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Post by QPR Report on Sept 17, 2009 13:08:24 GMT
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Post by QPR Report on Sept 18, 2009 7:00:49 GMT
Last November, QPR beat Cardiff 1-0 at Loftus Road. And then in February, that dreadful manager, Mr. Sousa drew 0-0 in Cardiff! After that Cardiff draw, with 13 games remaining! QPR were 11th with 48 points from 33 games: Five points behind Cardiff (31 games), Bristol City (34 games) and Preston North End (34 games) who were all in playoff positions (Wonder how'd we have done if Sousa had been allowed to buy a couple of forwards!) Teams: Full Time: CARDIFF CITY 0 - 0 Queens Park Rangers Cardiff City: Konstantopoulos, McNaughton (Comminges 46mins), R. Johnson, Purse, Kennedy, Burke (Owusu-Abeyie 73mins), Rae, Ledley, Parry, McCormack, Chopra (Whittingham 65mins). Subs not used: Scimeca, E. Johnson. Queens Park Rangers: Cerny, Delaney, Gorkss, Stewart, Connolly, Mahon (Blackstock 89mins), Miller (Alberti 53mins), Leigertwood, Cook, Routledge, (Helguson (Di Carmini 90+1mins). Subs not used: Hall, Lopez. Sousa's post-Cardiff comments:
Sousa /QPR Official Site SOUSA: WE DESERVED MORE-Paulo Sousa was full of praise for his side following the 0-0 draw against promotion-chasing Cardiff City. - Rangers enjoyed long spells of possession against the Bluebirds, and created a number of excellent opportunities in front of goal, much to the delight of their gaffer. - "We lost two points today. We showed a lot of personality and character and created a lot of opportunities, playing fantastic football," he told www.qpr.co.uk. - "After the game against Ipswich we received a lot of criticism. We didn't play well then, but today we sent out a very positive message to those people, with a good performance against a Club with big ambitions for the Premier League. - "They have invested a lot and this is also a very difficult place to come, with a strong atmosphere. But we showed personality, playing fantastic football. - "We could have won the game easily, but it didn't happen, but that is no fault of my players, who gave me excellent effort." - Sousa singled out the efforts of stand-in skipper Gavin Mahon, who shone from start to finish in the heart of the R's midfield engine room. - "Gavin showed what a good professional and good player he is tonight," said Sousa. - "You can have bad moments sometimes, but it is how you respond and he showed great character." - The draw left Rangers five points adrift of the top-six, with a game in hand on most of their nearest rivals, prompting Sousa to add: "We have always been very close to the top-six. - "With two or three wins, you can go up the league significantly. - "Playing like we played tonight, we need to believe that anything is possible. - "I always say that to my players - believe in yourselves, because you can play very good football and win, just believe it. - "We have overcome the barrier of winning away in recent months, and now we are playing good football too. - "With good energy from everyone, and not criticism, we can make things possible." Cardiff vs QPR Match Reportsqprreport.blogspot.com/2009/02/qprs-draw-at-cardiff-leaves-them-five.htmlPast QPR vs Cardiff Resultswww.soccerbase.com/head2.sd?team2id=2093&team1id=485 |
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Post by QPR Report on Sept 18, 2009 8:31:36 GMT
QPR Official Site
THE FRIDAY PREVIEW: BLUEBIRDS After the disappointment of Tuesday night's postponement, Jim Magilton's men will be eager to hit the ground running against Cardiff City this weekend. Buoyed by a 1-0 victory against Sc**thorpe United in our last away outing, the R's will be aiming to make it back-to-back wins on their travels at the new Cardiff City Stadium. However, Magilton's men will certainly not have it all their own way on their first visit to Cardiff's new stadium, against a Bluebirds side who have enjoyed a positive start to the new campaign. Wednesday's excellent 1-0 victory at Reading lifted Dave Jones' side into the top six, and just four points adrift of early season pacesetters West Bromwich Albion. Team News Skipper Martin Rowlands could return to the starting XI following a recent ankle complaint, but Angelo Balanta and Fitz Hall (groins) remain doubts. Ben Watson is likely to continue in the heart of the Rangers midfield, whilst Wayne Routledge should start against the side he featured for on loan last season. Cardiff will give a late fitness test to midfielder Joe Ledley after the Welsh international limped out of their 1-0 win at Reading on Wednesday with a calf injury. But promising teenage right back Adam Matthews will definitely miss the R's fixture, after suffering a suspected groin tear in Wednesday's victory. Star Man Michael CHOPRA - Striker Seven goals in seven League appearances to date this season tells its own story - when Michael Chopra is in top form, he's very, very difficult to stop. Currently in his second spell with the Bluebirds, having penned a £3million deal this summer following a loan spell last season, Chopra became the first player to score at the new Cardiff City Stadium on the opening day of the campaign against Sc**thorpe United. Memorable MatchCardiff City 0, QPR 1 - Friday 17th November 2006. Ray Jones came off the bench to bag a late, late winner, as the R's registered their third win on the spin in Wales. Jones arrived bang on cue to slot home Nicky Ward's sublime 86th minute cross, as the R's completed a smash and grab raid at Ninian Park. It was all square at the break, at the end of a half which the R's just shaded. Lee Cook and Dexter Blackstock each tested Cardiff custodian Neil Alexander, while at the other end, Simon Royce didn't have a single shot to save. Match odds with Bet365 Cardiff win - 10/11 Draw - 9/4 QPR win - 10/3 Match Coverage QPR Player will be providing live commentary of this fixture, as well as offering extended highlights next week. Click here to join QPR Player. www.qpr.co.uk/page/Preview/0,,10373~1799719,00.html
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Post by QPR Report on Sept 18, 2009 8:57:40 GMT
I could have said that, given Chopra's seven goals thus far this season. Hmm: I wonder we should have signed him!
QPR Official Site - RAMAGE: BE WARY OF CHOPS
Posted on: Fri 18 Sep 2009Peter Ramage expects his best mate in football, Michael Chopra, to provide the main threat when Rangers travel to the plush, new Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Ramage grew up playing with the Cardiff goal-getter at Newcastle United and the pair have remained close friends ever since. "He's a goalscorer, simple as that," Ramage told www.qpr.co.uk. "I've known him since I was nine years-old and even then you could tell he had a bright future in the game. "Of course his problems have been well documented, but I think he's found a boss in Dave Jones who he really feels he can work with, and he's bang in form at the moment." Ramage added: "He's a very intelligent player. "He likes to drop off and receive the ball and he can bring other players into play too. "We'll need to be wary of him, but it's up to us to make our own mark on the game." Indeed, whilst highlighting the obvious threat posed by the Bluebirds' top scorer, Ramage is adamant it's about what QPR do on the day in Cardiff, in a bid to build on our recent victory at Sc**thorpe. "We've got enough quality to go there and get a result," he said. "They've started well at their new home, but Newcastle won there on Sunday and we'll be aiming to do the same. "We'll need to start well and keep the crowd quiet and if we do that, we've got every chance." www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~1800609,00.html
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Post by QPR Report on Sept 18, 2009 9:18:22 GMT
Wales online Chopra calls for more goals from midfield Sep 18 2009 by Simon Kendal-Williams, South Wales Echo Add a comment Recommend MICHAEL Chopra has demanded more goals from Cardiff City’s midfield to strengthen their promotion push. The midweek win at Reading moved the Bluebirds back up to fourth place in the Coca-Cola Championship table ahead of tomorrow’s visit of QPR. City had winger Chris Burke to thank for the only goal – and Chopra wants others to follow suit to ease the pressure on himself and fellow striker Jay Bothroyd. “Myself and Jay aren’t scoring at the moment,” said Chops. “So the goals need to come from somewhere else. “Burkey managed to get one at Reading – and now hopefully one or two more midfielders can start chipping in as well.” Chopra’s explosive start to the season saw him fire seven goals in four league games. But the goals have dried up since the win over Bristol City nearly four weeks ago, Burke’s fierce volley at the Madejski Stadium the first by a City player since that 3-0 victory. And Bothroyd has not scored in the league since the opening day of the campaign. “I’m disappointed I haven’t scored in the last three games,” said Chops. “But it’s been great so far this season. “Strikers like to get a goal every two games, but I’ve got seven in seven. “It doesn’t matter who finds the net – it’s all about winning. “Hopefully, though, I can get back on the scoresheet against QPR.” It was a backs-to-the-wall performance at Reading after Stephen McPhail’s dismissal. And Chops wants more of the same against Jim Magilton’s men. “Reading put us under all sorts of pressure,” he said. “But we showed a fighting spirit we haven’t always shown in the last few weeks. “QPR is another big game in a tough month against teams who are going to be fighting for the play-offs. “But if we play as we did in midweek, we should pick up maximum points.” City v QPR preview: Inside www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/football-news/2009/09/18/chopra-calls-for-more-goals-from-midfield-91466-24720072/ |
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Post by QPR Report on Sept 18, 2009 10:08:18 GMT
And the man Dowie reportedly wanted.... Cardiff Official Site
HUDSON: LEADING BY EXAMPLE Fri 18 Sep 2009 Article & Interview: Mark Denham Mark Hudson has forged a strong central defensive partnership with Anthony Gerrard this season in a re-vamped Bluebirds back line. The Skipper was in a confident mood on the back of Wednesday's win at Reading and looking forward to Saturday's challenge against QPR. "It was a great result for us on Wednesday evening at Reading," said Mark. "The Madejski Stadium is a difficult place to go for any side and having lost two games prior to Wednesday it meant that there was that extra bit of pressure on us to start putting things right. "Reading have been struggling so they were obviously desperate to take the three points at home; with that in mind it made for a great atmosphere. "I thought we handled Reading very well, especially once we'd been harshly reduced to ten men. We held on well for the win." The Bluebirds skipper appears to be enjoying life in South Wales after moving from Charlton Athletic in the summer. "It's great to be given the role of Captain, especially when you join a new club and a big club like Cardiff City at that," Mark continued. "I'm determined now to work as hard as I can in order to keep the captaincy and I intend to lead by example." For the full interview with Mark plus much more, be sure to pick up a copy of the match-day programme ahead of Saturday afternoon's kick-off with Queens Park Rangers at Cardiff City Stadium. www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10335~1800794,00.html |
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Post by Zamoraaaah on Sept 18, 2009 10:34:35 GMT
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Post by QPR Report on Sept 18, 2009 12:13:41 GMT
BBC Cardiff v QPR TEAM NEWS Cardiff City will be without full-backs Adam Matthews (groin) and Kevin McNaughton (ankle). Kelvin Etuhu (ankle) and Ross McCormack (hamstring) are also out but midfielder Joe Ledley (calf) hopes to feature. QPR captain Martin Rowlands is hoping to return to the starting line-up following an ankle injury. But youngster Angelo Balanta is still nursing a similar problem and central defender Fitz Hall is sidelined with a groin injury. MATCH PREVIEW Controversial QPR supremo Flavio Briatore has been keeping a lower profile at the club, but his departure from Renault potentially leaves him with more time to focus on matters at Loftus Road.
That might not bode well for current manager Jim Magilton, whose last three predecessors were left in no doubt about which players and formation their bosses in the boardroom preferred. Magilton and assistant John Gorman watched Cardiff recover from back-to-back defeats and return to winning ways with a 1-0 victory at Reading in midweek. The Bluebirds are fourth and look like genuine promotion contenders. But injuries are beginning to test them and manager Dave Jones has made it clear he wants chairman Peter Ridsdale to sanction at least one loan signing to help bolster the squad. MATCH FACTS Head-to-head • Cardiff have failed to score in seven of their last 10 league meetings with Queens Park Rangers. • Since returning to the second tier in 2004, Rangers have won on only one of five visits to the Welsh club - 1-0 in November 2006. Cardiff • Cardiff are chasing a fifth win in seven matches. • They boast the best home goalscoring average in the Championship: 2.33 goals per game. • They are also the only club to have had two players sent off in Championship matches so far this season (Tony Capaldi v Plymouth and Stephen McPhail v Reading). Queens Park Rangers • QPR are undefeated in four games in all competitions (two wins, two draws). • But their only win from six league games was a 1-0 victory at Sc**thorpe in their last away match. • No Championship side has conceded fewer goals on their travels this season (two). Only Leicester can match that. news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8251436.stm |
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Post by QPR Report on Sept 18, 2009 16:36:57 GMT
Cardiff Official Site Preview HOOPS HAVE HIGH HOPES Fri 18 Sep 2009 Cardiff City got back on track in midweek by winning at Reading to move up to fourth in the Championship table. Next up for the Bluebirds is a return to Cardiff City Stadium to take on Jim Magilton's Queens Park Rangers. Article continues Advertisement Full match commentary, extended highlights and exclusive post match interviews will be available on Cardiff City Player - so for less than 10p a day it's the best option to keep in the loop on all things Cardiff City. Click the Player link above to sign up today. Cardiff team news: Once again, Cardiff boss Dave Jones has new injury concerns ahead of another big game. While Jones will be delighted with the midweek win at Reading, victory came at a cost as both Joe Ledley and Adam Matthews picked up injuries during the match. Matthews had to be replaced by Paul Quinn on the half-hour mark after a groin muscle tear, while Ledley picked up a calf injury and was also substituted, although he still has a chance of being fit for the visit of QPR. Kelvin Etuhu remains on the sidelines, while Ross McCormack and Kevin McNaughton are edging closer to a first-team return. Mark Kennedy will look to keep his place after returning in place of Tony Capaldi at the Madejski Stadium, while Solomon Taiwo is pushing for his first start in a Cardiff City shirt. QPR team news: Angelo Balanta is likely to be missing for QPR when they head to South Wales this weekend. The Colombian striker missed the R's last game with Peterborough with a groin injury, and, although not considered serious, will probably keep him out against Cardiff as well. Martin Rowlands will be hoping for his first start of the season after making his first appearance of the season from the bench against Peterborough, while new loan signing Ben Watson should continue in midfield. QPR's season so far: Jim Magilton has endured what can only be described as a slow start to life at Queens Park Rangers. The former Ipswich manager saw his side held by Blackpool at home on the opening day, and they required a late Peter Ramage goal to earn that point. A much more ruthless performance at Exeter in the Carling Cup would have put a smile on his face, as Wayne Routledge scored his first ever hat trick in a 5-0 thumping at St James' Park. Three points looked to be heading QPR's way in their first away league game of the season at Plymouth, but Kaspers Gorkss put the ball in the back of his own net in added on time to give the Pilgrims a share of the spoils at Home Park. A Nicky Maynard goal then saw Rangers leave Ashton Gate empty handed, before Accrington Stanley were seen off in the Carling Cup Second Round, with Routledge again on target. A first league win of the season then came at Sc**thorpe, where Adel Taarabt's goal after only three minutes proved to be the winner. A point at home to Peterborough meant Magilton's side had seven points from six matches, before their midweek game with Crystal Palace fell foul to the weather. Last meeting: After losing at Loftus Road earlier in the campaign in a bad tempered affair, Cardiff had the chance to get their revenge on QPR when the Hoops visited Ninian Park in late February. Unfortunately, the evening fixture - one of the last at our former home - failed to live up to expectation as neither side could find a cutting edge, leaving the fans disappointed by a 0-0 stalemate. Teams from last meeting at Ninian Park on 25th February 2009: Bluebirds: Konstantopoulos, McNaughton (Comminges 46), Purse, Roger Johnson, Kennedy, Parry, Rae, Ledley, Burke, Chopra, McCormack. Subs not used: Whittingham, Eddie Johnson, Owusu-Abeyie, Scimeca. QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Gorkss, Connolly, Stewart, Cook, Miller (Alberti 58), Leigertwood, Mahon, Routledge, Helguson. Subs not used: Hall, Lopez, Blackstock, Di Carmine. Attendance: 17,340. QPR last time out: While everybody else played in the Championship during midweek, QPR and Crystal Palace had a rest after the pitch at Loftus Road was deemed unplayable after torrential rain. That means that the Hoops' last action came last weekend, when newly-promoted Peterborough were the visitors. An early Aaron McLean goal put Posh in front, but former Bluebird Wayne Routledge leveled before the break. And that was how it ended, with a draw not being a great result for either side. QPR: Cerny, Borrowdale, Stewart, Connolly, Leigertwood, Routledge, Watson, Ephraim (Buzsaky 69), Taarabt (Vine 58), Faurlin (Rowlands 58), Simpson. Subs not used: Ramage, Heaton, Mahon, Pellicori. www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10335~1800927,00.html |
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Post by The Godfather on Sept 18, 2009 22:21:01 GMT
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