Match Preview: Bolton Wanderers v. Queens Park Rangers

It has been an underwhelming start to the season for Bolton Wanderers. Draws against Burnley and Reading came before a humiliating 0-3 reverse away to Nottingham Forest last weekend which drew much criticism from the supporters for the manner of the teams' performance.

Ahance to right the wrongs from the Forest game comes around swiftly with this weekend's game against Queens Park Rangers, who were relegated last year from the Premier League despite being managed by the Greatest Manager in the World ^TM Harry "‘Arry" Redknapp (triffic) who spent untold billions of pounds to keep QPR on the same track as previous manager Mark Hughes who was sacked for doing the same thing but in a much less media-friendly manner.

QPR have started the season well, as they should, considering that they have spent the summer laughing in the face of the Financial Fair Play regulations. Thus far, signings have included Danny Simpson from Newcastle United, Richard Dunne from Aston Villa, Karl Henry from suspension, Gary O'Neil from West Ham United and most notably Charlie Austin from our neighbours at Burnley for a reported £4m. In QPR's defence they have shipped out names such as Djibril Cisse, ex-Wanderer Tal Ben Haim, Christopher Samba, and fan's favourite Jose Bosingwa in a cull of their highest earners following relegation.

Pre-season was mixed, with two wins from five games. QPR suffered defeats away to Peterborough and Udinese, drawing against Exeter City, and beating Besiktas and Southend United, both away from Loftus Road.

Their league campaign has begun well, with an opening day victory over Sheffield Wednesday at home. They then drew 1-1 away to Huddersfield Town before beating Ipswich Town with a 90^th minute winner on 17^th August to leave them in fifth place on 7 points after three matches. QPR also made it through to the next round of the League Cup after beating Exeter City 2-0.

The referee for the game is James Adcock, who last took charge of a Bolton Wanderers game back in February 2013 as we lost 1-2 away at Watford. Adcock brandished six yellow cards that afternoon, four of which were awarded to Bolton players. He did however award us a penalty which was scored by Marvin Sordell.

Historically, Bolton Wanderers have a decent record against Queens Park Rangers, with 14 wins out of 26 games in all competitions. In fact we are unbeaten against the Londoners since a 0-2 defeat in 1998.

Last Five Meetings:

15.01.2000 - QPR 0 v 1 Bolton Wanderers (Jensen)

31.10.2000 - Bolton Wanderers 3 v 1 QPR (Bergsson, Elliott, Ricketts)

03.02.2001 - QPR 1 v 1 Bolton Wanderers (Frandsen)

13.08.2011 - QPR 0 v 4 Bolton Wanderers (Cahill, Gabbidon OG, Klasnic, Muamba)

10.03.2012 - Bolton Wanderers 2 v 1 QPR (Pratley, Klasnic)

Prediction:

Heart: Bolton Wanderers 1 v 0 QPR

Head: Bolton Wanderers 2 v 2 QPR

Another hard game for Dougie Freedman and his men. QPR are full of quality and should be up there at the end of the season. It will be imperative that we make a strong start and cut out the stupid mistakes which have been a hallmark of the season thus far. I hope and pray that Chris Eagles will be fit to return, as the midfield will be light with Darren Pratley's suspension in mind. Come on you Whites.