The Opposition View: QPR

Last updated : 08 November 2010 By Jim Bonner

QPR fan Harry Jackson answers the questions I put to him ahead of Pompey's big game with the Championship leaders.

QPR sit top of the league after 15 games, automatic promotion is surely the aim for the season now?

You've hit the nail on the head with the word 'now', at
2:55pm on the day of our season opener with Barnsley, 95% of those inside the ground would've snapped your hand off if you offered them 6th place. However with increased performances come increased expectations and despite perhaps not having one of the best squads in the division we are all looking to cement a top two spot.

What do the Hoops fans think of Neil Warnock?

The start of his reign was somewhat iffy, but at the end of the day he came in when we were in real danger of going down to League One and he did the business to keep us up. The football was at times very poor towards the end of last season but Neil hadn't had the chance to really put his stamp on the Rangers side and our team was made up of a lot of un-committed loan players.

Over the summer Neil has brought in some old faces like Shaun Derry, Clint Hill and Paddy Kenny, tried and tested players who he knows will give 100% and the work rate, enthusiasm and attitude of the QPR side is delighting the Rangers faithful.

With us sitting top of the table nearly a third of the way through the season even with a few qualms about style of play, everyone is delighted with "Colin", sorry… Neil.

Adel Taarabt and Jamie Mackie have taken the plaudits for QPR's success so far but who are the other key players who have made big contributions this season?

Alejandro Faurlin. The man is magic, and it's no coincidence that a slightly iffy spell we've had (if you can call it that) coincided with him being injured, he just makes everything tick in the middle of the park and he's the heartbeat of the side.

He loves getting stuck in to a tackle equally as much as spreading a forty yard pass across the pitch, Faurlin and Derry's partnership in the middle of the park is just understated, uncomplicated brilliance.

Kudos must also go to the defence and goalkeeper, they've kept the most clean sheets in the division, 10 out of 15 I believe. Full back Kyle Walker has to get a mention as well, the young man has a great future in the game and is equally competent going forward as he is defending, the pace and stamina on the boy is frightening.

What are your team's biggest weaknesses, if any?

The one issue is a striker. We bought Rob Hulse on the last day of the window but he's struggled a bit with injuries and despite Jamie Mackie's superb start he isn't really one you'd expect to get 20 goals. It's a sign of the weakness we have in this area that we often finish games with Patrick Ageymang and Leon Clarke up top, we really lack strength in depth in this area.

How has Tommy Smith performed since his arrival at
Loftus Road?

Neil's been very stubborn with not changing a winning side so Tommy's found it hard to get a look in since his arrival, but he's made one goal off the bench and scored on Saturday against Reading on his first full start. He's definitely settling in well and looking like a solid signing.

What do you make of the current Pompey team? Are there any players that R's fans are wary of?

Pompey's first eleven looks very strong to me, but obviously the strength in depth is lacking somewhat. If you're able to keep your players fit then I don't see why you can't challenge for a playoff spot, the main dangers will be Liam Lawrence up against Clint Hill and Dave Kitson is always likely to nab a goal.

Cardiff are the only team to have beaten us at Fratton Park in the league so far this season, will you be expecting victory or would you take a draw if offered?

I've said I'll take a point in the majority of our away games this season and we've gone on to win them so yes, a point please! In all seriousness, with the exception of Saturday, you guys are flying at the minute and I don't think a point would be a bad result at all, that said we can beat anyone and I wouldn't be surprised if we nicked all three.

Predict the outcome of the game.

Pompey 1
Queens Park Rangers 1