* QPR boss Mark Hughes has targeted 37 points as the total needed for Premier League survival. The Rangers coach (pic) finally came clean today after weeks of being asked the same question and reckons Aston Villa could get dragged into the relegation dogfight after winning only twice in 10 matches â and one of those against west London neighbours Fulham. Villa head five others including Rangers on the edge of the drop zone, with Hughes only too aware of what happens to a team on a downward spiral. âSometimes it happens teams have a run at the wrong time and that may be true of Villa,â he said. âI donât think it (survival) will be as low as the all-time figure of 34 points, but I donât think itâs going to need 40, either,â he added. âI think halfway between the two will be about right.â Hughes and co head for Old Trafford and a Sunday lunch showdown with Manchester United planning a âstatement of intentâ, as Sparky put it. âThere is no expectation for us to get anything there. But you have to have to take it to United in some way, and make a statement of intent," he added. âIf you show fear, sides like United will sense it, and they will quickly get on top.â Central defender Fitz Hall has been added to the list of the injured, although DJ Campbell and Heidar Helguson have been added to the squad. Both strikers return from long lay-offs although Hughes warned the likely bet was an appearance off the bench by Campbell. He said: âDJâs ahead of Heidar as far as fitness goes.â Add a comment Recommend
Interesting article. Warnock was sacked after 20 games and 17 points, an average of 0.85 points per game. So for 37 points, Hughes has to win 20 points from 18 games (1.11 ppg), when his achievement to date has been 11 in 11. If you're right, then three more wins then, Spunkster!
Should he be saying that there is no expectation of us getting anything there? I hope and expect that he is not saying that to the players.
The task ahead although difficult, is very very manageable. The away games against Utd and City will probably not produce much but IMO we can pick up some points in all the others, if we perform. For me, thats the key. If we play like we can then we will pick up the necessary points. No need for massive negative reaction tomorrow evening if we come home empty handed. Anything tomorrow evening will be a massive brucey bonus,
I can just picture him, sitting on the living room carpet, staring plaintively at his wife and kids, begging to be carried out......
