West Ham v QPR - Match preview and team news
Harry Redknapp returns to Upton Park with his bottom-of-the-table QPR side boosted by the shock signing of France international striker Loic Remy from underneath the noses of Newcastle. The former Marseille man looks to be just the attacking signing Redknapp has been looking for since he arrived in West London and could be in line to make his debut at rivals West Ham.
The Hammers have been going steadily in the league of late although wins have been in short supply, particularly in the last week where a dreadful 3-0 defeat at Sunderland was followed up by their FA Cup exit to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Sam Allardyce faces a number of injury problems to his defence with Joey O’Brien and James Collins struggling for fitness. Elsewhere, Andy Carroll continues to sidelined with a knee injury but Mark Noble will play despite suffering from a calf problem. Up front, Marouane Chamakh is pushing Carlton Cole for a first Premier League start for the East London club.
The relegation-threatened know that time is slowly running out if they are to claw their way to safety, with only 16 games remember and still five points from safety, though the club record signing of Remy should at least provide some ammunition to a misfiring forward line, starting at Upton Park.
Elsewhere, Esteban Granero is doubtful with a hamstring injury while Samba Diakite is at the Africa Cup of Nations, but Junior Hoilett may be fit to return after suffering from a hamstring injury of his own. Striker Bobby Zamora remains absent but a return to the first team is not too far away now.
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