On Wednesday, October 1, Oxford United will visit Loftus Road to take on Queens Park Rangers (QPR) at 8:00 PM. The U’s are looking to bounce back from their recent defeat against Sheffield United, while QPR aims to continue their strong home performance this season.
Match Preview: QPR vs. Oxford United
Oxford United has had a challenging start to the season, gathering only five points from their first seven matches, with a record of one win, two draws, and four losses. They have scored nine goals but conceded eleven. Despite the loss on Saturday, they are optimistic about their direction moving forward.
In contrast, QPR has performed well, earning three victories, two draws, and two losses in their opening games. They remain unbeaten at Loftus Road, taking seven points from nine available at home. QPR has scored in every match this season, indicating a strong attacking lineup.
Head-to-Head Rivalry
Historically, Oxford United and QPR have met 31 times since their first encounter in 1965. The U’s have claimed victory on eight occasions. However, they have not won against QPR since a 4-1 triumph in 1998. Last season, QPR achieved a league double over Oxford, including a decisive 2-0 win at Loftus Road.
Player Connections
- Jamie Mackie: Signed by Oxford in July 2018, Mackie made 91 appearances, scoring seven goals. He previously played for QPR twice, netting 24 goals in 150 appearances.
- Kevin Brock: A key player for Oxford between 1979 and 1987, Brock made 283 appearances. He later signed for QPR, where he had 40 league appearances.
- Rob Dickie: A fan favorite during his time at Oxford, Dickie captained the team to the League One Play-Off Final before moving to QPR, where he made 119 appearances.
QPR’s Tactical Approach
Under new head coach Julien Stephan, QPR has exhibited a flexible tactical style based on their opponents. Striker Richard Kone has made a significant impact with three goals in five matches. Their home performance has been strong, with a notable shot-on-target conversion rate of 35%, indicating their attacking efficiency. QPR remains disciplined defensively, excelling in counter-attacks and set pieces.
Key Player: Nicolas Madsen
Nicolas Madsen has emerged as a pivotal player for QPR this season. The 25-year-old midfielder scored an important equalizer in their last match. Madsen has won 70% of his duels and boasts a recovery rate exceeding the average for midfielders in the Championship, making him crucial for both defense and attack.
Game Statistics
| Kick-off | Recent Form | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|
| October 1 at 8:00 PM | Oxford: W1 D2 L1; QPR: W3 D2 L2 | Both: -2 |
The upcoming clash promises to be competitive as both teams seek to strengthen their positioning. Oxford United will aim to rediscover their winning ways, while QPR looks to maintain their home dominance. Fans from both sides will eagerly anticipate this exciting fixture.
