The second weekend of the Championship brings a meeting between Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City, with both failing to win last week.

QPR succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Charlton Athletic while Cardiff managed a point from their 1-1 draw with Fulham. With the West London club eyeing a return to the Premier League this season, Cardiff are expected to be involved in a scrap towards the bottom end of the table.

Team news

Charlie Austin, subject of interest from Premier League clubs this summer, missed out on the 3-0 win over Yeovil in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night. The striker could be set to make a return to the side on Saturday but Paul Konchesky is set to be the club's third left-back to become sidelined.

Yun Suk-Young and Armand Traore are projected to miss the remainder of the month through injury, while Jamie Mackie's groin injury has ruled him out of contention for the weekend.

Chris Ramsey spoke about Austin's fitness, telling london24.com that he hopes that last season's star man will be "fit and pushing for a good performance".

Craig Noone, the hero for Cardiff last week after coming off the bench to score the equaliser, is expected to start at Loftus Road. Last year's club Player of the Season Bruno Manga may be set for a return alongside centre-forward Kenwyne Jones. Federico Macheda will be absent from the trip to West London.

Manager Russell Slade said in his press conference, “Kenwyne has a calf strain, but it’s not serious...we are hopeful he will be in contention at Rangers."

Background

QPR have won 13 of their last 17 home games against the Welsh side, managing to keep 10 clean sheets.

The last meeting between the two sides came back in 2011, with both sides taking a point in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Cardiff City Stadium.

Two of the last five meetings have ended in draws while QPR came out victorious on two separate occasions. 

Cardiff are currently 11th in the Championship after the first weekend while their opponents on Saturday sit in 23rd.

Players to watch

Charlie Austin: The striker, whose days at Loftus Road may be nearing an end, is a prolific goalscorer and will be itching to help his side to an important three points.

Craig Noone: The winger impressed when Cardiff City were in the Premier League and is a major threat down the wing. An injury-free spell for Noone will allow him to prove just how good he is.

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About the author
Harry  Harris
Covering the Premier League, Bundesliga and NFL. Writing for VAVEL since May 2014. Chelsea FC and Atlanta sports.