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Tuesday 25th August 2009
The Carling Cup Second Round
Loftus Road Stadium
Referee: C L Pawson
Kick-off: 19:45
Queens Park Rangers V Accrington Stanley
By The Godfather

After yet another disappointing result against Nottingham Forest, Queens Park Rangers face Accrington Stanley in the Carling Cup at Loftus Road. Tuesday night’s match presents the perfect opportunity for the Rs to get back to winning ways. Of course, this competition isn’t as important as the Football League Championship, but a comfortable victory would possibly lift some of the pressure that is already building on Jim Magilton. It would also be nice to come up against a Premiership club in the next round.

Accrington Stanley

You’ve got to feel a little bit sorry for supporters of the Lancashire team. Rarely is their club mentioned in the media without a reference to that “who are they?” advert of the 1980s. Twenty years after that famous TV clip, who would have thought that Accrington Stanley would be playing in the Football League?

The man responsible for Stanley’s rise from the Northern Premier Division to League Two is John Coleman, who has managed the side since 1999. His record is certainly impressive, steering Accrington clear of relegation trouble on three occasions since their promotion.

This season, once again, Stanley will be aiming to avoid a relegation battle. However, fans will be very concerned after what has been a dismal start to the 2009/010 campaign. Of course, it’s early days, but they currently lie in 21st position in the league table.

Stanley have conceded six goals in their last two matches and will surely be vulnerable on Tuesday night, even against Queens Park Rangers’ off-form strikers. With respect to the League Two side, this is the perfect opportunity for Magilton’s team to progress into the third round.

Men to watch

Billy Kee could start up front against Queens Park Rangers. The 18 year-old joined Stanley from Leicester City during the summer on a six-month loan deal. The talented striker’s impressive performances in the FA Youth Cup have earned him five appearances for the Northern Ireland under-19 national team. Kee could be one to watch on Tuesday night.

Veteran striker, Paul Mullin, could play alongside Kee. The 35 year-old is Stanley’s all-time record appearances holder (320 games) and has scored over 130 goals for the club since joining them in 2000. Whether he has what it takes to cause QPR problems on Tuesday night remains to be seen.

Coleman could select attacking midfielder, John Miles, in his starting line-up. After starting his career with Liverpool, the 27 year-old played for Stoke, Crewe and Macclesfield before joining Stanley in 2007.

Andrew Procter could keep his place in the heart of midfield for Tuesday’s trip to Loftus Road. The 26 year-old is a favourite with the Accrington fans, having made over 220 appearances for the club since 2001. Procter brings leadership qualities and experience to the side.

At the back, the manager will probably hand a start to central defender, Darran Kempson. The 24 year-old has an abundance of experience in the lower leagues, having had spells with Morecambe, Crewe, Shrewsbury and Wrexham. Kempson joined Stanley during the summer on a free transfer.

In goal, Alan Martin will probably keep his place for Tuesday night’s encounter. The talented ‘keeper joined Stanley at the beginning of the season on a six-month loan deal from Leeds United. At the age of 20, he could have a bright future ahead of him in the game.

Previous Carling Cup Match

August 11th 2009 – Queens Park Rangers produced a fine second half display to thrash Exeter City by five goals to nil. The Grecians perhaps had the better of the opportunities during the first period, but after the break the Rs broke the deadlock when Routledge lobbed home. The winger got his second of the evening from inside the area, before completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot. Pellicori netted the fourth from close-range, before Hogan Ephraim’s wonderful strike added to City’s misery.

QPR Manager, Jim Magilton: "It was vitally important we got off to a winning start on our travels. We proved last night we can win on the road and we'll be looking to do the same again twice in the next week."

Exeter City 0-5 Queens Park Rangers

Form

Queens Park Rangers form: DDLD (Last match – QPR 1-1 Forest).

Accrington Stanley form: LWLL (Last match – Aldershot 3-1 Stanley).

Team News

Fitz Hall had to be substituted during the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest because of an injury. He could miss the Accrington Stanley match. Angelo Balanta and Martin Rowlands are also unlikely to be involved. Lee Cook will be unavailable, still suffering from serious knee problems.

It will be interesting to see Magilton’s team selection. Will he choose to rest the “big names” ahead of Saturday’s Championship fixture? Or will he field a strong side against the vulnerable Accrington Stanley?

Prediction

Queens Park Rangers showed in the Exeter City game and several of the pre-season friendlies that they are more than capable of beating lower-league opposition. After a dreadful start to the season, morale in the Stanley dressing room will be low and Rangers should really be able to capitalise upon this. There can be no excuse for not failing to win this one and I expect that, despite the Rs’ goalscoring record, they will do so quite comfortably.

Queens Park Rangers 3-0 Accrington Stanley