QPR Official Site
MATCHDAY PREVIEW: ROYALS
Posted on: Tue 16 Mar 2010
Rejuvenated Rangers are back in action with a short trip to the Madejski Stadium - home of in-form Reading - tonight.
Neil Warnock's men are currently unbeaten in three matches in the Championship - with Saturday's 1-1 draw at Sheffield United pulling them further clear of the bottom three.
Reading, meanwhile, are currently enjoying their best run of form this season.
After a disastrous start to the campaign under former boss Brendan Rodgers, new gaffer Brian McDermott has revived the Royals, who have taken 18 points from a possible 21 in their last seven outings.
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Star Man
Jobi McANUFF - Midfielder
Much-travelled winger Jobi McAnuff signed for Reading in the summer from Watford for an undisclosed fee.
The pacy wide-man made his professional debut in the 2001/02 season with First Division side Wimbledon - playing 104 times and scoring 15 goals. He was part of the Dons' last ever season in existence before joining West Ham United in January 2004.
He joined Cardiff City for a fee of £250,000 after struggling to make an impact at Upton Park, and was a virtual ever-present in his first year in Wales - making 48 appearances.
McAnuff left cash-strapped Cardiff in a £600,000 move to Crystal Palace in 2005. His eye-catching displays in the Championship led to interest from a number of Premiership Clubs, but the Londoner remained faithful to the Eagles.
A £1.75 million move to Watford in 2007 proved to be a false-dawn as he initially struggled to get into the side, however he bounced back to rediscover his good form - making 84 league appearances in two years at the Club.
McAnuff has enjoyed a fine first season at the Madejski, although he will be keen to improve on his goal tally, which currently stands at just a solitary strike.
Pre-match Talk
Mikele Leigertwood - "Reading are one of the form teams in the Championship right now, and another side who have a good recent home record. We've got to go there and spoil the party.
"I believe we can do that because the boys are playing with a lot of confidence right now, we're creating chances and working hard for each other.
"There's no reason why we shouldn't go there and win."
Brian McDermott - "We want to get out of the bottom half and three points against QPR gets us closer to where we want to be.
"Once you're in the top half you can see what happens next."
Classic Encounter
QPR 4, Reading 1
Coca Cola Championship - Tuesday 20th October 2010
Ten-man Rangers produced a superb performance to overcome Reading in front of a partisan Loftus Road crowd.
The R's task looked to be somewhat of a struggle when Ben Watson was harshly sent off for a second bookable offence on the half hour, with referee Mr Hall appearing to show him a yellow card for attempting to take a free-kick too quickly.
But it mattered little, as Akos Buzsaky's free-kick from the same set-piece put Jim Magilton's men a goal to the good.
And things got all the better thereon in, as Jay Simpson smashed home a second just before half time, following an outstanding passing move.
Ivar Ingimarsson's mistimed challenge on Simpson saw him pick up a second yellow and resultant red at the start of the second half, providing Rangers with another almighty boost.
And when Rowan Vine blasted home soon after, the writing was all but on the wall for the Royals.
Patrick Agyemang added a fourth with a fine individual goal soon after, and although Brian Howard notched late on for the visitors, it was a mere consolation.
Match odds with Bet365
Reading win - 10/11
Draw - 12/5
QPR win - 3/1
Match Coverage
QPR Player will be providing live commentary of this fixture, as well as offering highlights later this week. Click here to join QPR Player.
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