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Last updated : 17 November 2002 By Site Staff

Crewe Alexandra - Queens Park Rangers

Gallen - One to watch

It's another 'toughie' as Crewe look to try out 2nd placed QPR after losing to Cardiff in the last 5 minutes. QPR have surprised a few this season after being tipped to struglle due to financial problems they have come out for the new season in a storm. They have won 5 league games in their last 6 and have scored 16 in those 6 games however, they did lose 3-2 to Leyton Orient in the Worthington Cup 1st Round between those league games. So maybe there are lapses in their team.

Recent encounters between the teams:
2000/2001	Tue 10 Apr	Crewe	2 - 2	QPR	LD1
2000/2001	Sat 26 Aug	QPR	1 - 0	Crewe	LD1
1999/2000	Sat 15 Apr	Crewe	2 - 1	QPR	LD1
1999/2000	Tue 28 Dec	QPR	1 - 1	Crewe	LD1
1998/1999	Sat 12 Dec	QPR	0 - 1	Crewe	LD1

Alot will remember the last game versus the Hoops. QPR went ahead 2-0 in the second half and it wasn't till the 86th minute till Crewe turned on the heat. Dean Ashton came on and within minutes had chipped the keeper and then with seconds left Smithy got a free kick 35 yards from the area where he curled a Beckham/Smith style free kick into the net to make it 2-2 - a game that more or less relegated QPR. before that Crewe fell victim to a poor 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road. In their recent games they have won against fairly average teams with their only real test coming from Bristol City, the other teams were like Mansfield, Colchester, Huddersfield and Swindon. Crewe shouldn't worry and if we can perform like we did on Tuseday with more attacking play - what have we got to fear?

Rodders Fit and ready

For Saturdays game though, Dave Walton will remain on the bench after being told to fight for his place in the side after excellent displays from youngsters Richard Walker and Stephen Foster. David Vaughan remains out till the start of November. Wayne Collins continues to make progress in training but he probably won't be back till Plymouth. Dean Ashton is expected to be pulled onto the bench and replaced by Rix. While Rodney Jack has confirmed he's ready to rip QPR's defence apart after limping off at Maine Road... with cramp.

Current form guides:	P	W	D	L	F	A	P
QPR	6	5	1	0	16	3	14
Crewe	6	3	2	1	12	3	14

Marc Bircham returns for the Hoops after the former Millwall youth suffered with a few knee ligiment problems. Apart from that QPR are expected to play the same team as in their last game... Royce, Forbes, Shittu, Palmer, Williams, Rose, Langly, Connolly, Gallen, Oil.

Sequence statistics:
QPR	Won 5 league games in a row. Scored 14 and let in 1 in their last 5.
Crewe	Only defeated once at home this season. Kept 7 clean sheets in 10 league games.

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Prediction

2-0 to Crewe. Hulse and Sodje the scorers. Sorry QPR.