The Local Lowdown: QPR
We asked specialist QPR reporter Tony Incenzo to preview Saturday's Sky Bet Championship encounter from the home side’s point of view...
It’s the halfway point in the season. What would a QPR mid-term report look like?
Fortunes are improving. Yes, last week’s 2-1 relegation dogfight defeat at Sheffield Wednesday was extremely disappointing, but Marti Cifuentes has only lost two of his eight games since taking charge at the start of November. So the second half of the season looks bright.
How has Cifuentes galvanised the club since his arrival?
There was a significant photo after Marti’s first day at the training ground. It showed him in deep conversation with QPR’s two most talented creative players – Ilias Chair and Chris Willock. I felt this was an arm around the shoulder vote of encouragement.
Neither of those two players had hit their best form in the early part of this campaign. Yet since Marti’s arrival, both Chair and Willock have renewed vigour and have been scoring important goals.
QPR had taken 10 points from their last four games before falling to a painful late defeat at Sheffield Wednesday last time out
What’s changed in the style of play?
Rangers have a more possession-based game designed to get Chair and Willock on the ball in danger zones. Defensive play has also tightened up, bringing four clean sheets in eight under Marti.
Which players have been key to Rangers’ recent upturn in form?
I’ve already mentioned Chair and Willock. But other lads like Steve Cook, Sam Field and Jake Clarke-Salter are displaying good form. I also like recent new signing Reggie Cannon who has added pace, aggression and guile at right-back.
QPR's new head coach Marti Cifuentes (far right) has overseen an impressive upturn in results and performances
How would you rate QPR’s survival prospects heading into the second half of the season?
Much will depend on whether Marti can add to his squad during the January transfer window. Rangers have only scored 20 goals in 22 Championship games this season, so at least one new striker is urgently required.
How do you see the game going on Saturday?
We are unbeaten in three home matches, returning two wins and a draw. But I’m fully aware high-flying Saints protect a lengthy undefeated sequence of 14 games. Therefore, I’ll go for an exciting 2-2 scoreline.
Follow Tony Incenzo on Twitter @TonyIncenzo
