Saturday 8th April 2010
The Coca Cola Championship
Selhurst Park Stadium
Referee: N S Miller
Kick-off: 15:00
Crystal Palace (20th) V Queens Park Rangers (18th)
By The Godfather

On Saturday afternoon Queens Park Rangers face their most important fixture so far this season, when they come up against relegation rivals, Crystal Palace, at Selhurst Park. Only two points separate the London sides, with both desperate to pick up a victory. Of course, the fact that Warnock will be returning to Palace for the first time since leaving them for the Rs will certainly add an extra spice to what promises to be a very tense occasion.

Crystal Palace

Manager: Paul Hart

Season 2008-09 finish: 15th place.

In truth, Neil Warnock did an excellent job with Crystal Palace, building a team more than capable of contending for the play-off places. If it weren't for their financial problems, Warnock would still be in charge, and the Eagles would still be in with a chance of reaching the top six. In fact, the team would occupy 9th position if their ten-point deduction had not been imposed.

The reality, however, is that Palace are now involved in a relegation battle. Everybody on the QPR message boards was laughing when Warnock's replacement, former Rangers boss, Paul Hart, was appointed. During his brief period in charge of the Rs, his ultra-defensive tactics, which included putting six men in defence in a match against Bristol City, came under heavy criticism from supporters.

Hart, though, hasn't done too badly since taking over last month. The last week has seen the Eagles beat Watford 3-1 at Vicarage Road, gain a creditable point at Middlesbrough, and then pick up a comfortable victory against Preston at Selhurst Park. This recent improvement in form has propelled Palace out of the relegation zone, with the team now a point ahead of Sheffield Wednesday and Watford.

Men to watch

In my view, Crystal Palace's star man is their goalkeeper, Julian Speroni. There is no doubt that the Argentinean is among the best 'keepers in the division, and if there is any truth in the rumours that he might move to QPR in the summer, I would be very happy indeed. The 30 year-old always seems to play brilliantly against the Super Hoops - let's hope that he has a rare 'off day' on Saturday.

Another quality player at Paul Hart's disposal is attacking midfielder, Darren Ambrose. The 26 year-old has scored a very impressive total of 19 goals in all competitions this season. He offers the team pace, skill and creativity, attributes that have proved to be a real asset to Palace over the course of the campaign.

Neil Danns could play alongside Ambrose in the heart of midfield. The 27 year-old has plenty of experience at this level, having enjoyed spells with Colchester and Birmingham prior to joining the Eagles in 2008. Since then, the tough-tackling midfielder has made 63 appearances, impressing the supporters with his performances.

Hart could also hand places to talented youngsters, Nathaniel Clyne (full back) and Sean Scannell (striker), both of whom look to be hot prospects for the future. The former has been linked with a move to QPR since the arrival of Neil Warnock.

Previous Match

November 2009 - Julian Speroni produced another fine display, as Crystal Palace held Queens Park Rangers to a point at Loftus Road. The hosts dominated much of the play during the first half and deservedly took the lead when Adel Taraabt was fouled in the penalty area. Akos Buzsaky converted the resulting spot-kick. Routledge should have doubled the Rs' advantage before half time, but was denied by the Argentinean goalkeeper. Palace improved after the break, and won a penalty of their own when Fitz Hall brought Freddie Sears to the ground inside the box. Sears smashed his penalty into the back of the net. Akos Buzsaky and Rowan Vine both saw their efforts saved, before the referee called an end to proceedings.

QPR Manager, Jim Magilton: "We were at home so it is two points dropped. Look at the amount of chances we created, we could have been out of sight by half time. Sometimes you rue missed chances and tonight was one of those games. And then the keeper has kept them in it. I didn't see much argument from them about our penalty and I didn't see much argument from us about theirs either."

Crystal Palace Manager, Neil Warnock: "Julian Speroni is the best keeper in this division by a mile and I don't see anyone better in the Premier League. It's good that nobody rates him. But he's not leaving while I'm manager - unless I take him somewhere with me. I'm disappointed in a way we didn't win, but it was a good game and the players gave me everything."

Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Crystal Palace

QPR Team News

Radek Cerny is likely to return to the starting line-up after Carl Ikeme's loan spell came to an end. Dusko Tosic could feature after playing for the reserves a couple of nights ago. Matthew Connolly, however, is still struggling with an ankle injury. Gavin Mahon and Martin Rowlands remain long-term absentees.

Prediction

The importance of this fixture cannot be understated. In my view, it is vital that Queens Park Rangers avoid defeat. Unfortunately, I do have some concerns. Firstly, I am worried about the fitness of Radek Cerny, who hasn't played for many weeks. Could he be vulnerable on Saturday afternoon? Also, it must be remembered that the Super Hoops do not seem to reap much success at Selhurst Park.

On the other hand, Warnock will surely know where Palace's weaknesses lie. After all, he worked with the players for a two-and-a-half-year period. Plus, Paul Hart is a manager who tends to favour ultra-defensive tactics - could QPR exploit this on Saturday afternoon?

In conclusion, this fixture has produced several entertaining draws over the last few years, and therefore I am going to predict a 1-1 scoreline.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Queens Park Rangers