The new king Eddie could well have his day against Harry

QPR come to Dean Court having only secured a draw in their last game against Blackpool. That will be sitting uneasily with Harry Redknapp and even if they don't finish in the top two places they will want to come third. AFCB will be seen as a large obstacle that stands in their way, although I am sure Harry Redknapp and Kevin Bond will say he they are delighted to see Eddie Howe's Bournemouth playing so well. You would have thought that this game should have been a scheduled TV covered fixture from the first time the fixture list was drawn up, but the football league show has hastily arranged to bring some cameras down. Perhaps AFCB won't be last on this week, just because QPR are in town! This game is now much more important than the Brighton games ever were and it is at least fitting that the match will be played out ion front of what looks to be a full house.

Redknapp complained about not playing with enough tempo against Blackpool and he will come to Dean Court expecting his players to man-up against an AFCB side that he knows are going to push them back. Set-plays and slowing the game down may well be in his tactics but AFCB have to find ways of out foxing the wily old campaigner. It will be tactical and I expect a close game at least in the early stages with neither side giving much quarter, but AFCB's starts are becoming legendary and QPR are finding it harder these days to come from behind only getting a 78th minute equaliser against Blackpool last time out.

There are players in QPR's side that are big match players and AFCB will have to watch out for them. I particularly don't want to see Benayoun left unattended anywhere around our box, although he did not play in their last game and I hope he is still unavailable. Even then there is Ravel Morrison who has been writing his own headlines just to embarrass Sam Allardyce and is another one for Arter and co to keep tabs on for the whole 90 minutes. Before you think at least Charlie Austin is unavailable, there are rumours that he is almost ready and could make an appearance in this game! You would think QPR have enough talent as it is with Bobby Zamora and Kranjcar, another match spoiler if ever there was one. 

Making QPR defend will be the key because we have seen Assou-Ekotto torn apart by the pace of Danny Ings this season and Lewis Grabban might be able to do something similar. Bournemouth have the players to expose any weaknesses in a QPR side that does not come prepared for a hard game, because I tell you Bournemouth will be up for this one and reputations could be splattered all over the Goldsands stadium after this one. The new king Eddie could well have his day. Getting in the mood yet?

AFCB Home form
LDWDW

QPR Away form
LWLLW

Donal McDermott
leaves the club.

Many of you will have noticed that the club posted a news item that they have parted company with Donal McDermott who is returning to Ireland. I've been a big fan of Donal's football skill and I hope he is determined to keep trying. I'll always remember that play-off goal he scored against Huddersfield Town at Dean Court. We wish him all the best.

Finally,  Cherry Chimes has launched a mobile app that will work on any Android phone as a native app, or in your browser as an HTML5 app on other Smartphones.

You can install it here: http://fanapp.mobi/cherrychimes or you can scan the QR code. Give it a try and let me know what you think. It's free to download.

Those of you who also like to have a punt on the Grand National can do so by registering at  Free Bet Negotiator - Good luck!

How on earth do you hinder Burnley?

Burnley come to Dean Court on the back of a  0-1 win against Bolton Wanderers and a 3-1 victory against Millwall. In the Millwall game they were 1-0 down and came from behind. The task facing AFCB on Saturday is huge. Burnley have scored 45 times in the leagues which is actually four less than the Cherries. Their top marksman though is Danny Ings who has 19 to his name and will be keen to make it 20 or more at Dean Court. If dealing with Ings is not enough Burnley are also enjoying the talents of Samy Vokes who has 14 goals in the league. Stopping these two will have been a major point of discussion all week around the Kings Park area.

The real Devlish quality of Ings was seen to my mind when he left QPR's Assou-Ekotto for dead and ran clean past him having had five yards to make up, only to set up Vokes with a tap in the other week. Danny was always quick and tenacious and AFCB's defenders are going to have to be more determined to keep one step ahead of him if they are to keep him quiet. They managed to do it for 80 odd minutes at Turf Moor but he spoilt the Cherries day in the end. He is the party crasher that I really want to see have an off day when turns up at Dean Court. It is a shame that Ings could not be held on to for longer when he was with AFCB, but his talent deserved playing at a higher level and I believe he will be an England striker in the not too distant future.

His partner is the ever youthful Sam Vokes, who is powerful and strong and makes a nuisance of himself in the box especially with his heading abilities. I see some similarities in Vokes and Yann Kermorgant as each controls the ball so well and can bring other people into the game. Vokes has certainly added some great finishing to his game and Burnley have the best striking duo in the Championship without doubt.

There are other players in Burnley's team though that are getting noticed like Marney, Arfield and Trippier who have all come on string and are helping to keep the Claret's promotion push on track. Kightley and Tracey are also good players that Eddie Howe will know well and it will be difficult for Eddie not to constantly enthuse about Burnley's quality. 

AFCB's players must be told though that this is a game that they can win. Having held them earlier in the season and almost won at their ground they will be aware of how well they need to play. Burnley have only lost once in their last 10 games, a 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough on Boxing Day. They have been drawing a few games, but their ability to score always gives them a chance in games. They are in a real tussle for the second spot with QPR and will be looking to take all three points.

Burnley Away form:
DWDDW

AFCB Home form:
WDDWL

Cherry Chimes talks to QPR blog Lofty Heights

QPR v AFCB

Match Preview

Blogger Interview

I have decided to feature Rival Line entries on the main page - Looking on from the Family Stands - as well as on to the Rival Lines section so that they are picked up by the news search engines. You'll still see them on the Rival Lines tab as well.

Today, Cherry Chimes talks to Lofty Heights blogger Tony Gibson, ahead of the QPR v AFCB clash on Tuesday night. Tony is loving life as a QPR fan in the Championship, but what if they win promotion back to the Premier League? QPR could well be caught as a yo-yo club in future years.

CC: It looks like you started Lofty Heights in 2006, but what made you start writing it and what do you make of other QPR blogs?

LH: It actually started in 2004 on the live journal format as a friend was writing an entertaining online diary and from there I got my inspiration. It was tried out as a little experiment from myself, as I enjoyed writing and wanted to try something a bit different, to try and give readers the whole match day experience and what fellow fans can relate too, rather than just the report which you can read anywhere. In 2006, it had an overhaul and tried to make it look more professional as the audience was beginning to grow massively. There are some great QPR sites out there, but I do feel other blogs have tried to emulate what we do somewhat I am sad to say, but we remain individual and regular as myself and co-editor, Lee Brown, along with our merry band of friends, attend games every week home and away. Other blogs often suffer as they do not update as regular.

CC: Have you enjoyed watching QPR more this season than last season?

LH: I feel born again!! The last 2 seasons have been dreadful and definitely tried my patience as a loyal supporter. In truth, it nearly broke me completely. It wasn't until the mercenaries at the Club were moved on in the summer, Harry started building his own team and the Corporate Brand, turned back into the Club I love, that I decided to keep the faith. I am loving this season!! It was an eye opener and I really am not sure how I would feel to go back to the Premier League at the moment.

CC: How happy are you with Harry Redknapp and the way he is making the team play after a year in charge?

LH: Over the moon with Harry!! He has turned a team of overpaid mercenaries who cared little for QPR, and built a great group who would die for each other. The spirit amongst the team is there for all to see and it is such a welcome and refreshing change to what we all saw last season.

CC:  You are still not scoring as many goals as the other top teams but is Charlie Austin doing extremely well, so have QPR fans taken to him?

LH: I would say, 95 per cent of R's fans have taken to Charlie. He is a quality player and we are very lucky to have him. He has been frustrated with being the 'lone' striker and sometimes the lack of service, but his work rate and all round team play is superb. Most R's fans will agree that we look a better attacking threat with 2 up front and Austin and Andy Johnson look telepathic when playing together. With Johnson and Zamora being injured, at times he has had little choice, but Harry is certainly appearing to be sticking with the current system and with our League position, why not indeed?

CC: Are there other players that Harry has signed that you think have made QPR such a good team this season?

LH: Oh yes, where do I start here? The back four is 75 per cent different on last year - Danny Simpson has been a great addition at right back and Assou-Ekotto at left back is a joy to behold, even if it's just for the hair!! A gamble from Harry that has certainly paid off at centre back is Richard Dunne who has been immense for us alongside Clint Hill and Nedum Onouha, who has sadly picked up a hamstring injury. The same can be said of the midfield with Tom Carroll in on loan from Spurs and who should be back for the Bournemouth game. Another one of Harry's favourites, is Niko Kranjcar and you can see why he has continued to sign him over the years. Cool and calm on the ball, a fantastic passing range and a superb eye for goal. Reminds me somewhat of Glenn Hoddle at his best. Karl Henry was also brought in and has weighed in with some solid displays.

CC: QPR have a great defensive record in the Championship but who is that down to in the main - one player in particular?

LH: Cannot separate the two, Richard Dunne and Nedum Onuoha.

CC: Many pundits are predicting a straight return for QPR to the Premiership but do you and other QPR fans see it like that?

The early signs are very good and personally, I think we have the best squad amongst the early pace setters and indeed, the division. But if we are to go up, I would like to think that we have learnt from our mistakes and that we would be ready for the Premier League! But in the mean time, I would guess that most QPR fans are more than happy being in the Championship as we now have our Rangers back!!

CC: QPR have been described as a Premiership team in the Championship but have you some young players that have been doing well?

LH: There are a few coming through and some out on loan namely Frankie Sutherland, midfield on loan to Orient, Michael Doughty, a left sided midfielder on loan to Stevenage, a very promising right back in Michael Harriman who is at Gillingham on loan, Bruno Andrade, an attacking midfielder on loan at Stevenage, Mike Petrasso, an exciting winger on loan to Oldham, who scored on his debut last weekend.

Kevin Hitchcock is a striker who is absolutely on fire for the EDS team and with our striker shortage earlier in the season, it was a bit of a surprise why he never got a run in the side, especially after coming off the bench and scoring the winner against Ipswich on his debut. It is rumoured now that Harry is looking to loan him out.

CC: Do you think Joey Barton is a better or different player having had a year at Marseilles in the French league?

LH: Well, what can I say about our Joey? Following his behaviour in the Man City game 2 seasons ago and his many twitter outbursts last season, me along with many other R's fans had no desire whatsoever to see him in the Hoops again. But I am very happy to fully accept that he has made me eat humble pie in massive quantities!! He has been simply outstanding!! I feel he does owe us somewhat and what better way to do so than put in committed performances on the pitch! His reputation however still proceeds him and referees have been very quick to show him yellow cards - and at least 4 times out of his 6 bookings, for simply being 'Joey Barton'. Whatever peoples opinions are of Joey Barton, he is a very good footballer without a doubt!!

CC: Which team have you been impressed with when they came to Loftus Road this season?

LH: A lot of teams are coming and packing the midfield, but I have to say have been most impressed by Derby and we were lucky to beat them. Play football how it should be played and have some very hungry and talented youngsters.

CC: Are there still plans for the club to eventually leave Loftus Road or have finances ruled that out for a few years yet?

LH: As far as I know, it is still ongoing. The new training ground at Warren Farm will be ready for next season and I think land has been purchased nearby to Loftus Road for the new stadium. Not sure if it’s the BBC site or the old Linford Christie Stadium, details have been vague.

CC: There are some restricted view tickets for the QPR v AFCB game, but is it pretty good viewing no matter where you are seated in the away seats?

LH: I would say so yes, as it is almost identical to where I sit at the other end. The Club are honest enough with the really bad seats to mark them with ‘diabolical view’, but I have yet to see one of those. Although I do think the price is reflective in that case.

CC: AFCB is one team that Harry Redknapp really will not want to lose to above many of the other clubs, because of the stick he would get but, be honest, it would be a shock if you suffered your second home defeat to the Cherries, wouldn't it?

LH: If I am honest and with our home form, I would say yes it would be a shock. But we all know how competitive the Championship is and on their day, anybody can beat anybody. But with 2 teams who like to play their football the right way, I am looking forward to a great game..

Come on you R’s!!!

CC: Well thanks Tony for some great views about QPR that should have us AFCB fans wanting to jump on the coach, trains or cars and make our way up to Loftus Road on Tuesday night. I was really hoping that you might say you are due a defeat at home, but it looks like Rangers are going  to be looking to bounce back after the defeat at Doncaster. I think it is a great opportunity for AFCB fans to see Loftus Road perhaps for the last time if the club does move to another stadium, so I hope we pack out the away end. Make sure you have a read of the Lofty Heights Blog before you leave.