Pre-Season Prediction: 18th - 'Arry will give it a good old go, but you can't help feel that there are too many demons still around from their last season in the top-flight. Relegation beckons.
The only way to really describe last season for QPR is that they got the job done. They had one aim, to get back to the top flight and they managed it. Eventually. We'll ignore the fact that it was done in a very dull and methodical fashion, with some stunningly average football throughout the season. The play-off final was almost like a summary of QPR's season. They were the worse side throughout almost the entire game but nabbed a last minute winner against Derby after some excellent defensive solidity to claim a narrow 1-0 victory. With the second best defence in the league last year, Redknapp will be hoping that the defence keeps its structure in the top flight.
Interestingly, despite clearly proud of his defence last year it is that which he has turned his attention to in the transfer market. Steven Caulker has arrived from Cardiff which is an outstanding signing whilst Rio Ferdinand's addition will be worthwhile if he can keep himself in shape. These signings do make sense though as it appears that Harry will be joining Van Gaal in favouring three at the back. The other signing also makes perfect sense in this system is Jordon Mutch, also from Cardiff. The powerful midfielder had an excellent season last year and will really bolster up that area of the pitch. In obtaining Mauricio Isla on loan from Juventus, QPR have obtained a player with real pedigree and he should really shine in that wing-back position.
That said, there is still plenty that needs to be done before the transfer window closes, although no doubt Harry will still be busy right up until the deadline. If he is to stick with three at the back then a young defender is needed with Dunne, 34, and Ferdinand and Hill, 35, all approaching the end of the road. With Remy seemingly searching for an exit, QPR look extremely limited up front with just Charlie Austin and Bobby Zamora the only out-and-out options. Last season when Austin was injured, QPR had huge problems up front and this needs to be addressed. As well as these another midfielder wouldn't go amiss.
Pre-season has been something of a quiet affair for the Hoops with a number of low key fixtures keeping the first team occupied. Just three victories from seven should leave the fans feeling cautious heading into the new season but the fact that both Austin, Zamora and also Hoilett all seem to be in fine goal-scoring form. Perhaps more importantly, the team have kept four clean sheets and have looked tight defensively which will be pleasing considering the new direction that the team have moved in.
It is very hard to predict the outcome of QPR's season. The really laboured to get promoted last season and, if they continue to play like that then they have absolutely no chance of survival, even with their tight defensive statue. That said Harry has trimmed the squad, getting rid of the deadweight and implementing a new system. As well as that he has far more Premier League experience, both himself and his squad, than either of the other two promoted sides. It would not be out of the question to see Harry mastermind his side towards mid-table but something tells me that it will not happen and they are more likely to face the drop once again.
Key Man: Steven Caulker - He may be a new acquisition but Caulker has already made himself one of the key figures at Loftus Road. Caulker played every minute of the campaign last year in a Cardiff shirt and showed himself to be one of the most competent and assured young centre-backs in the Premier League. At just 24 though, he still has plenty to learn and in the company of the likes of Dunne and Ferdinand will inevitably pick up a few more tricks. With five goals last year as well, the defender carries a potent goal threat from set pieces and his desire to play for England may see yet another step-up for this talented player.
One to Watch: Junior Hoilett - Hoilett is no stranger to the Premier League having played here before both with QPR and Blackburn in the past. Unfortunately, despite a couple of decent seasons in his late teens he has failed to quite live up to his billing since then. However, after a long and active season playing out wide for the Hoops last year, more is expected as Hoilett re-enters the Premier League. He seems to have adapted to a more central role well in pre-season and it will be interesting to see if the tricky-footed Canadian can replicate this form going forward.
Best Summer Signing: Jordon Mutch - You may have already guessed that I consider Caulker to be the best summer signing but Mutch is not far behind. With seven goals from midfield last year, Mutch is a real gem of a purchase at just £6 million for a 22-year-old. His major purpose is as an injection of power in the centre of the park. Mutch was renowned last year for pushing players off the ball and is not adverse to supplying an assist or two as well. He is by no means the finished product, and the quality of his passing leaves a lot to be desired, but at just 22 he has plenty of time left to still have the creases in his game ironed out.
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