Swansea v QPR - Preview

This time last year, QPR put on a real show at Loftus Road when they battered Swansea 4-0 with Adel Taarabt scoring one of the most memorable goals seen in W12 for some time. Fast forward a year and the R`s face Brendan Rodgers` Swansea again but this time at the hostile Liberty Stadium. Both teams have started well to life in the Premier League but lately are starting to struggle a little bit and need a win to kick start a good run of form. This game could be that catalyst.

QPR lack quality at centre half and every week this is getting exposed, especially at set-pieces. Neil Warnock is addressing this in January but until then I do wonder how the defence will cope without costing us more points. There are some positives though, the attacking play has improved and at times against Sunderland we looked very dangerous going forward. We must bring that attacking urgency into the game tomorrow to break down a resolute Swansea side. If Adel Taarabt starts, he has to show maturity and a strong work ethic, which in all honesty he has done in his last two outings. As shown last year, Taarabt on his day can unlock defences and force players to over commit and make mistakes.

QPR 2 (Helguson, Mackie)
Sunderland 3 (Bendtner, Sessegnon, Brown)

Team: Kenny, Young, Traore, Connolly, Gabbidon, Barton, Derry, Faurlin, Mackie, Wright-Phillips (Taarabt), Helguson

Everton 1 (Osman)
Swansea 0

Team: Vorm, Williams, Taylor (Rangel), Caulker, Britton (Lita), Sinclair, Routledge, Allen, Gower (Agustien), Richards, Graham

Neil Taylor is a doubt after suffering a knee injury against Everton. Nathan Dyer should be back in contention after recovering from a foot injury.

Possible line-up:

Vital QPR has singled out Danny Graham as the One to Watch this evening

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

Anton Ferdinand is still unavailable due to hamstring injury. Shaun Wright-Phillips could play a part despite a recent knee injury.

Possible line up:

In recent weeks, Adel Taarabt has played his way back into the team and is certainly pushing for a start tomorrow. The Moroccan has endured a tough time this season, even if it has been mostly self-inflicted but lately he has stepped up his efforts to force his way back into the side. Taarabt`s performance against Sunderland reminded many of the ability he possesses and how good he can be when he wants to be. This time last year, Taarabt took centre stage at Loftus Road and almost single-handedly destroyed a lacklustre Swansea side. A repeat performance would be the perfect late Christmas present for R`s fans.

LAST FIVE

Queens Park Rangers: LDLLL
Swansea: DLWDL

HEAD 2 HEAD

Queens Park Rangers: 17
Swansea: 10
Draw: 11

LAST TIME OUT

Championship - 26/12/10
Loftus Road

QPR 4 (Mackie, Helguson pen, Taarabt x2, )
Swansea 0

Team: Kenny, Hill (Sent off), Connolly, Gorkss, Walker, Derry, Taarabt (Rowlands), Faurlin, Mackie, Smith (Orr), Helguson (Hulse)

Attendance: 15,963

Referee: L Probert
Assistants: J Flynn & M Mullarkey
Fourth Official: K Friend

Lee Probert is the match official for Tuesday`s game. This season Probert has issued 60 yellow cards and 3 red cards in 17 games.

To read more see: Ref Watch >>>

Neil Warnock needs to find a way of patching up his leaky defence for the trip to Wales. The R`s simply cannot continue defending set-pieces the way they have been. Reinforcements are on the way in January but until then the Gaffer must work some magic with the players he has and enforce some of that defensive steel that contributed to getting the R`s promoted last season.

Swansea aren`t exactly free-scoring but with the pace they possess on the wings and with the strength of Danny Graham upfront they will cause us a few problems. Warnock has several attacking options at hand which is a boost and if Taarabt plays I could see him unlocking Swansea`s stubborn defence.

1-1 Draw

Who:Arsenal

Where:Emirates Stadium

When:31/12/11 - 15:00

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