Can QPR Capitalise On A Flailing City?

A victory for Queens Park Rangers in their late kick-off against Manchester City at Loftus Road tomorrow (Saturday 8th November, 5:30) could see the R`s rise to as high as 16th place, potentially resigning Leicester City, Crystal Palace and/ or Aston Villa to spending the international break in the relegation zone.

Indeed, the away club are currently trying to withstand a touch of turbulence, third-placed City only winning once in their last five games in all competitions. A brace from CSKA Moscow`s Seydou Doumbia saw the English champions drop to the bottom of the Champions League Group E table, a 2-1 loss that followed a two-all draw in the two team`s initial tie in Russia. Yaya Toure grabbed the goal on Thursday whilst Sergio Aguero and James Milner put the side 2-0 in front in the Russian capital.

These games bookended a league defeat to West Ham United, a League Cup exit at the hands of Newcastle United and a derby day victory over rivals Manchester United. A David Silva goal couldn`t help the champions take a point against the Hammers after goals from Morgan Amalfitano and the high-scoring Diafra Sakho. The Blues were unable to score in the 2-0 cup defeat at home to the Magpies whilst it took Aguero over 60 minutes to hit one past David de Gea in the United goal in spite of Chris Smalling`s dismissal earlier on in the game. The goal saw Manuel Pellegrini`s men secure their first win in three games in all competitions.

Rangers lowly league position belies the fact that the club have improved over the last three games. A brace from Charlie Austin helped Harry Redknapp`s Londoners to a win against fellow strugglers Aston Villa after failing to grab the victory despite putting two past Liverpool a week earlier.

No goals were scored during the first half at Loftus Road though Richard Dunne put the ball in his own net in the second 45 to give the Scouse contingent something to shout about. Eduardo Vargas levelled up with three minutes to go before a Steven Gerrard own goal nearly gave the R`s a share of the spoils after Phillipe Coutinho put the Reds back in front again. A third injury time goal, however, let `Pool off the hook as the Hoops fell to their third victory on the trot. Steven Caulker converted the third own goal of the match.

QPR were again unlucky away last time out in their game against league leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Oscar`s strike put the title favourites in front before Charlie Austin equalised, though a converted Eden Hazard penalty was enough to see Jose Mourinho`s men snatch all three points.

Despite their recent performances, Rangers are 7/1 with Betvictor to pull off an unlikely victory at home tomorrow. Manchester City are 1/2 (Numerous) to bag the win and attempt to close the gap on second-placed Southampton whilst a draw is currently available at the generous price of 4/1 (boylesports).

Pellegrini`s visitors will have to do without West Ham scorer David Silva who is out with a knee injury. Indeed, Aleksander Kolarov, who has missed the last two matches, will also be rested as he continues to recover from a calf injury. By exacerbating an existing thigh problem, Frank Lampard is also a doubt for the clash.

Fans of the Loftus Road outfit will be buoyed by news that defender Nedum Onuoha and midfielders Joey Barton, Niko Kranjcar, Jordan Mutch and Adel Taarabat have all been given the thumbs up to start the City game. Rio Ferdinand begins his suspension after leaving an unsavoury comment on his Twitter account.

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07/11/2014     © Frixo 2026