Preview: Queens Park Rangers v Scunthorpe United

Last updated : 20 August 2010 By Iron-Bru.net

Overview
It is time to find out exactly where Scunthorpe stand this season. Will we see the Iron side that went to Reading on the opening day and won, or the side that faded badly against Norwich and conceded a late winner. Queens Park Rangers have won both their opening games without conceding a goal and another success - in a match they will be favourites to win - would set them up as candidates for promotion.

Iron team news
Garry Thompson (groin) and David Mirfin (leg) miss out for Scunthorpe. Sam Togwell returns from a one-match suspension, while Josh Wright and MIchael O'Connor are both fine after knocks limited their involvement against Norwich last Saturday.

QPR team news
Midfielder Akos Buzsaky (thigh) is a doubt, while defender Fitz Hall (hamstring) should be fit to play.

QPR in profile
Established: 1883
Nickname: R's / Hoops
Manager: Neil Warnock

Stats and figures
It is still too early to read too much into the numbers, but Queens Park Rangers are one of only two Championship sides with a 100 per cent winning record. They opened the season with a 4-0 victory over Barnsley and followed that up with a 3-0 success at Sheffield United last week. The important statistic here is their two clean sheets - if they extend this to a third week they will fully expect all three points.

Past meetings
United had experienced defeat on all four of their trips to Loftus Road. That was until last season, when a goal from Garry Thompson sealed a 1-0 win to break the run. It was only the second Iron win in 11 meetings, with Rangers taking the points eight times.

Away suppporters are hosted in the South Stand, with entrance through turnstile gates nine and 10. A shuttle bus service is provided between Reading Central railway station and the stadium.
Iron supporters are housed in the School End, with an allocation of 600. Tickets are £25/£30 for adults and £20/£15 concessions.
Offcial coaches leave Ashby Broadway (8am), museum (8.10am), Baths Hall (8.20am) and Glanford Park (8.30am). Tickets must have been purchased online or via the ticket office at a cost of £23 (£22 for Supporters Club members).

Referee
Graham Salisbury (Lancashire)

Betting
QPR 1/2 / Draw 3/1 / Scunthorpe 11/2 (Paddy Power)

Elsewhere in the Championship
Craig Bellamy will make his debut for Cardiff City against Doncaster Rovers, having been given the captaincy. Gary Speed's debut as Sheffield United manager will come on Sunday, when he takes the Blades to Middlesbrough. Edgar Davids will watch his new side Crystal Palace take on Ipswich Town, but the former Dutch international will not be part of the squad as he needs to build up his fitness.

Competitive English footballl on TV this weekend
Saturday: Coventry City v Derby County (Championship, 12.15pm, Sky Sports 3)
Wigan Athletic v Chelsea (Premier League, 5.15pm, Sky Sports 2)
Sunday: Newcastle United v Aston Villa (Premier League, 1.30pm, ESPN)
Middlesbrough v Sheffield United (Championship, 1.15pm, Sky Sports 1)
Fulham v Manchester United (Premier League, 4pm, Sky Sports 1)
Monday: Manchester City v Liverpool (Premier League, 7.45pm, Sky Sports 1)

 

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