Tuesday 23rd March 2010
The Coca Cola Championship
Loftus Road Stadium
Kick-off: 20:00
Referee: M P Russell
Queens Park Rangers (17th) V Derby County (18th)
By The Godfather

After deservedly grinding out a point against promotion contenders, Swansea City, on Saturday, Queens Park Rangers face Derby County in what is arguably a must-win fixture. Like the Rs, the Rams have struggled for much of this season, and desperately need to pick up a decent result on Tuesday night in order to avoid falling into the relegation battle.

Derby County

Manager: Nigel Clough

Season 2008-09 finish: 18th position.

Since Derby's relegation from the Premiership, they have really struggled to make an impact in the second tier of English football. Last season saw the Rams have to fight to maintain their Championship status, eventually escaping thanks to a late improvement in form. This season, unfortunately, has been no better for the County faithful. Once again, they find themselves languishing in lower mid-table, dangerously close to being dragged into the relegation battle. Without a win in the last four matches, Nigel Clough will be viewing Tuesday night's fixture as absolutely crucial.

Men to watch

Derby County’s main attacking threat on Tuesday night will be current top scorer, Rob Hulse. The 30 year-old has bags of experience at this level, having enjoyed successful spells with Crewe, West Brom, Leeds and Sheffield United. Since signing for the Rams for 1.75 million pounds in 2008, the striker has notched 26 goals in 76 appearances. Hulse is a clinical finisher, as he is demonstrated throughout his career. He must be watched closely by the QPR defence.

On the left-hand side of midfield, Nigel Clough could hand a start to Gary Teale. The Scottish international has established himself as a first team regular since signing for the Rams two years ago. Previously he had enjoyed a very successful spell with Wigan Athletic, making 161 appearances between 2001 and 2007.

On the right flank, Clough might select Lee Croft in his starting line-up. The 25 year-old signed for the Rams from Norwich during the summer. During his spell with the Canaries, Croft made 118 appearances, netting nine goals.

In central midfield, Derby have the man who football supporters love to hate – Robbie Savage. The former Leicester, Birmingham and Blackburn player joined County in 2008. Since Nigel Clough’s appointment as manager, Savage has found his way back into the first team and has been named as club captain. The 35 year-old has 39 international caps for Wales to his name.

Michael Tonge is likely to partner Savage in the heart of midfield. The 26 year-old is perhaps best known for his successful seven-year spell with Sheffield United under Neil Warnock, during which he made 262 appearances. He has joined County on loan for the rest of the season, and is likely to play a key role for the Rams as the campaign reaches its conclusion.

In the left-back position, Scottish international, James McEverley, is likely to start. The 25 year-old has an abundance of experience at Championship level, having enjoyed spells with Burnley, Ipswich, Preston and Charlton in the past. McEverley can also play as a centre-half if required.

In goal, Nigel Clough has the talented Stephen Bywater at his disposal. The former England Under-21 international 'keeper signed for the Rams in 2006 after a lengthy period with West Ham United. The 28 year-old could provide a stern test for the QPR forwards on Tuesday night.

Previous Match

October 2009 - This was a particularly memorable encounter, as Queens Park Rangers came from behind to win 4-2 at Pride Park in front of the BBC television cameras. After Derby had taken a 2-0 lead against the run of play, Taraabt got the Rs back into the match just before half time, firing home a free kick. After the break, Gavin Mahon scuffed into the net from close-range to equalise, before Simpson's neat finish made it 2-3. Akos Buzsaky's late penalty sealed the victory.

QPR Manager, Jim Magilton: "Our progression has been steady. We've skipped under the radar, which is fabulous. I've no idea where this form will take us. I'm very much a manager that deals with it game by game, but I'm delighted with the direction we're heading in. We're a very grounded group and we won't be letting a result like this get us too carried away."

Derby County 2-4 Queens Park Rangers

QPR Team News

Damion Stewart is available after serving his one-match suspension. Jay Simpson, meanwhile, is also likely to return to the starting line-up after recovering from a minor injury he picked up in training. Martin Rowlands and Gavin Mahon remain long-term absentees.

Prediction

Queens Park Rangers, who were enjoying a remarkable run of form at the time, outclassed and outfought Derby back in October. The current situation, however, is a different proposition. Although the Rs have improved dramatically since the arrival of Warnock, I still expect this to be a tough, physical match, against a Derby team that will be desperate to pick up a decent result. I predict Rangers will come out on top, though, in what could be a very tight, unattractive game.

Queens Park Rangers 2-1 Derby County