There’s much more high-profile rivalry matches in London, but one that rarely fails to entertain is when Arsenal and QPR face off. None of the London teams like each other very much, and this is certainly no exception, as things tend to get very testy and chippy when these two clubs get together.
Arsenal vs. Queens Park Rangers live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
One of the lesser-loved but oft-entertaining London derbies rises again as QPR look to spoil Arsenal’s holiday plans of climbing closer to the top four.
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That could especially be true this season. Arsenal have disappointed on a whole in this EPL campaign, but have slowly been clawing their way towards the top four. With a win against QPR, Arsene Wenger’s squad could claw to within a point of the EPL’s Champions League places depending on other Boxing Day results, but Redknapp’s team isn’t going to let them have their fun so easily. QPR have won three of their last five matches and have looked much, much more dangerous than the listless shell of a squad that started the season, and they’ll be eager to ruin Arsenal’s holiday fun at almost any cost.
Key player - Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal)
Arsenal are loaded with attacking talent, and yet their backup defensive midfielder winds up listed as the key man? How is that possible? First off, scroll down to the injury list down below, read Arsenal’s entry, then come back up here. Go ahead. Take a minute. Back now? Good.
With Ramsey and Arteta out, Flamini is the only pivot midfielder left who can actually, you know, defend. Yeah, Francis Coquelin is back after being recalled from his loan at Charlton, but he's there as a "break glass in case of world-ending emergency" option, because he's not really that good. That's a little bad for Arsenal, because Flamini's had to play a lot lately, and has looked rather tired. If he's off his game, QPR have several players who can exploit that weakness in Arsenal's midfield. If he's on-point, QPR might be screwed. No individual player's performance will have more of an impact on this match than which side of that coin Flamini falls on.
Key Matchup - Charlie Austin (QPR) vs. Mathieu Debuchy (Arsenal)
Austin has been on fire for QPR lately, and is fresh off a hat trick against West Brom at the weekend. The young English forward has been a revelation for the Hoops this season, scoring eleven goals and becoming a force for them up top, something QPR has lacked during other recent EPL campaigns. Given the form he’s been in, Austin must be salivating over the chance to face down Debuchy on Arsenal’s back line, with the right back being pressed in to service as a center back thanks to the run of injuries Arsenal has suffered in defense. He hasn’t looked terribly comfortable there so far, and if Austin can knock him off-kilter early, he could have a field day at the Emirates.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Aaron Ramsey (hamstring), Mikel Arteta (calf), Jack Wilshere (ankle), Mesut Ozil (knee) In doubt: Yaya Sanogo (calf), Thomas Rosicky (thigh), Hector Bellerin (ankle), Laurent Koscielny (calf)
Queens Park Rangers injuries and suspensions
Out: Suk-Young Yoon (ankle), Sandro (knee), Adel Taraabt (groin), Alejandro Faurlin (knee) In doubt: none
Match Date/Time: Friday, 5:30 P.M. local, 12:30 P.M. ET
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S. - English), BT Sport 1 (U.K.), Sportsnet World (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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