QPR vs Southampton...Matt Connolly Loving Loftus Road

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[Watching QPR vs Southampton in the USA]


TIME OUT - Coca-Cola Championship Queens Park Rangers v Southampton
Sun Sep 14Rangers Stadium, South Africa Rd, W12 7PA
The last time Southampton played in W12, the Saints were down to ten men and Rangers scraped a 3-2 victory thanks to goals from Patrick Agyemang and Martin Rowlands. Both may make an appearance here, albeit in slightly different roles. Manager Ian Dowie has gone for a 4-5-1 formation in recent weeks with Agyemang and Rowlands in midfield and Dexter Blackstock the lone striker up front. Blackstock, an ex-Southampton player, will be keen to make an impact but without that vital support around him has often been forced to drop back himself. The game's live on Sky, which never helps, as nervous Rangers fans are demanding a lot from their side this season (especially considering the ridiculously over-priced season tickets). Expect heightened tension both on and off the pitch. Noam Friedlander Time Out


SPORTING LIFE - LEDESMA MISSES SAINTS DATE
Q.P.R. 4/6, Draw 13/5, Southampton 9/2
QPR will be without midfielder Emmanuel Ledesma when they host Southampton in their televised clash at Loftus Road on Sunday.
The Argentinian midfielder, who has been the star of Rangers' season so far, serves a one-match ban after his sending-off at Bristol City a fortnight ago.
Boss Iain Dowie, a former Saints striker, could recall skipper Martin Rowlands [sic]in Ledesma's place.
Patrick Agyemang is fit after a month out with a groin injury and could partner another ex-Southampton frontman, Dexter Blackstock, if Dowie plays two up front.
Hungarian playmaker Akos Buzsaky has played two reserve games since undergoing ankle surgery over the summer and could make the bench along with winger Hogan Ephraim, who is over shin splints.
New signing Damiano Tommasi is not match fit, defender Fitz Hall is still on the sidelines with a torn groin muscle and Rowan Vine is continuing his rehabilitation from a broken leg.
Southampton have a defensive headache with centre-halves Michael Svensson and Wayne Thomas ruled out.
Captain Svensson has felt some pain in the knee which sidelined him for the best part of four years in training this week and will fly to Sweden to see a specialist.
Thomas, who could have been Svensson's replacement, is also missing with a knee injury and is awaiting the results of a scan.
Midfielder Jason Euell is facing a long spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury and new loan signing Romain Gasmi is recovering from a broken foot.
Recent arrivals Tomas Pekhart and Anthony Pulis could figure while Rudi Skacel (ankle) played for the reserves in midweek. Sporting Life


Southampton Official Site
Saints return to action follwing the international break with a trip to Loftus Road to face ex-Saint Iain Dowie's Queens Park Rangers.
Head coach Jan Poortvliet will be without defender Michael Svensson who is due to return home for a check-up with his knee surgeon early next week.
Jason Euell remains out of action with a shoulder injury, and Wayne Thomas looks set to miss out due to a knee injury.
Hosts Q.P.R will be missing the suspended Argentine midfielder Emanuel Ledesma, whilst ex-Saints Fitz Hall and Rowan Vine are also ruled out through injury.
Dowie welcomes back Patrick Agyemang and Akos Buzsaky, but Italian Damiano Tommasi is unlikely to be deemed 'match-fit'.
Check back shortly before kick-off for all the latest team news and regular written updates from Loftus Road.
Or...Log onto www.saintstv.com an hour before kick-off for all the build up and full live audio commentary throughout the match." Southampton


Also:

- Two Teams' stats this season

- QPR Report "Previewing QPR vs Southampton"

- QPRNet's Ron Norris & Simon Skinner Match Preview

- Ashleigh Rose/LoftForWord "QPR vs Southampton - Connections and Memories"


BBC - No place like home for Connolly
Queens Park Rangers defender Matthew Connolly says he loves playing home matches at Loftus Road.
The former Arsenal defender joined the Super Hoops in January and told BBC London 94.9: "I love playing there. I hadn't been there before I joined.
"The first time I was there I thought it was a nice stadium. The pitch is close to the fans and the fans are absolutely terrific, really loud.
"I enjoy playing at home, I think we've only lost twice since I've been here."
He added: "We play really well, and the pitch size suits us because we like to break and play on the attack."
Rangers host Southampton on Sunday having lost just one of their last 10 matches at Loftus Road. BBC