Watford v QPR Preview

Both of these teams were managerless at the start of this week although now only half of that statement is correct. QPR appointed Portugal legend Paulo Sousa just a few days ago, while Watford are still counting on Malky Mackay to keep things ticking over while they search for a permanent successor to Aidy Boothroyd. Undoubtedly, this turbulence is having an effect on both team’s league form with both dropping off the pace in recent weeks.

Watford’s 2-1 defeat to Barnsley meant that the Vicarage Road side were to stay in the relegation zone – one point away from safety. While a lot of teams seem to miraculously improve following a manager’s departure, that doesn’t seem the case with Watford who haven’t yet won in the league since Aidy Boothroyd left the club a few weeks ago. They managed to beat an under-strength Swansea side in the Carling Cup, but they lost against the Swans in the league and then went on to lose to Barnsley last Saturday. These results don’t bode well for caretaker manager Malky Mackay and you’d have to think that the Watford board need to get a move on and appoint someone permanently unless they want to get involved in a relegation fight.

As for QPR, things settled down a little this week with the unexpected announcement of Paul Sousa as the club’s new manager. Since Iain Dowie’s departure a few weeks ago, the R’s have slipped down to 10th and unless results improve, even the play offs will seem a distant dream. Sousa’s appointment has certainly surprised a lot in the football world though considering the fact he has no managerial experience coming into this job. He may have been an international player and also been assistant manager for Portugal, but the Championship is no easy league especially for those with no solid experience. Considering QPR’s funds there’s no doubt they’ll want promotion either this season or next, so the pressure is already on the former Inter Milan midfielder to get results and prove the club’s hungry board correct.

As for team news, the home side will be without captain John Eustace who remains suspended but there are a host of other players pushing for a first team place. Following defeat at Barnsley, Mackay is likely to ring the changes and Grzegorz Rasiak, Will Hoskins and John-Joe O’Toole all have chances of starts. As for the visitors, new manager Sousa has Mikele Leigertwood back after the midfielder completed a suspension. Elsewhere, after signing earlier in the week from Bolton, striker Heidar Helguson is hopeful of a start.

While QPR have a new manager and the players will be looking to impress, we think Watford will get something here. Their players have gone on record to say how they all want Malky Mackay to get the job permanently and we think they’ll put on a performance and grab an unexpected point out of this one – 1-1.