This season is effectively over for Queens Park Rangers, sitting in last place in the Premier League and having already guaranteed that they’ll be relegated to the Championship at the end of the season. They’ve got a chance to play spoiler to a struggling Manchester City side, though, with a strong opportunity to knock them out of second place if they can get a win or a draw in Manchester.
Manchester City vs. QPR 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Queens Park Rangers are already assured of going down to the Championship, but they still have a chance to play spoiler.
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City are only barely hanging on to second place as it is, even on points with Arsenal and only in second on goal differential. The Gunners have a game in hand, though, so City need to pile up wins at any cost -- but against a QPR side with nothing to lose, that might not be so easy, especially after the Hoops proved that they can play with City during a dramatic draw in London earlier this season. If City can’t find a way past the troublesome side, things won’t be so rosy in the Etihad.
Key player - James Milner (Manchester City)
QPR are going to try to get something out of this match by out-hustling and out-running City, but no one on the pitch is capable of hustling and running more than Milner. Manchester will have to rely on him as a foil to whatever QPR try to throw at them, but that’s the perfect role for Milner. Just cut him loose and let him do his thing, and only good can come of it in a match like this.
Key Matchup - Martin Demichelis (Manchester City) vs. Charlie Austin (QPR)
Austin has been one of the hottest hands in the Premier League despite the lack of success most of his teammates have experienced this season, and as usual he’s going to be at the heart of any chance the Hoops have to upset City. With Vincent Kompany a doubt, the man who will be tasked with keeping him at bay will be Demichelis -- who hasn’t exactly been in scintillating defensive form. If he can’t slow Austin down, City could be in for an unpleasant match.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Samir Nasri (groin) In doubt: Jesus Navas (hamstring), Yaya Toure (hamstring), Vincent Kompany (thigh), Stevan Jovetic (muscle strain)
Queens Park Rangers injuries and suspensions
Out: Armand Traore (calf), Alejandro Faurlin (knee), Edu Vargas (knee) In doubt: Mauricio Isla (knee), Clint Hill (hamstring), Steven Caulker (hand), Mauro Zarate (knee)
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 8:30 a.m. ET, 1:30 p.m. local
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
TV: CNBC (U.S. - English), NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), TSN2, RDS 2 (Canada),
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), NBC Universo Now (U.S. - Spanish),
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