Hoop Dreams - QPR FC

QPR resemble a club in stasis at the moment. In recent weeks, the manager has changed, the chairman has found his ownership of the club called into question and on the footballing side, what was looking like a decent stab at getting into the play-offs has taken a decidedly downward turn.

Though the FA Cup will never be high on the club's list of priorities, a win tonight against Sheffield United could represent a much-needed confidence boost both for the struggling players and for new boss Paul Hart. As a result of the recent harsh weather, QPR haven't played since grinding out the 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane over a week ago which earnt this replay and now they have the opportunity, fully rested and prepared, to build on that game and book a place in the fourth round for the first time since 2001.

QPR Team News

To do so, they will be happy to call on two of their most influential loan signings, Jay Simpson and Adel Taarabt, who are both available for selection. Where other loan signings have made little impact on the team or have been ludicrously short-term (the signing of Steven Reid springs to mind), Simpson and Taarabt have been given the playing time to actually make an impact and with both staying at least until the end of the season, they could still greatly influence QPR's immediate prospects.

Another recent loan addition, goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, however is ineligible under the terms of his loan deal.

Lee Cook edges nearer to first-team football with a potential reserve game this week but won't be ready for tonight's clash and Rowan Vine is also missing after undergoing minor keyhole surgery on a stomach problem last week.

Surprisingly, considering the paucity of goals from Rangers' strikers (barring Simpson), Heidar Helguson has also been allowed to return on loan to Watford.

Sheffield United Team News

Sheffield United have a fairly long list of absentees for tonight's game with boss Kevin Blackwell unwilling to risk some of his more valued players.

Central defender Matt Kilgallon, a reported transfer target for Newcastle United in recent weeks, is missing with a hamstring injury which means Marcel Seip, a loan signing from Plymouth Argyle, will very likely make his first start for the Blades.

Striker Henri Camara and the club's top scorer Darius Henderson will also miss out so ex-Man City player Ched Evans and Richard Cresswell, who made his loan transfer from Stoke permanent last week, will start up front.

Finally, Scotland international Gary Naysmith will be also be absent at left-back with a knee injury though midfielder Lee Williamson should return after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Form

Since a 2-1 win at Hillsborough on November 7, QPR have exhibited relegation form with just one win in nine games. Fittingly over the last six games, only the team they beat on that day, Sheffield Wednesday, have fared worse than the Hoops. Paul Hart wasn't in place for much of that miserly run but his own record of one win, two draws and a defeat will not set the pulses racing yet and he will be dearly hoping that his team can finish off the job against United tonight.

The visitors on the other hand have turned early-season jadedness around. They're sixth in the form table with three wins in six and are now within two points of the play-off spots. They also have a much better Cup record than their hosts tonight reaching at least the fifth round in five of the last seven years.

Prediction

History and form dictate a different result, but I genuinely believe that QPR have more than a passable opportunity to put themselves in the fourth round tonight and to also revitalise a team lacking in confidence.

Loftus Road could be half empty though which will be disappointing if the team do put together a win and those that are present will have to be on good form to try and provide any kind of cup atmosphere. Paul Hart has also offered a few disclaimers since his arrival to try and warn supporters that QPR can't always play pretty football if they intend to succeed in the Championship.

Whilst it is right to try and bring down to earth those who expect scintillating football on a week-by-week basis, he will want to ensure that his team don't go too far in the other direction and play a purely reactionary, negative game. They have footballers with the talent to take on most teams in this league, regardless of the competition they meet in, so Sheffield United should not be feared.

NARROW HOME WIN (AND DON'T BE SURPRISED TO SEE EXTRA-TIME/PENALTIES)