QPR v West Brom preview: Albion need to back up derby day with another away win

Beat an out-of-form Queens Park Rangers side with this game in hand, and the Baggies will move to within one point of the top two ahead of two huge promotion six-pointers.

Steve McClaren’s men rolled over at The Hawthorns back in August, when Albion sent a message to the rest of the division with a 7-1 thrashing.

But Darren Moore’s team is a slightly different prospect now, particularly away from home. Goalfests are a thing of the past, clean sheets are the current currency.

That is largely down to personnel Moore has at his disposal.

Dwight Gayle, Hal Robson-Kanu and Matt Phillips contributed four of those goals in August, but the first player is suspended, and the last two are currently doubts through injury.

Once again, Moore will lean on the increasingly-dependable Jay Rodriguez – Albion’s only outfield player to start every league game this season.

The Baggies’ top scorer has had a hand in 10 goals in his last nine league games, and also scored a brace against QPR earlier this season.

“Jay leads the line really well,” said Moore. “His use of the ball when we get it to him is great. Off the ball he’s excellent for the team and puts in a real shift.

“He’s getting great recognition now, but he’s always had that from us. He’s done really well all season.”

The Baggies head to Loftus Road with seven wins out of their last eight away league games and four consecutive clean sheets on the road in all competitions.

Considering that defensive stability, Moore is unlikely to change his backline, but Gareth Barry will need a rest in midfield.

Jake Livermore struggled in the deep-lying playmaker role at home to Nottingham Forest seven days ago and looks happier further forward breaking up play.

Sam Field deserves a shot in the holding role after a mature performance in the second half at Villa Park, while Stefan Johansen is expected to start after only coming on for the last few minutes of the derby.

If Robson-Kanu fails a late fitness test, Wes Hoolahan or Jefferson Montero could replace him up front, unless Rekeem Harper is asked to fill in as a false nine again.

But with so many absentees up front, Albion’s best bet is another staunch defensive display.

“We passed the audition at the start of the season because we worked without Dwight in the team,” said Moore. “Obviously we’re disappointed to lose him but we’ve dealt with it and we move on.”

For supporters, the memories of Saturday’s victory will last, but the players cannot linger on it.

Consistency is the key to promotion, and that win needs to be backed up.

The opposition - Out of form but seeking revenge after thrashing

QPR were being written off as early as August after opening the season with four straight defeats that saw them concede 16 goals, including seven at The Hawthorns.

But Steve McClaren rallied his side and after a couple of shrewd loan signings towards the end of that month, he turned fortunes around.

At one stage, the Hoops were the in-form team in the Championship, and at the turn of the year they were in eighth place chasing down a play-off spot.

But 2019 has not been kind to QPR, and five straight defeats in the league has seen them slip 10 places down to 18th.

McClaren’s men are on the worst run in the division and their worst run of the season.

What’s most concerning is the defensive stability their good form was previously built on seems to have now evaded them.

QPR have conceded four goals in each of their last two home games in the league, and 12 in their last four Championship games home and away.

But they only lost 1-0 to Premier League side Watford at Loftus Road in the fifth round of the FA Cup last Friday.

McClaren urged his side to build on that gritty performance.

“We were so, so close,” he said. “We’ve just got to keep that spirit, that attitude and eventually it’ll turn.

“We’ve got to take the performance into Tuesday against West Brom.

“Watford were strong and resilient which is why they’re doing well in the Premier League.

“We’ve just got to keep believing and we’ll start getting results.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Hoops captain Toni Leistner, who was part of QPR’s back-line that shipped seven at The Hawthorns in August.

“This is going to be a very tough game,” admitted the German defender. “Our match at their ground was our worst performance of the season but I think if we can play like we did against Watford, then we will have a good opportunity to win.”

Albion's key man - Jay Rodriguez

Red hot Rodriguez will be asked to shoulder the burden of Albion’s attacking force once more, but he’s in form at the moment and has seven goals from his last nine league games.

QPR's dangerman - Nahki Wells

Helped arrest the early-season slump when he joined on a season-long loan from Burnley, and has scored eight goals since to make him the Hoops’ top scorer. Hasn’t netted in the league since Boxing Day, but did score twice against Portsmouth in the FA Cup.

Memory Lane

In May 2008, Albion wrapped up the Championship title at Loftus Road with a 2-0 win over QPR. Kim Do Hoen and Chris Brunt scored.

The boss says

"We’re pleased, but we’ve got some tough away games coming up. These players have to do their bit when they come into the team."