Preview - Queens Park Rangers

Everything you need to know about Saturday's visit to Loftus Road

In brief

West Ham United travel across London to take on relegation embattled Queens Park Rangers in their final London derby of the season.

The Hammers will want to register their double of the season, having beaten the R’s 2-0 in October at the Boleyn Ground.

The Irons are currently tenth, with 43 points from their 33 games.

Saturday’s visitors QPR fighting for their Premier League status. Currently 19th with 26 points, Chris Ramsey’s men have improved of late with a 4-1 away at West Bromwich Albion and a 3-3 draw at Aston Villa.  
 

Who are they?

Formed in 1882, Queens Park Rangers' early football was joined the Football League in 1920, three years after settling at Loftus Road.

Their honours include winning the League Cup in 1967, being runners-up in the top flight in 1975/76 and reaching the FA Cup final in 1982, when they lost to Tottenham Hotspur after a replay.

They won promotion back to the top flight via the play-offs last season, with former Hammer Bobby Zamora netting a dramatic late winner against Derby County.

Team news

QPR

Chris Ramsey has an extensive injury list. His absentees include Rio Ferdinand (muscular injury), Eduardo Vargas (Knee) and Leroy Fer (Knee) all out.

However, Rangers could be boosted by the return of A Troare and Adel Taarabt. 

West Ham United

Sam Allardyce will have to do make do without Diafra Sakho, Andy Carroll, James Tomkins and Doneil henry who are all still injured.

Guy Demel may also miss out due to a calf problem.

Referee

Saturday’s referee is Mike Jones. The Cheshire based referee took charge of his first Premier League game back in 2008 and has since officiated 143 matches. In total, he has given 455 yellow and 20 red cards out.

Jones has refereed one West ham game this season, their last away in back in December – a 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion.  

Taylor will be assisted by Mark Scholes and Ian Hussin, while the fourth official will be Lee Mason.

One to watch

West Ham United

Aaron Cresswell has enjoyed a fine start to life in a Hammers shirt, taking the step up from Championship football in his stride.
The 25-year-old left back has played every minute of the Hammers' Barclays Premier League campaign to date, capping recent good performances with a superb free kick against Stoke City.

Queens Park Rangers

Rangers striker Charlie Austin will need to be shackled on Saturday if the Hammers are to be successful.

The former Swindon and Burnley man joined QPR in summer 2013 and notched 17 league goals to help his new club to promotion.

This season, he has continued his prolific goalscoring form, netting 17 times so far, leading to some pundits calling for an international call up.

The Hammers will have to be aware of the threat he possesses if they are to come with away from Loftus Road with the three points. 

Tickets

Standard tickets for this fixture have now SOLD OUT. However, a limited number of re-listed Season Ticket Holder seats may be available online through the Ticket Trader.

Travel

There are planned closures on Central and Bakerloo lines on Saturday. Click here for the latest transport news from Transport for London.

Click here for the latest travel news from National Rail.

Weather

A dry day with sunny spells is expected on Saturday, with a temperature of 17C (63F) at kick-off.

Last meeting

The Hammers secured a 2-1 away win the last time they visited Loftus Road.

Matt Jarvis put the Irons ahead after just three minutes before Vaz Te’s goal doubled their advantage before half time.

The hosts rallied in the second half as Adel Taarabt scored a minute after coming on as a substitute.

However their efforts of a comeback were thwarted when Samba Diakite was sent off and the hammers held out for an important win.

Queens Park Rangers 1-2 West Ham United

Premier League
Monday 1 October 2012

QPR: Julio Cesar, Hill, Onuoha (hoilett 84), Nelsen, Park Ji-Sung (Diakite 56), Wright-Phillips (Taarabt 56), Granero, Faurlin, Mbia, Cisse, Zamora
Subs: Green, Ehmer, Ephraim, Mackie
Goal: Taarabt 57

West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid (Tomkins 23), O’Brien (McCartney 35), Collins, Demel, Nolan, Jarvis, Noble, Diame, C Cole (Carroll 72), Vaz Te.
Subs: Henderson, Benayoun, O’Neil, Maiga
Goal: Jarvis 3, Vaz Te 35