MATCH PREVIEW | CARDIFF CITY vs QPR
Match Previews
15th April
The Bluebirds host QPR on Saturday afternoon looking for their third successive home victory to keep up the pressure on the top six...
THE OPPOSITION
QPR’s objective this season was to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, following their relegation last year. Unfortunately for the Rs, they’ve fallen slightly short of their target and currently sit in eleventh place in the Sky Bet Championship table, in what has been a transitional campaign.
Chris Ramsey started the season in charge of the West London side before his departure in November. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink then took the reins a month later, with their former boss Neil Warnock overseeing the interim period.
January saw the sale of talismanic front man Charlie Austin to Southampton, so Hasselbaink looked to the lower leagues for more firepower. This led to the additions of former Newport man, and newly capped Northern Ireland international, Connor Washington, as well as Burton Albion striker Nasser El Khayati. The duo, along with an in-form Sebastien Polter, will look to secure a first away win in six attempts as they look to halt the Bluebirds Play-Off chase.
CLUB CONNECTIONS
QPR boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink signed for Cardiff in 2007 along with Trevor Sinclair. The striker went on to play a vital part in the Bluebirds’ run to the FA Cup Final against Portsmouth. During the run he scored a memorable goal against Wolves in a 2-0 win the Fifth Round at Ninian Park.
Hasselbaink went on start the 2008 Cup Final up front, supported by Paul Parry, playing a key role before being substituted in the 70th minute for Stephen Thompson.
Former QPR midfielder Trevor Sinclair also played a part in the final, coming on as an 86th minute substitute. The Dulwich-born winger made 168 appearances for the Rs, scoring 16 goals including his famous bicycle kick against Barnsley in an FA Cup tie in 1997.
City and QPR have had several other players in common in recent years, including Matthew Connolly, Fábio, Jordon Mutch and Steven Caulker.
MEMORABLE ENCOUNTER
Cardiff City 1-0 Queens Park Rangers (AET)
Nationwide Division Two Play-Off Final, 25th May 2003
By far the most memorable match to be played out between City and QPR took place at the Millennium Stadium almost fifteen years ago...
The 2003 Second Division play-off final was a nervy affair – needing extra time after a goalless ninety minutes.
The introduction of Andy Campbell would change the game however as he lifted the ball over Chris Day to seal a 1-0 City win during the extra period. With one strike of his left foot Campbell dramatically secured City’s return to the second tier for eighteen years.
DON'T MISS A MOMENT
TICKETS: Online: www.eticketing.co.uk/cardiffcity Phone:
0845 345 1400
LISTEN: Supporters can listen in live on Cardiff City Player HD* for all the action from City vs QPR.
WATCH: Extended highlights of the match will be available to subscribers of Cardiff City Player HD*
SOCIAL: Live updates from CCS will come via our official Twitter account, @CardiffCityFC.
*Search ‘Cardiff City’ on the App Store and Google Play Store to view Cardiff City Player HD on smart phones.
