BristolCity/QPR

It’s top v. bottom in the championship as my beloved and mighty Bristol City (bottom) take on the actually mighty Q.P.R. (top). Q.P.R. are unbeaten so far but have recorded three draws in the last four games. Bristol City should be buzzing after a magnificent victory over Reading on Tuesday. I predict a score draw.

So, the teams....

Q.P.R. were Picklived last year but this does not give much insight as the QPR team looks very different this year. On that occasion, defender Gorkss was the second highest scoring player in the game. This season, he has an impressive record of 2 goals, 1 assist and 6 shots on goal. Also, he has played every match and not been subbed.

Also in defence for QPR is Kyle Walker. Passing statistics are not available for the Championship so there is not much to go on, but Kyle has been in two official NPower Championship Teams of the Week since the start of the season and has played the full 90 minutes in every match since the 28th August. Also, my QPR mole reliable informs me that he is a bit of a fulcrum in the team and “passes lots”.

Bradley Orr might be back in the QPR team after a calf niggle. Fondly remembered by Bristol City fans for his rampaging runs forward from defence and shots ballooning over the bar but he is a decent player and in 5 appearances for the Hoops this term has a goal and 5 shots to his name. Sometimes plays in midfield and knows how to pass a ball. Will he play the full ninety minutes if selected though?

Adel Taarabt will probably be in most selections and the stats support this. 4 goals so far, 7 assist (most of any QPR player) and the most shots in the whole of the Championship (26 on target and 13 off target). Be aware though that he is ALWAYS substituted: the last 3 games have seen him taken off between the 70th and 80th minute. Should rack up enough points to merit inclusion in the big game though.

Heidar Helguson will also be a popular option due to the fact that people have heard of him. With 5 goals, 2 assists and 29 shots on goal (16 on target, 13 off target) he looks like a good choice. However, he has a naughty streak and enjoys the kind of ferocious tackling that would have Danny Murphy choking on his Coco Pops: he has among the worst disciplinary records in the championship – 22 fouls and counting.

Jamie Mackie is QPR’s top scorer with 8 goals so far and has played all of the last 3 matches. Ephraim is another player to look out for and has played a part in every QPR match so far but he does often get subbed sometime after the 70th minute. Defender Matt Connelly is a result of Arsenal’s youth squad and is tipped for great things and also worth a look.

And on the Bristol City...

Keith Millen has announce an unchanged line up from the team that so gloriously demolished Reading. The stand out pick I would say is Midfielder Marvin Elliott. Great distribution and, as BCFC.co.uk has it, a “tough tackler” However, this tough tackling can get him into trouble and his disciplinary record is not good. 2 goals already this season from midfield.

Midfield Winger Albert Adomah might be in my pick. He is the joint top scorer (with a quite pathetic 2 goals). He is also the second most prolific shooter in the team and has 3 assists.

Striker Jonathan Stead should be playing and has peppered opposition goalkeepers with 26 shots (19 on target) in only 7 appearances. He scored 2 matches ago and if you are chasing goals then might be worth a look. Louis Carey should also do well on Picklive and for City.

David James in goal was magnificent for City against Reading but in other matches this season he has looked like he is desperately trying to reclaim his “Calamity” moniker. However, he is sure to have plenty of shots to save and on his day is more than able to rack up loads of saves.

So, my tip is to have Gorkss, Walker and Taarabt with any 2 from Ephraim, Connelly, Elliott, Adomah, Mackie or Carey.


Warriors