Friday 22nd October 2010
Npower Football League Championship
Ashton Gate Stadium
Referee: L Mason
Kick-off: 19:45
Bristol City (24th) V Queens Park Rangers (1st)
By The Godfather

Queens Park Rangers fought out yet another 0-0 draw on Tuesday night in what was a difficult match against Brendan Rodgers’ Swansea City side. Although this was a creditable point, there has been some concern on the message boards that the Rs are struggling to score goals (this was the third goalless draw in four matches). Live on Sky TV, this fixture against a struggling Bristol City side presents an excellent opportunity for Warnock’s men to get back to winning ways.

Bristol City

Manager: Keith Millen

Season 2009-10 finish: 10th position.

It was all looking so positive for Bristol City during the summer. With an experienced and highly talented manager in Steve Coppell, the Robins made a number of big-name signings, including former England international goalkeeper, David James. Supporters were hopeful that the club would challenge for the play-offs at least.

However, City’s start to the campaign has been nothing short of disastrous. After only two competitive games in charge, Coppell made the bizarre and unexplained decision to resign his post. Assistant Boss, Keith Millen, who had stepped in as Caretaker Manager during the latter half of the previous season, was given the role on a full-time basis. However, he has failed to improve the team’s form, with the Robins sinking to the bottom of the table, taking only nine points from their twelve matches.

Despite the poor league position, team morale will have been boosted by a hard-fought victory over Reading on Tuesday night. In fact, midfielder, Lee Johnson, stated in his post-match interview that the Robins should push for the play-offs.

Men to watch

Bad news: Bristol City have Jon Stead at their disposal, a man who seems to have an irritating habit of scoring against Queens Park Rangers. The 27 year-old joined the Robins from Ipswich in August and has since netted only 2 goals in 7 starts. He has previously enjoyed spells with Huddersfield, Blackburn, Sunderland and Sheffield United. Stead is a skilful striker who will also pose an aerial threat. He must be marked closely.

Danny Haynes is likely to partner Stead in attack. The 22 year-old is another former Ipswich striker who has impressed in fixtures against Queens Park Rangers. He made 115 appearances for the Tractor Boys during a four-year period, establishing a reputation as a quick, talented Championship forward. After falling out of favour at Portman Road, he signed for Bristol City in July 2009 for an undisclosed fee.

On the wing, expect to see Jamal Campbell-Ryce, who Queens Park Rangers fans might remember single-handedly tearing the Rs apart during Southend’s 5-0 thrashing of John Gregory’s woeful side a few years ago. The 27 year-old is very talented on the ball and usually causes opponents problems. Occasionally, however, he is let down by his crossing ability.

Albert Adomah could start on the other flank. The 22 year-old signed for Bristol City during the summer following an impressive two-year spell with Barnet, making 112 appearances and scoring 19 goals. Let’s hope that Kyle Walker and Clint Hill maintain their standard of performance and prevent Adomah from influencing proceedings.

In central midfield, Lee Johnson, son of former City manager, Gary, is likely to retain his place. The 29 year-old has played for the Robins since 2006, making 158 appearances and scoring 10 goals. He spent much of last season on loan at Derby County, but has been a first-team regular this campaign. He could provide a stern test for the likes of Faurlin and Derry on Friday night.

At the back, Millen will be relying upon the experienced Liam Fontaine, despite having a disappointing start to the season. City have an appalling defensive record and the 24 year-old, who has made 154 appearances for the club since signing in 2006, will need to improve his performances if City are to climb the league table.

In goal, Bristol City’s big-name signing of the summer, David James, will probably keep his place. The former England international goalkeeper, who played in the World Cup earlier this year, has bags of experience at the very top level. Having said that, he is often referred to as “calamity James” due to his tendency to make abysmal blunders. At the age of 40, one senses that the all-time record Premier League appearance holder might just be past his best.

Previous Match

Boxing Day 2009 – Queens Park Rangers managed to scrape a victory against Bristol City in this even encounter. Jay Simpson took the lead for the Rs, firing home from inside the penalty area. Leigertwood doubled the advantage in the 40th minute, curling his long-range shot beautifully into the back of the net. However, Nicky Maynard pulled one back after the break with a terrific volley, which would go on to win the “Goal of the Year” award. Despite some bizarre ultra-defensive tactical decisions from Paul Hart, Rangers held on for an important win.

QPR Manager, Paul Hart: "When you've been in football a long time, managing people's expectations seems to be as important as managing the team these days. We hadn't won in six games and there was an edginess in our game. We are fighting for any sort of rhythm but each player showed the right attitude. This club needed a win."

Queens Park Rangers 2-1 Bristol City

Team News

Both managers are likely to name unchanged line-ups. Akos Buzsaky’s injury was not as serious as first feared, whilst Bradley Orr and Alejandro Faurlin are now fully fit. Rob Hulse is still a week or so away from recovery. Lee Cook and Peter Ramage remain long-term absentees.

Prediction

Ashton Gate has not been the scene of much success for Queens Park Rangers. However, despite City’s victory on Tuesday night, I still think that the Rs should come away with all three points. And, if they wish to challenge for automatic promotion, it is the kind of game that they simply must win. Providing that QPR are a little more clinical in front of goal, I predict that Warnock’s men will come out on top.

Bristol City 0-2 Queens Park Rangers