Birmingham v QPR: six key battles

QPR will be looking to get their season back on track when they face Birmingham. Here are six potential battles we think could be all-important in the game at St Andrews.

Nedum Onuoha v Clayton Donaldson
Former Brentford striker Donaldson is a real handful for defenders when on form. He has scored four goals this season, including a hat-trick against Bristol City. Physically strong and with a relentless work-rate, he could have a field day if the kind of shoddy defending QPR have been guilty of is evident again.

James Perch v Demarai Gray
If Perch is recalled to the starting line-up he will certainly need to improve on his previous performances this season. Gray is a talented and speedy winger who scored his first goal of the season during Birmingham’s win at Leeds last time out.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas v Michael Morrison
A revelation in the win against Bolton, Emmanuel-Thomas will again carry Rangers’ hopes in the absence of the injured Charlie Austin. Can he deliver the goods once more?

Matt Phillips v Jonathan Grounds
Rangers need more from Phillips, who has failed to produce when up against worse full-backs than Grounds this season. But he remains a key player and one capable of creating as well as scoring goals.

Sandro v Stephen Gleeson
Sandro is in contention for a starting place, having impressed in recent weeks. Rangers will need him to impose himself against the combative Gleeson.

Leroy Fer and/or Tjarron Chery v Maikel Kieftenbeld
The battle of the Dutchmen. Defensive midfielder Kieftenbeld – a team-mate of Chery’s at Groningen before both left their native Netherlands for the Championship – will have the task of shutting down the threat of QPR’s midfield floaters when they pop up in central areas.