After sliding into the relegation zone after a defeat on Boxing Day against Southampton, Keith Millen will be looking to push his Palace side away from the relegation zone after Neil Warnock’s departure.
The game against QPR will be the start of Millen’s third stint as Palace caretaker manager after previous roles being held after the resignation of Ian Holloway last season and also at the start of this season before the appointment of Neil Warnock who was sacked by the board, yesterday (Saturday). Seven games have been over-seen by the Croydon born man, leading Palace to two victories with the most memorable being against Hull City on the day that Tony Pulis was appointed as manager; he also drew one game and lost four.
It is a well known fact that the Palace players get along with Keith Millen and will help him push their side out of the relegation zone against QPR in the sides’ second game in 48 hours after a disappointing defeat at the hands of Southampton who have been exceeding expectations this season. It has been widely reported that Yannick Bolasie could miss today’s game with his fiance now overdue and expecting the couple’s second child; this could make way for Barry Bannan to feature at some point who hasn’t been given a lot of chances this season under Neil Warnock.
Crystal Palace will be looking to bounce into the New Year with a new vein of form after only one win in their last twelve games, which was against Liverpool in November. The passion shown throughout that fixture will be upon Keith Millen’s most wanted list for his games in-charge over the next couple of games as he will not only be showing to a new potential manager that he is someone to keep around but also to prove to the board that he himself could be a candidate if that is something he is considering.
Last Time Out: QPR 2 – 1 Crystal Palace
James Vaughan was the goal scorer for Crystal Palace in this fixture that took place in March 2011, the striker was on loan from Everton at the time and contributed massively to the Eagles’ season making 30 appearances over two different loan spells that season and scoring on nine occasions.
Paddy McCarthy also featured on that day for Palace and was sent off when he pulled Adel Tabbart down in the area, conceding a penalty that was converted by Heidar Helguson who scored both goals on the day with one scored on each side of the half-time break.
Names of key note that featured on the day were Clint Hill and Shaun Derry who had moved to the club with Neil Warnock after he left during the period that Crystal Palace were in administration. Players that featured for the Eagles on the day include Nathaniel Clyne, Neil Danns, Darren Ambrose, Steffen Iversen and Jermaine Easter.
What Are The Stats, Stats Man?
– Crystal Palace have won 30, drawn 29 and lost 38 games against Queens Park Rangers in all competitions.
– QPR are unbeaten in their last six matches against Crystal Palace, completing the double over the Eagles in 2010/11.
– The Eagles have scored 54 goals at Loftus Road against QPR have have conceded 75 in 44 games.
– At home this season, the Hoops have picked up five wins, two draws and two defeats.
– Away from home, Crystal Palace are winless in their last six games; drawing three and losing three.
– Harry Redknapp’s side have taken 16 points from nine home games against sides in the bottom half of the table. (W5, D1, L1).
– Out of the last thirteen goals scored by Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, Charlie Austin has scored eight; carring a percentage of 62%.
– In London derbies away from home in the Premier League, Crystal Palace have won just one of their last 15 (D4, L10).
