Crewe travel to QPR in a game which sees both sides hoping to reignite their disappointing seasons following midweek defeats. Crewe look all but relegated, and with just 6 games left, the 10 point deficit looks to be unachievable. Meanwhile, QPR had harboured hopes of the play-offs this season, though with just 6 games left, the Hoops lie closer to the relegation zone than the play-offs. This has prompted a change in manager of sorts, with Ian Holloway being placed on ‘gardening leave’ as QPR can’t afford the pay-off he would be due should they sack him. Consequently, Gary Waddock has been placed in temporary charge.
Vital Quotes:
In the build up to tomorrow’s game, Crewe boss Dario Gradi has come out in support of Waddock, ‘He comes across as a very thoughtful, intelligent guy and he is QPR through-and-through. He is one of their kids, who has been brought up the QPR way and I hear that they are going to give him the manager’s job, which is a good move and good for him.’
QPR Team News:
Danish forward Sammy Youssouf is QPR’s latest injury concern having limped off during Wednesday’s home defeat to Stoke. Experienced forward Paul Furlong is likely to partner Marc Nygaard in attack instead of one-time-Crewe-transfer-target Stephan Moore. Kevin Gallen is also out through suspension, whilst Matthew Rose, Martin Rowlands, Tommy Doherty and Dominic Shimmin are out through injury.
Player to watch: Lee Cook
Left winger Cook has the 2nd highest tally of assists in the Championship this season – 11. With Crewe right back Jon Otsemobor prone to the odd defensive error, Cook may be allowed time and space as he attempts to pick out the towering Marc Nygaard.
Crewe Team News:
An illness to Steve Jones may prevent Dario Gradi from naming the same side for the sixth consecutive game. Steve Jones has been playing on the left of midfield recently so David Vaughan would slot in to replace the Northern Ireland international. Eddie Johnson picked up a back injury during the week, ruling him out of contention for a place on the bench, meaning that either Luke Varney or Michael O’Connor will take his place on the bench. Gary Roberts remains out with a back injury, whilst Juan Ugarte and Ben Williams are likely to be out for the season with a knee problem and meningitis respectively.
Player to watch: Kenny Lunt
Much will depend on whether Kenny Lunt can control the game for Crewe, as he did so effectively for Crewe last Saturday.
Match Facts & Stats
Last Time Out: QPR came away with the points after a seven goal thriller at the Alexandra Stadium. Eddie Johnson had given Crewe the lead, but goals from Cook and Baidoo gave QPR the lead. However, goals from Luke Varney and Billy Jones mean that Crewe went into the interval ahead. However, second half goals from Martin Rowlands and Richard Langley ensured QPR took all 3 points.
QPR’s Top Goalscorer: Gareth Ainsworth + Marc Nygaard – 7
QPR’s Top Assistsman: Lee Cook – 11
Crewe’s Top Goalscorer: Billy Jones – 8
Crewe’s Top Assistsman: Steve Jones – 10
Only Brighton and Millwall have had fewer shots than QPR this season.
QPR’s Paul Furlong has the 3rd worst disciplinary record in the division.
QPR have used the 2nd highest amount of players this season – 37. Crewe, meanwhile, have used 30.
QPR have gone 5 games without a win.
Crewe are 11th in the form guide having taken 8 points from their last 6 games. QPR, meanwhile, are 16th having taken 7 points from their last 6 games.
Crewe (46) have scored two more goals than QPR (44) this season.
In the 18 meetings between the sides, Crewe have won 6, QPR have won 10 and there have been 2 draws.
Ref Watch:
Stephen Tanner (East Sussex)
Match Prediction:
QPR 1-2 Crewe