Godfather's previews will return next season.

Sunday 2nd May 2010
The Coca Cola Championship
Loftus Road Stadium
Kick-off: 13:00
Referee: D Deadman
Queens Park Rangers (13th) V Newcastle United (1st)
By The Godfather

I think that this will be an interesting encounter, despite the fact that neither side has much to play for. Whilst Newcastle have already secured the Championship title, Queens Park Rangers have pulled away from the relegation zone and now sit in 13th position. In fact, the Rs could finish in the top half if they manage to pick up three points on Sunday afternoon. However, with the players the Magpies have at their disposal, that could be a very difficult task. This fixture will provide a final opportunity for Warnock to assess his current squad and perhaps give some of the youngsters a chance.

Newcastle United

Season 2008-09 finish: 18th position (Premier League).

Manager: Chris Hughton.

In my season preview for WATRB, I mentioned how Newcastle's campaign depended on stability. The club's relegation from the Premiership came against a backdrop of uncertainty in the boardroom and amongst the fanbase. There was no doubt that these problems needed to be addressed if the Magpies were to achieve promotion.

Fortunately for Newcastle supporters, the season has turned out to be a real success, with Chairman, Mike Ashley, sticking behind manager, Chris Hughton. In truth, the Magpies have probably found this level of football a little too 'easy'. Players like Kevin Nolan and Jonas Gutierrez are Premiership-class and it's not surprising that they have wreaked havoc among Championship defences this season.

United have only suffered four defeats, all of which have come away from home. A victory on Sunday afternoon would take Newcastle past the 100-point mark, which would certainly be an impressive achievement.

Men to watch

Newcastle's squad is far superior to any other in the Championship, with the exception of perhaps West Brom. Their star man, Kevin Nolan, is a player highly-rated in the Premiership, so it's not really surprising that he has enjoyed a brilliant season, netting 18 goals from midfield. He signed for the Magpies in January 2009 from Bolton Wanderers, where he had made 196 appearances in a ten-year spell. The 27 year-old will no doubt pose a threat if he is selected on Sunday afternoon.

Up front, Newcastle have young striker, Andy Carroll, who has also enjoyed a fantastic campaign, scoring a total of 19 goals in all competitions. The 21 year-old's strength and aerial ability have caused plenty of problems for the opposition over the course of the campaign.

On the right flank, it will be interesting to observe how Wayne Routledge, who joined Newcastle from Queens Park Rangers earlier in the season, fares on Sunday afternoon. Routledge was arguably the Rs' best player during the first half of the campaign, playing an important role in that brief run of form we enjoyed under Jim Magilton. He signed for the Magpies in January and has since impressed the United supporters with his pace and skill.

At the back, Hughton could choose Fabricio Coloccini, another Argentinean international. The 28 year-old has bags of experience at the very top level, having played for the likes of Milan, Athletico Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna. He joined the Magpies in 2008 and has since made 70 appearances.

In goal, Steve Harper may retain his position. The 35 year-old is a very talented shot-stopper, but has had to spend twelve seasons as back up to Shay Given. After the departure of the Irishman to Manchester City, Harper has finally been able to secure the goalkeeping place. I expect that he will provide a stern test for the QPR forwards on Sunday afternoon.

QPR Team News

Adel Taraabt may not be available after limping off against Watford. Damion Stewart is still out after that sickening head injury he suffered at Crystal Palace. Matthew Connolly misses the match through an ankle problem. Gavin Mahon and Martin Rowlands remain long-term absentees.

Referee

The macabrely named Mr Deadman will be taking charge of Sunday's fixture. I recall him refereeing an eventful 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest last season, during which he awarded a rather 'soft' penalty to the Reds. I remember not being particularly impressed with his performance.

Elsewhere

Of course, Sunday's big match is the Sheffield Wednesday V Crystal Palace fixture. Whoever wins stays in the Championship. If the result is a draw, the Eagles will stay up. At the other end of the table, Swansea and Blackpool will be competing for the final play-off spot. The Seasiders, who face Bristol City at home, will take 6th spot if they better or match Swansea's result against Doncaster.

Prediction

When these two sides met earlier in the season, Queens Park Rangers fought out a creditable point at St James' Park, perhaps being unlucky not to win. It just goes to show that, despite Newcastle's impressive squad, the Rs are capable of avoiding defeat. The Super Hoops have won their last two fixtures and I'm sure that they will try to finish the season on a high. Therefore, I'm going to predict an entertaining draw.

Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Newcastle United