Tuesday 18th August 2009
The Coca-Cola Championship
Ashton Gate Stadium
Kick-off: 19:45
Referee: P N Gibbs
Bristol City (6th) V Queens Park Rangers (16th)
By The Godfather

Despite dominating the majority of the ninety minutes, Queens Park Rangers supporters had to suffer the agony of seeing their side concede a last minute equaliser to Plymouth Argyle. Once again, poor finishing let the Rs down. The game should have been put well beyond the reach of the Pilgrims in the first half.

One thing is clear: a new forward is a must. QPR need someone who is going to notch goals and stay fit for the rest of the campaign. Perhaps Pellicori is that man – who knows until he is given a chance in the first team? Something needs to be done very quickly indeed. It’s such a shame because some of the Rs’ approach play over the first week of the season has been excellent. However, you don’t get anywhere in football without end product.

On Tuesday evening, Magilton’s team face arguably their toughest test yet when they come up against Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

Bristol City

Last season was a rather disappointing one for Bristol City. Unable to keep up with the other play-off challengers, manager, Gary Johnson, found his team sinking into mid-table mediocrity. After several summer signings, City fans will be hoping that the club is able to mount a promotion bid in the 2009/10 Championship campaign.

To their credit, the Robins have got their season off to a decent start. After gaining a good point at Preston, they then beat Crystal Palace at Ashton Gate, albeit in controversial circumstances as the Eagles were denied a clear first half goal by the referee. Of course, it’s very early days, but City currently lie in 6th position in the league table.

Men to watch

Forward, Danny Haynes, will pose a real threat to the Queens Park Rangers defence. The 21 year-old, who can also play on the wing, spent four years at Ipswich Town before joining the Robins for an undisclosed fee. Haynes always seems to cause Rangers problems with his pace and trickery. Let’s hope that the likes of Gorkss, Hall and Connolly manage to deal with him on Tuesday evening.

The talented Nicky Maynard could partner Haynes in attack. The 22 year-old’s incredible goalscoring record at Crewe Alexandra (37 goals in 59 appearances) attracted the interest of several Championship clubs during the summer of 2008. Maynard chose Bristol City and has since scored 11 times in 41 appearances. Definitely one to watch on Tuesday evening.

Gary Johnson could also select striker, David Clarkson, in his starting line-up. The skilful 23 year-old joined City from Motherwell this summer and scored on his debut against Preston North End. He has made two appearances for the Scottish national side.

On the wing for Bristol City, Rs supporters can expect to see Ivan Sproule. The pacey 28 year-old signed for the Robins in 2007 from Hibernian. His impressive performances in the league have earned him call-ups to the Northern Irish international squad.

In the heart of midfield, Marvin Elliott could start. The former Millwall man, who played in the 2004 FA Cup Final against Manchester United, signed for City during the summer of 2007. At the age of 24, Elliott already has over 200 league appearances to his name.

At the back, Bristol City will be relying on central defender, Liam Fontaine, to mark the Rangers forwards. The former England Under-16 international has impressed the fans with his performances since joining the club in 2006. Expect the 23 year-old to provide the QPR frontline with a stern test on Tuesday evening.

After Adriano Basso handed in a transfer request, new signing, Dean Gerken, will probably start in goal against QPR. The 24 year-old joined Bristol City from Colchester United for an undisclosed fee.

Previous Matches

August 2008 – Queens Park Rangers held on for a point at Ashton Gate after Emmanuel Ledesma was sent off in the second half. Dexter Blackstock gave the Rs the lead in the 18th minute, pouncing on a long ball and rounding the goalkeeper. City equalised seven minutes later from Dele Adebola’s header. After Ledesma had been sent off for a second bookable offence, Radek Cerny pulled off a stunning save to deny Adebola a second goal. This was a good result for the Super Hoops.

QPR Manager, Iain Dowie: “Their player deliberately jumped out of the way of the ball to make it look worse than it was. After that Emmanuel showed his inexperience with a silly tackle to get himself sent off. I thought our defending from then on was outstanding. We know we have quality players, but you also need resilience in the Championship.”

Bristol City 1-1 Queens Park Rangers

March 2009 – Adel Taraabt’s late winner at Loftus Road kept QPR’s faint play-off hopes alive against Bristol City. After an even first half, Jordi Lopez took the lead for the home team with a stunning 25-yard free-kick. Michael McIndoe equalised from inside the penalty area, before Taraabt slotted home in the 81st minute to hand Rangers all three points.

QPR Manager, Paulo Sousa: “There have been a lot of critics, but now we have had two good results. We have a good spirit and the players believe in me because I always say the same things - because I believe in what I'm saying. Every team has a moment where results are not good. The important thing is to show spirit and unity, which we did.”

Queens Park Rangers 2-1 Bristol City

Form

Queens Park Rangers, of course, have drawn their first two matches of the 2009/10 Championship campaign against Blackpool and Plymouth Argyle. The results were disappointing considering the amount of opportunities that were squandered.

Bristol City drew their first match against Preston North End, throwing away a 2-0 lead. They then beat Crystal Palace in controversial circumstances at Ashton Gate.

Team News

Angelo Balanta will be out for three weeks after picking up an injury. Martin Rowlands could miss the match through the knock he sustained against Blackpool. Lee Cook is still sidelined with knee problems.

Prediction

Bristol City are a decent side in this division. Over the last couple of the seasons they have favoured a very physical and direct style of play. Rangers fans travelling to the game will see whether Johnson has adjusted his tactics.

As already mentioned, some of Queens Park Rangers’ play over the last week has been excellent. If the Rs produce a similar kind of performance on Tuesday evening, they are bound to create clear-cut chances. The question is will they take them?

I’ve got a feeling that this will be a very even encounter. Both sides are of similar quality and I expect that this will finish in a draw, as the fixture has in previous seasons at Ashton Gate.

Bristol City 1-1 Queens Park Rangers