QPR vs. Arsenal: Team News, Predicted Line-Ups, Live Stream and TV Info

QPR host Arsenal knowing that they must start picking up points if they're to avoid a swift return to the Championship.

New boss Chris Ramsey faces a huge task to save QPR from relegation. Although Ramsey recently got Rangers their first away win of the season, he'll know their home form will be hugely important in determining their survival.

Arsenal need points too. With Liverpool and Manchester United also in pursuit of Champions League qualification, the Gunners must continue their impressive domestic form to ensure a top-four finish.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Date: Wednesday, March 4

Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT/ 2:45 p.m. ET

Venue: Emirates Stadium, London

Live Coverage: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.)

Form Guide (last five results of both teams)

QPR

L (2-1) vs. Hull City

W (0-2) vs. Sunderland

L (0-1) vs. Southampton

L (3-1) vs. Stoke City

L (0-2) vs. Manchester United

 

Arsenal

W (2-0) vs. Everton

L (1-3) vs. Monaco

W (1-2) vs. Crystal Palace

W (2-0) vs. Middlesbrough

W (2-1) vs. Leicester City

A look at the recent win-loss ratio of each team suggests the Gunners are strong favourites to win this game.

However, QPR actually have a decent record at home to Arsenal in recent years, losing just one of the last seven encounters. Four of those games have been draws, and a point would be incredibly valuable to Rangers in their battle against relegation.

 

Team News

QPR will be without Joey Barton, who is suspended after his sending off against Hull. He is likely to be replaced by Brazilian midfielder Sandro, who is fit again and available for selection.

There will also be fitness tests for Nedum Onuoha and Mauricio Isla, who could both be in contention for the right-back spot.

Predicted QPR XI: Rob Green; Nedum Onuoha, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Caulker, Yun Suk-Young; Matt Phillips, Sandro, Karl Henry, Niko Kranjcar; Charlie Austin, Bobby Zamora

Arsenal will hope Francis Coquelin is fit to play after a broken nose. Aaron Ramsey is fit and back in the squad, but Jack Wilshere and Mathieu Flamini remain sidelined. Having played as recently as Sunday, Arsene Wenger may look to rotate his squad to ensure Arsenal have the requisite energy levels to deal with a motivated QPR.

Predicted Arsenal XI: 

 

Players to Watch

QPR: Bobby Zamora

Arsenal famously struggle to deal with players who pose a significant aerial threat, so Zamora could be the key man for QPR on Wednesday night.

Although his partner Charlie Austin is more prolific, Zamora's ability to hold the ball up is what will allow Rangers to exert pressure on the Arsenal defence.

 

Arsenal: Gabriel Paulista

After making his Premier League debut at the weekend, Gabriel is likely to continue at the heart of the Gunners defence at Loftus Road.

Zamora will provide a very physical test, so this will be a fascinating indicator of the Brazilian's suitability for Premier League football.

 

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.