A WAY THROUGH THIS
QPR v MIDDLESBROUGH
Jonathan Way, 4 Dec 2009
Holding On.
A lot of us thought that Dave Kitson's first Boro goal had secured Gordon Strachan's first long awaited win but yet again we couldn't hold on to the lead and threw away another two points. With an important set of fixtures coming up before Christmas, Middlesbrough start at QPR, currently sitting closer to the relegation places than the automatic promotion spots in the table.
Following a disappointing 11th placed finish last season, QPR appointed Jim Magilton in the summer to take them into the Premier League. The Irishman has done a great job so far, having started the campaign with only one defeat in nine games. Now just three points off third, the Hoops will be looking to cement their place in the play-off positions.
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Mikele Leigertwood v David Wheater
Since joining from Sheffield United in 2007, Leigertwood has become a fundamental part of the Rangers defence, despite missing a few games due to swine flu. Following a disappointing match against Coventry, their number six will be hoping to put in a much better display this Saturday.
There have been recent questions over whether Wheater should be replaced as he has been part of a defence that has kept only two clean sheets in the last 14 fixtures. I think our former skipper should remain in the side and will improve by being alongside a more experienced defender, such as Poggy or Riggott.
Akos Buzsaky v Mark Yeates
The Hungarian international has quickly become a fans' favourite at Loftus Road after making his loan move permanent in January last year. With seven goals so far, Buzsaky has been one of Magilton's key players this season as QPR haven't lost a match in which he has scored.
The Irishman started his first game under Strachan at Peterborough and was probably a little frustrated with his performance. Despite only missing four matches this campaign, it will be interesting to see whether Yeates retains his place in the starting eleven this weekend.
Adel Taarabt v Adam Johnson
The skilful 20-year-old rejoined the Hoops for a second spell on loan from Tottenham after he expressed his desire for first team football. Scoring one of the goals of the season against Preston two months ago, Taarabt definitely has a bright future ahead of him.
Regardless of continuing speculation over his future, Johnson continues to provide the biggest key to our promotion hopes. Supplying Kitson for his second last Saturday, our pacey winger will be hoping to grab a goal himself after not being able to find the net in his last four matches.
Jay Simpson v Leroy Lita
The Arsenal forward is having a brilliant campaign with eight goals in just 14 starts for Rangers. Having claimed earlier this week that he can fill in for the injured Robin van Persie, Magilton will have to wait and see if he can hold on to his top scorer for the remainder of the season.
It seems that a lot of people have certainly seen an improvement in Lita's displays since the arrival of former teammate Kitson from Stoke. Our number nine, who was unlucky not to score at London Road, will hopefully add to his three goal tally this weekend.
It seems that Kitson, who scored his 100th league goal against Peterborough, has made a good impact since coming to Teesside.
Now he's had four games in charge, hopefully Strachan will know his best side in time for our trip to West London.
Despite QPR's impressive home form of suffering just one defeat, I think our recent improving performances will finally peak with a 1-0 away win to take us back into the play-offs.
