QPR boss Harry Redknapp has told his players to focus on the match and not the occasion when they face Derby at Wembley in Saturday’s Championship play-off final.
The stakes could not be higher, with Rangers looking to get back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
And with both clubs having sold close to 40,000 tickets, the atmosphere is sure to be intense.
“Both clubs sold their full allocation of tickets, so it will be a fantastic atmosphere at Wembley,” Redknapp said.
“It’s a massive game. We want to get back in the Premier League and there’s a lot at stake.
“You can’t get too carried away with the occasion. You’ve got to go out there and play your football, that’s the most important thing.
“We can’t let the occasion get to us. We’ve got to make sure we’ve got clear heads and are focused and play the way we want to play.”
Derby are slight favourites with the bookmakers, having finished a place above Rangers in the table and enjoyed an excellent run of form under Steve McClaren since he left a short-term coaching role at Loftus Road to take over as Rams boss.
QPR, though, will have the edge in terms of experience in what Redknapp believes will be an evenly matched game.
Redknapp said: “Both teams have got pros and cons, things for and against, and I think Derby are favourites – they’ve been in good form and been on a great run.
“Derby are a young side, full of energy – a good team. But we’re a good team too and have a team full of experience. It’s got all the ingredients to be a really good match.”
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This post was last modified on 22/05/2014