QPR v Blackburn: five key battles

Blackburn have struggled so far this season and QPR will be looking to take advantage at Loftus Road. Here are five potential battles we think could be all-important in Saturday’s game.

Jake Bidwell v Ben Marshall

Marshall was wanted by Fulham during the recent transfer window and is an important outlet for Rovers. Rangers will need Bidwell to keep him contained.

Sebastian Polter v Tommie Hoban

Hoban was signed on loan from Watford shortly before last Saturday’s game against Fulham – and he played seven times for Wealdstone during a loan spell there in 2012. Polter has made a nuisance of himself up front for Rangers this season and Blackburn’s defence can expect no favours from the German.

Karl Henry or Jordan Cousins v Martin Samuelsen

Norway international Samuelson, 19, could make his debut having joined on loan from West Ham. Rangers’ defensive midfield work has been superb at times so far this season and they’ll want that to continue.

Tjaronn Chery v Hope Akpan

Ex-Reading and Crawley man Akpan, Blackburn’s stopper in midfield, grabbed a late equaliser against Rangers at Ewood Park last season. He’d do well to contain Chery, who has been outstanding for QPR so far this term.

Steven Caulker v Danny Graham

Well-travelled striker Graham, at his 12th club in as many years, has scored against Rangers for both Swansea and Watford. Caulker will therefore need to have his wits about him on Saturday.