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QPR logo
Championship
Aug 22, 2015 at 3pm UK
 
Rotherham logo

4-2

Chery (42', 50'), Austin (63', 90' pen.)
FT(HT: 1-0)
Clarke-Harris (72'), Thorpe (88')

Preview: Queens Park Rangers vs. Rotherham United

Sports Mole previews the Championship encounter between Queens Park Rangers and Rotherham United.

Queens Park Rangers will be looking to record their second victory in the space of three days when they host Rotherham United at Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.

Rotherham make the visit to London without a win to their name, but they will take confidence from holding Preston North End to a goalless draw on Tuesday evening.


Queens Park Rangers

QPR boss Chris Ramsey on May 10, 2015© Getty Images

After witnessing the club's opening two games, Chris Ramsey may have had doubts about the character of his side, and his concerns would have intensified after the first 25 minutes against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Wednesday night.

The Hoops were second best in all areas of the pitch but after Charlie Austin netted against the run of play, their quality came to the fore and by the end of the 90 minutes, they could have scored more than three goals.

They continued to look poor in defence, despite the vast amount of experience that they have available, but it was a huge triumph for the club and they will be full of belief ahead of their return to Loftus Road.

Their home ground needs to become a fortress if they are to give themselves a chance of a return to the Premier League, and only three points will do against a Rotherham outfit still awaiting success in the league.

Austin and Matt Phillips are likely to feature in attack, but despite the possibility of the pair departing the club before the end of the transfer window, fans should have no concerns about their commitment to the cause after their respective displays in midweek.

Recent form: LDW
Recent form (all competitions): LWDW


Rotherham United

Steve Evans, manager of Rotherham United during the Pre Season Friendly match between Rotherham United and Nottingham Forest at The New York Stadium on July 23, 2014© Getty Images

Retaining their Championship status last season was a huge achievement for Rotherham, but their start to this campaign has brought everyone associated with the club back down to earth.

The Millers' squad has been strengthened with nine new signings, but so far many have flattered to deceive and the club remain without a win from three Championship fixtures.

The 4-1 reverse at home to MK Dons on the opening weekend would have provided a huge wake-up call to Steve Evans and his squad, although to their credit, they have improved since that setback against the newly-promoted team.

Given the nature of the Championship, though, they need to get results on the board rather than lingering in and around the relegation zone, and although they are underdogs in West London, they need to try to use that to their advantage.

Their recent away record doesn't support their chances, however, with the last win on the road coming back on March 7 against Huddersfield Town, and their chances could depend on their success at neutralising their buoyant opponents in the opening stages of the contest.

Recent form: LLD
Recent form (all competitions): LWLD


Team News

Ron Vlaar of Aston Villa look dejected as Charlie Austin of QPR (9) celebrates as he scores their third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers at Villa Park on April 7, 2015© Getty Images

After their win in midweek, there is little reason for Ramsey to make any unforced changes to his starting lineup.

Austin and Phillips are expected to be selected, while new signing Alex Smithies will likely begin life at the club on the substitutes' bench behind Robert Green.

Evans was unhappy with his side's showing in the opening 60 minutes against Preston, and that could result in a couple of alterations being made.

Aidy White and Jonson Clarke-Harris were introduced in the second half, and they could potentially get the nod over Chris Maguire and Jordan Bowery.

Queens Park Rangers possible starting lineup:
Green, Perch, Onuoha, Hall, Konchesky, Henry, Faurlin, Phillips, Luongo, Chery, Austin

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Roos, Buxton, Halford, Collins, Mattock, Smallwood, White, Frecklington, Newell, Clarke-Harris, Derbyshire


Head To Head

The two clubs have only previously met on 12 occasions, with each team winning four times and the remaining four fixtures ending in a draw.

However, they have only played each other twice since 1983, with QPR picking up four points from the two games in the 2004-05 campaign in the Championship.


Sports Mole Logo

We say: Queens Park Rangers 2-1 Rotherham United

After the comeback win in midweek, Ramsey must ensure that his side don't get too carried away, but that shouldn't be a problem given the experience and maturity in the squad. Regardless of whether Austin and Phillips are involved, they should have enough to grind out another three points against a team tipped to struggle this campaign.



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Bryan Ruiz of Fulham battles with Craig Morgan of Rotherham United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Fulham and Rotherham United at Craven Cottage on April 15, 2015
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