Saturday 3rd October 2009
The Coca-Cola Championship
The Liberty Stadium
Referee: K D Hill
Kick-off: 15:00
Swansea City (16th) V Queens Park Rangers (11th)
By The Godfather

After picking up an excellent 1-1 draw at Newcastle on Wednesday night, Queens Park Rangers face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium. Of course, former Super Hoops boss, Paulo Sousa, manages the Swans and will be looking to gain revenge on his former club. In a recent interview, Sousa insisted that “(he) did a good job” at Loftus Road. Let’s hope he doesn’t prove a point on Saturday afternoon.

Swansea City

Season 2008/09 finish: 8th place.

Manager: Paulo Sousa

Last season, under the leadership of Roberto Martinez, the Swans surprised the pundits by challenging for a play-off position, in the end achieving a respectable 8th placed finish. However, after the departures of Martinez and star players, Jason Scotland and Jordi Gomez, supporters were left concerned about the 2009/10 campaign.

Martinez’s replacement, the former QPR boss, Paulo Sousa, did not get off to the greatest of starts. After five matches, the team sat in 18th place. Although injuries and suspensions had played their part in the poor form, pressure was already mounting upon the Portuguese manager.

Since then, however, the Swans have recovered somewhat. They come into this fixture on the back of four matches unbeaten, including a tremendous home victory over automatic promotion contenders, Sheffield United. Sousa’s men will certainly be feeling confident about Saturday’s fixture. They should not be underestimated.

Men to watch

Swansea City’s top scorer this season is currently striker, Stephen Dobbie, who has notched 3 goals in all competitions. The 26 year-old signed from Queen of the South during the summer, supposedly being the replacement for Jason Scotland. His record north of the border was certainly prolific, scoring 43 times in 87 appearances during his time with the Queens. A clinical finisher, he could be one to watch on Saturday afternoon.

Lee Trundle could partner Dobbie in attack. The 32 year-old is enjoying his second spell with the Welsh club after joining on loan from Bristol City. Between 2003 and 2007 he scored 78 goals in 146 appearances for the Swans, attracting the interest of Robins manager, Gary Johnson, who signed him for a reported fee of £1 million. However, this season, he has struggled to fight his way into the first team at Ashton Gate and, as a result, has been sent out on loan. Trundle is a very skilful player who could provide a threat to the QPR defence on Saturday afternoon.

Among Swansea’s other strikers are Craig Beattie and Gorka Pintado. The former offers pace and skill to the frontline, whilst the latter brings experience and leadership skills to the team. Paulo Sousa could name both players in his squad against Queens Park Rangers.

In central midfield, Mark Gower could keep his place in the starting line-up. The 30 year-old first gained a reputation at Southend United, netting 35 goals in over 200 appearances. Gower joined Swansea during the summer of last year and has since played an important role for the club in the middle of the park.

The talented Darren Pratley could return from injury to face Queens Park Rangers. The 24 year-old has made over 100 appearances for the Swans since signing for the club from Fulham in 2006. A player renowned for his skill and excellent distribution, Pratley could provide a stern test for the likes of Watson and Rowlands in central midfield.

Sousa could also pick former QPR man, Jordi Lopez. The Spaniard spent the latter half of last season at Loftus Road, impressing the supporters with his fantastic distribution and superb free kick taking skills. He could cause problems for the Super Hoops on Saturday afternoon. I do hope Magilton has identified this threat.

At the back, Alan Tate could retain his position in the line-up. Rangers supporters may remember the 27 year-old from his performance as a makeshift goalkeeper during the fixture between the two sides early last season, when Swans goalkeeper, Dorus De Vries, had to be taken off injured. Tate is an experienced and versatile defender, having made 182 appearances for the club since 2006.

In the right-back position, QPR supporters should expect to see Angel Rangel keep his place. After spending his early career in the Spanish lower leagues, the 26 year-old joined the Swans in 2007 and played an important role in their promotion to the Championship.

In goal, Dorus De Vries is likely to be named in the starting line-up. Like Rangel, the Dutch ‘keeper signed for the Swans in 2007 after playing for ADO Den Haag and Dunfermline Athletic. An excellent shot-stopper, the 28 year-old has made almost 100 appearances for City.

Previous Match

March 2009 – Mikele Leigertwood fired Queens Park Rangers to their first win in 10 matches, denting Swansea’s play-off hopes. After a scrappy start, the Rs took the lead in the 29th minute when Leigertwood headed home Lopez’s free kick. Gorka Pintado tested Cerny in the second half but, in truth, Rangers never looked like they would concede.

QPR Manager, Paulo Sousa: “We have had a lot of critics from outside and a lot of adversities but we are a team with a lot of unity, who were trying to get three points against the best football team. They are not easy to beat - you have to be very good to beat a team like Swansea. We have nine or 10 players injured, but I keep believing in what we can achieve with hard work.”

Queens Park Rangers 1-0 Swansea City

QPR Team News

Fitz Hall and Angelo Balanta could miss out through groin injuries. Matthew Connolly has been suffering from glandular fever, whilst Gareth Ainsworth is still struggling with hamstring problems. Lee Cook remains a long-term absentee.

Prediction

As we all know, Paulo Sousa likes his teams to use attractive passing football. This may suit Queens Park Rangers, who also enjoy knocking the ball about neatly. However, Watson and Rowlands need to be prepared to get stuck in so that Rangers are able to come out on top in the middle of the park.

In previous seasons, after picking up a string of excellent results, QPR have often produced a lacklustre performance instead of continuing the momentum. It is important that Magilton doesn’t allow complacency to creep into the Super Hoops’ display on Saturday afternoon.

Obviously Sousa will be desperate to win against his former team. I am going to predict a draw here, although Queens Park Rangers are more than capable of winning if they perform to the best of their ability.

Swansea City 1-1 Queens Park Rangers