STATS: Remy’s shooting accuracy for QPR vs Etherington’s crossing for Stoke
QPR v Stoke, 15:00
– QPR were pushed ever-closer to relegation last weekend as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of a much strong Everton side at Goodison Park.
– Expect Loic Remy to be well-marshalled by Stoke this Saturday should the Potters have done their research on Harry Redknapp’s side. The French striker has made an immediate impact on QPRs ability to threaten in front of goal and already has the best shot accuracy in the Rs squad at 72% from 25 attempts.
– Arriving at a club which is likely to struggle in a league as strong as the Premier League would cause many players to go into their shell, but not Esteban Granero. The gifted midfielder has shouldered much of the responsibility in the QPR engine room since his arrival and is now the fulcrum of their attacking play. Granero possesses a squad-high 438 successful passes in the attacking half according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
– Stephane Mbia’s reading of the game will be crucial this weekend, Stoke being a side who know how to shut up shop and protect a lead once gained. Mbia has the most interceptions of any QPR player this season with 102.
– Stoke come to this match with their own relegation worries having been outclassed by Manchester Utd to the tune of a 0-2 defeat last weekend.
– Tony Pulis will need Geoff Cameron in top form this weekend to ensure his side have some chance of taking a vital three points away from this game. The American defender has by far the best tackle success rate in the Stoke squad, with 71.4% from 91 attempted challenges. Only Aston Villa’s Matthew Lowton can boast a better success rate from more challenges (74.2% from 105) according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
– Should he play a role this weekend, Peter Crouch must be careful not to let defensive indiscretions stifle potential opportunities for Stoke. Crouch has committed more fouls than any other Stoke player this season with 42, and should likely stick to doing what he does best rather than tracking back into midfield.
– Matthew Etherington will be desperate to get some return on his attacking efforts this weekend as Stoke as they league enters its final phase of the season. Etherington has now delivered 39 crosses yet registered 0 assists, the only player in the league who has delivered 35 crosses or more to have done so.