Hoop Dreams - QPR FC

Bloody footballers eh? Derided for most of the year as egotistical prima donnas with absolutely nothing in common with the average supporter, footballers definitely serve their penitence over the Christmas period. Whilst everyone else is snug at home opening presents, footballers have to rouse themselves from luxury king-size beds, kick the model girlfriend out of the house and get in the Bentley to go for an hour's training on Christmas Day. It would bring a tear to the most cynical of eyes. Not only that, but they have to play some matches as well and for QPR, it starts with Bristol City today.

QPR Team News

Still to play since the bust-up at Watford, Akos Buzsaky returns to the QPR squad today following a pelvic injury. Much of the momentum to remove Jim Magilton was attributed to Buzsaky and from early on, there was clearly something of a clash, with the ex-manager publicly criticizing the player on more than one occaision. How he responds now that Magilton is gone could have a significant impact on QPR's current form.

He could also be joined in the team by Matt Connolly who has recovered from a knee injury and that will make up for the absence of Damion Stewart who sits this one out after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Sheffield United.

Form

Both these sides have definite promotion credentials, but the potential folly of talking either team up has been seen recently when both suffered from woeful form. City have one win in seven, QPR one in nine. The latter club also have a remarkable ability to kick themselves in the teeth, both on and off the pitch. Where there is chaos behind the scenes, there is often a complementary lack of conviction from the players, with 20 points thrown away from winning positions this season.

Historically, City have a less than stellar record at Loftus Road though, with no wins there since 1977. They did shade it in this season's previous encounter between the two teams however, a rocket strike from Nicky Maynard separating the sides.

Prediction

In my defence, QPR are genuinely an incredibly hard team to predict this season, especially now that a new manager is once again at the helm. Which players will he favour? What type of football will he aim for? Will the defensive weaknesses of recent games be dealt with? The evidence of the Sheffield United game showed that QPR had regained some steeliness at the back but at the expense of much of their attacking threat and Paul Hart sides haven't been goal-rich in the past. With very little to go on, I will play it safe and I think the lack of wins will continue for both these sides for at least one more game.

SCORE DRAW.