Saturday 12th September 2009
The Coca-Cola Championship
Loftus Road Stadium
Referee: O Langford
Kick-off: 15:00
Queens Park Rangers (15th) V Peterborough United (21st)
By The Godfather

After a two-week international break, Queens Park Rangers face Peterborough United at Loftus Road on Saturday. Rs fans will be looking forward to seeing new loan signings, Ben Watson and Jay Simpson, who are likely to be involved in this match. In truth, this should be a comfortable victory for Magilton’s side.

It has to be said, if the Super Hoops are going to challenge for the play-offs this season, it is vital that they pick up more wins at home, especially against the likes of Peterborough, who are probably going to struggle in the Championship. I just hope that the players have been doing some hard work on the training pitch during the two-week break.

Peterborough United

Bizarrely, a week before the start of the campaign, Chris Kamara tipped newly promoted Posh for a play-off place in his “Championship Preview” in “The Sun”. Already it looks like the Sky Sports pundit could be feeling a little embarrassed come the end of the season.

Darren Ferguson has achieved so much during his spell as manager of United, gaining two successive promotions, but it looks like his team could be in for a tough ride over the course of the 2009/010 campaign. So far they have only picked up two points from a possible fifteen.

One thing that the team does have in its advantage is their football ground. London Road can be a really difficult stadium for away teams to go to and win, and if Ferguson’s side can turn it into a real “fortress”, United’s home form might just save them from the drop.

Men to watch

Much of Peterborough’s success over the last couple of seasons has been down to the striking partnership of Aaron McLean and Craig Mackail-Smith. The former has scored 50 times in 97 appearances, whilst the latter has netted 47 goals in 100 starts. Both forwards possess a lot of talent and Darren Ferguson will need them to produce their top form if the club is to stay in the Championship.

Ferguson also has left winger, George Boyd, at his disposal. The 23 year-old has played a key part in the Posh’s success since joining the club in 2007. Boyd is very skilful, creating many of the team’s clear-cut opportunities. He is currently United’s top scorer with 3 goals to his name so far this season. Let’s hope Magilton has recognised this threat.

In the middle of the park, Lee Frecklington is likely to keep his place. The 23 year-old joined United from Lincoln City during the summer and has already netted two goals in six appearances for his new club. The hard-working midfielder could give the likes of Watson and Buzsaky a stern test on Saturday afternoon.

Another summer signing, Toumani Diagouraga, could partner Frecklington in the heart of midfield. The Frenchman joined the Posh from Hereford United, where he had enjoyed a very successful 2008/09 campaign. The 22 year-old could play a key role in Peterborough’s season.

At left-back, Queens Park Rangers supporters may remember Tommy Williams, who joined the Rs on loan back in the 2002-03 season, making 26 appearances. The 29 year-old is enjoying his fifth spell with Peterborough United.

In central defence, Craig Morgan could provide a stern test for the QPR frontline. Since joining the club two seasons ago, the 24 year-old has played an important part in the Posh’s successive promotions. His impressive performances have earned him 16 international caps for the Welsh national team.

In goal, the talented Joe Lewis will probably keep his place. At the age of only 21, Lewis has already made over 60 appearances for the Posh. He clearly has a bright future ahead of him.

Memorable Matches

February 2004 – Kevin Gallen’s last-minute equaliser gained the Rs a point in what was a disappointing performance against Peterborough at Loftus Road. The home team’s play was very disjointed at times and they were made to pay just before half time. Williams crossed in from the left flank and the unmarked Clive Platt headed into the roof of the net. Rangers did not improve in the second half, but with seconds remaining, Kevin Gallen latched on to Thorpe’s through ball and slotted into the bottom corner. Although they didn’t win, this was still an important result, putting the Super Hoops ahead of Bristol City in the League One promotion race.

Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Peterborough United

League Form

Queens Park Rangers: DDLDW

Peterborough United: LDLLD (Last match – Peterborough 1-1 Crystal Palace).

QPR Team News

Angelo Balanta will miss Saturday’s game through a groin injury he sustained during training. Heidar Helguson is also unavailable, after pulling out of Iceland’s international match last Saturday. However, Martin Rowlands will be in contention for a place in the starting line-up following his recovery from the knock he picked up on the opening day of the season. Lee Cook remains a long-term absentee.

Prediction

It will be interesting to see Magilton’s team selection, especially in the heart of midfield. Rowlands and Watson play in a very similar style – will Magilton pick them both or leave one on the substitutes’ bench? I am also looking forward to seeing young Jay Simpson in Championship action. Let’s hope that he turns out to be the clinical finisher we so desperately need!

I am optimistic about this fixture. If Queens Park Rangers can get the early goal against a Peterborough side lacking in confidence, this could be a very comfortable victory. Come on you Rs!

Queens Park Rangers 3-1 Peterborough United.