Championship Preview - QPR look vulnerable at Forest
The time may have finally come for QPR to relinquish their tag of being the only side in the Football League to remain unbeaten.
Many have come close, but Rangers always seem to find that bit extra, whether through luck or endeavour, in the closing stages of games. At Portsmouth on Wednesday, a last minute Tommy Smith penalty, which was hugely debateable, saved their bacon after a rather lethargic performance. A repeat of that showing on Saturday against a very dangerous Nottingham Forest (2.52) side could result in the first blot on their copybook.
Despite the rumoured friction behind the scenes at the City Ground between manager Billy Davies and the Forest board, the Tricky Trees season seems to be slowly gathering momentum. Their recent good form, which has included plenty of draws, has quietly moved them to within touching distance of the play-offs and a couple of wins could push them into automatic promotion territory. They can put down a marker this weekend by seeing off the league leaders, who have never recorded a victory at the City Ground and lost 5-0 here last season.
QPR are in the midst of a mini defensive crisis as defenders Bradley Orr and Matt Connolly are both suspended, which means Gary Borrowdale will get his first start of the season. Forest look set to welcome back midfield anchorman Paul McKenna but are without Kelvin Wilson.
Gary Speed has taken time to settle into his job at Sheffield United but there were signs in their mid-week 2-2 with in-form Leicester City that his side are finally starting to buy into his footballing philosophies. Under the previous regime the Blades were very direct in the play, and used to bully teams off the park, but under Speed more football is trying to be played, which has brought the best of out the likes of Mark Yeats and new signing Andy Reid in the past two games. Their trip to Millwall, who have failed to win in five games after a lightning quick start to the season, represents a fantastic chance for United to claim all three points (3.65). An early Blades goal would be ideal as United have not lost a Championship game this season in which they have scored first.
Millwall, however, will be encouraged with the return of Steve Morison and Neil Harris, from suspension and injury, respectively. Whilst Speed could bring in Ched Evans and Jean Calve who have impressed from the bench in recent weeks.
Recommendation
Back Nottingham Forest to beat QPR at 2.52
Back Sheffield United to beat Millwall at 3.65
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