QPR v Newcastle preview: Magpies look for all-important win

Newcastle could secure their Premier League survival with victory over already-relegated QPR at Loftus Road on Saturday.

The Magpies snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 1-1 draw against West Brom last time out.

While the result saw them slip down to 17th in the table, they will be safe if they win at QPR and Hull fail to beat Tottenham Hotspur.

Rangers have nothing to play for apart from pride after their fate was sealed with a crushing 6-0 loss at Manchester City last weekend.

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The defeat was QPR's 23rd of the season and manager Chris Ramsey is still looking for his first home win since taking over in February.

Team news

QPR defender Nedum Onouha could return after serving a one-match suspension but Sandro cannot play due to ongoing work-permit issues.

Playmaker Adel Taarabt and defender Armand Traore will not be considered for selection due to concerns over their fitness.

Daryl Janmaat returns to the Newcastle squad after suspension but fellow defender Mike Williamson will sit out once again after picking up his second red card of the season at Leicester, the same game in which Janmaat was dismissed.

Striker Papiss Cisse (knee) and winger Rolando Aarons (hamstring) are fit, but midfielder Siem de Jong (thigh) and frontman Adam Armstrong (calf) will be missing after joining keeper Rob Elliot (thigh), defenders Steven Taylor (calf/shin) and Massadio Haidara (knee) and midfielder Cheick Tiote (also knee) on the sidelines.

Opta stats

Queens Park Rangers have failed to find the back of the net in five of their last six matches against Newcastle United (one goal scored).

Newcastle have won seven and lost none of their last nine league encounters with QPR.

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The Magpies have gone nine Premier League games without a win (D1 L8), their longest wait since May 2009 (10 games), a season in which they were relegated.

QPR have conceded 67 goals this term; the most they have ever shipped in a Premier League season. Only in three other top-flight seasons have the R’s conceded more goals than in 2014/15 (1969 - 95, 1979 - 73, 1985 - 72).

Only QPR (9) have won fewer points in 2015 than Newcastle (10).

Newcastle midfielder Jack Colback has scored or assisted nine goals this season (four goals, five assists); more than in his previous six Premier League campaigns combined (7).

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Merson's prediction

I do not see Newcastle getting the win they need here, I really don't, and I am going to go 2-1 QPR. I know QPR are relegated, but Newcastle are struggling badly and I think QPR will cause them problems and win this game.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (9/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

Newcastle are Sky Bet's narrow favourites to secure a much-needed win over relegated QPR at Loftus Road to maintain their hopes of top-flight survival. The Magpies are only two points clear of the relegation zone but remain 6/1 shots to take the plunge behind favourites Hull (4/11) and Sunderland (9/2). 

They do have a good recent record against the Hoops, winning 2-1 on their last visit to Loftus Road, an 8/1 shot this time, and also won the corresponding league fixture at home 1-0.

Chris Ramsey's side will be playing for pride after their hammering at Manchester City last week, but have failed to score in each of their last two matches at home. With neither side showing any sort of form under 2.5 goals in the match will be popular with a goalless draw available at 11/1.