QPR v Crystal Palace preview

Watson set to return for QPR; McCarthy expected to be sidelined

Last updated: 3rd November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

QPR v Crystal Palace preview

Watson: Set to tackle former club

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QPR play host to London rivals Crystal Palace with the home side looking to leap into the Championship play-off places in the rearranged clash.

The derby showdown between the two was due to take place on 15th September but was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Jim Magilton's men can move up to fifth with a victory over the Eagles, while a point would be enough to see them edge into sixth on goal difference.

Neil Warnock's visitors know success at Loftus Road would see them move to within three points of a play-off berth in the congested Championship table.

Rs team news

QPR midfielder Ben Watson is expected to return to the starting line-up after completing a two-game ban.

Former Palace player Watson, on loan from Wigan following his £2million switch from Selhurst Park in January, has missed the last two matches through suspension after his recent dismissal against Reading.

Mikele Leigertwood could drop back to replace Peter Ramage at full-back to accommodate Watson's return.

Fellow midfielder Gavin Mahon faces a late fitness test after missing last Friday's home defeat to Leicester with a hip injury.

Palace team news

Palace boss Warnock is set to be without defender Paddy McCarthy for Tuesday night's game.

McCarthy missed the 1-1 draw with Preston at the weekend after suffering a recurrence of a shoulder injury in training and is extremely doubtful for the match.

However, Warnock is boosted by the return of fellow defender Clint Hill who is available once again after serving a one-match ban on Saturday.

On-loan West Ham striker Freddie Sears is also set to return to contention after recovering from the groin injury which kept him out at the weekend.

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