QPR vs Derby Prediction – Wembley hosts the playoff final

Having played through an entire season, Steven McClaren and Harry Redknapp will face up against one another for a final time at Wembley, with a spot in the top flight up for grabs. Derby will have an extra day’s rest having professionally dispatched Brighton in their draw. The matches against the Seagulls contained a few nervous moments, but a good and solid performance was enough to ensure that Derby would have their chance. QPR, however, failed to beat their opponents Wigan in the allotted time, forcing an extra period in order to find a winner. With the big match close to two weeks away, however, the additional day and playing time are unlikely to make a big difference. What could factor in however, is the mental fatigue weighing on QPR after their tough battle when compared to Derby’s more relaxed approach. With similar formations, this could well come down to a battle of experience versus youth, as Redknapp’s team of seasoned veterans will rely on their knowledge and expertise to get through a match against younger opponents.

Form

With two wins and six goals in the play offs already, Derby are looking the more accomplished choice. And with four wins in their last five, they can boast a slight edge in bearing the mantle of the form team. It is not just the victories themselves which are important, however, but the manner of the victories. After going a goal down away to Brighton, the team demonstrated the pluck and courage required in order to Get back into the game and win with two goals of their own. During the return leg, Derby were able to score four goals and put on a comprehensive display in order to lay a firm foundation for the final match.

QPR have a similar record. Undefeated in five, but with two draws (and one win requiring additional time), the performances have not been nearly as convincing. Having started the season so well, their stuttering post-Christmas form has yet to entirely arrest itself and the manager will be hoping that the team has enough to get across the line. Whilst their recent games have not been convincing, they have gotten the results where needed. Having gone behind to Wigan at a wet and windy Loftus Road, it would have been no surprise to see the side falter. However, a good second half display earned them a draw and they showed enough to take the match to extra time. A goal early on settled the game as they shut up shop. Against Derby, however, keeping the defence tight might not be quite as simple.

Team News

McClaren has shown himself to be capable of making the big decisions. This was evident in the first leg of the playoffs, as the manager rested the exciting prospect Will Hughes, only to bring him on later in the game. By sacrificing the youngsters attacking instincts, Derby were able to curb a fluid Brighton attack. With no new injuries to the squad, Hughes might well return to the line-up against a QPR side who field a deeper line. With additional space, the attacking prospects of the young player might be essential.

For Redknapp, the long break between games could be exactly what was needed after a tough game against Wigan. With a large squad, some of the players are known to possess injuries which hinder their ability to play week in, week out. Bobby Zamora has a recurring knee issue which will likely see him relegated to the bench, with in-form striker Charlie Austin leading the line. Morrison, too, could be essential for the London side’s hopes, with the ability to offer a dash of swashbuckling youth amongst the older heads such as Benayoun and Jenas.

Queen’s Park Rangers

P48 W24 D12 L12
WDWDW
Predicted Line-Up (4-2-3-1): Green; Simpson, Onuoha, Dunne, Assou-Ekotto; Jenas, Carroll; Benayoun, Morrison, Hoilett; Austin.

Derby

P48 W27 D10 L11
WWDWW
Predicted Line-Up (4-3-3): Grant; Wisdom, Keogh, Whitbread, Forsyth; Hendrick, Hughes, Eustace; Bamford, Sammon, Dawkins

Prediction: QPR 1 - 2 Derby

QPR have many internationals and a deeper squad, but the tight knit attacking play of Derby could be enough to see them promoted.