You must log in or register to see images
You must log in or register to see images
Our band of beleaguered Bluebirds return to the CCS this week for a mid-week encounter against the basement side QPR following our tough examination away at Sheffield Wednesday on the weekend.
The team did well to come away with a point on Saturday in what was a bit of a throwback to our earlier season performances, but to be fair to the team, whilst offensively we struggled massively, defensively we remained pretty resolute which thankfully is an improvement from those previous games.
Quite what this match will bring who knows? Some will say we need to be beating bottom of the table sides, but as we all know, in this division anything can and usually does happen!
You must log in or register to see images
The Hoops line up in front of giant radiator to dry their kit off after training
Who Are You?
Our visitors from London W12 have been around since 1882 (though originally known as Christchurch Rangers which makes them sound like some kind of religious lawmakers) taking up their current name after merging with St Judes Institute some four years later.
The inhabited the Southern League for much of their early years, eventually joining Division 3 (S) in 1920. Post war they flitted between Divisions 2 & 3 with the odd few years in the top tier, however, their ‘glory’ years really kicked off from 1983 onwards, whereby they spent 13 consecutive seasons in the top flight, eventually succumbing to relegation from the still relatively new Premier League at the end of the 1995-96 season.
Since then they have enjoyed 3 more to flight seasons but over the past few years look more likely to head in the other direction rather then back up the ladder.
The current head coach Marti Cifuentes has been in post since October 2023, achieving a modest 28.85 win % (just 15 of 52 games) so you’d think, with them struggling again this year the pressure must really be beginning to build once again on the lead role for Rangers.
Their squad has an interesting mix, though if fit, Ilias Chair will once again no doubt be one of our chief tormentors. He has missed the last 2 games through injury though it does look doubtful for him, along with other absentees Michael Frey, Jake Clarke-Salter and Brest loan man, forward Karamoko Dembele.
The vastly experienced Steve Cook will be looking to shore up their defence whilst the talented Kenneth Paal and Jon Varane (a summer signiig from Sporting Gijon) often hold down the midfield berths.
With the injury to Dembele and top scorer Frey we can expect Zan Celar or Alfie Lloyd to take up the striking duties (1 goal between them).
Last Time Out & Form
Last time out all was not quiet on New Years Day as we saw the Bluebirds walk away with all 3 points from Loftus Road, avenging our defeat to the Hoops by the same scoreline earlier in the season at the CCS. After taking an early lead through Dimi Goutas, City were pegged back in the 56th minute by a Paul Smyth goal but in smart fashion, Perry NG came up with what turned out to be the Bluebirds winner in the 74th minute via a fine far post header.
You must log in or register to see media
It’s no exaggeration to say that QPR are finding things really tough once again this season. They have managed just a single win so far this term (2-1 back in the opening month of the season away at Luton), however, with 8 draws too, it shows they can be a tough nut to crack. Indeed, in the last 6 matches they have come away with draws against promotion chasing Sunderland and Burnley (managing clean sheets in both) as well as holding Stoke to a 1-1 on the weekend.
Scoring does seem to be a bit of an issue for them though, with them notching a divisional low 13 goals (2 less than even our own misfiring side), so clearly we’re lining up for a bore draw / 0-0 then!!
You must log in or register to see images
In, Out Or No Sign Of Them About
With the team still stuttering somewhat it would be no surprise to see a few changes made, however, given our relative solidity on the weekend Riza may just decide to give the same line up another go. My money (if I had any) though would be on there being a change or two.
As well as long-term absentees in Rambo, Isaak Davies, Kion Etete and Ryotaro Tsunoda, the Bluebirds are sweating on the fitness of both Calum Chambers and Anwar El Ghazi, however I wouldn’t bet against Chris Willock getting a start against his old team on Wednesday night.
I think it’s also safe to say that pretty much all of us are hoping to see Reindorf on the bench rather than Kanga for this one.
Predicted Starting 11
Alnwick
Ng
Daland
Goutas
O’Dowda
Tanner
Colwill
Turnbull
Robertson
Robinson
Willock
The Odds Bods
With his rather languid style, it’s fair to say that this former Bluebird never really hit the heights during his time with us but was certainly a bit of a Hoops legend before he departed to joins us.
You must log in or register to see images
Top Boy Top Trumps
Sadly no time for trumps this week (it’s not America you know where that’s all they talk about!)
Match Day Melody
Just a bit of advice on how we should approach this one!!! Don’t stop for a minute, just……
You must log in or register to see media
Blooooooooooooooooooooooooobirds!!!
You must log in or register to see images
sorry Brizzo - I just put up much the same thing on the Championship thread.
Masky Of Llandaff
