QPR v Charlton: five key battles

QPR entertain Charlton Athletic on Saturday, aiming to nudge their London rivals closer to the drop. Here are five potential battles we think could be important at Loftus Road.

Matt Phillips v Morgan Fox
Phillips will want to have more of an influence against Charlton, after underwhelming displays against Leeds and Middlesbrough. Fox has nailed down a place at left-back this season after breaking through last term, and scored in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season, though he has tended to collect yellow cards.

Sebastian Polter v Rod Fanni
With Jamie Mackie sidelined again, Polter is expected to return to the starting line-up having only been fit enough for the bench at Elland Road. Former Marseille centre-back Fanni, 34, joined Charlton on loan in January and has been solid in the air, but will face a challenge against Polter.

Nedum Onuoha v Ademola Lookman
Exciting 17-year-old Lookman is likely to play on the left, cutting in to run at the QPR defence. Onuoha’s job will be to keep him shackled, although the Rangers captain is never entirely comfortable against pace.

Tjaronn Chery v Alou Diarra
Chery will be hoping for a recall to the starting line-up following his goalscoring substitute appearance at Leeds. Ex-West Ham midfielder Diarra, now 34, will be tasked with the anchor role in Charlton’s otherwise youthful midfield – if he shakes off a foot injury.

Gabriele Angella v Callum Harriott
Harriott scored both goals in Charlton’s last visit to west London, their 2-1 win at Brentford on 5 March, and the 22-year-old is certainly a raw, unpredictable talent. After a fine game at Preston, Angella struggled somewhat against Middlesbrough and Leeds but will hope to be more consistent against one of the weaker attacks in the league.