please log in to view this image QUEENS Park Rangers can expect a firm test this evening as we welcome a strong looking Newcastle United to Loftus Road. Despite the difficulty of the challenge the R’s will know a win will see them leapfrog the Geordies and head back into the Play-Off positions. Following their relegation from the Premier League last season, Rafa Benitez’s side had a poor start to the season suffering back-to-back defeats to Fulham and Huddersfield. However they have won their last four league games and their performances are starting to mirror a side that was the clear bookies favourites for promotion at the start of the campaign. The rebuilding process on Tyneside was boosted by former Liverpool and Real Madrid Manager Rafa Benitez’s decision to sign a long-term contract over the summer. This was followed by some high profile signings from the Premier League including Mohammed Diame, Matt Richie and top goal scorer Dwight Gayle. Despite dropping down a division the Geordies can always rely on the extremely loyal ‘Toon Army’ to show their support with the away end expected to be sold out this evening, which should make for a fantastic atmosphere in W12. Regardless of the talent they possess going forward, Rafa Benitez prides his teams on being well drilled and defensively strong with a balance of power and finesse in midfield. please log in to view this image TEAM NEWS QPR: Pawel Wszolek is available for the first time after serving a carried over one match ban with Hellas Verona. Striker Sebastian Polter (glute) is an injury doubt whilst Massimo Luongo is still suffering with illness and could also miss out. Yeni Ngbakoto is available again following a family bereavement whilst defender Joel Lynch has recovered from an abdomen injury and is available for selection. Newcastle: Rob Elliot and Rolando Aarons remain side-lined, while Massadio Haidara is nearing match fitness but won’t feature at Loftus Road. Christian Atsu and Daryl Murphy - who didn’t travel to Derby – could make their debuts as could Achraf Lazaar. Predicted line up: (4-5-1) Sels, Anita, Lascelles, Mbemba, Dummett, Ritchie, Colback, Shelvey, Goufrann, Diame, Gayle Key Player: Mohammed Diame – The combative midfielder is known for his powerful bursts into the box and is capable of the spectacular from 30 yards out. please log in to view this image please log in to view this image QPR Starting Xl ? please log in to view this image MATCH ODDS QPR win: 13/5 Draw: 9/4 Newcastle: 11/10 QPR first goal scorer: Tjaronn Chery 11/2 Newcastle first goal scorer: Dwight Gayle 4/1 LAST TIME OUT 2-1 Premier League - Saturday 16th May 2015 QPR scorers: Phillips, Fer Newcastle scorers: Riviere HEAD TO HEAD (In all competitions) QPR wins: 17 Draws: 8 Newcastle wins: 23 MATCH OFFICIALS please log in to view this image Referee: Andy Davies Assistant Referees: Daniel Leach and Dan Cook Fourth official: Oliver Langford please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
Played for both;- Darren Peacock Joey Barton Andros Townsend James Perch Jermaine Jenas Danny Simpson Loic Remy Wayne Fereday Kieron Dyer Les Ferdinand Peter Ramage
Yeah I know, he'll probably start with Washington if Polter's not fit. I thought he might rest Shodipo so that he can manage his development. It's just guesswork, I couldn't even tell you which side the Polish winger plays on.
Looking forward to this. I think (optimistically) we are set up to perform better against the better sides. Would like to see: Smithies Ned Caulker Hall Bidwell Borysiuk Cousins Yeni Chery Wzoslek Polter (if fit) Expecting to see: Smithies Perch Ned Hall Bidwell Henry Luongo Cousins Chery Khaytti Polter (half fit)
No. If the game is bad enough and I have 4G I'll post almost real time updates. Will be like being there.
I hope all concerned paid their due taxes. What is up with the weather in this country? 17 degrees when I left Dublin and 30 degrees here. It is like arriving in Spain with no Playa to go to.
It's the hottest day in September in London for over 70 years Finglas. Right, I'm off to the game, I'll be in the Bull in Westfield if anyone fancies a medium sherry before the match.
It feels hot alright 999's. Im meeting Tooting in the Conningham o give him his prize for winning the Euro 2016 sweepstake. Have a bottle of Jameson for him. Enjoy the game everybody.
Let me tell you, I am in the west country on business and it's been pissing down all day. Enjoy the heatwave!!!
Should be a good one tonight, I worry that their strike force will prove too much for us...but we shall see.
But at least we have the 'playa's' down here, nothing like sitting on a beach towel in the pouring rain!