If I were a betting man, I would put my house on QPR scoring from a set piece against Newcastle tonight.
Rangers have scored all nine of their goals from such positions this season which also explains why they failed to take all three points in the 1-1 draw with Blackburn at the weekend.
The chances to put the game to bed were squandered by a profligate R’s which Hasselbaink needs to focus even more on in training if promotion wants to be obtained.
Saying that, Chery has got his shooting boots on, scoring four goals already this campaign, including his masterpiece of a free-kick on Saturday that he later proclaimed was the best goal he has ever scored.
The R’s attacking weapons may be further blunted with the injury to Polter.
He was not so perky after hobbling off with a gluteal problem against Rovers and did not train with the rest of the squad on Monday.
The German striker could miss the Newcastle clash which opens up the door for Idrissa Sylla who made his QPR debut at the weekend and almost made a name for himself instantaneously only to be denied by the Rovers keeper.
However Washington has bided his time and should start up front for the Newcastle game should Polter not shake off his booty problems.
Meanwhile Perch who previously played for Newcastle still has fond memories of his time at St James Park but there is no room for sentiment in the Championship.
“I enjoyed my time at Newcastle and look back on those times with a smile on my face. It was difficult for me at the start of my time there but then I worked my way into the first team and didn’t look back. The club treated me well but when the game kicks off those thoughts will be locked away as we need to get a win over one of the big promotion contenders. We need to build on the decent start to the season and ensure we get as many points as possible from our home games," said Perch.
Perch became a record breaker in his time on the Tyne when he collected five yellow cards in five consecutive games which became a new league record formerly held by Edgar Davids.
QPR will be hoping to break some records of their own tonight having failed to win nine of the last ten league meetings with Newcastle.
Paddy Power here I come...
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.
