please log in to view this image SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER, KICK-OFF 3PM please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Match Preview Harry Redknapp takes his promotion chasing QPR side to Blackpool today in search of an elusive away win. Rangers are without a victory on the road in five attempts and one at Blackpool would certainly ease the mounting pressure to pick up points at Loftus Road. Harry Redknapp has continued to tweak his side throughout the season and in recent weeks has adopted the '442` formation that he opted for at the start of the campaign. The inclusion of Andy Johnson has given Charlie Austin a foil up top and at times the R`s have looked more dangerous. However, I don`t think their play has benefited drastically since the exclusion of the extra midfielder. QPR`s lack of attacking adventure has been clear to all supporters. In truth, it`s hard to argue when we`re sitting in second but it sort of feels like the season hasn`t got going yet, despite it being mid-December. In terms of general play, the midfielders aren`t getting forward enough and the defenders have barely chipped in from set-plays either, leaving the two strikers with the heavy burden of scoring all the goals. The build-up play has been slow throughout the season and with the pace and trickery of Phillips and Hoilett, you`d think QPR would be more of a threat if they played at a higher tempo. In short, QPR are playing it safe in possession and need to take risks in advanced areas. More players need to support the strikers and look to create opportunities and get on the end of crosses and scraps. Regarding passes in the attacking third, only Brighton (26%) have a smaller percentage than QPR (28%) in the Championship this season, which confirms that Redknapp`s men could do with pushing further forward when in possession of the ball - starting today. Words by Jack Supple c/o http://www.qpr.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=341754#ixzz2nRbfeSoy One To Watch please log in to view this image Tom Ince Team News & Possible Line Ups Blackpool defender Gary MacKenzie (hip) is out for the next two to three weeks and joins Bradley Orr (thigh) in the treatment room. Kirk Broadfoot is back from his one-game ban, while Craig Cathcart (knee) is ready to return to action. Yossi Benayoun is unlikely to make his QPR debut at Bloomfield Road. The Israel midfielder has signed a short-term deal with the promotion chasers and this week received his work permit but manager Harry Redknapp says he will spend the weekend working on his fitness. Defenders Nedum Onuoha (hamstring) and Luke Young (hip) both played for the reserves in midweek and could return. Blackpool GILKS GOSLING - CATHCART - BROADFOOT - ROBINSON DAVIES - BASHAM - OSBOURNE - INCE DOBBIE - CHOPRA QPR GREEN SIMPSON - DUNNE - HILL - ASSOU-EKOTTO PHILLIPS - BARTON - CARROLL - HENRY - HOILETT AUSTIN Meet The Managers please log in to view this image V please log in to view this image http://www.nemesisagency.co.uk/models/hidden/amy-ince/5900/ Match Facts Head to Head • These teams meet for the first time since 2009/10 when both were last in the Championship together. That season both fixtures ended in draws. Blackpool went on to be promoted to the Premier League that season. • They have previously met 25 times in all competitions- Blackpool have won just 3 of those 25 matches. • Blackpool have not won any of the last 5 meetings, a run stretching back to December 2007. Blackpool • Blackpool have received 5 Red Cards in their last 2 Championship matches, 3 at Yeovil and a further 2 in a 5-1 defeat at Derby last Saturday. • Blackpool's defeat at Derby last Saturday was the first time this season they had lost back to back League matches. • Blackpool have won just 3 of their last 13 Championship matches. QPR • Both of QPR's League defeats this season have been away from home, at Burnley and Doncaster. • QPR have not won any of their last 5 away matches- their last success on the road was a 1-0 win at Yeovil on 21st September. They have lost 2 and drawn 3 of those 5 matches. • QPR have kept a clean sheet in 3 of their last 4 matches. • QPR have the Championship's best defence- they have conceded only 10 goals so far this season. please log in to view this image Ref Watch: Stuart Attwell please log in to view this image Warwickshire official handed Blackpool clash ... WARWICKSHIRE based referee Stuart Attwell is the man in the middle of Saturday’s Championship fixture against Blackpool. Attwell is a graduate of Staffordshire University who joined the Football League list in 2007 at the age of 24. His fast track to the top continued when six months later he progressed onto League One matches before eventually refereeing five Championship fixtures that season. Attwell was included in the Select Group referees for the following campaign making him the youngest ever Premier League official aged 25 after just one season in the Football League. In 2009 Attwell was added to the international referee list before six months later he officiated two Japanese J League fixtures as part of an exchange programme. However, the Nuneaton official was demoted from the Select Group Referees list and returned to Football League action in February 2012. This season he has taken charge of 16 fixtures issuing 53 yellow cards, 6 red cards and 3 penalties. He has taken charge of four QPR fixtures previously, the most recent a 1-0 win at Leeds United's Elland Road in August this year. Assisting Attwell will be Robert Jones and David Richardson whilst fourth official duties fall to Darren Bond. please log in to view this image Blackpool 12/5 Draw 12/5 QPR 11/10 please log in to view this image
I believe Blackpool are basically playing with 1 arm behind their backs this week, following 5 red cards in the last two games! Should be another 3 points in the bag for you guys today
If only it was that simple! The reverse is probably true, they'll be bristling with indignation and determined to get a result in front of their own supporters. A draw would be a decent result today...
QPR X1: Green; Simpson, Dunne, Hill, Assou-Ekotto, Phillips, Carroll, OâNeil, Barton, Jenas, Austin Subs: Murphy; Traore, Onuoha, Chevanton, Kranjcar, Henry, Hoilett.
I hope we are finally playing 4231 with Carroll in the middle of the 3. Chevy must come on with 30 or more to go if we aren't winning.
We played Burton and Carroll last time which is even more lightweight. I'd think the cm on the wing will tuck in a bit too. I'm glad redknapp has finally seen there's no use for henry.
The official QPR twitter.......... QPR FC ‏@OfficialQPR 35m TEAM NEWS: Andrew Johnson misses out this afternoon owing to a slight injury. #BLPvQPR and this from Ale........... Alejandro Faurlin ‏@alefaurlin 14m All the best to the lads!! Great game Against a decent side!! Big 3 points!!hate Saturdays without football honestly the hardest part!!!
please log in to view this image QPR FC ‏@OfficialQPR 6m #QPR captain Clint Hill and @dannysimpson ping balls to each other ahead of kick-off. #BLPvQPR
We are on TV live here in Norway so I suppose it can be picked up on a stream. Blowing a gale there apparently. About 1000 R's according to the Commentator.
