Queens Park Rangers - a look ahead.

Form (last six): L-W-W-D-W-W

2002/03 Finish: League; Second Division; Fourth

FA Cup: First Round

League Cup: First Round

2002/03 Top Scorer: Paul Furlong, Kevin Gallen - 14

2002/03 Discipline: 78 yellow, 9 red

2003/04 Top Scorer: Kevin Gallen - 8

2003/04 Discipline: 44 yellow, 2 red

Ian Holloway : Pure genius.

‘A 0-0 draw is like pulling an ugly bird’ is a somewhat unique take on life in anyone’s books. Not only unique, but comments of such content are usually hard to come by to say the least, but not at Loftus Road as such bizarre interpretations become the norm in manager, Ian Holloway’s programme notes and post match interviews.

Although a cunning comment here and a modest smirk there are not always first and foremost in the minds of the Loftus Road faithful.

After missing the boat for Division One last season at the final stop, Rangers have had to kick start their morning-after-the-night-before by elevating themselves onto a whole new level to leave the starting blocks early to ensure their place on the 2004 promotion boat. A task which, given the mouth watering array of talent amidst their ranks, should prove to be a relatively simple one.

In my mind, the R’s have the juiciest squad set-up bar none in this division with a side which simply breeds quality from front to back. And one which looks more than capable from ripping Notts limb-from-limb this Friday as they go about regaining their place at the top of the Second Division ladder.

Up front, the chosen weapon for this R’s side is based around the experience of its striker pairing of ‘Super’ Kevin Gallen (28) and the ‘Thorpedo’ Tony Thorpe (29) as they continue to establish themselves as a devastating strike partnership which is both feared and envied by fellow professionals at this level. Scoring 15 between them, and constantly looking to improve this tally, they’ve looked very much the part as they spear head the Rangers’ campaign to return to Division One in the near future.

In the middle of the park, Rangers look just as strong with QPR fanatic Marc Bircham leading the rest of the midfield into battle as Martin Rowlands, Steve Palmer and Marcus Bean all slot into an always changing side.

However, it is at the centre of defence where, for me, QPR are at their strongest as the collective efforts of Clarke Carlisle and Danny Shittu keep this leagues hottest striking properties under wraps on a home ground shared with Premiership outfit, Fulham.

***Star Player*** - Chris Day

Chris Day : Sheer quality.

Unfortunately, the English goalkeeper has become somewhat of a dying breed in the game, but at this level the English goalkeeper is still very much a part of the game.

What better example of the English goalkeeper’s centrality in the English lower league game than the Queens Park Rangers ‘keeper, Chris Day.

The former England under-21 and Tottenham Hotspur shot-stopper has played at the very top level of the English game. Although, despite not cutting it as a top flight goalkeeper, Day has made an impact wherever he has played, whether it be Watford, Crystal Palace, Spurs or even the lowly Aylesbury United.

Day fractured his right leg in two places in the 2001/02-2002/03 season and consequently missed the remainder and that campaign and much of the next. But when Day finally returned in March 2003, he never looked back as he cemented his place in the side which went all the way to Cardiff - where QPR narrowly missed out on play-off glory.

Sporting a neat blue stripe in his hair, Day has made 25 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops thus far proving himself to be the obvious choice for the Ranger’s no.1 jersey.

***Odds Checker *** - with William Hill bookmakers

Notts County – 2/1

Draw – 2/1

QPR – 6/5