Merry Christmas to all our members and readers! Come on you Rs!

Saturday 26th December 2009
The Coca Cola Championship
Loftus Road Stadium
Kick-off: 13:00
Referee: D J Phillips
Queens Park Rangers (10th) V Bristol City (9th)
By The Godfather

Some would argue that the Rs need a miracle if they are to finish in a play-off position this season. Perhaps this is why the club has reportedly invited a man named Bongo Christ to join on a trial. Why else would a Championship team show interest in a 33 year-old striker who has a career record of seven goals in fifty appearances?

In an interview on the official website, Paul Hart stated that he wanted his side to occupy a play-off spot by the New Year. If Rangers are to meet that target, they cannot afford to drop points against Bristol City on Boxing Day. The Robins could be without manager, Gary Johnson, who is suffering from a chest infection.

Bristol City

Manager: Gary Johnson

Season 2008-09 finish: 10th place.

Regular readers may remember that I predicted a 9th place finish for Bristol City in my WATRB Championship Preview. And, at this point, it seems that City's season is going the way I anticipated.

Like the previous campaign, Gary Johnson is aiming for the play-off positions. However, the problem is that, like Queens Park Rangers, the Robins lack consistency. As soon as it appears that the team has turned the corner, a bad run of form sees them sink into mid-table mediocrity.

That said, City are still in with a very good chance of reaching the play-offs. They currently lie in 9th position and, depending on other results, a victory at Loftus Road could propel Johnson's men back into the top six. Therefore, the Robins will surely be viewing this as a crucial fixture.

Men to watch

Bristol City's star striker is Nicky Maynard, who has netted ten goals so far this season. The 23 year-old started his career with Crewe Alexandra, where he scored 37 times in 59 appearances. This impressive total attracted the interest of the Robins, who purchased him for £2 million in July 2008. After a disappointing first few months, Maynard regained his goalscoring touch during the latter half of the previous campaign and has continued his fine form into 2009/10. Having scored against QPR in the fixture at Ashton Gate in August, the pacey forward will be feeling very confident indeed about Boxing Day.

David Clarkson is likely to partner Maynard up front. The 24 year-old striker joined Bristol City last summer, after enjoying a successful seven year-spell with Motherwell. His impressive performances north of the border earned him two caps for the Scottish national team, but he has only scored one goal so far for the Robins.

Gary Johnson also has former Ipswich man, Danny Haynes, at his disposal. The winger, who can also play up front if required, always seems to cause Queens Park Rangers problems with his pace and skill. I must admit, I was very surprised to hear that Roy Keane had allowed him to join the Robins last summer for an undisclosed fee. If he starts on Boxing Day, expect him to pose a real attacking threat.

In central midfield, Cole Skuse is expected to retain his place. At the age of 23, Skuse has already made over 150 appearances for the Robins. A product of City's youth academy, his impressive performances have attracted interest from the Premier League in the past. Expect him to provide the likes of Watson and Leigertwood with a stern test on Boxing Day.

The experienced Paul Hartley could partner Skuse in the middle of the park. The 33 year-old has enjoyed a successful career in Scotland, having played for Hibernian, St Johnstone, Hearts and Celtic. He signed for the Robins last summer and has since established himself as a first team regular. Hartley is a Scottish international, with 24 caps to his name.

At the back, Liam Fontaine is likely to start. The hard-working central defender has impressed the supporters since signing from Fulham in 2006, making an important contribution to the club's success over the last few years. At the age of 23, Fontaine could have a bright future ahead of him.

Lewin Nyatanga could play alongside Fontaine on Boxing Day. The 21 year-old signed for City last summer from Derby County and has since made 15 appearances for the club. For such a young player, it is impressive that he already has 31 caps to his name for the Welsh national team.

In goal, Dean Gerken will probably keep his place. The young 'keeper signed for Bristol City last summer for an undisclosed fee. Since Adriano Basso handed in a transfer request, the 24 year-old has been a first team regular.

Previous Match

August 2009 - Nicky Maynard's late strike was enough for Bristol City to beat Queens Park Rangers at Ashton Gate. The Rs enjoyed much of the possession and almost took the lead when Adel Taraabt sent the ball crashing against the post from close range. However, in the 78th minute, Haynes' ball found Maynard inside the area, who smashed it into the top corner.

QPR Manager, Jim Magilton: "If we keep playing like that a victory will come and that's all we need to get us going. There's a fine line between success and failure in this league and right now we aren't quite getting the breaks. The injury to their player came when we were on top and the stoppage allowed them to draw breath and regroup."

Bristol City 1-0 Queens Park Rangers

Team News

Matthew Connolly is expected to be involved on Saturday afternoon after recovering from a hip injury. Akos Buzsaky could also return to the squad after picking up a knock. Lee Cook is finally back in full training after spending what has seemed like an eternity on the sidelines. Martin Rowlands and Gavin Mahon remain long-term absentees. Meanwhile, Steven Reid has returned to Blackburn Rovers after his loan spell expired.

As already mentioned, Gary Johnson might not be able to attend Boxing Day's encounter due to a chest infection.

Prediction

On the occasions I have seen Bristol City under Gary Johnson, they have always appeared to be a very physical team, favouring a direct style of football. My concern is that their brawn and aggression will cancel out QPR's attractive passing and flair. Rangers have only won one of their last nine games, whilst Bristol City also come into this match on the back of a bad run of form. This really does have a draw written all over it.

Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Bristol City