FA CUP 6TH CUP ROUND PREVIEW: QUEENS PARK RANGERS (7-1) v ARSENAL (1-3 – Fav); Draw: 3-1

We’re getting back into domestic cup action with the hope of dispatching any potential hangover from our frustrating 4th league loss of the season – at the hands of none other than fierce rivals Chelsea – that has seen the league title look a lot less certain. The problem is that that particular loss has deprived us of a number of key players due to fatigue.

Q.P.R.: This is a real London derby as the Championship outfit welcome Arsenal, a full 47 places above them in the English footballing hierarchy. Q.P.R. have been solid this season in the Championship but lie in 10th place, well outside the promotion spots, so a chance at FA Cup glory will be all the more inviting for them (plus London derbies, regardless of your rank in the pecking order, are still passionately competitive affairs).

TEAM NEWS: No less than 4 players are sidelined through injury. Powerful Nigerian defender Danny Shittu (D C, broken ankle) is out for another 1-2 months; Gareth Ainsworth (AM R, twisted knee) is out for between 1 and 3 weeks; Peter Thompson (ST, fractured wrist) is out for 1-2mths; Scott Donnelly (AM RC, strained wrist) is out anywhere between 5days and 2weeks.
James Wesolowski (M LC), Martin Cranie (D RLC) and Richard Lee (GK) are on loan from Leicester City, Birmingham and Portsmouth respectively, and are all ineligible for FA Cup action.
Dominic Shimmin (D C), Ian Evatt (D C), Lee Cook (AM L), and Khalilou Fadiga (AM LC) are one booking away from suspension.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
MARTIN ROWLANDS (AM RC): Given the fact that he’s scored 3 and created 5 from midfield in all competitions this term, his impact will be necessary with the sidelining of so many critical players. Second leading scorer Peter Thompson (12goals) is out long-term, as is key defensive bedrock Danny Shittu, easily one of Q.P.R.’s 1 or 2 best players this term. MARCUS BIGNOT (D R) has posted this best numbers this campaign, and will be looking to continue his impressive season. KEVIN GALLEN (AM RC, F C) has netted 13 times thus far, and will be the bookies’ favorite if Q.P.R. are to get any joy today.

ARSENAL: There’s no denying that we’re stung by our loss to Chelsea, but only because we know we’re at least as good as they are if not better, and this home jinx we’ve nurtured all season is bothersome. That said, we’re on the road, but still in town, against a lower division side ravaged by injuries – all of which could be very bad things if we go in complacently. I’m resting a number of big names with internationals coming up and a Champions League visit to FC Porto immediately after that. Still, I’m boasting a side full of players I believe in, and some that just need to be given a bit of a chance to strut their stuff.

TEAM NEWS: Emmanuel Eboué (D/WB R, bruised head) is out for 4days after picking up the injury against Chelsea; long-term casualties Philippe Senderos (D LC, broken leg – thigh) and David Bentley (AM RLC, shin splints) are out for 2mths and 1mth respectively.
Arturo Lupoli (ST) is cup-tied; Billy Jones (D RLC, DM), Gaël Clichy (D/WB/M L), Robin van Persie (AM LC, F C), and Josephy Yobo (D C, DM) are all a booking away from suspension.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
VINCENZO IAQUINTA (ST): He’s had a bit of a torrid time in front of goal since returning from injury, but it hasn’t been for lack of effort or skill (his creations for Henry against Leeds, as well as his close calls in a number of other games, are testament to this). It’s more bad luck than anything, and only a matter of time before he breaks out of this to regain his confidence and start banging them away the way he was pre-injury. And woe unto the opposition when that happens. RYAN SMITH (AM LC, ST) and MATHIEU FLAMINI’s (D R, DM) combination in the center of the park will be an intriguing one, and I look forward to its results.

ARSENAL TEAM LINEUP (4-4-2):
Manuel Almunia (GK)
Jones (D RLC, DM), Gonzalo (SW, D C), Campbell (D C), Larsson (D/WB L, DM, M L)
Bojinov (AM R, ST), Smith (AM LC, ST), Flamini (D R, DM), Clichy (D/WB/M L)
Iaquinta (ST), Bergkamp (AM/F C)

BENCH: Vitto Mannone (GK), Fredrik Ljungberg (AM RL), Nicklas Bendtner (ST), Kolo Abib Touré (D RC), Johannes Djourou (D C, DM)

Bojinov was a late decision to start in place of Ljungberg, as he’s one of the few that won’t be participating in internationals and thus will have much more time to rest.

Q.P.R. FORM (ALL CONTESTS): DLWWW
ARSENAL FORM (ALL CONTESTS): WWWWL

Q.P.R.’s FA CUP RUN:
2-0 Brighton (H) – 3rd Round
2-0 Hull (H) – 4th Round
2-2 Swansea (A) – 5th Round
1-1 (5-4 pens) Swansea (H) – 5th Round Replay

ARSENAL’S FA CUP RUN:
3-2 Boston United (A) – 3rd Round
1-0 Birmingham (H) – 4th Round
3-3 Liverpool (H) – 5th Round
3-1 (a.e.t.) Liverpool (A) – 5th Round Replay

~ by savageternal on March 17, 2009.