Can R's Clip Owls Wings?

RANGERS are back on the road once more and looking to pick up a maximum prior to the international break.

The visitors to Hillsborough have gone two without a win since their recent goal glut, and will be looking to get back on track against an inconsistent Sheffield Wednesday.

The Owls are proving somewhat of a challenge on their day, but all too many times this season their defence has been found wanting where it matters most.

Chairman Lee Strafford is evidently seeking further investment to bolster the coffers and improve facilities for what is undoubtedly a sleeping giant in Wednesday, with enormous potential to once again reach the top flight.

At present however, Brian Laws is performing admirably with the tools at his disposal, shopping mainly in the bargain basement to yield results on the field.

Central to their fortune will be Marcus Tudgay, the loyal forward player who continues to ply his trade with Wednesday despite continued interest from higher-placed clubs - his goals and continued effort is a major plus point so far for the Owls.

Bonfire night was last night, but it both sides manage to hit top form, there could be fireworks in Hillsborough tomorrow afternoon.

QPR 1 (Buzsáky 19pen)
Crystal Palace 1 (Ambrose 62pen)

Team: Radek Černý, Mikele Leigertwood, Fitz Hall, Kaspars Gorkšs, Gary Borrowdale, Alejandro Damián Faurlín, Ben Watson, Wayne Routledge, Adel Taarabt (Patrick Agyemang 74), Ákos Buzsáky (Hogan Ephraim 78), Jay Simpson (Rowan Vine 84).

Bristol City 1 (Maynard 59)
Sheffield Wednesday 1 (Varney 75)

Team: Lee Grant, Richard Hinds, Lewis Buxton, Frankie Simek, Tommy Spurr, Jermaine Johnson, Darren Potter, Tommy Miller (Leon Clarke 65), James O'Connor, Marcus Tudgay, Luke Varney.

Who R Ya? >>>

Not the ideal preparation for Owls boss Brian Laws as a bug has decimated his side over the last few days, but it is hoped all affected will be available this weekend.

Lee Grant, who saved a penalty against QPR last season, will continue in goal with Richard Hinds and Lewis Buxton set to sit in the centre of defence should Darren Purse not recover in time. Mark Beevers (illness) and want-away defender Richard Wood (ankle) should also be available.

Former QPR full back Frankie Simek will start at right-back with former transfer target Tommy Spurr occupying the other flank. Michael Gray is a major doubt for the clash with a hamstring complaint.

Depending on which formation Laws decides to deploy, Tommy Miller may be dropped at the expense of Leon Clarke - that is if a 4-4-2 is once again used instead of the 4-5-1 last weekend. Sean McAllister (illness) and Etienne Esajas (neck) are also poised for a possible return.

James O'Connor should link up with Darren Potter in the heart of midfield with wide-men Marcus Tudgay and Jermaine Johnson providing pace down the flanks.

Clarke is likely partner loan forward Luke Varney as Laws opts for the more attacking two up top against QPR.

Possible line-up:

LeeCookFan has outlined Sheffield Wednesday forward Marcus Tudgay as the One to Watch ahead of this weekend's clash.

The Wednesday wide-man has been in sparkling form in recent weeks after a sluggish start to the campaign.

He has proven impressive and loyal to the Owls' cause and will undoubtedly be central to their fortune this season.

To read our profile of the forward Click Here >>>

Magilton will once again assess his side following the gritty draw against Crystal Palace on Tuesday with Gavin Mahon and Hogan Ephraim coming back into the fold

Radek Černý will start behind a back four of Mikele Leigertwood, Kaspars Gorkšs, Fitz Hall and Gary Borrowdale, but Damion Stewart returns to the squad after a foot injury.

Gavin Mahon is a possible starter after returning from a hip injury and he may displace either Alejandro Faurlín or Ben Watson in the heart of midfield.

The attacking quartet should remain the same with Adel Taarabt and Ákos Buzsáky attacking from wide areas, with Wayne Routledge playing in behind Jay Simpson.

Angelo Balanta (groin), Martin Rowlands (knee), Matthew Connolly (glandular fever), Alessandro Pellicori (knee) and Lee Cook (knee) remain sidelined, despite Connolly's imminent return after the international break.

Possible line up:

Routledge has had fire in his belly of late, but the characteristic final product has been lacking from the former Tottenham winger.

This is something he will look to rectify this weekend on a wide pitch, and a lush surface at Hillsborough with plenty of space to gallop into and create opportunities.

Facing a defence built predominantly on aerial threat, Wayne may wreak his brand of skilful havoc on the Wednesday rearguard along with fellow tormentors, Buzsáky, Simpson and Taarabt.

To read his career profile Click Here >>>

LAST FIVE

Sheffield Wednesday: L W L L D
Queens Park Rangers: W W W L D

HEAD 2 HEAD

Sheffield Wednesday: 27
Queens Park Rangers: 18
Draw: 13

LAST TIME OUT

Coca Cola Championship - 13-04-2009
Loftus Road

Queens Park Rangers: 3 (Vine 62, Mahon 74, Stewart 88)
Sheffield Wednesday: 2 (Mahon 35og, Tudgay 53)

Team: Radek Černý, Peter Ramage, Kaspars Gorkšs, Damion Stewart, Matthew Connolly, Lee Cook, Gavin Mahon (Mikele Leigertwood 76), Adel Taarabt (Rowan Vine 56), Jordi López (Hogan Ephraim 68), Wayne Routledge, Heidar Helguson.

SEE ALSO:

Sheffield Wednesday 0-1 QPR - 19-04-1983

Referee: Mr Nigel Miller (Co Durham)
Assistants: Mr Chris Ackers (S Yorkshire) & Mr Paul Graham (G Manchester)
Fourth Official: Mr Andy Madley (W Yorkshire)

Mr Miller from County Durham will take charge of tomorrow's clash against Sheffield Wednesday, his seventh QPR fixture in total.

The most controversial of his games was when Rangers went down away at Hull City, Stuart Elliott scored two dubious offside goals and Lee Cook was sent off for diving after being chopped in the area.

He has also officiated the last clash between QPR and Wednesday at Hillsborough, handing the visitors a chance from the spot - Martin Rowlands duly spurned it to keep their baron away goalscoring run going.

To read our report on the official Click Here >>>

3-2 QPR

The R's defence has not been at its best of late, but in truth neither has Wednesday's with both sides letting their attacking prowess take hold.

On a wide pitch with space to manoeuvre, QPR may find the time necessary to pick their spot and score the necessary goals to claim victory.

In truth if they harbour any promotion aspirations, this is a fixture that Rangers should be looking to pick up maximum points against a side whose defence is struggling for confidence.

Predictions

Superhoop50: 1-0 Owls
cartouche: 2-0 QPR
LeeCookFan: 2-1 QPR
Ace: 2-1 QPR
southernhoop: 2-1 QPR
beforerodney: 3-1 QPR
QPR4me: 1-1 Draw

LCF'S CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION LEAGUE
BEAT THE CLOCK >>>

Teams: Doncaster Rovers v Queens Park Rangers

Date: Saturday November 21, 2009 - 3.00pm

Ground: Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster

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