Queens Park Rangers: Key Battles to Watch for in QPR vs. Everton

Everton travel from Merseyside to West London on Sunday to face a struggling Queens Park Rangers.

What are the key battles to watch out for?

Although the Toffees are sitting pretty in fourth ahead of the weekend, they still have their own issues; namely in the loss of Mr. Afro-Man himself, Marouane Fellaini.

Everton have started strongly, and have a very good starting 11. However, their bench is weak. Therefore, with a key man out of the starting lineup, QPR could well take something from this game.

That is, as long as the Loftus Road squirrel doesn't make another appearance.

Who will shine, and what will be the biggest battles on the day?

Adel Taarabt vs. Mark Hughes

Will he or won't he start him? The saga will inevitably continue throughout the season, but Adel Taarabt's recent performances must have surely convinced Mark Hughes to put him on the teamsheet on Sunday.

Taarabt has scored two in two, and "Sparky" has admitted he is currently happy with the Moroccan's form.

If Hughes starts Taarabt against Everton, he will flourish. There is no doubt he can be the man who makes the difference for QPR, as he has done so many times in the past.

QPR Back Line vs. Nikica Jelavic

Nikica Jelavic appears to have maintained his fine form from the 2011-12 campaign. The Everton forward has already scored four Premier League goals this season,

The QPR back line has been weak—at best—having conceded 16 goals in their first seven games.

The Croatian will provide a tough challenge for the Rangers defense, and if they let him in, there will be severe consequences.

Jelavic can be deadly in front of goal, and if Anton Ferdinand and company can't contain him, you can bank on QPR increasing their goal-difference margin.

Granero and Faurlin vs. Neville and Osman

With Phil Neville set to start in midfield, Queens Park Rangers have an excellent chance to dominate play.

Neville is still a player to be reckoned with, but can be ineffective pressing forward, which leaves Leon Osman to try to control the attacking play.

This is good news for QPR.

With only one attacking central midfielder, they can stifle any threat much more easily than if Everton fielded two or indeed three.

Esteban Granero has been superb this season. Along with Alejandro Faurlin, he could well boss the midfield.

With no Fellaini to cover, this partnership could prove essential to the team's result.

Junior Hoilett vs. Steven Pienaar

Who am I kidding? It will be most likely be Shaun Wright Phillips vs. Steven Pienaar.

Either way, this should be a very interesting battle.

Steven Pienaar is a huge threat, with one goal and three assists to his name already in 2012.

The South African is a rare find. He is willing to defend, run into the box and whip crosses in from outside.

Whoever is opposite him on Sunday should be prepared for a tough test—and be prepared to run. A lot.

If Pienaar is given too much room, he could cause havoc for QPR.

Bobby Zamora vs. Phil Jagielka

When QPR last faced Everton, Bobby Zamora scored in a 1-1 tie.

This season, Zamora is Rangers' leading scorer. Therefore, his dominance of Phil Jagielka will be essential.

Zamora is a typical target man. He is very good in the air, but so is Jagielka. This battle will be fascinating to watch as two strong and talented men fight it out for possession.

What may be key for Zamora is to take the ball early.

Rather than enter into a heading battle with Jagielka, perhaps Hughes needs to tell his team to play to Zamora's feet.

If he can keep two or three strides ahead of the Everton defender, and take him on in the turn—as opposed to the air—he could be the key to a Rangers victory.

Whatever tactic Hughes decides to employ to get the best from Bobby, it will be an enthralling battle to watch.