Paulo Sousa faces his former club on Saturday as QPR visit the Liberty Stadium, and the 38 year-old is hoping for wins on and off the field.
The Portuguese had a forgetful 5-month spell at Loftus Road which came to an end in April 2009 after he had his contract terminated for devulging sensitive information – revealing a player had left on loan without him knowing. He’s know in a legal battle with his former employer.
Midfielder Jordi Lopez is also relishing tomorrow’s game as he told played for Rangers under boss Paulo Sousa, and he’s hoping that he returns to the first team after missing Tuesday’s trip to Doncaster because of a one-match ban – I’m sure he will.
Vital Quotes:
Paulo Sousa on his time at QPR:
‘I’m happy with the job I did at QPR because I got recognition from my former players during and after my time there,’ he added.
‘I worked for them first, to increase the quality of the players.
‘And when I saw the players feeling happy because they felt they developed every day in my training sessions, one part of my job was done.
‘Also I worked for the supporters. I got a lot of people telling me after I left that I had done good things at QPR.
Swansea City Team News:
Paulo Sousa faces his former club on Saturday as QPR visit the Liberty Stadium, and the 38 year-old is hoping for wins on and off the field.
The Portuguese had a forgetful 5-month spell at Loftus Road which came to an end in April 2009 after he had his contract terminated for devulging sensitive information – revealing a player had left on loan without him knowing. He’s know in a legal battle with his former employer.
Midfielder Jordi Lopez is also relishing tomorrow’s game as he told played for Rangers under boss Paulo Sousa, and he’s hoping that he returns to the first team after missing Tuesday’s trip to Doncaster because of a one-match ban – I’m sure he will.
Ferrie Bodde, Guillem Bauza and Albert Serran are definitely out injured.
Player to watch: Stephen Dobbie
Swansea City desperately need goals and at the moment it seems Dobbie is the only player who can supply them. Pintado is out and not scoring anyway, while Beattie has only recently been involved and he’s been missing some good chances. Dobbie has scored a few goals in Cup games but he’s still looking for his first in the League, hopefully they’ll come tomorrow.
QPR Team News:
From Vital QPR
Radek Cerny will be looking to continue his midweek heroics this weekend as he lines up behind the now familiar back four of Mikele Leigertwood, Damion Stewart, Kaspars Gorkšs and Gary Borrowdale.
There is excellent competition for places in the middle of the park with skipper Martin Rowlands and loanee Ben Watson expected to get the nod once again in the R’s engine room.
Wayne Routledge will seek to continue some dynamic form down the right with Akos Buzsaky once again expected to drift in an carve out opportunity from the left.
Rowan Vine looks set to pip Adel Taarabt to selection once more, with the Moroccan having to make do with a place on the bench, while Jay Simpson forays alone upfront.
Fitz Hall (groin) and Angelo Balanta (groin) look set to sit out at the Liberty Stadium despite making a positive recovery, while Gareth Ainsworth (tendonitis), Matthew Connolly (glandular fever) and Lee Cook (knee) are also missing.
Player to watch: Wayne Routledge
QPR’s top scorer this season with 5 goals thanks to a hatrick in a Cup game at Exeter and the former Cardiff City striker is sure to get some stick from the Swansea City fans. He’s also had spells with Premiership clubs Aston Villa, Fulham, Portsmouth and Tottenham. Jay Simpson will also be one to watch, he’s scored 3 in 5 in the League following a loan move from West Brom.
Match Facts & Stats
Swansea City haven’t beaten QPR at home in the League since 1965. Our last home victory against QPR was in the FA Cup in November 2001. Sidibe did the damage that night in a fantastic 4-0 victory at the Vetch Field.
QPR have only lost once this season, away at Bristol City on August 18th. Since then they’ve drawn 2 and won 3.
QPR currently sit in 11th place with 14 points and a game in hand. They’re one of the most in-form teams in the League, behind Newcastle.
Swansea City haven’t lost in the last 4 games, but we haven’t scored in 4 of the last 5 games.
Head to head: Swansea wins – 9, Draws – 9, QPR wins – 16.
Ref Watch:
K Hill
2009/10 Stats: 10 Games, 27 Yellows, 1 Red.
Assistant Referees: Mr A J Horton & R J Martin
Fourth Official: Mr L Swabey
Match Prediction:
Swansea to draw 1-1.
It’s going to be a really tough game against an in-form QPR side but it’s a game Paulo Sousa and Jordi Lopez really want to win against their former club. Hopefully our defence will continue to be strong which will give us a good chance of picking up at least a point.
Predict the score in our Prediction League here
Next Fixtures:
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Ipswich v Swansea, 15:00
