Tuesday 19th October 2010
Npower Football League Championship
The Liberty Stadium
Kick-off: 19:45
Referee: S A Hooper
Swansea City (4th) V Queens Park Rangers (1st)
By The Godfather

After being held to a 0-0 draw by Norwich City, Queens Park Rangers face another difficult test when they travel to face Brendan Rodgers’ Swansea City side on Tuesday night. Like the Canaries, the Swans have enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign and will fancy their chances at the Liberty Stadium, a ground that has not been the scene of much success for the Super Hoops.

Swansea City

Manager: Brendan Rodgers

Season 2009-10 finish: 7th position

After the departure of Paulo Sousa during the summer, many expected Swansea to struggle this season. The Portuguese had guided them to a very respectable 7th-placed finish in the previous campaign, only missing out on a play-off place by a point. His replacement, Brendan Rodgers, had had a disastrous spell at Reading and it didn’t seem like the appointment would prove to be a successful one.

However, the Swans have started the 2010-11 campaign very strongly indeed, having taken nineteen points from eleven matches, currently sitting in 4th position. Morale will be high in the City camp following an excellent victory at Rodgers’ former club, Reading, beating them one-nil in front of a hostile home crowd. Supporters will be hoping that the club can improve upon last season’s finish and perhaps even challenge for automatic promotion. Of course, it’s early days and expectations must not become too high.

Men to watch

1. Swansea City’s star man is Scott Sinclair, a very fast and skilful winger who spent a brief period on loan from Chelsea at Loftus Road a few years ago. During his short time with the Rs he failed to impress, showing only flashes of brilliance. After being loaned out to numerous clubs, including Charlton Athletic, Crystal Palace, Birmingham and Wigan, he signed for the Swans on a permanent deal during the summer. Sinclair has notched nine goals in all competitions and will certainly pose a threat on Tuesday night.

2. Up front, Rodgers will be relying upon the talented Stephen Dobbie, a forward who was instrumental in Blackpool’s successful play-off campaign. After moving to Swansea in 2009, he initially found his first team opportunities limited and joined the Tangerines on loan, scoring a crucial goal in the semi-final against Nottingham Forest. This season, he has found himself consistently in the starting eleven and has so far netted 4 goals.

3. In central midfield, Brendan Rodgers has fans’ favourite, Darren Pratley, at his disposal. After beginning his career with Fulham, the 25 year-old made the move to Swansea in 2006 and has since impressed the supporters with his hard-working performances in the middle of the park. Pratley will no doubt provide a stern test for the likes of Shaun Derry on Tuesday night.

4. On the flank, expect to see Andrea Orlandi, a player who brings creativity to the side. The Spaniard, who started his career with Alaves, joined the club in 2007 under Roberto Martinez. He has since made an important contribution, netting 2 goals in 47 appearances and providing many assists.

5. In the right-back position, Swansea have Angel Rangel, one of the best defenders in the division. The 27 year-old’s impressive performances have reportedly attracted interest from Premiership clubs. Since signing for the club in 2007, he has made 120 appearances, scoring three goals.

Previous Match

March 2010 – In this very even encounter, Antonio German managed to rescue a point for Queens Park Rangers against play-off contenders, Swansea City. In the 57th minute, Nathan Dyer pounced on a mistake from Kaspars Gorkss and sent the ball looping over Carl Ikeme and into the back of the net. However, a late Antonio German header ensured that the Rs took a point from the fixture.

QPR Manager, Neil Warnock: "I did tell the players not to tackle today so as not to upset Paulo. I told them it would be a horrible game, as Swansea don't give anything away, and that they would have to be patient. It was an enjoyable second half, Antonio took his goal well and it was a good fightback. It was interesting to see them under some pressure because they had been so composed - it was nice to ruffle a few feathers."

Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Swansea City

QPR Team News

The club is still awaiting the results of Akos Buzsaky’s scan. However, it is very unlikely that he will be available for this encounter. Expect Alejandro Faurlin or Mikele Leigertwood to replace him. Fitz Hall is still out with a hamstring problem, whilst Rob Hulse is still a week or so away from recovery. Lee Cook and Peter Ramage remain long-term absentees.

Prediction

The Liberty Stadium is one of the most intimidating stadiums in the Championship and I do feel that QPR’s unbeaten run is under serious threat here. However, I do have confidence in our defence and goalkeeper, which has only conceded three goals so far this campaign. I am going to predict a draw – and to be frank I think that would be a superb result.

Swansea City 0-0 Queens Park Rangers