Friday, March 4, 2011

QPR v Leicester Preview: Neil Warnock Knows Race is Far From Over

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Neil Warnock, QPR, Madejski Stadium, Reading, February 4, 2011CHAMPIONSHIP: LOFTUS ROAD, SATURDAY MARCH 5, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 GMT

Queens Park Rangers's long-awaited return to the Premier League is anything but a forgone conclusion, for while they have a six point lead over Cardiff, who are in third place, recent weeks suggest the promotion race will go to the wire.

Neil Warnock's side have topped the Championship table since the first match of the season, but that will count for nothing if they lose their focus during the defining closing stages of the campaign..

Recent wins over Middlesbrough and Ipswich have underlined their credentials as worthy league champions, but Leicester also have aspirations themselves of reaching the Premier League and will provide a stern examination of Rangers' nerve.

The Foxes look revived under Sven Goran Eriksson and have edged their way back into the promotion race, and currently lie seventh, just two points behind sixth-placed Leeds. Saturday's match at Loftus Road could prove pivotal in the outcome of these teams' season.

Key Match-up: Danny Shittu v Yakubu. Both these players have bags of Premier League experience but, having dropped out of the top flight, have a point to prove. Shittu has been forced to wait for his opportunity to break into the QPR side following his move from Millwall but has helped the club keep two clean sheets since getting his chance. Yakubu has scored scored four goals in his eight appearances since arriving on loan from Everton. Expect a bone-juddering contest.

Form Guide: QPR have won four and drawn two of their last six matches and have lost just once at Loftus Road this season. Leicester have also won four of their last six, but defeat at Cardiff plus a draw with Coventry suggests their momentum has slowed.

Odds: QPR 6-5, Leicester 12-5, Draw 11-5

 

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/03/04/qpr-v-leicester-preview-neil-warnock-knows-race-is-far-from-ove/

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