goals for the Bluebirds in the Championship last season, has struggled to adapt to the Premier League, failing to score in eight games. The 28-year-old was replaced by Icelandic veteran Helguson for the matches against Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea, and Helguson responded by scoring in both games, while his overall performances have impressed Warnock. He is now set to keep his place for this weekendâs trip to White Hart Lane, and QPR assistant boss Mick Jones admits Bothroyd faces a struggle to get back into the side. âHeidar will get a run in the side now, definitely, heâs been an absolute revelation since he came in,â Jones told London24.com. âJay went something like eight games without a goal, and Heidarâs come in and scored twice. âAgainst Chelsea we stuck Heidar on David Luiz, because Luiz is a young boy really and we felt he had a mistake in him, so we pushed Heidar towards him and sure enough, he won us the penalty. âHeidar has benefitted from Premier League football, I think all the lads over 30 have. In the Championship, when youâre playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, itâs tough to handle physically.â Follow me on Twitter @QPRTimes iReader
Parker ready for confident Rangers Scott Parker expects QPR to be brimming with confidence when they make their long-awaited return to the Lane on Sunday. Rangers travel from Shepherd’s Bush to N17 for the first time in the Premier League since December, 1995 following promotion to the top flight last season. And they make the trip on the back of another notable derby success – beating their near-neighbours Chelsea 1-0 at Loftus Road last weekend. In-form midfielder Scott feels Neil Warnock’s men would raise their game for the Lane anyway. “It’s another London derby and they are coming out of a great result against Chelsea, so it will be tough,” he said. “A lot of teams come to White Hart Lane and get that extra lift, they are up against a good team and they want to do well. “QPR have just come back into the Premier League and won’t be any different, they will do everything they can to try to win or get a point. “We’re fully aware of that but if we do what we can do, and play the way we can, I’m confident we can win the game. We’re all determined to keep this unbeaten run going.” iReader http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/parker-ready-for-confident-rangers-271011.html
Must admit I always felt fairly well disposed towards Spurs because of the way they've always tried to play good football, but after reading some of the po-faced and condescending posts on this thread and on their site, I would really love it if we did them by a couple of goals at WHL on Sunday.
Who and how to play against QPR It has been an eventful week for QPR, sadly for all the wrong reasons, as John Terry hogs the front and back page headlines, in what could have massive implications for the English game. That aside, there is an interesting London derby between two teams that haven`t faced each other since the 9th of December 1995 before QPR started their long spell outside of the top flight in an era that seemed a million miles from the team that I grew up admiring, captained by former spurs manager Gerry Francis and a team that so nearly won the title in 1975/76, playing some great football with a team full of quality as well as characters. Though now Premiership minnows in terms if the size of club, fan base and perhaps squad. You get the feeling that with the clever management of Neil Warnock and money of Tony Fernandes and Amit Bhatia, things could be changing for the West London club, just as long as they can maintain their Premiership status, which for me looks very likely based not only on their solid start to the season, but also the squad that has been assembled in the summer. Spurs of course will face a former player in the brilliantly unpredictable Adel Taarabt, who will no doubt be desperate to prove something to Tottenham and their fans, but in doing so could run the game or be substituted at half time, such is the nature of the man. From a Spurs perspective, both Roman Pavlyuchenko and Sebastien Bassong have been rumoured to be Rangers targets, whilst Kyle Walker will have fond memories of spending the first half of last season at Loftus Road. Neil Warnock will be delighted to see QPR sitting tenth in the table after nine games, with a start that wasn`t flying, but can perhaps best be described as being steady, with an equal match of three wins, draws and losses, with last weekend`s memorable win against nine man Chelsea being the highlight, but defeats to Bolton (4-0) in the opening fixture and a 6-0 capitulation to Fulham, have been definite lows. Last minute buys of some very reasonable players such as Joey Barton and Shaun Wright-Phillips, have added Premiership quality that should stand them in good stead for the season ahead, but there still remains a fragility and for me a little imbalance to the squad, that will make them struggle, though probably be too good to be serious relegation candidates. Especially if money is wisely spent again in the new year. Spurs are beginning to get some of their players back to fitness, with William Gallas and Steven Pienaar retuning to training following last week`s returns of Sandro and Aaron Lennon, but with a long trip to Russia scheduled for next Thursday, you get the impression that Harry will look to pick a team along the lines of his recent selections, irrespective of who travels abroad next week, but I can almost imagine only two or three of the weekends team and bench will even make the trip to Russia, such is the importance placed on the Prem and also the clubs Europa league standing. For me, we are again perhaps only looking at one place being up for debate and that is whether to start with Sandro or Aaron Lennon in a side I believe will be, Friedel, Walker, Kaboul, Bassong, BAE, Lennon/Sandro, Parker, Modric, Bale, VdV and Adebayor, and the final decision is going to be quite a tough one for Harry against a side that you would perhaps expect him to attack, rather than look to contain, meaning I think that Lennon will get the nod from Harry, but it seems a huge shame not to find a place for the Brazilian, but that perhaps means a slight change of shape, probably forcing Modric to start on the right, as I doubt that Harry will change formation from a 4-4-1-1. At this time, I think QPR are definitely beatable and are finding it tough to score, as is so often the case with promoted sides, but aside from that disaster against Fulham, three games ago, they have only conceded two goals against Wigan, keeping clean sheets in wins against Everton and Wolves in their other trips away. I would be amazed if their win over Chelsea didn`t give them massive confidence, but if it wasn`t for the sending off, I honestly don`t think they would have got anything from a game, that Chelsea looked in control of, even with two men down. Personally I can`t wait to see which Adel Taarabt turns up on the day in what might well be his only opportunity to prove a point before a possible January move and he could easily be sublime or ridiculous on the day, let`s just hope we see him waiting for a bus on the High Road at around 5pm on Sunday afternoon, as he and his team have a very tough reunion with Tottenham after so many years... http://www.spurs.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7510420
Wow! What a strange bunch those Not606 Spurs fans are! Having read on another forum that our fans were 'ADHD' last Sunday, some of the spurs fans on here definitely appear to be 'on the spectrum'! Would love to see Taarabt turn it on this Sunday, whatever his motives. Fear for us, but then again I thought we'd lose last week.
Mark Lawrenson's Prediction for Spurs v QPR Tottenham Hotspur v Queens Park Rangers (Sunday, 1600 BST) QPR's win over Chelsea last week was massive for them - they need to keep picking up points - and they have bounced back pretty well since being hammered 6-0 by Fulham at the start of October, as you would expect with the way their manager Neil Warnock is. But Tottenham are on a good run, playing great football and they will be far too strong for Rangers in midfield. Spurs are my favourites for fourth place. They have competition for places and reinforcements, which is exactly what you want. They always look capable of scoring goals too. Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Queens Park Rangers Here are all of Lawro's 2011-12 Premier League predictions, together with how the League Table would look like based on his forecasts for the season to date: http://www.myfootballfacts.com/Mark_Lawrensons_Predictions_2011-12.html iReader
Oh for God's sake, first we get Webb and now Lawro has jinxed us. Going on their past records I expect us to get beat
QPR visit White Hart Lane for first time in 15 years – history Thu 27th Oct 2011 22:20 by Clive Whittingham As QPR prepare for their first trip to White Hart Lane since 1995, LoftforWords takes its regular look back at past results, player connections and a memorable game between the two clubs. http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/footba...=#qpr&utm_content=#qpr&utm_source=twitterfeed
Not this time, Rangers It’s been a difficult week for Chelsea following their controversial defeat at Loftus Road, but the ship was steadied somewhat at Goodison on Wednesday night after their thrilling extra-time cup success. Whilst the Carling Cup is not a priority for Andre Villas-Boas it represents, arguably, the best chance of silverware for the Blues and they are 4/1 behind the two Manchester clubs City at 5/2 and United at 11/4. Chelsea cannot afford another slip-up at home to Arsenal on Saturday and they are 8/13 to return to winning ways with the draw 3s and a resurgent, but still vulnerable, Gunners at 5/1. Make no mistake, this Arsenal side will bear no resemblance defensively to the one that shipped eight at Old Trafford earlier in the campaign with Thomas Vermaelen returning from his latest injury and likely to be partnered with Per Mertesacker for the first time in central defence. Chelsea welcome back Fernando Torres and how they need the Spaniard after Didier Drogba’s irresponsible and crude challenge against QPR. Torres is 17/4 to net the opener with Daniel Sturridge 11/2 and Frank Lampard 7s. I think Chelsea will sneak it, but it should be a cracker. 6/1 to score first at the DW Fulham (6/4) have only themselves to blame for their latest reverse against Everton last weekend and cannot be as wasteful in front of goal against Wigan at the DW Stadium. The Lancashire side played well against Newcastle last weekend and know they would leapfrog Martin Jol’s side with a win, which is a 21/10 shot. Bobby Zamora didn’t have his shooting boots on against the Toffees but remains 6/1 to get the weekend opener with Andrew Johnson 15/2. QPR would do well to get anything from their trip to Tottenham in Sunday’s televised game. That said, Rangers are sure to have their supporters at 9/1 following their win in the west London derby last weekend, although they are unlikely to have as benevolent a referee at the Lane. The draw is priced at 4/1 and there is certainly nothing wrong with Rangers’ team spirit as they try to consolidate their place in the Premier League. You have to go down as far as 14/1 to find the first QPR player in the first goalscorer lists with Heidar Helguson and Jay Bothroyd at that price. It will be interesting to see if R’s boss Neil Warnock perseveres with Adel Taarabt (16/1 to net the opener) after his latest show of petulance last weekend. QPR and Fulham fans might also fancy this one: their friends Chelsea are 8/1 to have yet another player sent off on Saturday. iReader http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/not-this-time-rangers/
Can QPR follow Chelsea victory with another derby triumph at Tottenham? - Tottenham - London 24 Adel Taarabt in action against Chelsea Can QPR follow Chelsea victory with another derby triumph at Tottenham? By Ian Cooper, QPR correspondent Friday, October 28, 2011 11:00 AM London24’s QPR correspondent gives Spurs fans the lowdown on the Premier League new boys ahead of Sunday’s derby at White Hart Lane. QPR manager Neil Warnock hailed his side’s win over bitter rivals Chelsea on Sunday as a landmark day and, psychologically, it could be the result which kick-starts Rangers’ season. Ever since Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes completed his takeover of the club two months ago, the initial burst of euphoria around Loftus Road had gradually been eroded by a growing sense of frustration. Upon his arrival, Fernandes instigated the signing of a host of players – midfielders Joey Barton, Jason Puncheon and Shaun Wright-Phillips, and defenders Anton Ferdinand, Luke Young and Armand Traore. The ‘new era’ began brightly with a lively display in a promising 0-0 draw at home to Newcastle, followed by a 3-0 win at Wolves, where Barton and DJ Campbell both scored their first goals. But those impressive early displays were followed by a trio of worrying results. Only a late Richard Dunne own goal rescued a point at home to Aston Villa, before the Rs were humiliated in a 6-0 drubbing by neighbouring Fulham at Craven Cottage. A 1-1 home draw in a disjointed performance against Blackburn only heightened the sense of unease – but then came Chelsea. Regardless of Andre Villas-Boas’ protestations, QPR were full value for their 1-0 win, employing a brand of high-tempo football which proved too much for the Blues in front of a hostile crowd. There have been plenty of calls in recent weeks for Warnock to ditch his 4-3-2-1 formation, which is based around the temperamental ex-Spurs man Adel Taarabt, in favour of either 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 to accommodate two strikers and increase his side’s goal threat. Those calls appeared well-founded. Summer signing Jay Bothroyd, ploughing a lone role up front, failed to score in any of his first eight matches in league and cup, and was then dropped against Blackburn and Chelsea. However, Warnock has stuck to his guns, adjusting his personnel rather than his formation – and Heidar Helguson, Bothroyd’s replacement in the last two games, has responded with two goals. The manager is unlikely to tinker with his side, which means the ever-reliable Paddy Kenny will retain his place in goal. Ferdinand has proven a solid addition at centre-back, and he will be joined by Danny Gabbidon if the Welshman returns from a knee injury in time. If not, Fitz Hall will continue to deputise. Warnock is confident Traore will be available, having missed the Chelsea game through injury, while Young, who made 58 appearances for Tottenham between 1997 and 2001, will play at right-back. QPR operate with a two-man midfield shield of Shaun Derry, who made his 600th professional appearance against the Blues, and Alejandro Faurlin. Both players were key members of the side which won promotion last season, and they have built on that understanding in the opening weeks of the new campaign. Ahead of them, Wright-Phillips, Taarabt and Barton have largely been given licence to roam, and will regularly interchange position behind the lone striker. With Campbell facing eight weeks out with a broken foot, and Bothroyd seemingly out of favour for being ‘off colour’, that lone striker role is likely to be taken by the derby hero Helguson again. The verdict: Spurs correspondent Ben Pearce says: Having hosted Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal, this is a new test for new-look Tottenham – beating a ‘lesser team’ at home, something they often failed to do last campaign. However, only Wigan have scored fewer top-flight goals than QPR thus far – and this is Rangers’ first match away at a top-half team, let alone a ‘top-five’ team. I’ll back Tottenham – 2-0 You can follow our QPR correspondent Ian Cooper @QPRTimes You can follow our Spurs correspondent Ben Pearce @BenPearceSpurs iReader http://www.london24.com/sport/totte...another_derby_triumph_at_tottenham_1_1109478?
