EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ian Tuttle/Shutterstock (14056670b) QPR corner flag Queens Park Rangers v Ipswich Town, EFL Sky Bet Championship, Football, Loftus Road, London, UK - 19 Aug 2023
Rangers’ newly appointed manager, Marti Cifuentes, is gearing up for his second game in charge after taking over in early October. Unfortunately, his initial matches ended in draws against Rotherham United and Bristol City, leaving the team still entrenched in a challenging position inherited from the previous manager, Gareth Ainsworth. Currently, QPR is five points below safety, facing the looming threat of relegation to the third tier.
Despite the team’s struggles, Cifuentes sees the upcoming match in Norfolk as a golden opportunity for his squad to make strides in the battle for survival. Before Cifuentes took the helm, QPR suffered six consecutive defeats, making this fixture crucial in their pursuit of improvement.
Looking ahead to the pivotal clash, Cifuentes disclosed that Reggie Cannon and Jake Clarke-Salter might make a return to the squad, as both participated in training during the week. Cifuentes expressed optimism about Clarke-Salter, emphasizing his positive contributions in recent training sessions. Cannon, though dealing with minor knee issues that caused him to miss the last game, showcased promise in practice, with further evaluation planned in the coming days.
On the other side, Norwich City is also grappling with challenges, having lost four of their last five Championship matches. Head coach David Wagner’s job security is reportedly uncertain, although a recent 3-2 away win against Cardiff City alleviated some pressure.
In the author’s perspective, the return of Cannon and Clarke-Salter is a positive development for QPR, especially considering the team’s injury woes this season. Clarke-Salter’s potential comeback could provide much-needed defensive stability to a squad currently sporting the third-worst defensive record in the English second tier.
