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R's looking for FA Cup improvement
QUEENS PARK RANGERS face League One side MK Dons in the third round of the FA Cup at Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.
The R’s have not progressed to the fourth round of this prestigious tournament since 2013 and have a less than favourable record in recent years – something Ollie will be hoping to change.
MK Dons might see this cup game as some light relief from the league with the visitors somewhat surprisingly near the bottom of the League One Table in 19th position – just two points above the relegation zone.
The Dons were backed by many to make a push for promotion this season but they’ve struggled in League One albeit not helped by injuries to key players such as Chuks Aneke and Osman Sow.
Scottish Manager Robbie Neilson took charge of the club last season following the departure of Karl Robinson and in his first game defeated rivals AFC Wimbledon 1-0.
After finishing in a mid-table position last campaign, Neilson turned to the north of the border for much of his player recruitment during the summer. He brought Peter Pawlett in from Aberdeen as well Conor Mcgrandles (who was on loan at Falkirk) and Aiden Nesbitt from Celtic.
Neilson would have hoped his side could push on this season and get themselves back to the Championship – a division they had previously been in a few years ago. But this has turned out to be more of a transitional season and their recent form will be a concern, winning just one of their last ten matches.
As previously mentioned their season has been to an extent largely inconvenienced by key forward Aneke missing the first two months with injury. Since returning he’s scored seven goals in 19 appearances and remains MK Dons biggest threat going forward.
Rangers will be hoping to build on the feel good factor around W12 following our comeback victory against Cardiff on New Year's Day.
The successful recent debuts of youth players such as Paul Smyth and Aramide Oteh week combined with the return of Eberechi Eze from Wycombe will have undoubtedly given Ollie some headaches regarding team selection.
A win in the cup and place in the draw for the next round will cap an excellent start to 2018 for the Hoops.
When and where?
Saturday 6th January 2018 - kick-off 3pm - Loftus Road
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Last Time Out
MK Dons 2-0 QPR 5th March 2016
MK Dons recorded their first win in four games as they defeated the R’s at Stadium MK.
The hosts led when captain Dean Lewington rifled in his first goal of the season past Alex Smithies.
The Dons earned a penalty when Paul Konchesky fouled Josh Murphy, but Alex Smithies saved Murphy's spot-kick.
Karl Henry gave away a second penalty in injury time, and substitute Ben Reeves stepped up to fire past Smithies to seal the win.
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That'll teach me to believe what the Sun says...