Match Preview: Middlesbrough v QPR

26 February 2010 17:49
MIDDLESBROUGH Coyne Naughton McManus Wheater Pogatetz Flood O'Neil Robson Franks Miller Aliadiere[LNB] Simpson Vine Taarabt Buzsaky Leigertwood Faurlin Stewart Gorkss Borrowdale Ramage Ikeme QPR[LNB] Middlesbrough subs (from): Jones (gk), Grounds, Hoyte, Taylor, Bennett, Walker, Arca, Lita, L Williams. QPR subs (from): Cerny (gk), Cook, Hill, Quashie, Balanta, Oastler, German, Priskin.[LNB] MIDDLESBROUGH: Scott McDonald is still struggling with the after-effects from a hernia operation, and is not expected to be involved. With Chris Killen also unavailable because of a hamstring problem, Lee Miller is likely to partner Jeremie Aliadiere up front.[LNB] Gordon Strachan's attempts to sign a left midfielder on loan have failed, so Jonathan Franks is expected to continue in a wide role. Suspensions: None Injuries: McMahon (foot), Hines (ankle), Riggott (hamstring), Bates (knee), R Williams (pelvis), Killen (hamstring), McDonald (hernia) Last five league games: LLWWD Leading league scorer: McDonald 12 (12 for Celtic) Next game: Cardiff (A) 06/03/10[LNB] QPR: Caretaker boss Mick Harford is boosted by the return of Mikele Leigertwood this afternoon. The Rangers midfielder has completed a three-match ban following his dismissal against Peterborough. Defender Matthew Connolly is unlikely to be involved at the Riverside though after injuring his ankle during last weekend's win over Doncaster. Former Boro striker Marcus Bent also misses out because of a hamstring problem. Suspensions: None Injuries: Connolly (ankle), Bent (hamstring), Rowlands (knee), Mahon (knee) Last five league games: WLLLL Leading league scorer: Simpson 11 Key Player: Akos Buzsaky - The Hungarian midfielder is the most skilful player in the Rangers squad.[LNB] Last season: No corresponding game League head to head: Middlesbrough 9, QPR 12, Draws 12 Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northampton) G21 Y54 R1 Ave: 2.62 Last Middlesbrough game: vs Preston (A) 24/10/09 D2-2 Y4 R0 Odds: H8/13; A4/1; D23/10[LNB] It's a fact: QPR have had four different managers since Middlesbrough won 4-1 at Loftus Road in early December. Comment by Will Scott: I confidently predict there will be goals galore on Saturday. Prediction: 6-3[LNB]

Source: Northern_Echo