Saturday 8th August 2009
The Coca-Cola Championship
Loftus Road Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00
Referee: Andy D’Urso
Queens Park Rangers V Blackpool
By The Godfather

The first day of the Football League season always reminds me of that boiling day in August 2003 when the Rs faced Blackpool at Loftus Road. I remember being concerned about how the team would react in their first competitive game since the Play-Off Final defeat. I needn’t have worried. Despite the almost unbearable heat, Holloway’s Rangers went on to thrash the Tangerines 5-0. It really was the perfect start to what would be a very successful campaign.

And now, once again, QPR face Blackpool on the first day of the season. This time, however, “Ollie” will be managing the Seasiders, attempting to gain revenge on his former club. For the Super Hoops, new boss, Jim Magilton, will be hoping that his men get the campaign off to a winning start.

Blackpool

Last season was a turbulent one for the Seasiders. Simon Grayson, the popular manager who had achieved so much at Bloomfield Road, left to take the Leeds United job half-way through the campaign. Despite concerns that the team would struggle, caretaker boss, Tony Parkes, guided the Tangerines to a respectable 16th place finish.

To the surprise of the supporters, Parkes left the club during the summer after a mysterious meeting with the Chairman, Karl Oyston. Holloway, the former QPR, Plymouth and Leicester manager, was appointed as the new boss.

Since then, the Seasiders have made three signings, the most of impressive of which looks to be Charlie Adam from Glasgow Rangers for 500K. It is vital that the Scottish midfielder produces the same sort of form as he did during his loan spell at Bloomfield Road last season.

It has to be said, on paper, the Tangerines look like they will struggle this season. They appear to lack quality. In addition, the squad comprises of only 21 players. Holloway could find himself struggling to cope if his footballers pick up injuries and suspensions.

However, it must be remembered that the club is backed by a very rich group of investors. Recently, according to reports, they promised to provide Holloway with a substantial amount to spend on the team. Perhaps Blackpool will make some more additions to the squad in what remains of the transfer window. We shall have to wait and see.

Men to watch

Ben Burgess will be a threat on Saturday afternoon. Players often find it difficult to defend against the big, strong striker. Expect to see the Blackpool defenders launch long-balls up to the former Hull City man very frequently. I do hope that Magilton has identified this threat.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher could partner Burgess in attack. Rangers fans may remember the 28 year-old for his excellent long-range goal at Loftus Road last season. Let’s hope that he doesn’t produce a similar strike on Saturday afternoon! Taylor-Fletcher usually plays just behind the main forward but can also occupy the wings or central midfield.

Holloway also has former QPR striker, Danny Nardiello, at his disposal. Rs fans were led to believe that John Gregory had secured the deal of the century when the signing was announced on the official website in 2007. However, suffering from numerous back injuries, the Welshman only went on to make 8 appearances for the Rs. The 26 year-old, who was once a Manchester United youngster, will be hoping that “Ollie” gives him a run in the first team.

As already mentioned, central midfielder, Charlie Adam, could have a key role to play for the Seasiders during the 2009/010 campaign. The Scottish international impressed the supporters last season during a loan spell, making 13 appearances and scoring 2 goals. Now officially a Blackpool player, Adam will need to be on top form if the team is to achieve success.

Holloway also brought in the experienced Jason Euell from Southampton on a free transfer. The central midfielder played in the top flight for Wimbledon, Charlton and Middlesbrough, making nearly 300 Premiership appearances in total.

Central defender, Ian Evatt, is another former R playing for Blackpool. He has enjoyed a very successful few years by the seaside, making over 100 appearances. However, I will be very interested to see how the 27 year-old fares now that he has been reunited with Ian Holloway. At Loftus Road, some argued that he wasn’t really given a proper opportunity in the first team.

Previous Matches

September 2008 – In a rather dull affair, Gary Taylor-Fletcher took the lead for the away side mid-way through the first-half with an impressive 25-yard strike. Rangers equalised with just ten minutes left on the clock, Dexter Blackstock heading home Akos Buzsaky’s stunning free-kick.

QPR Manager, Iain Dowie: "There's an obsession in this country with systems, but it's about the players out there. We just didn't get going enough. We could have been 2-0 up at half-time and then there would have been no talk about systems. It was an unsatisfactory result but I can't be unhappy with the way we played. I can't fault the desire."

Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Blackpool

January 2009 – This match was arguably one of the highlights of last season. Paulo Sousa’s Queens Park Rangers side absolutely crushed Blackpool at Bloomfield Road. Helguson opened the scoring early on, heading in Routledge’s cross. The Icelandic striker added a second just after the break, slotting home from the penalty spot after Ian Evatt fouled Lee Cook. Ephraim sealed the victory in the last minute with a neat finish from close-range.

QPR Manager, Paulo Sousa: "I was delighted with that performance. We were told that it is a difficult pitch and ground but I think my players dealt with it well. They believe in what I have been doing my methods and my coaching and things are now beginning to work out for us on the pitch. The team is building up well and I think we are improving with each game."

Blackpool 0-3 Queens Park Rangers

Form

Queens Park Rangers came out on top in their final pre-season match, beating Southampton 3-0 at Loftus Road. Blackpool also finished their series of friendly games on a high, winning 2-1 against Everton from the Premier League. Both teams will be feeling confident about their opening fixture.

QPR Team News

Alejandro Faurlin picked up a minor injury during the pre-season programme and could miss Saturday’s match. Lee Cook will definitely be unavailable through a knee problem. Akos Buzsaky, Martin Rowlands and Rowan Vine could all be involved. New signings, Pellicori and Taraabt, are likely to start.

Referee

Andy D’Urso will referee Saturday’s match. Rs supporters will no doubt remember his absolutely abysmal performance during the QPR V Watford game in April 2006. In the first-half the Super Hoops' star defender, "big Dan", was quite clearly caught by Darius Henderson’s elbow. Despite this, Mr D’Urso only showed a yellow card to the Watford striker. His next decision was even more bizarre, sending off Marc Nygaard for arguing with a Hornets player. Watford eventually ran out 2-1 winners thanks to a Georges Santos own goal.

D’Urso also refereed QPR’s 3-0 victory over Stoke City a couple of years ago. This time it was the away team who felt hard done by when their midfielder was sent off for a foul on Damien Delaney.

As can be seen, Mr D’Urso doesn’t hesitate in dishing out the red cards. Let’s hope that a Super Hoops player is not on the receiving end on Saturday afternoon.

Prediction

On paper, Blackpool’s squad is not particularly impressive. That’s not to say that they should be underestimated. Ian Holloway’s teams are always incredibly hard-working and his players usually have self-belief.

I don’t expect that this will be a comfortable victory. In fact, I think it will be similar to the first fixture of last season against Barnsley. Watch out for the early goal. I predict that this will be a mediocre performance from the Rs but that they will come out on top.

Queens Park Rangers 2-1 Blackpool