Sheff Utd v QPR preview

Rangers look to blunt Blades

Last updated: 15th August 2008

Sheff Utd v QPR preview

Blackwell: Opening day defeat

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Sheffield United are looking to get their campaign up and running against Queens Park Rangers.

The Blades were beaten 1-0 at Birmingham last weekend and will be keen to avoid a repeat of the disastrous start which ruined their 2007/08 campaign.

Ambitious QPR got off to a winning start against Barnsley on the opening day, while they kept that momentum going with a narrow victory over Swindon in the Carling Cup.

No worries

Kevin Blackwell has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the Bramall Lane contest.

Sun Jihai is expected to make his home debut in defence, but experienced duo James Beattie (knee) and Keith Gillespie (ankle) remain sidelined.

Lee Hendrie, Matthew Spring and Danny Webber are in contention for a starting place after impressing in a cup tie against Port Vale in midweek.

Duo passed fit

Gavin Mahon and Fitz Hall have both been passed fit for Rangers ensuring that Iain Dowie has a virtually full fit squad to work with.

Radek Cerny and Lee Camp are set to battle it out for the No.1 jersey, while Matt Connolly and Peter Ramage both have eyes on the right-back spot.

On-loan Real Madrid starlet Dani Parejo could be handed his first Championship start, while Angelo Balanta will be hoping to retain his place in the side after netting against Swindon.