Newly promoted QPR haven’t had the best of pre-seasons ahead of their first Premier League campaign in 15 years. The optimism around Loftus Road has quickly turned to sheer misery with very little transfer activity and the revelation that captain and talisman Adel Taarabt wants to leave. Manager Neil Warnock hasn’t let it get him down although he has had to scrape the bottom of the bargain bin to strengthen his squad. Striker Jay Bothroyd and the injury prone former West Ham pairing of Kieron Dyer and Daniel Gabbidon have joined on free transfers. DJ Campbell will be hoping to replicate his 13 goal haul for Blackpool last season after signing for £1.25 million. But the squad still looks threadbare and missing some quality in vital areas.
Bolton boss Owen Coyle has been very busy in the transfer market bringing in free agents Nigel Reo-Coker and Darren Pratley to boost his midfield. Burnley pair Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears also moved to the Reebok Stadium although the latter broke his leg just a few days after signing. The same injury also struck down Chung Yong-Lee with the influential Korean winger out for the season. Coyle will be looking for his charges to improve on a disappointing 14th place finish after looking set to end the season in the top half. The 5-1 hammering from Stoke City in the FA Cup semi final sparked the downward spiral and the Wanderers boss will hope that the squad have shaken that off come the first whilst on Saturday. Still light in the striking department it’s likely that Coyle will dip his toes into the market again for a frontman to fire them into European contention.
It’s going to be a tough season for QPR and I’m afraid it’s going to start at home against Bolton on Saturday who will provide a rather harsh welcome back.
Verdict: 0-2
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