There’s nothing better than not getting what you thought was a certain win, for denting the confidence, is there?
It’s not so much the fact that we drew at Preston that bothers me, but more the fact that we’ve failed to catch up on the clubs above us.
We have to start winning games consistently, it’s as simple as that.
Which means we could have done without today’s fixture against a Qpr side that McClaren has got going very nicely thank you, after a really poor start, where they were regularly getting tonked.
Squad news and the big one is that Nyland looks to be out for the rest of the season after doing his Achilles. This wouldn’t have bothered me in the slightest, to be honest, but for reasons I still don’t understand, Kalinic isn’t available to replace him for today’s game.
Which means Jed Steer, who’s been recalled from Charlton, will take his place, only to be sat on the bench for at least the short term future. I wonder how he feels about that after featuring regularly this season while on loan? Still, his duty is in serving us, I suppose.
The other big news is Elphick being recalled from Hull. He’s done very well for them and has been rated as one of the best defenders this season, which makes Bruce’s decision to let him go all the more unbelievable. You can put the house on him starting today.
That apart, it’ll probably be Smith tinkering with the same squad he used on Saturday.
There are plenty of options.
Will Bree, get moved to RB in place of Elmohamady, I wonder?
Maybe Bolasie will be rested, to give Kodjia a start?
I’d expect at least a couple to be rested, put it that way.
As for Qpr, Massimo Luongo is at the Asian cup, but Ryan Manning has been recalled from Rotherham.
Defenders Angel Rangel and Geoff Cameron and striker Tomer Hemed are all out.
I’m a bit worried about this one.
Qpr will sit back, soak it all up and hit us on the counter, which is where we’re weak, especially with that long ball over the top.
As usual I think we’ve got enough to threaten them and I see us getting at least a goal.
Home advantage should see us through, but my head can see a draw.
I’ll go for a 2-1 win, simply because we need to believe, but can see it being 1 apiece.
Don’t forget, this is available on AVTV, even for UK viewers, for a one-off tenner.
And Qpr hit us with a counter.
1-2
Shit.
We need to seriously pick up the tempo now.
Far too slow.
Bjarnason shoots over.
Bolasie on for Adomah.
Good choice, imo
El Ghazi on for Kodjia
Abraham close from a corner.
This is going away from us rapidly.
Need to work on crosses from open play in training following this game. Dont think ive seen so many shit crosses that dont get off the floor or beat the first man. Terrible. Has the new manager bubble burst?? Lool void of ideas lately.
Was thinking exactly the same.
Honeymoon and new manager syndrome finished??
Depends on this result.
Lovely work from El Ghazi who crosses to Abraham.
Good finish.
2-2
Finally a bit of good creative play and an actual good cross!!!! Simple.
Whelan coming on??????
Yep, Whelan on for Hourihane.
I need to think about thay one.
11 mins ET!
Looks like the ref hasn’t swallowed Qpr’s timewasting.
Fair play to him.
Qpr’s goalie booked for timewasting
About time.
And that’s it.
Qpr disgust me.