Match Preview: Queens Park Rangers vs. Newcastle United

The Magpies will travel to Loftus Road this weekend to do battle with Queens Park Rangers in a match that could very well decide their Premier League status for next season. QPR were officially relegated last week and will look to play spoiler.

You can bet on the QPR-Newcastle fixture and this weekend’s other Premier League fixtures at Betfair.com.

Newcastle still has everything to play for. John Carver’s club would secure a place in top-flight next season if they beat QPR and Hull City lose away at Tottenham. Any other result will leave much to chance in Newcastle’s final match against West Ham. They remain two points up on Hull going into Saturday.

QPR were relegated for the second time in three seasons after being trounced 6-0 by Manchester City. At this point, the club is just playing out the season. However, Newcastle should not underestimate their opponents, especially when so much is at stake.

Injuries and Suspensions

Newcastle will welcome back Daryl Janmaat from suspension. Mike Williamson will be eligible to return next week against West Ham. Rolando Aarons (hamstring) made the bench last week but did not see any action.

Siem de Jong (thigh) remains a doubt for the match. Second-choice goalkeeper is expected to miss the match with a thigh injury. Cheick Tioté (knee), Massadio Haidara (knee) and Steven Taylor (ruptured Achilles tendon) are all unavailable.

Injuries have greatly impeded QPR this season as well. They could have as many as five players out for Saturday’s match. Mauro Zarate (knee), Armand Traoré (calf muscle), Michael Doughty (foot), Rio Ferdinand (knock), and Eduardo Vargas (knee) are all expected to be out.

Tactics and Possible Starting Line-Ups

John Carver went back to the 4-2-3-1 formation last week in Newcastle’s 1-1 draw against West Brom. The Magpies had a more positive display but were unable to find the winning goal. The return of Daryl Janmaat will boost the club’s chances against QPR.

Janmaat should slot back into right-back allowing Vurnon Anita to switch to the left side. Papiss Cissé could be in the starting line-up at the expense of Emmanuel Rivière. Otherwise, Carver is not expected to make any major changes.

It is difficult to determine what Chris Ramsey has in mind for Saturday. QPR have nothing to play for except pride. However, Ramsey has gone with the 4-4-2 formation for most of his tenure at Loftus Road. QPR has conceded the most goals in the Premier League this season with 67. Charlie Austen leads the club in goals with 17.

Prediction

QPR has only managed two victories in 17 league matches in 2015. A record in futility matched only by Newcastle in that time. QPR have not won at Loftus Road in any competition in the last ten matches. They have not scored more than one goal in any of those matches.

Newcastle have a decisive advantage in recent head-to-head matches. The Magpies beat QPR 1-0 at St. James’ Park in November. Moussa Sissoko was on-target in that match. Newcastle have won the last four meetings against QPR. The London club have not beaten Newcastle in the last nine encounters.

When things go wrong at Tyneside, they go terribly wrong. However, the Magpies still have the odds on their side. Newcastle needs to take advantage of a down and out Rangers side. Newcastle will build on their performance from last week and earn a victory at Loftus Road, because everything depends on it.

Queens Park Rangers 0 – 2 Newcastle United