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In 32 previous attempts the R’s have never returned to west London with a victory to show for their efforts.
33rd time lucky? It is a stat that Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side will be keen to finally put to rest when they head to the Midlands this weekend that is for sure.
Following a good opening month Nottingham Forest found themselves sitting in seventh spot in the Sky Bet Championship, just outside the play-off spots.
However, since that 3-1 victory against Leeds United at the end of August the Trees have won just once in their following 11 outings. That has seen them drop to 20th in the table after a third of the season has gone.
A takeover at the City Ground looks imminent with owner Fawaz Al Hasawi set to sell the club to a US consortium with Forest fans hoping that can signal a return to the top flight in the coming years for the first time since they were relegated in 1999.
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Team News
QPR: Joel Lynch and Yeni Ngbakoto are expected to return for QPR, while Jack Robinson is available once again after successfully coming through 60 minutes against Brentford.
Forest: Thomas Lam and Hildeberto Pereira are available again for Forest whilst striker Britt Assombalonga is edging closer to a start.
Possible Starting Xl's
Stojkovic,
Lichaj, Mills, Pereira, Perquis,
Worrall, Cohen, Lansbury, Osborn,
Kasami, Vellios.
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QPR Fan From The USA ... @EMMInRealLife
JFH ... We Need To Show Guts
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes this weekend’s game against Nottingham Forest is all about character …
- Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says this weekend is a test of QPR's character
- QPR take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground
- Lynch and Ngbakoto could return for the R's
The R’s will be keen to get back on track following last Friday’s disappointing defeat against Brentford, and Hasselbaink told www.qpr.co.uk: “That loss was a really big disappointment for everybody.
“We never got to the level we really wanted to, that is the biggest disappointment of all.
“Now it is all about trying to put that right and being really positive, even though we are away from home.
“We want to be positive and get some self-satisfaction back. This is about showing our character and our commitment.
“We need to get back to our beliefs and our way.”
The QPR boss admits the players have been hurting since the derby loss, but he takes positives from that reaction.
“That’s good,” he explained. “It is good that they are being honest and we are being honest with them.
“In situations like this you have to be able to look each other in the eye, talk to each other and tell each other what we need from one another.
“We need solutions. This isn’t about pointing fingers, it’s about finding solutions so we can move forward.
“That starts with taking responsibility and having some guts.”
QPR’s record at the City Ground is well-documented – the R’s haven’t won there in 32 attempts – but Hasselbaink insists he has no interest in focusing on what’s been before.
“I am aware of the record but it’s not something I am thinking of,” he said.
“This is a new game that we can affect. We can’t affect the games that have been. This is the one we can affect and that is what we are trying to do.”
Hasselbaink confirmed Joel Lynch and Yeni Ngbakoto could return for the R’s, while Jack Robinson is also expected to feature after successfully coming through an hour of action against Brentford.
Meanwhile, Hasselbaink will make a late call on striker Idrissa Sylla, who picked up a knock against the Bees.
“He soldiered on but hasn’t been able to train this week,” Hasselbaink explained. “He trained by himself on Thursday and is back with the group today (Friday).”
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MATCH ODDS
QPR win: 2/1
Draw: 23/10
Nottingham Forest: 11/8
QPR first goal scorer: Idrissa Sylla 6/1
Forest first goal scorer: Britt Assombalonga 4/1
LAST TIME OUT
Nottingham Forest 0-0 QPR – Championship, Tuesday 26th January 2016
HEAD TO HEAD
(In all competitions)
QPR wins: 15
Draws: 20
Nottingham Forest wins: 28
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Keith Stroud
Assistant Referees: Ian Cooper and Billy Smallwood
Fourth official: Paul Graham
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