Queens Park Rangers are looking for promotion this season, but consistency has eluded them despite a host of talents in the squad.
After a mixed bag of performances in the first two months of the Championship, QPR will be looking to find some solid reliability. However, the expectation of promotion may be weighing heavily on Chris Ramsey’s side selection, as changes to the starting XI have seen poor results in the last two weeks. Up until their clash with Nottingham Forest, Rangers had 10 points in five games with an established first team getting the job done. This included the likes of Massimo Luongo and Grant Hall, who, despite their age, showed composure and class to help the R’s to third place on the ladder.
Coming into December though, Ramsey orchestrated the loan signings of Watford boys Daniel Tozer and Gabriele Angella. Admittedly both good players, their introduction into the squad has seen a dip in form from the London side. Two draws and a loss, since their clash with Huddersfield, meant the Rangers have dropped to ninth. Preseason, the manager stressed the need for consistency and building good team chemistry. This then begs the question – why did he immediately introduce both loan signings into the starting XI? Especially considering the form of players like Hall.
The answer to this may not be as simple as it appears. True, consistency is key to team form, however, when big games arise, such as the last fixture against Hull, it can often require big players. The experience of Angella probably warrants his selection over Hall, despite the youngster’s good start. Sketchy defence has haunted Rangers for several seasons now and some tweaking will no doubt be necessary to get the balance right. Effort to rectify this has already been seen with Paul Konchesky and James Perch slotting straight into the team. This tweaking, however, may be slightly harder to pull-off in other areas of the team.
As attacks go, QPR, along with Middlesbrough, currently boast the best in the league with 14 goals – seven of these coming from Charlie Austin. Tajronn Chery, Matt Phillips, Luongo and Austin have all contributed to the success though, with goals and assists of their own. However, the reintroduction of Leroy Fer may shake up things up. The Dutch international, who is most at home in the No.10 position, has been aching to get back to regular game time. With hot prospect Massimo Lunogo currently occupying the position, Ramsey may have a tough decision on his hands.
Alternatively, Fer could be placed into a defensive-midfielder position alongside Karl Henry, removing Tozer in the process. Considering the new arrival’s box-to-box ability, this would not a bad idea. Henry himself may even be pushed to the bench, with tough-tackling Sandro also returning from injury. A partnership of an in-form Fer and Sandro would be one to fear, especially in the Championship.
FER: @LeroyFer10 is targeting a first-team return for #QPR at @FulhamFC on Friday night http://t.co/BJIer3a0ZC pic.twitter.com/ukJ6PAR6hx
— QPR FC (@QPRFC) September 23, 2015
The key term here, however, is “in-form” because, like the old saying goes, you are only as good as your last game. This has been especially evident in the Premier League this season, with Callum Wilson and Riyad Marhez topping the charts. Though Charlie Austin too is firing for the Hoops, the team cannot rely on his form alone in their push for promotion. This then leaves Ramsey with big questions to answer as to whom he will get the best out of this season. Will it be those with the talent, or those with the form?
There is also the question of squad rotation and the youth team. Ramsey has made it clear that he believes in youth system and the need for young players to gain first team minutes. This maxim may be tested, however, if Rangers are caught in a dogfight come March. However, fielding second-tier players will most probably come in cup matches and against bottom end teams.
This weekend, QPR have anything but an easy game, travelling to Craven Cottage for a huge London derby. Fulham have endured a shaky start to the season, only seeing two wins in seven fixtures. However, as it has been in the past, the Championship is a league of shock results. If Rangers wish to take all three points they will have to take the game to their rivals. Depending on the skill and form of Ramsey’s first XI, that is definitely an achievable goal.
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