A slightly shorter preview than usual

Monday 28th December 2009
The Coca Cola Championship
Portman Road Stadium
Referee: Mr Tanner
Kick-off: 15:00
Ipswich Town (21st) V Queens Park Rangers (8th)
By The Godfather

After a hard-fought victory over Bristol City on Boxing Day, Queens Park Rangers travel to Portman Road to face Roy Keane's struggling Ipswich Town side on Bank Holiday Monday. A win could see the Rs leap into a play-off place, so Paul Hart will be viewing this as a very important fixture.

Ipswich Town

Manager: Roy Keane

Season 2008-09 finish: 9th place.

When Roy Keane was appointed as Jim Magilton's successor with two games remaining of the 2008/09 campaign, his impact was immediate and profound. The Tractor Boys finished the season in style, first beating promotion candidates, Cardiff City, 3-0 at Ninian Park and then picking up three points against Coventry City.

Such an impressive finish to the season led many pundits to tout Ipswich as possible promotion candidates for the 2009/10 campaign. However, I have to say that, in my view, some of Keane's decisions during the summer seemed quite bizarre. For instance, I was surprised to hear that Keane had purchased Damien Delaney from the Rs, who had been very poor throughout the previous season.

The 2009/10 campaign has been a disastrous one so far for Roy Keane's men. It wasn't until 31st October that Ipswich won a match, a 1-0 victory over Derby County at Portman Road. Such a dreadful start to the season has left the Tractor Boys struggling at the foot of the table, and despite a recent improvement in form, the club is still very much stuck in a relegation battle. After a 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Boxing Day, Keane cannot afford another loss to Queens Park Rangers.

Men to watch

1. Jon Stead is likely to start up front on Bank Holiday Monday, after the club appealed against the red card he received on Boxing Day against Crystal Palace. At one point it seemed that the 26 year-old would go on to achieve success in the Premiership for Blackburn Rovers, but the purchase of Craig Bellamy in 2005 made it difficult for him to hold down a regular place in the first team. Moves to Sunderland and Sheffield United followed, but once again Stead found it difficult to break into the starting line-up. The former England Under-21 international joined Ipswich in September 2008 and has since made 55 appearances for the club. Having scored against QPR in the past, Stead will be feeling confident about Monday's fixture. He will be hoping to add to his total of four goals this season.

2. The experienced Pablo Counago could partner Stead in attack. The 30 year-old striker is enjoying his second spell with the Tractor Boys, having played for the club between 2001 and 2005. He rejoined Ipswich in 2007 after a disappointing two-year period playing for Malaga. The former Spanish Under-21 international has made a total of 200 starts for the Blues, scoring 53 goals.

3. On the right wing, expect to see the talented Jonathan Walters, who has returned from suspension. The 26 year-old is Ipswich's top scorer so far this season, with five goals to his name. The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international lists Blackburn, Bolton, Hull, Wrexham and Chester among his former clubs. He could cause problems for the Rs with his pace and skill.

4. At the back, former QPR defender, Damien Delaney, is likely to keep his place in the starting line-up. The 28 year-old first made his name playing for Hull City, making 224 appearances for the Tigers in a six-year spell. Rangers signed him in January 2008 and he went on to make 54 starts for the club, despite becoming unpopular for performances that many perceived to be lazy. As already mentioned, he joined Ipswich last summer and has since established himself as a first team regular.

Previous Match

February 2009 - Jim Magilton's Ipswich Town side came from behind to beat Queens Park Rangers 3-1 at Loftus Road in front of the Sky cameras. Rangers took the lead with just three minutes on the clock, when Di Carmine smashed home Routledge's cross. However, Town equalised ten minutes later, Jon Stead converting Pablo Counago's through-pass. The Spaniard put the away team ahead after the break, curling into the top corner of the net, before Walters latched on to Quinn's superb ball and sealed the victory.

QPR Manager, Paulo Sousa: "My aim is still to create a good base looking to the future. I hope next season to be looking for the Premier League. But when you are very close to the play-offs you need to think about them. There are five or six teams very close and each one can be up there."

Queens Park Rangers 1-3 Ipswich Town

QPR Team News

Damion Stewart is available after completing his one-match suspension and could regain his place in the side ahead of Fitz Hall. Matthew Connolly is also in contention for a starting position after returning from a hip injury. Lee Cook is back in full training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, whilst Gavin Mahon and Martin Rowlands remain long-term absentees.

Prediction

Although Ipswich are struggling at the foot of the league table, this is still a tough fixture for Hart's men. Portman Road is never an easy place to go to and the home supporters will be desperate for three points. I expect that Hart will stick with the 4-5-1/4-3-2-1 formation from Boxing Day, but we could see the likes of Borrowdale, Taraabt, Agyemang and Vine back in the starting line-up (certain players could get fatigued if they start two matches in the space of three days). I think that this will be a very even encounter, probably ending in a draw.

Ipswich Town 1-1 Queens Park Rangers