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Championship clash of the week: Derby County V QPR


Posted by Sport.co.uk on: 27 August 2010 - 14:23
Author: Richard Cutcher

It is only fitting that Sport.co.uk's first featured Football League match should include QPR. The early pace setters of the npower Championship are one of only two teams in the league to still have a 100% record (the other being League Two's Torquay United), and they face the inconsistent Derby County at Pride Park tomorrow. After defeats to Cardiff and Coventry City, The Rams have been marooned on three points since their impressive opening day victory at Elland Road (Leeds first opening day defeat since 1989!).



Derby County

The Rams have somewhat of an injury crisis in the attacking third. Rob Hulse (achilles) is likely to miss out once more, while Chris Porter faces a late fitness test on his long standing hip problem. With Steven Davies out for the long term, left-back Dean Moxey is likely to deputize up front again after netting in the defeat against Coventry last weekend. Alternatively Nigel Clough could turn to youth product Callum Ball, after the striker got on the score sheet against Sheffield United reserves in midweek, although in reality it is more likely Ball will have to settle for a place on the bench. Russell Anderson remains on the sidelines with a groin strain so Dean Leacock will continue to partner Shaun Barker at the heart of the defence. 18 year-old Conor Doyle looks set to continue in place of the talented Tomasz Cywka as the latter recovers from his fractured jaw.

Likely Line Up: (4-2-3-1) 1. S Bywater, 2. J Brayford, 3. G Roberts, 4. P Green, 5. S Barker, 6. D Leacock, 8. R Savage, 10. K Commons, 16. J Bailey, 21. D Moxey, 23. C Doyle





Queens Park Rangers

Warnock's charges have yet to concede a goal in the Championship and the experienced gaffer has seemingly added some much needed organization to a team blessed with an abundance of flair. Jamie Mackie, Hogan Ephraim, and the 'Moroccan Wizard' Adel Taarabt will look to continue their creative work behind target man Heidar Helguson and it will be imperative for the Rams defence to get to grips with the Rangers front four early on. It remains to be seen whether Akos Buzsaky will be able to dislodge the deep-lying midfield duo of Shaun Derry and Alejandro Faurlin on his return from injury. There is no doubting the Hungarian's talents but Warnock is likely to stick by the old management mantra of never changing a winning team. With skipper Fitz Hall continuing to struggle with a hamstring injury, Matthew Connolly should continue to partner Kaspars Gorkss in the centre of defence.

Likely Line Up: (4-2-3-1) 1. P Kenny, 2. B Orr, 3. C Hill, 4. S Derry, 7. A Taarabt, 9. H Helguson, 11. A Faurlin, 12. J Mackie, 13. K Gorkss, 16. M Connolly, 25. H Ephraim.





Key Battle

Adel Taraabt has been in scintillating form for Rangers so far this season, and the Rams will be hoping the Moroccan has a long overdue 'off day'. The fans favorite set up both the Hoops' goals against Sc**thorpe on Saturday, and Rams skipper Robbie Savage will undoubtedly feel it will be up to him to nullify the flair player. Sitting deep in midfield, Savage and midfield partner James Bailey will have their work cut out to close the exact space in which Taraabt thrives and delivers his most devastating contributions. If Savage and co can achieve what three other Championship midfields have yet to so far, then Derby will give themselves a fighting chance.

www.sport.co.uk/features/Football/1254/Championship_clash_of_the_week_Derby_County_V_QPR.aspx

"Clash of the Loans?" Oh well the "Lone" Ranger always won. Three points for us??

Derby Telegraph

Clough warns his side to keep close eye on QPR dangerman Taarabt

NIGEL Clough says Derby County have to be aware of the threat of Queens Park Rangers' star man Adel Taarabt.

Rangers arrive at Pride Park Stadium today top of the Championship with a 100 per cent record from three games.

Taarabt has already made a big impact with his displays, just as he did last season while on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

He scored from a free kick and pulled the strings when Rangers recovered from two-down to beat Derby 4-2 in October last year.


Rams skipper Robbie Savage man-marked the 21-year-old attacking midfielder when the teams drew 1-1 at Loftus Road in March.

Taarabt had a much quieter game that night, although it was his raking pass that set up Lee Cook for Rangers' goal in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

Rangers boss Neil Warnock expects teams to pay close attention to Taarabt and believes the player could have an even greater impact in away games.

"I actually think Adel will blossom more away from home than at home, as daft as it sounds, because teams have to have a go at us," said Warnock.

"Savage marked him out of the game down here last season so it will be a good test for him at Derby, but I think we've got enough in our locker to let Adel go for a walk and let somebody else take over."

Taarabt, a Moroccan international, has scored twice in three appearances this season and was outstanding in the victory over Sc**thorpe United last weekend.

"We have to be aware of him because whenever he is on the ball he is looking to affect the game," said Clough.

"But it is not all about him, Rangers have other threats as well.

"They have not conceded a goal in three games and their confidence will be high. We expect them to come out of the blocks quickly.

"They've scored in the first half of every game so far. They start quickly and then become very difficult to break down, so we cannot afford to give anything away.

"They are one of those teams, like Blackpool last season, who when they get on a roll they become very difficult to beat.

"We played them at Pride Park last season when they were on top of their game.

"We were 2-0 up and a free-kick just before half-time got them back in it when Lee Croft turned his back on the end of the wall."


www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/sport/Clough-warns-close-eye-QPR-dangerman-Taarabt/article-2580491-detail/article.html