Our Focus turns to tonight’s West London derby at Loftus Road. After two defeats in two so far for both sides during this mini season, will it be third time lucky for one of us? Draw anyone…
Head to Head
- Fulham Wins – 17
- Draws – 7
- Leeds Wins – 14
- Goals Scored – 56
- Goals For – 43
- Biggest Wins – Fulham 6-0 QPR (2011/12), Fulham 5-0 QPR (1928/29), Fulham 5-0 QPR (1948/49)
Last 5 Games
- Fulham 2-1 QPR
- Fulham 2-2 QPR
- QPR 1-2 Fulham
- QPR 1-1 Fulham
- Fulham 1-2 QPR
Last Time Out
Fulham 2-1 QPR
Ironically, Mitrović was also suspended for the reverse fixture back in November. Abou Kamara was the hero on the night replacing the Serb up top and scoring a brace. The Cottagers suffered an early setback when Rodak parried a cross into the path of Jordan Hugill for a tap in after just 3 minutes. But Fulham came back with a goal in each half from Kamara who led the line superbly in Mitro’s absence.
Players in Common
John Beck, Roy Bentley, Matt Brazier, Rufus Brevett, Dave Clement, Dean Coney, Lee Cook, Luke Cornwall, Danny Cullip, Heidar Helguson, Robbie Herrera, Ernie Howe, Aaron Hughes, Andy Johnson, Bobby Keetch, Paul Konchesky, Jim Langley, Frank Large, Rodney Marsh, Paul Parker, Tony Parks, Paul Peschisolido, Zesh Rehman, Leroy Rosenior, Wayne Routledge, Tony Sealy, Matt Smith, Richard Teale, Clive Walker, Callum Willock & Bobby Zamora.
Team News
Fulham: Neeskens Kebano (suspended), Aleksandar Mitrovic (suspended), Terence Kongolo (foot), Alfie Mawson (knee), Aboubakar Kamara (no idea)
QPR: Full squad available
Score Predictions
Fulham View: Mike Gregg (MJG)
QPR 1-2 Fulham
QPR View: LoftforWords (Fan Website)
QPR 1-1 Fulham
Former Player: Collins John
QPR 1-2 Fulham
Battle to Watch
Denis Odoi vs Eberechi Eze
QPR have had a very average season. Despite at times showing some form that saw them in playoff contention, their lack of consistency have them closer to a relegation battle. One of the few bright sparks this season has been the form of academy graduate Eberechi Eze. This season is Eze’s second full season in the QPR and he has improved dramatically. The 21-year-old has continued the flair and direct dribbling he showed last season while adding some more end product. Eze has contributed to 20 of QPR’s goals this season comparing to just 7 last season. Marking him will be a difficult task for Denis Odoi especially with Eze liking to cut in onto his favoured right foot.
Sam’s View (@SamCole2468)
I think it is fair to say that the return to football for Fulham has not gone to plan. Conceding a combined five goals in two games against sides around you has been deeply sobering and all of a sudden we are now looking over our shoulder. Parker is the main man to blame but we need to back him until the end of the season and hope that his limited tactical experience is just enough to get us promoted via the play offs. The game against QPR is going to be challenging for our out of form side. The likely loss of Mitrovic due to suspension and with Kamara and Stansfield being left out of the squad since the break for a reason that remains a mystery, leaves us without a recognisable striker. From what I have seen, Decordova-Reid isn’t a striker he is a midfielder who can’t hit a barn door.
As far as the line up for this QPR match, I think we will need a formation change to accommodate our lack of strikers. I think we should switch from our 4-2-3-1 formation to a narrow 4-1-2-1-2. Our defence and keeper should remain the same. Despite defensively being awful in the past few games, Bryan’s attacking play will be needed to make up for the lack of width in this formation. In midfield I would have Reed holding with Johansen and Onomah providing energy in the middle of midfield. If I was choosing the team, Cairney would play at the point of midfield with Cavaleiro and Decordova-Reid the makeshift duo up front. Arter and Knockaert have not been good enough to warrant a place in the side. I would say the same about Decordova-Reid but with his experience of being a good striker for one season at Bristol City, it is all we realistically have.
I think that we will beat our West London rivals 2-1 with goals from Cavaleiro and Cairney.
