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Ian Holloway could not have picked a much more difficult opening match to begin his second spell in charge of the R’s as Norwich lie in 5th position in the Championship following their relegation from the top tier last season.
However, Holloway - with First Team Coach Marc Bircham beside him - will relish the opportunity to try and make Loftus Road a fortress again in what is expected to be a near sell-out crowd for his first match back in W12.
The R’s have only won two games at home this season, with one of them being on the opening day against Leeds and that is something Holloway will look to address early on in his reign.
Despite sitting in the play-off positions it could be argued that Rangers are facing Norwich at an ideal time. The Canaries started the season well and were defeated just twice in their first 13 league matches. But they have failed to win any of their last four fixtures and on their previous away outing they were demolished 5-0 by Brighton Hove Albion.
However the quality which the Norfolk side possess cannot be underestimated. Much of their squad was playing Premier League football last season and in Alex Neil they have one of the most highly rated young managers in British football.
The Canaries have spent three of the last five campaigns in the Premier League and for much of the first half of last season looked like they had enough to maintain their status in English football’s most prestige division. However their form from January to May was well below par and in the end they were comfortably relegated.
Neil has instilled an extremely hard-working style of play since he was appointed Norwich manager back in January 2015. They also have game changing options going forward with Cameron Jerome, Wes Hoolahan and Jacob Murphy all capable of match winning moments.
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Team News
QPR: Conor Washington has overcome a slight groin injury picked up on international duty. Ariel Borysiuk is available after missing the Forest game due to a family issue whilst Massimo Luongo is also in contention to start the match after fully recovering from a thigh injury. Elsewhere Yeni Ngbakato could make his first start in over a month after recovering from a thigh injury but Steven Caulker will not play due to a hip problem. Karl Henry serves a one match ban following his red card against Nottingham Forest.
Norwich: The visitors are without Ivo Pinto for the trip to Loftus Road. However, they welcome back Steven Whittaker whilst Michael McGovern and Martin Olsson are in the Canaries squad.
Norwich: The visitors are without Ivo Pinto for the trip to Loftus Road. However, they welcome back Steven Whittaker whilst Michael McGovern and Martin Olsson are in the Canaries squad.
Possible Starting Xl's
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MCGOVERN
MARTIN - BENNETT - KLOSE - OLSSON
DORRANS - TETTEY
MURPHY - HOOLAHAN - PRITCHARD
JEROME
Kelly Rohrback Is Obviously An R's Fan
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Facts & Stats
Ian Holloway won 40% of his games as manager of QPR between 2001 & 2006 (100 wins in 252 games); his best win rate at any club.
Ian Holloway has won five of his eight games against Norwich as a manager (D1 L2), although he lost his last two against them with Millwall.
This will be Ian Holloway`s first game in charge of QPR since February 4th 2006 versus Leeds - 10 years and 289 days ago.
Ian Holloway`s 252-game stint remains the longest serving single tenure by a QPR manager since Alec Stock from 1959 to 1968.
QPR are winless in their last four home league games with the Canaries (D2 L2), last winning in October 2007 with Martin Rowlands scoring the only goal.
Norwich are unbeaten in their last seven league games against the Hoops (W4 D3).
Idrissa Sylla`s four goals have won more points for QPR than any other player in 2016/17 (five points).
Tjaronn Chery has created more chances than any other Championship player this term (48) but has just three assists to his name.
Norwich have used just eight English players this season; a joint-league low alongside Newcastle.
The Canaries have lost their last three games; the current longest losing run in the division.
Almost 50 Irish R's Over For This Game Tomorrow
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MATCH ODDS
QPR win: 5/2
Draw: 23/10
Norwich: 11/10
QPR first goal scorer: Idrissa Sylla 13/2
Norwich first goal scorer: Cameron Jerome 4/1
LAST TIME OUT
Norwich 0 - 0 QPR – Premiership, Saturday 2nd February 2013
HEAD TO HEAD
(In all competitions)
QPR wins: 38
Draws: 35
Norwich wins: 45
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Scott Duncan
Assistant Referees: Daniel Robathan and Robert Hyde
Fourth official: Carl Fitch-Jackson
There will be a minutes' silence before the game to mark the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
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QPR Will Be Using A Limited Edition Royal British Legion Matchball
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COYR's!!!!!