The Beginning of the QPR Revival Under 'Arry
QPR face fellow strugglers Sunderland tonight in what is Harry Redknapp's first game in the hot seat. QPR are still without a win all season and haven't won an away league game in nineteen attempts. But if there's one man that can turn their fortunes, it's Harry Redknapp who has done it all before. The R's showed for over an hour that they were more than capable of mixing it with the big boys when they faced Man United at Old Trafford last Saturday. It is expected that Redknapp will revert back to the old guard like Shaun Derry and Jamie Mackie who have previously served QPR so well. The in-flux of players that were brought in under Mark Hughes, have completely failed to live up to expectation and it's now up to Redknapp to put his own stamp on the team. He has previously worked with players like Ryan Nelson and Adel Taarabt at Spurs and will be hoping that he can rejuvenate these guys. Tonight is the ideal opportunity to get their league campaign back on track when they face a Black Cats side who have won just once at home all season. With a poor Sunderland home record and a wretched QPR away record, something has to give.
The Return To Goal Scoring Form Of Robin Van Persie
Van Persie has been in flying form since signing for Man United but has hit a mini slump, without a goal in his last three league games. RVP has scored eight league goals this season and is second only to Luis Suarez on the goal scoring charts. It is the first time this season that the Dutchman has gone three games without a goal. United play host to a West Ham side who are without a win in their last two. The Hammers have enjoyed a decent start to the season but have a very tough run of games coming up. They face five of the top six teams in their next six games, the other against an improving Liverpool side. Van Persie has been strangely quiet in the last few games with people's expectations having sky rocketed after his impressive start. This game provides him with the ideal opportunity to get back to goal scoring ways.
Rafa's First Win as Chelsea Manager
After Rafa Benitez' less than friendly welcome to life at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, he will be keen to silence his critics with a win over London rivals Fulham. Chelsea played out a rather boring nil all draw with champions Man City on Sunday but one significant change in the Chelsea starting XI was the shift of Ivanovic from right full to centre half. Benitez spoke very highly of Spanish full back César Azpilicueta in his press conference last week which suggested that the former Marseille player could be set for a run in the side. Fulham are very out of sorts at the moment and are without a win in their last six. They are notoriously poor on the road but will have no excuses on Wednesday night when the make the short trip across London. They are still without key players Hangeland and Ruiz and with Berbatov looking disinterested in the last couple of games, they will have a tough task on their hands. Chelsea fans will be hoping and praying that Benitez can kick start or perhaps even 'start' Fernando Torres' career at the Bridge. With the bookies offering odds of 4/9 for a home win, plenty of people will expect Rafa to pick up his first win.
Southampton's Talented Midfield Shining Again
After a tough start to life back in the top flight, Southampton are beginning to find their feet. This has largely been due to their midfield, which has been very impressive of late. Adam Lallana has been the real star at St. Marys. The 24 year old who has also taken over the captains armband has led by example and inspired those around them. Record signing Gastón Ramírez who has been embedded to life in the Premiership slowly by Saints boss Nigel Adkins is now showing signs of living up to expectations. The Uruguayan who was brought in for £12 million has had has injury problems but was excellent in Sunday's defeat of Newcastle when he chipped in with a goal and an assist. Jack Cork has also recovered from an ankle injury which kept him out of the first ten games of the season. He is certainly one to watch as he is another who is highly rated in this ever improving Southampton midfield.
Swansea Upsetting West Brom's Impressive Run
West Brom have been the surprise package this season and come into Wednesday's game in the lofty heights of third positon in the league. Steve Clark has done a terrific job at the Hawthorns but comes up against a decent Swansea outfit who are more than capable of putting a halt to their progress. Michael Laudrup has found a decent balance within his side with star signing Michu being pushed further forward and fellow Spaniard Pablo Hernandez coming into the side. He has plenty of options in midfield with the likes of Routledge, Dyer and De Guzman all impressing. The Baggies haven't kept a clean sheet in their last three, and will have a job on their hands to do so at the Liberty Stadium. West Brom have lost just three times this season but their fourth maybe just around the corner.
