Preston v QPR: five key battles

QPR will look to continue their recent good run when they face Preston on Saturday. Here are five potential battles we think could be important at Deepdale.

Sebastian Polter v Bailey Wright
Polter has been working his socks off up front but Preston may use three centre-backs, which could leave the German isolated if Rangers do not support him. Wright, who went to the last World Cup with Australia, likes a physical battles and has twice been sent off this season.

Karl Henry v Daniel Johnson
Midfielder Johnson is Preston’s leading scorer this season, with eight goals. His runs from deep will need to be checked by Henry, who did a good job against Brentford’s creative players last time out.

Clint Hill v Callum Robinson
A battle between youth and experience – Hill was a 16-year-old trainee at Tranmere when Robinson was born. The on-loan Aston Villa man has pace to trouble Hill, who dragged himself through the Brentford game despite carrying an injury. However, the QPR veteran will aim to use his nous to keep Robinson under control.

Junior Hoilett v Calum Woods or Marnick Vermijl
Hoilett has been excellent recently and will surely relish the open space Preston’s 3-5-2 formation could give him. He could come up against Woods, who has played at wing-back of late but was at centre-back in the 0-0 draw at Loftus Road in November. Alternatively, Marnick Vermijl – on loan from Sheffield Wednesday – may start after setting up the late winner at Bolton last weekend.

Nedum Onuoha v Adam Reach
On the opposite side, Onuoha will look to limit the crosses put in by Reach, who is most likely to be play at left wing-back – although he could play up front if required. Reach has scored two and made two in his last 10 appearances and will look to get forward whenever possible.