Premier League: Newcastle v QPR match preview

A look ahead to Saturday’s Premier League fixture at St James' Park

Demba Ba rues a missed chance for Newcastle (Getty Images)

All too often matches are regarded as must-win but in the case of this weekend’s fixture on Tyneside, a defeat for either side before Christmas could have huge repercussions.

QPR have not won away from Loftus Road in the Premier League since last November and after at last securing their first victory in the league this season last weekend, must maintain the momentum.

‘Be careful what you wish for’ appears to be the mantra at St James' Park this term; the Europa League has been cruel on Alan Pardew’s side this season, resulting in a severe drop off in domestic form.

Nevertheless for the next couple of months they are freed from Thursday night action, and victory against the Rs may help recapture their sparkling 2011/12 form.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Newcastle 1 (Best) QPR 0, Premier League, January 2012

QPR 0 Newcastle 0, Premier League, September 2011

QPR 0 Newcastle 1 (Lovenkrands), Championship, May 2010

STATS…

Djibril Cisse has scored in three of his four Premier League appearances against Newcastle.

Newcastle have lost 11 of their last 15 Premier League games in the month of December (W3 D1 L11).

Newcastle have won four and drawn two of the last six league matches against QPR, with Rangers failing to score in their previous three meetings.

Demba Ba has scored six goals in his last seven Premier League appearances at St James' Park.

ODDS…

Newcastle to win: 2.14

Reading to win: 3.8

Draw: 3.6

CLASSIC MATCH

QPR 5-5 Newcastle.

Nobody could have left this game demanding their money back… apart from maybe a few disgruntled Newcastle fans who had seen their side lose a 4-0 half time lead at Loftus Road.

Chris Waddle scored a first half hat trick after Neil MacDonald had opened the scoring but the Rs fought back with Gary Bannister, an own goal from Kenny Wharton and John Gregory get the scores back to 3-4

After enormous pressure from the hosts, Newcastle remarkably get a fifth when Wharton atones for his earlier own goal but QPR hit back immediately through Steve Hicks’ header.

And astonishingly the comeback is complete through Gary Mickelwhite.

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm on MOTD