QPR v Ipswich: five key battles

QPR face Ipswich at Loftus Road this weekend. Here are five potential battles we think could be all-important in Saturday’s game.

Paul Konchesky v Ainsley Maitland-Niles or Kevin Bru
Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy leapt to the defence of Arsenal loanee Maitland-Niles after the 18-year-old was criticised by fans for his first-half display against Reading on Tuesday. French-born Mauritius international Bru replaced him in that game and may be given the nod at Loftus Road. Konchesky has been given the runaround in successive matches and needs to improve.

Matt Phillips v Jonas Knudsen
Knusden, a left-back with Europa League experience, has played all bar two games since joining from Danish side Esbjerg in the summer. Rangers need more from Phillips, whose expected move back to the Premier League did not materialise.

Nedum Onuoha v Daryl Murphy
Murphy topped the Championship scoring charts last season, with 27 goals, surpassing the likes of Troy Deeney, Jordan Rhodes, Callum Wilson, Patrick Bamford and Ross McCormack. Rangers will therefore need a strong performance from skipper Onuoha, who enjoys a one-on-one battle with a striker.

Tjarron Chery v Cole Skuse
With Leroy Fer moving to Swansea on transfer deadline day, fellow Dutchman Chery – who has started just one league game since the Brentford defeat in October – is hoping to be given a starting place. Skuse has been a virtual ever-present as the holding midfielder for Ipswich this season and will have a key role for his team.

Sebastian Polter or Conor Washington v Tommy Smith
Rangers manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has hinted that recent signing Washington will make his full debut. Whether that’s alongside Polter, or instead of the German, remains to be seen.