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Miller's chance to impress

QPR

by David McIntyre - BBC Sport (U1628513) 30 January 2009

To state the bleedin’ obvious, by Tuesday night we’ll know a lot more about QPR’s promotion credentials.

Back-to-back away wins means they'll move into the play-off places if they beat Reading on Saturday.

But home matches against Reading and Swansea could prove to be more difficult than the trips to Derby and Blackpool, where Rangers played with one up front and were able to counter-attack after grabbing the opening goal.

Breaking down two strong Championship sides at Loftus Road and potentially being more open against some of the division’s best strikers is maybe a bigger test than the recent away games.

Rangers’ home form has kept them in touch with the play-offs - it’s their away results that needed to improve for a top-six finish to be realistic.

But under Paulo Sousa, that trend could be reversed. Recent home games have been disappointing and an improvement is needed this weekend and on Tuesday night.

A lot will also be required from Liam Miller, who has the task of filling in for Martin Rowlands.

I think the loss of Rowlands is a huge, possibly hammer blow, for Rangers - despite what the last couple of results suggest.

Rowlands has had more of a team role this season, so wasn't the stand-out performer he had been previously and his stock among some fans seems to have dropped.

But he is still a massively important player and very difficult to replace, especially with Akos Buzsaky and Rowan Vine also out.

The pinch is more likely to be felt at home than away, so the next couple of games will tell us a lot.

There has been no real attempt to sign another midfielder while the transfer window is open, although when it closes loan signings will still be an option.

An enquiry was made about Manchester City’s Michael Johnson, but it never progressed beyond that stage.

So Miller is very much the man Rangers are looking to and it gives him the chance to make a name for himself.

He had a steady debut at Blackpool, where the likes of Gavin Mahon and Mikele Leigertwood were always likely to have more promiment roles.

Now with key home games coming up, Miller should get better chances to show what he can do in at least one of them.

At 28, he has flattered to deceive in his career but showed he was a good Championship player with Sunderland and while on loan at Leeds.

He needs to find that kind of form again - for his sake and QPR's.

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comment by HennersHoops (U13723106)

posted Jan 30, 2009

I wasn't saying Rowlands injury isnt a massive blow. Just that imo Buzsaky's injury may be more of a blow..

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comment by lordBonified (U7789551)

posted Jan 30, 2009

We will be better these next two home games, don't worry about it. Routledge is flying and Cook is back to full fitness, plus Reading and Swansea will come to play.

They're still difficult games but I'm sure we're going to give them both a lot of problems.

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comment by daffahoopsa (U12482116)

posted Jan 30, 2009

really hope we can get at least 4 points out of these 2 games not there tomorrow but will be against the swans . come on u R ,ssssss

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comment by raycastleunited (U8999470)

posted Jan 30, 2009

I think Rowland's "dip" in form is more to do with the style of football we have played this season, rather than him not performing. The way we knocked the ball around under LDC allowed players such as Rowlands to flourish. I bet you Buz and Vine would have struggled as well this season.

Look at how many goals Cristiano Ronaldo scored last season. If Dowie was appointed manager of Man U (Haha... if only) do you think Ronaldo would score the same number of goals? would he be as effective? would fans accuse him of not being on top of his game? Sometimes you need to look at the wider picture.

Anyway, I strongly believe that Sousa will have us playing fluid football in time, just got to be patient.

Looking forward to freezing my **** off at LR tomorrow. U RRR's!

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comment by HennersHoops (U13723106)

posted Jan 30, 2009

As everyone is the pub,I might as well write something useless. Its 7.20 and that means 40 minutes untill I myself can go for a well earned pint. These last minutes are dragging by even though I been here since 12 its going on for ever......

UP THE RANGERS... QPR 2-1 READING

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comment by Walk53 (U8524633)

posted Jan 30, 2009

I think it's going to be a tough game vs Reading, but i'm sure we will win this one.

QPR 2 Reading 0
Cook(2)

I'll be at the match sitting near to Flavio, Mittal and his son In-law(sorry i forgot his name ).
Also not forgeting Bernie and the sexy models and female celebrates.

Also i might chat up T.B.

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comment by HennersHoops (U13723106)

posted Jan 30, 2009

Good luck mate

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comment by Walk53 (U8524633)

posted Jan 30, 2009

HennersHoops cheers mate.!!
one for you and one for me.
Also David M 606 Manager, get these down ya mate.

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comment by HennersHoops (U13723106)

posted Jan 30, 2009

Yes mate. only 8 mins now.. There'l be plent more tomorrow if we get a result.. (which I think we will)

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comment by stainrod999 (U13805754)

posted Jan 30, 2009

totally agree David personally think the Reading game will be a draw.1-1 me thinks but think we will beat Swansea on Tuesday night.

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