Harry Redknapp’s Queens Park Rangers will be raring to go up against Sunderland at Loftus Road on March 9, 2013 at 1500 GMT.
After winning last week QPR’s manager will have a little headache as important team players Julio Cesar and Bobby Zamora will be included in the starting line up only if they are deemed fit after a late medical test.
The Brazilian keeper has been deemed unfit after a collision in the previous game while English striker Zamora has suffered an ankle injury.
When asked about his chances of survival as his team languishes at the bottom of the table, Harry said, “We need a run of wins. We need another five wins at least I think. We need to win half our games and get a draw or two and get to 37 points. I would take 37 points now and walk away. I’d take my chances. Whether it is going to be enough I’m not sure but if someone said you can have 37 points I think you’d have to be a fool not to take it.”
Sunderland on the other hand have a fully fit squad with no new injury concerns and are definitely the stronger side going into the game. The addition of Danny Graham from Swansea was expected to be a good thing but he’s yet to show any form for Sunderland. Sebastian Larsson in a more central position has seemed to work for the Black Cats.
Lee Cattermole will miss this game as well due to the knee injury he suffered earlier in the season.
Statistics tell us that Sunderland have conceded two or more goals in their last seven league games out of eight on the road. QPR with a very potent strike force will be expected to thump in a few in this game as well.
The payer to watch out for will be QPR’s winter signing, Loic Remy.
Expected Lin-ups:
QPR: Robert Green, Jose Bosingwa, Chris Samba, Clint Hill, Armand Traore, Park Ji-sung, Stephen M’Bia, Estaban Granero, Loic Remy, Jay Bothroyd, Junior Hoilett
Sunderland: Simon Mignolet, Craig Gardner, John O’Shea, Titus Bramble, Jack Colback, Stephen Sessegnon, Sebastian Larsson, N’Diaye, Adam Johnson, Danny Graham, Steven Fletcher