Arsenal vs QPR

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Arsenal 1-0 Queens Park Rangers



PREVIEW


Fresh from two back-to-back defeats, first at Carrow Road against Norwich in the Premier League and most recently against Schalke at home in the Champions League, Arsenal will host Queens Park Rangers at The Emirates this weekend.

The North London club had a bright start to the campaign, but have gone back to their old ways of inconsistency and defensive slip-ups. The team was frustrated by the Canaries last week, and clearly need a clinical striker to finish off their chances.

Arsenal’s home loss against Schalke will be a plus point for QPR, who are still without a win in the league. Currently bottom of the league table, QPR badly need a win and relieve some of the pressure on manager Mark Hughes. With the way the season has been going so far; expect anything when both London clubs face off this weekend.

Arsenal

Expected starting line-up:

Vito Mannone, Carl Jenkinson, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Thomas Vermaelen, Mikel Arteta, Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud, Gervinho.

Arsenal are still without first choice goalkeeper Wojech Szczesny, who is about a week or two away from match fitness. Kieran Gibbs is also out of contention, and after last night’s horror defensive showing by Andre Santos, Thomas Vermaelen is expected to start in the left back role.

Per Mertesacker and Lauren Koscielny will start in the centre back positions, while Carl Jenkinson retains his spot at right back with Bacary Sagna still working on his comeback.

In midfield, Francis Coquelin is expected to start in place of Aaron Ramsey for a more defensive and physical presence. Abou Diaby is still sidelined following his injury troubles, while Jack Wilshere is expected to feature on the bench.

Mikel Arteta retains his spot, as does Santi Cazorla. The Spanish duo has forged a solid understanding in the centre, and Arsenal will be hoping they turn up against QPR.

Giroud is expected to start, with Gervinho and Lukas Podolski on the wings.  The Ivorian was poor last night, and responsible for squandering chances that may have given Arsenal the lead. Olivier Giroud starts in the centre as he looks to make his impact as first choice striker.

Queens Park Rangers

Expected starting line-up:

Julio Cesar, Armand Traore, Ryan Nelsen, Jose Bosingwa, Stephane M’Bia, Samba Diakite, Park Ji-Sung, Adel Taarabt, Esteban Granero, David Hoilett, Bobby Zamora.

Queens Park Rangers have a very solid squad, with big name and established players. However, the team has yet to make an impact in the league, which is surprising considering how most of their players can easily feature for a top 4 club.

The club’s summer signings will start once again, despite not being able to get results so far. Esteban Granero and Adel Taarabt will feature in the centre, with Bobby Zamora up front and Park and Hoilett on the wings.

The back four remains the same, with Diakite in the defensive midfield role. QPR have it in them to take the game to Arsenal, but will need to make more chances and be more clinical.

Zamora has so far failed to replicate his Fulham form, and will need to step up as QPR travel to North London. With Arsenal’s recent sloppy form, QPR can be hopeful of a result.

Final score

Arsenal 2-1 QPR

Arsenal will edge out, scoring two goals and will dominate the midfield. However, the Gunners are prone to switching off at the back, and will concede a goal. I expect Podolski and Cazorla on the score-sheet and Zamora to get a goal for QPR.