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Q.P.R. v Cardiff City. Match preview

Last updated : 15 August 2015 By Michael Morris

City, with a decent away record in 2015, will face a tough test in the Malaysian derby against a Q.P.R. side that were relegated from the Premier League last season.

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Early team news:

QPR will check on Charlie Austin ahead of the home clash with Cardiff.

The striker, who is expected to leave Rangers before the transfer window closes, sat out Tuesday's Capital One Cup win over Yeovil to rest a minor niggle but should be available.

Winger Jamie Mackie will miss out, however, after picking up a groin strain.

Clint Hill, Paul Konchesky, Tjaronn Chery and Massimo Luongo return after they were rested in midweek.

Cardiff winger Craig Noone is pushing for a start at Loftus Road after scoring in the opening two games of the season.

Noone saved the Bluebirds in their Championship opener against Fulham with a late equaliser just minutes after coming on as a substitute and then scored the only goal as Cardiff knocked AFC Wimbledon out of the cup in midweek.

Kenwyne Jones is also in contention after appearing as a second-half substitute against the Dons following calf trouble but centre-backs Bruno Manga (knee) and Ben Turner (ankle) look set to miss out again.

Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall serves the final game of a three-match suspension and Simon Moore continues to deputise.

 

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The managers:

Chris Ramsey

“We know there is a massive battle in the Championship, and we know that every team that we play against will look at us as a scalp. 

“Like any game, it’s going to be tough. I hope it’s an enjoyable one for the fans.”


Russell Slade

"Our fans will play a big part. It’s a big game and there will be a big atmosphere.

"Cardiff supporters are always loud and passionate away.

"We want them behind us. They can help the players.

"Rangers have incredible squad and 16 of them were in the Premier League last season, Chris Ramsey, their manager, is looking for best strategy and shape and is getting there."

 

The officials:

Referee: SIMON HOOPER 
Assistants: Mark Pottage and Alan Dale 
Fourth Official: Keith Hill 

 

MATCH FACTS

  • QPR have won 13 of their last 17 home league encounters with Cardiff City (L4), keeping 10 clean sheets in the process.
  • Cardiff have conceded two goals in three of their last four matches against QPR (W1 D1 L2).
  • No player attempted more dribbles than Jamie Mackie on the opening day (9), yet he only completed three of them.
  • The Bluebirds have lost only once on the road in their last nine away games (W5 D3).
  • QPR have won just once at Loftus Road in the league in 2015, albeit in their most recent contest with Newcastle (D2 L6).
  • Cardiff have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight league games.

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