QPR Official Site
FA CUP PREVIEW - QPR v BLADESPosted on: Tue 12 Jan 2010
R's fans will be praying its third time lucky when Paul Hart's men lock horns with Sheffield United in tonight's FA Cup third round replay at Loftus Road.
Having already played out two highly entertaining 1-1 draws this season, extra time and penalties could yet be the deciding factor this evening, with Owen Coyle's Bolton Wanderers side waiting in the wings in round four.
Rangers have taken the lead in both fixtures so far this season, with Mikele Leigertwood and Jay Simpson getting the ball rolling on each occasion.
The star turn for United, meanwhile, has been Richard Cresswell, who levelled matters in the League match at Loftus Road with a scruffy close range finish, before stooping to head home an equaliser in the Cup tie at Bramall Lane just nine days ago.
Team News
Rowan Vine is unavailable to Manager Paul Hart following a minor stomach operation, but should return within a couple of weeks.
Meanwhile, Gareth Ainsworth is out with a calf problem, while Gavin Mahon and Martin Rowlands remain sidelined with knee injuries.
Sheffield United will be without Matt Kilgallon, Henri Camara, Darius Henderson and Gary Naysmith for their trip to W12.
Central defender Kilgallon is nursing a hamstring injury and striker Camara has a groin problem, while manager Kevin Blackwell will not be risking Henderson (gluteal muscle) and Naysmith (knee) for the third-round replay.
Star Man
Ched EVANS - Striker
Ched Evans cost the Blades £3million in the summer of 2009 after a lengthy pursuit for the striker came to a successful conclusion.
After seeing his path to the Manchester City First Team blocked by a number of expensive, high-profile signings, Evans was forced to seek pastures new and continue his career elsewhere.
The Welsh international turned down a number of offers to sign for the Blades, and the Bramall Lane faithful will be hoping that Evans can reproduce some of the form that made him so in-demand last summer.
A product of Manchester City's famed academy, Evans featured on no fewer than 26 occasions at Eastlands, whilst enjoying a fruitful loan spell at Norwich City during the 2007/08 season.
The 21 year-old scored 10 goals in 28 appearances at Carrow Road, including the winner against Sheffield United back in December 2007.
The young striker appears to have a bright international future too, having represented his country at Under- 19, Under -21 and at senior level.
Match odds with Bet365
QPR win - 13/10
Draw - 23/10
Sheffield United win - 21/10
Match Coverage
QPR Player will be providing live commentary of this fixture, as well as offering extended highlights later this week. Click here to join QPR Player
www.qpr.co.uk/page/Preview/0,,10373~1928529,00.html