QPR Vs West Brom

Johansen is a key component in midfield. When he is at his best the midfield flows far better. However, the real problem lies up front where Dykes ploughs a lonely furrow. Dykes works best with a partner up front to play onto or from. Richards was never the answer, Armstrong is still not there, and Bonne has never looked as sharp as he did in pre-season matches (possibly because he was hoping for a move). That is an issue that must be addressed in the January transfer window (which is probably the wrong time to do so)! Having Willock back means the pressure on Dykes will diminish as Chair and Willock perform their inter-play along the box, and Dykes is finally fed from both the wings and the middle. The other point I would raise is whether it is fair to compare Dykes with Pukki, who is a far more out-and-out striker and more of a threat?

Johansen is definitely out now until after the World Cup. Probably for the best to not rush him and let him have that extra time to get over whatever has been bothering him.

Amos or Dozzell to start tomorrow then?

WBA have been very poor this season and based on recent form we should win. However, West Brom have recently changed their manager and we will also face Jed Wallace and John Swift who seem to always play well against us.

The good news for us is that Willock should start and as he showed when he came on against Norwich he creates chances. Injuries to Johansen and JCS are bad news but Dunne is expected to be available if needed.

I'd expect us to start with,

Dieng
Laird,Dickie, Balogun,Paal
Field, Amos, Dozzell
Chair, Willock
Dykes

Good looking team, but will need to make some changes come Tuesday.

Come on you R’s…..

The Starting XI is the best side we can deliver at present and should trouble WBA. Interesting to see Mattie Phillips is their designated striker. He has done this before but I am not sure how successfully. The bench having Dunne and Armstrong on it is a good thing and, who knows, perhaps Thomas will come on and cause an upset?
Out of interest, in the earlier fixture Sheff Utd beat Burnley 5 - 2, although even if we win our two extra games, we would still be a point behind Burnley!

I agree that the starting line up looks strong but when we have to put players like Thomas and Shodipo on the bench it shows that our deeper squad isn't great.

20 minutes gone and it's been all WBA. We haven't had a shot in anger yet whilst WBA have had 5 and missed an open goal.

Willock is now starting to get into the game and has created chances for Tim and for Dykes but still 0-0.

30 minutes gone and we are looking better but we were very poor in those first20 minutes.