Fan Preview: QPR Vs Newcastle

Newcastle complete their brief stint in the Championship on Sunday afternoon when they take on QPR at Loftus Road. With the Magpies comfortably clear at the top of the table and QPR comfortably safe from relegation, it’s largely a meaningless game for both sides.

However the league leaders will be looking for another win to take them over the 100 point mark and become only the fourth team to do so. Hughton’s boys are unbeaten in 16 games and are searching for their fifth consecutive away win.

QPR have largely disappointed this season, fans were hoping their big spending would lead them to success, but some disappointing results have led the R’s to a mid table position after a brief relegation scare. The appointment of Neil Warnock has seen them gain a bit of form of late, and the fans at Loftus Road are hopeful that another summer of big spending can propel them to where Newcastle will be next season.

Newcastle could be boosted by the return of Steven Taylor to the squad, if not the starting XI. The defender has recovered from his knee injury that has kept him out for a large period of the season and his jaw has recovered from Andy Carroll’s left hook.

The Magpies will be without Fitz Hall, who is still suffering from a hamstring problem. The defender is on loan from QPR but could have played against them if he had been fit. Wayne Routledge will be hoping he can be a pain in the side of his former team mates, from whom he left just three months ago. However his partner in crime, Jonas Gutierrez will miss out after returning to Argentina to prepare for the World Cup this summer. Nile Ranger probably would have played if he wasn’t missing with an ankle problem.

Promising young keeper Tim Krul will start on Sunday, which is something the Toon Army will be looking forward to, Steve Harper will be on the bench. It has also been confirmed that Haris Vuckic will be part of Sunday’s squad, most likely appearing from the bench.

Neil Warnock will be without defender Damion Stewart, who is still recovering from a serious skull fracture. Matt Connolly is also missing with an ankle injury along with Martin Rowlands and Gavin Mahon. Former Mag Peter Ramage is set to make his first appearance against his former employers, after being an unused sub when the two met at SJP in September.

All eyes will be elsewhere on Sunday, with the main focus in the Championship being on the race for the final play-off spot and the fight between Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday for survival. With Hughton expected to name a mixture of youth and fringe players, the R’s can be hopeful of taking something from the game. I’m expecting a draw or a narrow win for the visitors.

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