http://thefantasyfootballinsider.co.uk/previewQPR.html Countdown Preview: Queens Park Rangers The Contender This year sees the addition of a to the London club to the Premier League in a straight swap for another London club. West Ham were relegated in May, but will be replaced by West London’s Queens Park Rangers. Despite some end-of-season promotion controversies, they barnstormed into the Premier League where they will take their place for the first time in 15 years. Path to the Top Flight QPR were the standout performers in the Championship last season, going 19 games at the beginning of the season without a loss. They managed to only lose 2 games before Christmas, and only 6 games in total throughout the season. This was mainly on the back of an air-tight defence which allowed the Rangers to finish on top of the Championship table and gain automatic promotion to the Premier League. Veteran manager Neil Warnock’s side only conceded 32 goals in 46 games and racked up 25 clean sheets. They will definitely head into this season’s Premier League with great confidence in their defence. How Have They Changed? Warnock released a host of players on QPR’s promotion, and has made only a couple of summer signings mainly due to a highly reduced transfer budget: Jay Bothroyd QPR captured the England international striker on a free transfer from one of last season’s Championship rivals Cardiff City. Bothroyd has scored fairly consistently in the Championship for Cardiff, picking up 45 goals over three seasons in all competitions, and it was this form that saw him called up to the England national squad for a friendly against France in November 2010. He is a huge boost to the QPR attack, which will most definitely need to step up this season to back up their solid defensive line, and he will face healthy competition with fellow QPR strikers Patrick Agyemang and Hogan Ephraim itching to get a go in the first team. Bothroyd will make a welcome return to QPR – he spent several at the club’s centre of excellence as a junior, Rangers fans will be hoping that he can find a permanent home at Loftus Road. Kieron Dyer The long-time Newcastle United midfielder found his way to Loftus Road on a free transfer from newly relegated West Ham. The 32 year-old veteran has plenty of big-match experience, having represented the English national side on 33 occasions, but whether will be reliable enough this season remains to be seen. Hammers fans grew frustrated with Dyer as he only took to the field 30 times over 4 seasons, with many pundits questioning his fitness. Perhaps with a full preseason under his belt he will be able to perform consistently for the Rangers - Neil Warnock is certainly convinced that Dyer can find his form and provide QPR with some attacking weaponry. QPR are currently also pursuing other players, with Peter Crouch, Wayne Routledge, and DJ Campbell all getting mentions. However they are almost certain to lose their captain and leading goal-scorer from last season Adel Taarabt. How Will They Fare? QPR begin their Premier League campaign with a game at Loftus Road against Bolton Wanderers, and will be hoping for a strong start to the season. They do not take on any of last season’s top 4 teams until late October when they face Chelsea at home. Strengths Queens Park Rangers’ biggest selling-point is definitely their defence, which was outstanding last season. The improved pace and skill of the Premier League compared with the Championship will force QPR to adopt a much more compact and defensive style of play, and they will rely heavily on the discipline and ability of their defenders. Weaknesses A huge blow for QPR this off-season will be the inevitable sale of goal and assist leader Moroccan Adel Taarabt, whose attacking flair almost single-handedly saw the Rangers into the top flight. While his sale will hopefully free up some funds for Neil Warnock to go shopping, it will certainly leave a large dent in QPR’s attack. Jay Bothroyd’s arrival at Loftus Road will hopefully add some strike power for the sake of the QPR fans. Prediction If QPR can get their attack in order quickly once the season begins, they should be able to build on their defence and remain out of the relegation zone in my opinion. Some more transfers would indeed help. Predicted Finish: 16th
We'll have to see what the Prem team is Swords, there is still time to make us competitive (at the bottom!)
whats that bloke on as i would like to have what he's drinking, would like that finish of 16th but at present & the way things are going its hard not to see us in bottom 3, what did warnock say we won't do another blackpool but not having enough players in? i know its not his fault but ffs we gotta get something moving, so dissappointed with the way things have panned out in pre-season dealings.
If Dyer stays fit and that's a big If, he could be a very useful acquisition. If Adel does go, and Spuds suddenly get a wind fall from the deal, then it might be easier to get in a couple of loan player from them. Ideally, i would love to see Kyle Walker back but reckon we will get Naughton. Wouldn't mind either Crouchy or Jenas on season long loan deal with spuds paying 50 % of their wages.
Ninj, I cannot understand where you're getting your optimism from. But I'd like to say: Keep it up pal, its starting to rub off on me!! U RRRRRR's!!
