Bottom side Queens Park Rangers will look to capitalise on Aston Villa's poor run of form and only record their second win of the campaign at Loftus Road in Monday's Premier League game. Despite big summer spending, Harry Redknapp's side have failed to impress, and find themselves even below Burnley, who are yet to win a match since their return to the top flight.
Queens Park Rangers vs. Aston Villa live stream: How to watch the EPL online
Monday’s Premier League kickoff sees basement club QPR host Aston Villa.
However, Villa will be eager to bounce back from four straight defeats, with Paul Lambert’s side having shipped 11 goals in that short space of time. Fortunately, they came into this barren spell on the back of winning three of their opening four league games, but they really need to start picking up points again soon, as they’re now just two points clear of the drop zone.
Key player - Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)
Ron Vlaar was surprisingly one of the best centre-backs at the World Cup this summer, playing an integral role in the Netherlands team that finished third overall. He’s been struggling with injuries in the early part of the domestic season, though he should be available against QPR, where his presence could make all the difference.
Key matchup - Christian Benteke vs. Rio Ferdinand
Christian Benteke has now made a couple of appearances since returning from an injury layoff that ruled him out of the World Cup, though the big Belgian striker is yet to find the back of the net. Aston Villa will be hoping that changes over the next few games, as they look more lightweight up front than anywhere else. In this match he'll be looking to take advantage of the vulnerability of former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand, who has been underwhelming since making the move to Loftus Road in the summer.
Queens Park Rangers injuries and suspensions
Out: Alejandro Faurlín (knee). In doubt: Joey Barton, Jordon Mutch (hamstring), Nedum Onuoha (hamstring).
Aston Villa injuries and suspensions
Out: Libor Kozák (broken leg), Fabian Delph (shoulder). In doubt: Philippe Senderos (thigh)
QPR will still be without the long-term injured playmaker Alejandro Faurlín, though Joey Barton and Jordon Mutch could both return to bolster the midfield. Villa’s biggest loss is midfielder Fabian Delph, who is sidelined alongside long-term absentee Libor Kozák. Veteran centre-back Philippe Senderos faces a late fitness test.
Match Date/Time: Monday, 8 p.m. local, 4 p.m. ET
Venue: Loftus Road, London, England
TV: NBCSN, Mun2 (U.S.), TSN2 (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), Deportes Telemundo En Vivo (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Go (U.K.)
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