Team news for the Premier League match between QPR and Hull City at Loftus Road on Saturday, August 16, 2014. Scroll down for James Smailes' preview.Hull City team news
Yannick Sagbo's suspension is the only blemish on Steve Bruce's squad list, with an otherwise fully-fit group to choose from.
Bruce has already stated he will field very different sides on Saturday and Thursday, when City return to Europa League action at Lokeren in Belgium.
The suggestion is the majority of the team which played in Stuttgart will get their opportunity at Lokeren, leaving the Tigers with a familiar feel about their line-up at Loftus Road.
There's every chance not one of Bruce's new acquisitions will make the starting XI, although the likes of Tom Ince and Robert Snodgrass will be close to a call-up.
A familiar and trusted 3-5-2 formation is unlikely to be shelved, with Curtis Davies and James Chester at the heart of defence alongside Alex Bruce.
David Meyler could hold off the challenge of Snodgrass to accompany Jake Livermore and Tom Huddlestone in a midfield trio, ably supported out wide by Ahmed Elmohamady and Liam Rosenior.
Shane Long's absence has left a hole up front, but Bruce has declared Nikica Jelavic fit and the Croatian should now be elevated to start.Possible Hull City starting line-up: McGregor; Chester, Bruce, Davies; Elmohamady, Meyler, Huddlestone, Livermore, Rosenior; Aluko, Jelavic.Subs: Harper (GK), Ince, Snodgrass, McShane, Brady, Boyd, Robertson.
Queens Park Rangers team news Harry Redknapp will unleash his new-look QPR side as he looks to get his Premier League return off to a winning start on Saturday afternoon. All four of the Londoners' summer signings are expected to make their debuts against the Tigers. A revamped defensive line will see veteran Rio Ferdinand begin a fresh start away from Manchester United, partnering Steven Caulker, signed from Cardiff City for £8.5m. Jordan Mutch, another new arrival from Cardiff for £6m, is expected to drop into midfield, while Mauricio Isla, on loan from Juventus, will start at left wing-back. Much has been made of QPR's desire to switch to 3-5-2, with former England boss Glenn Hoddle on the backroom staff, and that is likely to see both teams match up for the Loftus Road opener. Elsewhere, Redknapp must decide if want-away striker Loic Remy is in the right frame of mind to start. The French international failed a medical at Liverpool this summer but the QPR boss has hinted he will have no problems selecting him against City. Saturday's game will also be significant for midfielder Alejandro Faurlín. He missed most of last season with a cruciate ligament injury but has played in pre-season.Possible QPR starting line-up: Green; Caulker, Ferdinand, Onuoha; Simpson, Barton, Faurlin, Mutch, Isla; Remy, Austin.Subs: Murphy (GK), Hill, Dunne, Hoilett, Traore, Zamora, Wright-Phillips.Officials:Referee Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire); Assistants S Long, D Bryan; Fourth official Kevin Friend.
Key clash: Sone Aluko v Rio Ferdinand In the twilight of a stellar career, Ferdinand will be the rock around whom boss Harry Redknapp will hope to plot QPR's Premier League survival course. The 35-year-old defender's CV includes 81 England caps and Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League silverware, following stints at West Ham, Bournemouth, Leeds and Manchester United. He twice held the record transfer fee, at £18m and around £30m. If Rangers are looking to Ferdinand, the Tigers will be pinning their faith on Aluko, now fit again after a troublesome Achilles wrecked last season. A memorable winner in Newcastle last season shows he has an eye for goal, but Aluko can also act as a foil for fellow forwards.
QPR form guide Pre-season draws with Leyton Orient and Southend, a 2-0 loss to Leipzig and 1-0 loss to PAOK, has left boss Harry Redknapp lamenting his side's preparations for their return to the Premier League. Rio Ferdinand, Steven Caulker, Mauricio Isla and Jordon Mutch have arrived to bolster QPR's options, but Redknapp believes he needs another three or four players. Redknapp's name alone will entice recruits to Loftus Road – no doubt aided by a sizeable war chest – although chairman Tony Fernandes says spending won't be on the scale of two years ago. As with any side newly-promoted to the top flight, 17th position will be viewed as a success. Anything more will be a bonus.
James Smailes: Hull City can get off to another flyer With the remnants of his sun tan from a well-earned summer break still on show, a relaxed Steve Bruce greeted the start of the new Premier League season with cautious optimism. Bruce is aware of the increasing expectation on his Hull City team. Regarded as one of the favourites for the drop 12 months ago, last season's FA Cup finalists are now being tipped by some media pundits to break into the upper echelons of the Premier League. Such assumptions just wash over Bruce, who is under no illusions about the task laid out for the Tigers over the next nine months. No fan will need reminding that City have yet to enjoy three successive seasons in the Premier League, with recent history a reminder of how a season of great celebration and surprise can be followed by one of abject disappointment and frustration. But, and it's a big but, the Tigers of 2014-15 are much stronger than the class of 2009-10. Shane Long's departure may have been untimely, but Bruce has insisted the £12.5m will be reinvested wisely to bring in two, possibly even three, new recruits. With a squad already boasting strength in depth, the arrival of further new faces will provide greater options as the Tigers battle on four fronts this season home and abroad. Expect to see the entire starting XI which features at Loftus Road changed for Thursday's trip to Lokeren, with Bruce juggling his squad to ensure the early season challenges are met. "For us to survive and do well in Europe, that is the only way I can do it. It is the most sensible approach," explained Bruce, as if feeling the need to justify his approach this week. What's clear is that, while the Europa League offers a certain prestige, the focus remains on the Premier League. Success last season was built on a good start, and with the fixtures computer being kind this time, City again have an opportunity to get points on the board early, beginning on Saturday at QPR. Harry Redknapp's men boast an attacking line-up that is likely to create chances, but City's defenders will hope to be at their miserly best. Scoring goals will be the test, especially with a game plan adjusted to take account of Long's departure.Prediction: QPR 0 Hull City 1.
Queens Park Rangers team news Harry Redknapp will unleash his new-look QPR side as he looks to get his Premier League return off to a winning start on Saturday afternoon. All four of the Londoners' summer signings are expected to make their debuts against the Tigers. A revamped defensive line will see veteran Rio Ferdinand begin a fresh start away from Manchester United, partnering Steven Caulker, signed from Cardiff City for £8.5m. Jordan Mutch, another new arrival from Cardiff for £6m, is expected to drop into midfield, while Mauricio Isla, on loan from Juventus, will start at left wing-back. Much has been made of QPR's desire to switch to 3-5-2, with former England boss Glenn Hoddle on the backroom staff, and that is likely to see both teams match up for the Loftus Road opener. Elsewhere, Redknapp must decide if want-away striker Loic Remy is in the right frame of mind to start. The French international failed a medical at Liverpool this summer but the QPR boss has hinted he will have no problems selecting him against City. Saturday's game will also be significant for midfielder Alejandro Faurlín. He missed most of last season with a cruciate ligament injury but has played in pre-season.Possible QPR starting line-up: Green; Caulker, Ferdinand, Onuoha; Simpson, Barton, Faurlin, Mutch, Isla; Remy, Austin.Subs: Murphy (GK), Hill, Dunne, Hoilett, Traore, Zamora, Wright-Phillips.Officials:Referee Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire); Assistants S Long, D Bryan; Fourth official Kevin Friend.
Key clash: Sone Aluko v Rio Ferdinand In the twilight of a stellar career, Ferdinand will be the rock around whom boss Harry Redknapp will hope to plot QPR's Premier League survival course. The 35-year-old defender's CV includes 81 England caps and Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League silverware, following stints at West Ham, Bournemouth, Leeds and Manchester United. He twice held the record transfer fee, at £18m and around £30m. If Rangers are looking to Ferdinand, the Tigers will be pinning their faith on Aluko, now fit again after a troublesome Achilles wrecked last season. A memorable winner in Newcastle last season shows he has an eye for goal, but Aluko can also act as a foil for fellow forwards.
QPR form guide Pre-season draws with Leyton Orient and Southend, a 2-0 loss to Leipzig and 1-0 loss to PAOK, has left boss Harry Redknapp lamenting his side's preparations for their return to the Premier League. Rio Ferdinand, Steven Caulker, Mauricio Isla and Jordon Mutch have arrived to bolster QPR's options, but Redknapp believes he needs another three or four players. Redknapp's name alone will entice recruits to Loftus Road – no doubt aided by a sizeable war chest – although chairman Tony Fernandes says spending won't be on the scale of two years ago. As with any side newly-promoted to the top flight, 17th position will be viewed as a success. Anything more will be a bonus.
James Smailes: Hull City can get off to another flyer With the remnants of his sun tan from a well-earned summer break still on show, a relaxed Steve Bruce greeted the start of the new Premier League season with cautious optimism. Bruce is aware of the increasing expectation on his Hull City team. Regarded as one of the favourites for the drop 12 months ago, last season's FA Cup finalists are now being tipped by some media pundits to break into the upper echelons of the Premier League. Such assumptions just wash over Bruce, who is under no illusions about the task laid out for the Tigers over the next nine months. No fan will need reminding that City have yet to enjoy three successive seasons in the Premier League, with recent history a reminder of how a season of great celebration and surprise can be followed by one of abject disappointment and frustration. But, and it's a big but, the Tigers of 2014-15 are much stronger than the class of 2009-10. Shane Long's departure may have been untimely, but Bruce has insisted the £12.5m will be reinvested wisely to bring in two, possibly even three, new recruits. With a squad already boasting strength in depth, the arrival of further new faces will provide greater options as the Tigers battle on four fronts this season home and abroad. Expect to see the entire starting XI which features at Loftus Road changed for Thursday's trip to Lokeren, with Bruce juggling his squad to ensure the early season challenges are met. "For us to survive and do well in Europe, that is the only way I can do it. It is the most sensible approach," explained Bruce, as if feeling the need to justify his approach this week. What's clear is that, while the Europa League offers a certain prestige, the focus remains on the Premier League. Success last season was built on a good start, and with the fixtures computer being kind this time, City again have an opportunity to get points on the board early, beginning on Saturday at QPR. Harry Redknapp's men boast an attacking line-up that is likely to create chances, but City's defenders will hope to be at their miserly best. Scoring goals will be the test, especially with a game plan adjusted to take account of Long's departure.Prediction: QPR 0 Hull City 1.
