Newcastle v QPR Preview

Newcastle to add to QPR woes

Newcastle v QPR Preview:

Premier League: Sunday, 15 January 2012 1:30pm

Author: Pete South 12/01/2012

The tides of change have washed both Newcastle and QPR in different directions this season, sweeping the Black and White Army to a brief stint in the top four while dragging their London opponents on Saturday to the precipice of the relegation zone.

QPR have followed in Newcastle’s steps from the season before, stylishly negotiating their way through a tricky season in the Championship before preparing to launch an assault on the top tier of English football.

That, however, is where the similarities end. While QPR prepare to throw money at the problem that is their impending relegation battle during the January transfer window, the Toon appear to have stumbled upon a recipe for success.

Newcastle’s inexplicable rise to challenging for a top six finish has confounded pre-season belief that they would struggle to retain their Premier League status after losing Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and Andy Carroll last season.

While the logic was clear at least from a chairman’s perspective; sweep out all the big earners and replace with cheaper models that would help the club turn a profit, as it would happen the cheaper models have actually proved to be some of the finest players in the league.

Hatem Ben Arfa has dazzled having overcome the injury woes that blighted the start of his Newcastle career, while Chiek Tiote, Yohan Cabaye and most of all Demba Ba have hugely impressed to the point all three have been linked with moves away to some Europe’s top clubs.

The key to Newcastle’s success has come from a solid spine and a stable defence. Tim Krul has been outstanding while Fabriccio Colloccini has further enhanced his reputation at the back.

With Steven Taylor out of action, there was a risk that Newcastle’s defensive stability could disappear but Mike Williamson has stepped into the breach magnificently.

As for QPR, they now face a second half of the season full of uncertainty following the bright, optimistic expectation that came at the start of the season following a slew of new arrivals under boss Neil Warnock.

With Warnock now gone and Mark Hughes in his place, another batch of new faces are expected to arrive in January to help battle relegation, but an attempt to save a season with a new manager and a host of new signings in January is utterly fraught with danger.

Newcastle battled to 12th in their first season back in with the big boys and, contrary to all belief, logic and expectations, have pushed on without looking back.

QPR face a tough battle to do the same, and things look like they will only get harder after their long trip to the Sports Direct Arena.

Match bet: Newcastle @ 4/5 with Bet365 - (Ł200 free bets)

Correct score prediction: Newcastle 2:1 @ 8/1 with Ladbrokes - (Ł50 free bet)