Filed under: Aston Villa, QPR, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: LOFTUS ROAD, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1600 BSTIt is probably fair to assume that Queens Park Rangers supporters are still in a daze after the opening weeks of the season.
As if returning to the top flight was not enough, they now have a new owner who is willing to invest. They also have plenty of new players who threaten to turn them from relegation candidates to mid-table contenders.
Following the signings made on transfer deadline day, the club's manager, Neil Warnock, saw them completely out-play Newcastle at Loftus Road.
While they had to settle for a 0-0 draw when they deserved better, they got their reward with an emphatic 3-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanders last weekend.
All in all, those events have eradicated the opening day 4-0 home defeat to Bolton from the memory.
While QPR have been riding a wave of excitement, Aston Villa by contrast have enjoyed a steady start to the campaign.
Their manager, Alex McLiesh, has overseen four draws and one victory this term to lift them into the top half of the table.
Villa were knocked out of the Carling Cup in midweek at the hands of Bolton, and McLeish will be looking for a reaction from this players.
Key Match-up: Joey Barton v Charles N'Zogbia. Barton will offer QPR a presence in midfield, even though he is likely to occupy a position wide on the right. He has made a excellent start to his career at Rangers and looked dangerous against Newcastle and scored against Wolves. His commitment is also something Villa's N'Zogbia possesses, however the difference being whether he chooses to show it. The left midfielder has played in fits and starts this term but can be devastating on his day.
Form Guide: QPR are on a role thanks to their win over Wolves and a point off Newcastle. They looked good valued in both games and will relish the challenge posed by Villa. McLeish's side have yet to hit top form but they are still getting results. QPR were the winners the last time Villa played at Loftus Road in 1995. Kevin Gallen was the scorer in Rangers' 1-0 win.
Odds: QPR 13-10 , Aston Villa 11-5, Draw 9-4
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