Preview: Albion v QPR

Albion travel to Loftus Road this evening (Wednesday 18) to challenge second placed Queens Park Rangers, who are unbeaten so far this season.
Brighton & Hove Albion FC newsBrighton & Hove Albion FC news
Brighton & Hove Albion FC news

The Londoners are joint top with Leicester City but have played a game less than Nigel Pearson’s men.

The Seagulls go into the clash after drawing 0-0 at Reading on Sunday, but will be without top scorer Leonardo Ulloa after his straight red card at the Madjeski Stadium.

Team News

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Ashley Barnes will deputise the lone striker role for the trip as Ulloa begins his three match ban for his dismissal on Sunday.

Oscar Garcia will have new loan signing Craig Conway available to him after the Scotland international received his necessary clearance.

Bruno may also play a part after working his way back to fitness following his hamstring injury, while Craig Mackail-Smith (achilles), Liam Bridcutt (hernia), Andrea Orlandi (knee) and Will Hoskins (knee) are all sidelined.

Queens Park Rangers will be without Niko Kranjcar (groin), Junior Hoilett (hamstring) and Andrew Johnson (knee).

Benoit Assou-Ekotto is in line to make his QPR debut.

Form:

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Albion have lacked consistency this season but go into the game unbeaten in four.

Two draws and two victories followed the three defeats that opened the Seagulls’ season.

Albion last 5: D D W W L

QPR have won their last four Championship games 1-0 and currently sit joined top of the league, although they hold a game in hand over fellow leaders Leicester.

QPR last 5: W W W W D

Players to watch:

Ashley Barnes (Albion)

The forward has big boots to fill if he is to replicate the performances of Leonardo Ulloa, but he showed on Sunday what a thorn in the opposition he can be. With his first touch of the ball, Barnes’ swivelled strike almost got the better of Alex McCarthy.

Charlie Austin (QPR)

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The former Burnley goal-getter looks as though he will have a big part to play in the Rs’ promotion push, although he’s scored just once so far this season. The 24-year-old has had 24 shots so far in his six appearances.

Statistic:

QPR are undefeated in their last 5 home matches against Brighton in all competitions.