Preview: Queens Park Rangers vs. Burnley
Burnley make the trip to managerless Queens Park Rangers looking to begin the resumption of action by strengthening their position at the top of the Championship standings.
While the Clarets head into Sunday’s fixture with a three-point lead, QPR have remained in sixth spot despite losing their last three matches.
When Belgium parted ways with Roberto Martinez after their World Cup elimination, Burnley supporters would have been concerned that they would not be the only side competing at Loftus Road on Sunday who were searching for a new manager.
However, there is every indication that Vincent Kompany has no intention of departing Turf Moor for his national team, instead focusing on trying to earn promotion with the Clarets.
On the back of his side’s capitulation at Sheffield United, Burnley required a response in the derby versus Blackburn Rovers, their fierce rivals having the chance to move to the top of the standings in their place.
Instead, Burnley rallied during the second half, netting three times in 26 minutes to ensure that they spent the break for the World Cup three points clear of Sheffield United.
Despite that success, Kompany may have been grateful for the reset, his team having shown vulnerabilities in many of their recent games, and now all eyes will be on whether they can continue where they left off.
From QPR’s perspective, this is their first game since the departure of Michael Beale, who took the second opportunity to depart the club after just several months in charge.
The pull of Scottish giants Rangers, a club where he was on the backroom staff to Steven Gerrard, proved too strong, and it leaves the Hoops in a position where they will want a permanent replacement at the helm as soon as possible.
The freshness and lack of distractions may suit this side going forward, QPR having collected just four points from six games since concrete interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers emerged in October.
Four defeats have come in five outings, QPR netting just one goal, and caretaker boss Paul Hall will hope that his players feel that they can perform with a sense of freedom against the leaders.
Queens Park Rangers Championship form:
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Queens Park Rangers form (all competitions):
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Burnley Championship form:
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Burnley form (all competitions):
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We say: Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Burnley
Given their respective performances ahead of the World Cup break, Burnley are the clear favourites to prevail at Loftus Road. However, we feel that QPR will have a point to prove after the departure of their head coach, leading us to predict a competitive share of the spoils.