QPR v Birmingham: five key battles

QPR face Birmingham City at Loftus Road this weekend. Here are five potential battles we think could be crucial in Saturday’s game.

Gabriele Angella v Clayton Donaldson
With Nedum Onuoha standing by to play at full-back, Angella may continue alongside Grant Hall at centre-back, having impressed on his return to the side at Sheffield Wednesday in midweek. Birmingham have only scored twice in their last four games – and Donaldson got both of those goals. The former Brentford target man can be a real handful.

Daniel Tozser or Alejandro Faurlin v Diego Fabbrini
Faurlin could be deemed fit enough to start following a recent thigh problem. Otherwise, the two former Watford team-mates will come up against each other. Tozser scored a cracking goal at Wednesday but struggled defensively at times, and the talented Fabbrini has plenty of tricks.

James Perch v Will Buckley
Part this week’s defensive reshuffle saw Perch move from right-back to left-back. If he stays there he will come up against winger Buckley, on loan from Sunderland, who is capable of causing any full-back problems.

Matt Phillips v Jonathan Grounds
This could be an all-important battle. Phillips has seven goals and four assists to his name this season but still flatters to deceive, while the underrated Grounds has been one of Blues’ best performers but has barely trained this week after picking up an injury on Tuesday. He is expected to be fit, though.

Conor Washington v Michael Morrison
Although he has yet to open his goalscoring account, Washington has shown plenty of promise for Rangers and Morrison can expect to be kept busy.