QPR v Newcastle: five key battles

QPR face Newcastle at Loftus Road tonight. Here are five potential battles we think might help determine the outcome.

Olamide Shodipo v Paul Dummett
The teenager could be given another run out after an impressive display against Blackburn, probably down the right-hand side again if Pawel Wszolek does not make his debut. He’ll look to get the better of Dummett, who has played in all bar one of Newcastle’s league games this term.

James Perch v Yoann Gouffran
If Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink keeps the same back four, Perch will face his former club for the first time since leaving in 2013. Ironically, his last game for the Magpies came at Loftus Road, when he played alongside Gouffran.

Idrissa Sylla v Chancel Mbemba
With Sebastian Polter doubtful, it’s possible Sylla could make his first start. Both he and Mbemba were Anderlecht players for six months in 2015 but never played together – Sylla’s debut came just after the centre-back moved to England.

Nedum Onuoha v Dwight Gayle or Aleksandar Mitrovic
Newcastle’s team selection is difficult to second-guess, with Rafael Benitez keen to rotate, and he has a decision to make up front, where Gayle or Mitrovic are most likely to start. Skipper Onuoha will be keen to dominate either player early on.

Tjarron Chery v Isaac Hayden or Jack Colback
Four goals in the first six games places Chery among the Championship’s leading scorers – the job of stopping him is likely to fall to either Colback, who played in Newcastle’s win at Derby, or Hayden, who could step in if Benitez shuffles his pack.