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MATCH PREVIEW: QPR V NEWCASTLE UNITED
QPR play host to Newcastle United in the R’s penultimate fixture of the 2014/15 Premier League season on Saturday.
After relegation was confirmed last weekend following defeat to Manchester City, Chris Ramsey’s charges will be keen to right the wrongs of that display when the Geordies come to town for the Hoops’ final home game of the campaign.
John Carver’s side are themselves embroiled in the scrap for survival towards the foot of the table, with the Toon Army currently sitting in 17th place, just two points clear of Hull City, who occupy the remaining relegation spot.
The visitors head to Loftus Road on the back of gaining their first point in nine fixtures last weekend, thanks to a 1-1 draw at home to West Bromwich Albion.
That result followed eight defeats in a row for Carver’s men, prompting showdown talks between the St. James’ Park hierarchy and the management and playing squad.
Carver described it as the ‘toughest week’ of his life, but was pleased with the ‘huge point’ against the Baggies, which ended their abysmal run.
Rangers will recall Nedum Onuoha from suspension this weekend, but Sandro remains unavailable.
The Geordies, meanwhile, have Daryl Janmaat available again following a one game ban, whilst Gabriel Obertan and Roland Aarons are likely to return.
Siem de Jong and Adam Armstrong remain sidelined, as does Mike Williamson (suspended).
Newcastle United – Likely line-up (4-3-3): Krul; Janmat, Colccini, Dummet, Gutierrez; Sissoko, Taylor, Colback; Perez, Riviere, Cabella
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Tim KRUL (Goalkeeper)
Towering goalkeeper Tim Krul may be Holland’s second-choice custodian but he is firmly number one at St. James’ Park.
The Dutchman, who signed a new five-year deal in 2012, arrived from hometown club Den Haag in the summer of 2006 and has emerged through the ranks to become a key player in the Newcastle first team.
Following injury in 2006 to then-first-choice goalkeeper Shay Given, Krul was promoted to the bench as back-up to second-choice Steve Harper.
But after returning from loan spells at Falkirk and Carlisle, Krul continued to impress – and has made the number one jersey his own.
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R’s captain, Joey Barton: “Our fans, like us players, are obviously devastated that we’ve been relegated.
“But we really appreciate the support that we’ve been given this season. We intend to finish the campaign as well as we possibly can.
“We’ve got two football matches left to win. You have to keep your integrity as a football club. We don’t want to finish bottom of the league. That’s got to be the aim for us.”
Geordies midfielder, Moussa Sissoko: “QPR is a massive game for this team and the Club.
“When you play in the Premier League it doesn't matter where the team are in the division - every game is different but every game is hard.
“QPR are already relegated but will still make it difficult for us because they now have no pressure on them. What is important is that we go there with confidence, a week of good training behind us and go to win the game.”
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QPR win: 2/1
Draw: 5/2
Newcastle United win: 13/10
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Newcastle United 1, QPR 0 – Premier League – Saturday 22nd November 2014
Scorer: Sissoko
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QPR wins: 16
Draws: 8
Newcastle United wins: 23
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Referee: L Probert
Assistant Referee: R Ganfield & A Garratt
Fourth Official: N Swarbrick
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Whether you’re at Loftus Road or not on Saturday, Rangers fans across the globe can enjoy a whole of host of exclusive content – both before and after our clash with the Geordies – on QPR Player.
Coverage will include our live commentary, extended highlights and much, much more.
Read more at http://www.qpr.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-preview/index.aspx#hiAVIOPwmXkE4klG.99
