It is only fitting that Sport.co.uk's first featured Football League match should include QPR. The early pace setters of the npower Championship are one of only two teams in the league to still have a 100% record (the other being League Two's Torquay United), and they face the inconsistent Derby County at Pride Park tomorrow. After defeats to Cardiff and Coventry City, The Rams have been marooned on three points since their impressive opening day victory at Elland Road (Leeds first opening day defeat since 1989!).
Derby County
The Rams have somewhat of an injury crisis in the attacking third. Rob Hulse (achilles) is likely to miss out once more, while Chris Porter faces a late fitness test on his long standing hip problem. With Steven Davies out for the long term, left-back Dean Moxey is likely to deputize up front again after netting in the defeat against Coventry last weekend. Alternatively Nigel Clough could turn to youth product Callum Ball, after the striker got on the score sheet against Sheffield United reserves in midweek, although in reality it is more likely Ball will have to settle for a place on the bench. Russell Anderson remains on the sidelines with a groin strain so Dean Leacock will continue to partner Shaun Barker at the heart of the defence. 18 year-old Conor Doyle looks set to continue in place of the talented Tomasz Cywka as the latter recovers from his fractured jaw.
Likely Line Up: (4-2-3-1) 1. S Bywater, 2. J Brayford, 3. G Roberts, 4. P Green, 5. S Barker, 6. D Leacock, 8. R Savage, 10. K Commons, 16. J Bailey, 21. D Moxey, 23. C Doyle
Queens Park Rangers
Warnock's charges have yet to concede a goal in the Championship and the experienced gaffer has seemingly added some much needed organization to a team blessed with an abundance of flair. Jamie Mackie, Hogan Ephraim, and the 'Moroccan Wizard' Adel Taarabt will look to continue their creative work behind target man Heidar Helguson and it will be imperative for the Rams defence to get to grips with the Rangers front four early on. It remains to be seen whether Akos Buzsaky will be able to dislodge the deep-lying midfield duo of Shaun Derry and Alejandro Faurlin on his return from injury. There is no doubting the Hungarian's talents but Warnock is likely to stick by the old management mantra of never changing a winning team. With skipper Fitz Hall continuing to struggle with a hamstring injury, Matthew Connolly should continue to partner Kaspars Gorkss in the centre of defence.
Likely Line Up: (4-2-3-1) 1. P Kenny, 2. B Orr, 3. C Hill, 4. S Derry, 7. A Taarabt, 9. H Helguson, 11. A Faurlin, 12. J Mackie, 13. K Gorkss, 16. M Connolly, 25. H Ephraim.
Key Battle
Adel Taraabt has been in scintillating form for Rangers so far this season, and the Rams will be hoping the Moroccan has a long overdue 'off day'. The fans favorite set up both the Hoops' goals against Scunthorpe on Saturday, and Rams skipper Robbie Savage will undoubtedly feel it will be up to him to nullify the flair player. Sitting deep in midfield, Savage and midfield partner James Bailey will have their work cut out to close the exact space in which Taraabt thrives and delivers his most devastating contributions. If Savage and co can achieve what three other Championship midfields have yet to so far, then Derby will give themselves a fighting chance.