Man City v QPR: Can Hughes beat the champions?
Manchester City clinched the Premier League title against QPR in a sensational end-of-season clash in May. Two late goals from Dzeko and Aguero capped an amazing match which saw City as the champions of England again and QPR retain their place in the top flight.
Roberto Mancini strengthened his squad yesterday with the arrival of Maicon, Javi Garcia, defender Nastasic and veteran keeper Richard Wright, but that's nothing compared to Mark Hughes. The former City boss has brought a whole new squad to Loftus Road including former Real Madrid midfielder Granero and Brazil keeper Julio Cesar.
Manchester City, although undefeated, have not made the best of starts to their title defence. Southampton almost stunned them on the opening day and only sloppy defending by Liverpool allowed them to gain a point last weekend. But QPR have endured a horror show opening. A 5-0 defeat at home by Swansea and a draw with Norwich was not the start Mark Hughes envisaged.
The visitors quite like playing at Manchester City. In their past six journeys north they have won three and drawn one and have scored in five of those games. Given Manchester City's recent defensive issues, QPR could well shock the champions.
Unfortunately for the visitors, out pundits believe City, even without Aguero, Richards and Barry, will be too strong for the R's.
Manchester City v QPR; Kick Off 5.30pm September 1 2012
Prediction Panel
|
Arsenal |
Shub Chaterjee |
TBA |
V |
TBA |
|
Aston Villa |
Frank Pattison |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
Chelsea |
Joe Tyler |
4 |
V |
0 |
|
Everton |
Chris Goodwin |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
Fulham |
Neil Springate |
2 |
V |
1 |
|
Liverpool |
Dave Disciascio |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
Man City |
Callum Rothwell |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
Man United |
Alex Richert |
2 |
V |
1 |
|
Newcastle |
Greg Hall |
4 |
V |
0 |
|
Norwich |
Sue Read |
4 |
V |
1 |
|
QPR |
John Jaycock |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Reading |
Jon Keen |
5 |
V |
0 |
|
Southampton |
Andy Saunders |
3 |
V |
2 |
|
Stoke City |
Jack Heaney |
4 |
V |
1 |
|
Sunderland |
Tony Ratton |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
Swansea |
Jim Barry |
2 |
V |
1 |
|
Spurs |
Mike Richards |
5 |
V |
0 |
|
West Brom |
Andy Wakeman |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
West Ham |
Matt Beeby |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
Wigan |
Jimmy Shine |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OUR EXPERTS |
|
|
|
|
|
Writer |
Colin Illingworth |
4 |
V |
1 |
|
Writer |
Steve Coulter |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
Writer |
Hugh Larkin |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
Writer |
Mitch Waddon |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
Writer |
Chris Pettitt |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
Writer |
Sarshar Hosseinnia |
3 |
V |
3 |
|
Blackburn fan |
Terry Kennedy |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
Bolton fan |
David Blackburn |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
Boro fan |
Sue Gardener |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Pompey fan |
Dan Taylor |
3 |
V |
2 |
|
Pompey fan |
Peter Rendle |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
West Ham fan |
Nigel Telfer |
3 |
V |
0 |
|
Wolves fan |
Chris Cox |
4 |
V |
0 |
|
Editor |
Antony Melvin |
2 |
V |
0 |
Panel Verdict
A home banker.
Home: 32; Draw: 1; Away: 0. TBA 1
* Do we have it right or do you know better? We’d love to hear from you.
Related Articles:
Predict the Premier League: Who is our top pundit?
Predict the Premier League: Who is the top expert?
