Andy Johnson out for most of the season

[The Godfather]

Gutted. As I said on another thread, I was really impressed with him on Saturday. We now need Zamora and Cisse to stay fit, otherwise we're in trouble. Mackie, Hoilett and Taarabt are not really 'strikers' and so whilst they could play up front I'm not sure they would be particularly effective against quality opposition.

[Yousef]

I think Mackie would be a good option which leaves space for Hoilett.

[Busheyboy]

Hindsight is an exact science, it's easy to criticise MH but he didn't know this was going to happen. We do have some options and Park, Mackie, Hoillet, Taraaabt are all players wth attacking abilities. With so many strong midfield options, I'd prefer 5 in midfield (Park, Faurlin, Diakite, Granero & Hoillet) with Cisse or Zamora alone getting support from the midfield. That would give us solidity in the midfield and support to the striker

[loftlag]

Not sure Cisse can lead the line he's an out and out striker but doesn't create a lot for other players, 1st game against Swans was poor as lone striker

[stanistheman]

It does leave QPR short of strikers and with the injury hit career Johnson has had, perhaps it is not really a surprise.

QPR do have alternative options including Cisse and Mackie, who are both capable of playing in a 4-4-2. Hughes also has the option of playing Hoilett, Taarabt and SWP in a 4-4-1-1. Not forgetting that with so many midfielders, he could go 4-5-1. Granero in particular can play a more advanced role.

I am not happy that Johnson has this injury, but it could work out quite well if it means a starting place for Cisse, as a central striker. Johnson is not a goalscorer, but Cisse is, and his absence from the starting line-up probably goes someway to explaining 2 goals from 4 games. Not that Johnson has started in all these games.

[stanistheman]

Not sure Cisse can lead the line he's an out and out striker but doesn't create a lot for other players, 1st game against Swans was poor as lone striker

True, but a 4-5-1 system is not the best way to utilise Cisse. He is better as part of a two man attack.

[BUSHRANGER1982]

It's a real blow as he looked good against City and 'them' but we do have Cisse, Mackie & Hoilett ( even Adel behind Zamora if need be ) not ideal but won't ruin a season.

Get better soon Andy

I go with this view, too.
Get well soon, AJ.

[loftlag]

True, but a 4-5-1 system is not the best way to utilise Cisse. He is better as part of a two man attack.

Yep

[Rebel R's]

But what happens if Bobby or Cissie get injured,big risk MH took

[stanistheman]

But what happens if Bobby or Cissie get injured,big risk MH took

Not doubt about that. Hughes wanted competition for all positions, but he has no back up for Zamora i.e. a target man who holds up play) and no real competition for Cisse. Johnson is more of a wide man than a striker and there is cover for him in Hoilett, Mackie & SWP.

[Del]

I am really gutted tbh. I was not a huge fan of AJ coming in, but for a free i was quite content as MH knows what he's about. He was hoever really looking very good against Chelsea and City with very good link play and movement so it is a shame.

I'm not worried though as we have so many attack minded midfielders and we can play a number of formations.

Besides, Spain and Barca have shown that with attacking and technically sound midfielders, they can play up as part of a front 3.

[HertsHoops]

Hoping for a speedy recovery for AJ. You could see on his face he knew it was a bad one when he was coming off, can't be much fun thinking of all the months of rehab to come

It's a good job we've got plenty of options upfront with attacking midfielders - DJ and Hulse still eligible for Reading in the cup I presume ?

[stainrodisalegend]

True, but a 4-5-1 system is not the best way to utilise Cisse. He is better as part of a two man attack.

think the jury is still out on that. no cisse didn't play well against swansea but the five man midfield was so deep he was stranded 20/30 yards away from the rest of the team. if you play with five in midfield you need quick movement but we were incredibly cautious/ static that day.

[SouthCoastRanger]

Can play Hoilett or Mackie upfront too,there's options.

[Timmy the Doc]

I'm not worried though as we have so many attack minded midfielders and we can play a number of formations.

I am a little bit worried because cannot really see Faurlin and Park score too many goals. That leaves a whole lot of goal-scoring responsible on other midfielders. No hindsight but said before we are too short of strikers.