Queens Park Rangers vs Aston Villa. Sky Bet Championship.
Loftus Road StadiumAttendance16,285.
Monday 19 December 2016 09:39, UK
QPR will be looking to end a run of four straight defeats under Ian Holloway when Aston Villa visit on Sunday in the final game of 10 in 10, live on Sky Sports 2 HD and Sky Sports Mix from 11.45am.
There will be plenty of experience in the dugout with Holloway and Steve Bruce racking up a total of 1,670 games in English football between them.
The QPR boss needs to call on his all experience to snap a worrying run - where they have scored just three goals in their last five games.
Meanwhile Villa have won five of their 10 Championship games under Bruce after one win in 11 under Roberto Di Matteo.
Team news
QPR boss Holloway may have to shuffle his pack against Villa with Jordan Cousins facing a race against time to be fit following the hamstring injury he sustained in Wednesday's defeat to Derby.
Sebastian Polter and Idrissa Sylla are both carrying knocks while Jamie Mackie is still a week away from being available for selection after recovering from a long-term ankle problem. Jack Robinson (hip) and Steven Caulker (hamstring) are both major doubts.
Villa manager Bruce has no new fitness concerns following Tuesday's 1-0 defeat by Norwich but defender Nathan Baker remains a doubt with a groin injury.
Opta stats
This will be the first meeting between these sides in the second tier since the 1972-73 season, when QPR won both games en route to promotion to the top flight.
Villa haven't won an away league game against QPR since November 1991 (1-0), drawing three and losing four since then.
After winning his first league game on his return to QPR (v Norwich), Ian Holloway has since overseen four straight defeats.
Villa are looking for their first away win in the league since October (D2 L2 since).
Tjarron Chery has created a league-high 62 chances (inc. assists) in the Championship this season, but has assisted just once in his last 10 appearances.
Prutton's prediction
My gut feeling is we'll see a reaction from Villa. After a great unbeaten start from Bruce, the last few games have been a bit of a reality check; two defeats and a win.
There was a nice confidence about the place that they would be steadily rising the table, but if they really have top six aspirations, they've got to look at a QPR team who, having lost the last four must be short of confidence, and look to get three points.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 1-2 (Sky Bet's odds: 8/1)
Prutton's players to watch
PLAYER TO WATCH: Tjaronn Chery (QPR)
"He's a crowd-pleaser. QPR have quite a few No 10 type players, but Chery has to be the pick of the bunch. His passing ability is enviable."
PLAYER TO WATCH: Jonathan Kodjia (Aston Villa)
"Some questioned the price tag, but he get goals, has a great work-rate in the channels and offers an aerial threat. A potent attacking force for Steve Bruce."
Watch QPR v Aston Villa live on Sky Sports 2 HD and Sky Sports Mix from 11.45am on Sunday.
