Anton Ferdinand promises QPR will not roll over against title-chasing Manchester City and will use West Ham's miraculous escape five years ago as inspiration.
The west Londoners have a two-point cushion heading into the final Barclays Premier League game of the season at the Etihad Stadium - a match written off by many as a win for the hosts. Ferdinand, though, promises it will not be that easy for Roberto Mancini's side, who are on the cusp of a first league title since 1968.
He told the London Evening Standard: "There have been people showing Queens Park Rangers a distinct lack of respect this week by claiming Manchester City have virtually won the Premier League title before playing us. Make no mistake, they will have to play well to win."
He added: "City have to prove they can handle the pressure of their entire season coming down to one game in front of their own fans, all of whom are expecting them to deliver."
The defender was part of the Hammers side that defied the odds in 2007 thanks to a final-day win at Manchester United and believes the experience stands him in good stead for Sunday's match.
He added: "They don't have any experience of having everything you fought for being on the line in the final 90 minutes. Okay, so they are going for the title and we are trying to avoid relegation but the intensity is the same.
"I've been there before. In 2007, I was part of the West Ham side that had to go to Manchester and get a result to stay in the division, on that occasion at Old Trafford. Carlos Tevez scored and, against the odds, we survived. That experience stays with me and it is a huge help when mentally preparing for Sunday's trip to the Etihad Stadium."
Source: PA
