Arsenal have slyly managed to put together a very decent run of form over the last few months, and find themselves up above Manchester United in third place with 11 games of the Premier League season remaining. They’ll be looking to record their fourth straight victory when they travel to face relegation strugglers Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Wednesday.
QPR vs. Arsenal 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Arsenal will look to strengthen their Champions League qualification credentials with a win away at QPR on Wednesday.
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QPR have had a predictably difficult campaign, and only goal difference keeps them above the bottom three. The resignation of Harry Redknapp has left them in the rather inexperienced hands of former caretaker manager Chris Ramsey, who has only won once since taking charge in February. Every point will be valuable for the Hoops in the run-in, so expect them to be fighting tooth and nail against the Gunners.
Key player - Olivier Giroud (Arsenal)
Much like Arsenal themselves, Olivier Giroud often flatters to deceive. At times he looks like a fine Premier League forward, worthy of his place at the front of one of the Premier League’s strongest teams. At others, he misses open goals like Gervinho. Which Giroud turns up against QPR could well be crucial in determining who comes away with the points.
Key matchup - Charlie Austin vs. the Arsenal defence
Considering their long-held ambition to spend big and create a top level Premier League team, QPR at present have a pretty awful set of players. There's no doubt that the star of their squad -- by quite some distance -- is striker Charlie Austin, who has scored 14 goals in 23 games so far this season. If the Hoops end up surviving, it'll be in no small part down to his brilliant record. Arsenal's defence could well struggle to keep him quiet in this match.
Queens Park Rangers injuries and suspensions
Out: Adel Taarabt (groin), Alejandro Faurlín, Richard Dunne, Leroy Fer (knee), Joey Barton (suspended). In doubt: Mauricio Isla (knee), Nedum Onuoha (hamstring).
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere (ankle), Abou Diaby (calf), Mathieu Debuchy (shoulder), Mathieu Flamini (hamstring). In doubt: Francis Coquelin (nose).
QPR have a string of players unavailable, with arguably their biggest absences being first-team midfielders Joey Barton and Leroy Fer. Starting right-back Mauricio Isla will likely miss out with a knee injury, though faces a late fitness test. Arsenal also have a handful of injury concerns, though young midfield anchorman Francis Coquelin should make it back from a nose injury.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local
Venue: Loftus Road, London, England
TV: Premier League Extra Time, Directv (U.S.), Sportsnet One (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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