Premier League: QPR v Arsenal match preview

A look ahead to Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Loftus Road

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott celebrates his goal against Manchester United (GETTY IMAGES)

After their half-hearted attempt to stay in the Premier League, QPR can only deter some of their embarrassment by beating one of the elite clubs after they were relegated to the Championship last week at Reading.

But Arsenal will be focused and determined to ensure a top four place is theirs and qualify for Champions League football for the sixteenth consecutive season.

The Gunners are fourth in the table behind Chelsea by a point and have played one more game than the Blues. And with North London rivals Tottenham breathing down their necks, it is simply a must-win game for the away side.

For QPR, it is a case of staying off the bottom of the table and trying restore some pride at Loftus Road that the fans have seen lacking all season. Manager Harry Redknapp believes it will be hard to get his side back to the top flight, although they will surely be one of the favourites to do so. 

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 5.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Arsenal 1 (Arteta) QPR 0, Premier League, October 2012.

QPR 2 (Taraabt, Diakite) Arsenal 1 (Walcott), Premier League, March 2012.

Arsenal 1 (Van Persie) QPR 0, Premier League, December 2011.

STATS…

QPR have won just once against Arsenal in their past six meetings.

QPR have won just four games in the league this season, the lowest since Derby County in the 2007-08 season.

Arsenal have qualified for the Champions League for the past 15 seasons.

Arsenal’s last victory at Loftus Road was in January 2001 with a 6-0 drumming in the FA Cup.

ODDS…

QPR to win: 8.4

Arsenal to win: 1.44

Draw: 5.1

TV: Live on ESPN at 5.30pm, highlights on BBC 1 at 10.30pm.