QPR is gearing up for a significant home clash against Premier League side Crystal Palace, with a spot in the League Cup fourth round on the line.
Marti Cifuentes will be pleased with his team’s performance since their opening-day defeat to West Bromwich Albion. Despite taking an early lead in that match, QPR eventually lost 3-1. Since then, they have remained unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions. This run includes League Cup victories over Cambridge United and Luton Town, with Luton Town being eliminated in a penalty shootout during their second-round encounter.
As QPR aims to extend their unbeaten streak, they face a tough test against Crystal Palace. The Premier League side’s visit to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium presents a significant challenge for QPR.
For Oliver Glasner and Crystal Palace, finding consistent form has been a struggle despite a strong finish to the previous season. The Eagles started this Premier League campaign with two defeats but have since drawn their last two matches against Chelsea and Leicester City. Last weekend, Palace came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with Leicester City, thanks to a double from Jean-Philippe Mateta, which has given them a boost heading into this League Cup tie.
Palace’s only win this season came in the League Cup against Norwich City, where they secured a dominant 4-0 victory. As they head to QPR, Crystal Palace is the clear favorite to advance, but Glasner will be wary of any potential upsets and will be keen to avoid any surprises.
Team News & Tactics
QPR
QPR will be dealing with a couple of injury concerns for their upcoming match against Crystal Palace. Sam Field is doubtful after being forced off early in the second half of their recent game against Sheffield Wednesday. Additionally, Ilias Chair is sidelined with a back issue and will not be available for this fixture.
Marti Cifuentes is likely to field his strongest possible lineup despite these setbacks. Joe Walsh is set to start in goal, with a defensive line of Jimmy Dunne, Steve Cook, Liam Morrison, and Kenneth Paal.
In midfield, Jack Colback and Jonathan Varane will form the central duo, with Elijah Dixon-Bonner positioned in the attacking midfield role. Zan Celar will lead the attack, supported by wide attackers Hevertton Santos and Koki Saito on the flanks.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Walsh; Dunne, Cook, Morrison, Paal; Colback, Varane; Santos, Dixon-Bonner, Saito; Celar
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner will be without several key players, including summer signing Chadi Riad and Trevoh Chalobah. Additionally, Matheus França and Rob Holding are also absent, with Holding unlikely to feature in the near future.
In response to these absences, Glasner might make changes to his lineup for the match against QPR. Daichi Kamada, who was not in the starting eleven recently, could return and partner Eberechi Eze in the attacking midfield positions.
Jean-Philippe Mateta might be given a break following a busy summer with France at the Olympics, allowing Eddie Nketiah to start as the No. 9 for Palace. There are also concerns about Cheick Doucouré’s fitness after he was substituted due to a new issue over the weekend.
Jefferson Lerma could come into the midfield alongside Will Hughes, potentially resting Adam Wharton. Defensively, Nathaniel Clyne, Chris Richards, and Maxence Lacroix might feature, with Marc Guehi possibly receiving a rest. Additionally, on-loan goalkeeper Matt Turner could make his debut for Crystal Palace.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Turner; Clyne, Richards, Lacroix; Munoz, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Kamada, Eze; Nketiah
Key Stats
- Unbeaten Streak: QPR are on a six-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
- Head-to-Head: QPR have secured victory in three of their last six encounters with Crystal Palace in all competitions.
- Season Form: Crystal Palace have managed just one win in their five games this season across all competitions.
- Recent Resilience: Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last three matches in all competitions.
Player to Watch
Eddie Nketiah
Oliver Glasner gave Selhurst Park fans their first look at Eddie Nketiah, and the new signing certainly made an impact. The former Arsenal striker delivered an electrifying debut for Crystal Palace, which could make Glasner consider starting him as a lone forward against QPR.
Nketiah is eager to establish himself as a key player for Crystal Palace after his move from Arsenal. His standout performance against Leicester City was a promising start, but he will need to back it up with goals. The upcoming match against QPR presents a valuable opportunity for Nketiah to showcase his skills, build momentum, and solidify his place in the starting XI.
QPR vs Crystal Palace Prediction
QPR 1-3 Crystal Palace
QPR is currently enjoying a six-game unbeaten streak, but extending that run against Crystal Palace might be a tough challenge. Marti Cifuentes will be looking for his players to put up a strong fight and find a way to overcome Oliver Glasner’s side, though it promises to be a formidable task.
Crystal Palace, who finished last season on a high, have had a mixed start this term. However, their recent League Cup victory over Norwich City has provided a boost. As they face QPR, the Eagles will be eager to build on that momentum and secure another positive result. With a win, Palace is expected to advance to the next round of the League Cup and put their season back on track.
How to Watch QPR vs Crystal Palace
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV.
