HarryfromBath assesses the mood in the opposition camp ahead of Saturday's game by delving into their forums.

"It's quite an achievement that in every match we are getting progressively worse", "We currently have a mediocre look about us", "We should have built on what we did earlier in the season. We have become incredibly poor and we keep getting poorer as the weeks go by."

The Hoops come into Saturday's game in erratic form. They have done well against struggling teams, winning 2-1 at home to Doncaster on New Year's Day, but they failed to score when drawing at Watford and losing 2-0 at home to Leicester and at Nottingham Forest over the Christmas period.

Only four regular starters were rested in Saturday's 4-0 defeat in the FA Cup at Everton, "We were clueless, outfought and lacking pace. To have caved in like this is frankly embarrassing", "It was the most one-sided game I have ever watched QPR in", "Play a decent team and we struggle."

"The tactics certainly leave something to be desired", "For a team so relentlessly tidy in possession and able to move the ball two-thirds of the way up the pitch with absolute ease, we are absolutely terrible in the last third. We are predictable, tedious, and terribly, terribly boring."

Harry Redknapp

"I don't care much for the 4-5-1 set up, but Harry is the manager and we have to live with his wisdom. So far it hasn't done that bad by us", "The club was a shambles, and he's done nothing short of a minor miracle", "He's improved the attitude and players want to play for him."

Most Hoops are giving their manager the benefit of the doubt. "He's had an enormous task in off-loading a pile of rubbish and attempting to mould a 25-man squad in a fairly short space of time", "Harry has my support, as it is in both our interests to go up this season."

"Kevin Bond (QPR's assistant manager) said: ‘I think, in an ideal world, Harry wouldn't want to take a chance. You'd like to bring in someone who you know could do the job.' This is Redknapp's managerial philosophy in a nutshell here, nice when you don't have to think of the consequences."

"Aside from the transfer market, his performance has been less impressive. The style of football is dreadful and tactics are primitive. I see little evidence of coaching individual or team progression, and (former first team coach) Steve McClaren's influence is sorely missed. Yet we are still in the hunt."

Defence

"Our defence is completely solid. Even when we are playing poorly we don't concede goals", "We have one of the best defences in the league, with God knows how many clean sheets." Rangers have conceded just 14 goals in their 24 league games this season.

Rob Green

"It may be that Green's form and lack of confidence was down to Mark Hughes's management, but Harry's been able to get the best out of him to the point that we don't need Cesar", "He has kept clean sheets in two-thirds of our games", "His record speaks for itself."

This season there have been only minor criticisms of the 33-year old former Norwich keeper: "I wish he would use his feet sometimes rather than attempting to get down all of the time", "My one issue with Green in his kicking, which can be shockingly bad at times."

Brazil international and ex-Inter Milan keeper Julio Cesar "made three outstanding saves" in a shop window performance at Everton. "It could have been seven or eight if Cesar wasn't playing so well", "Most goalkeepers would have been short of match fitness. It was like he was never away."

Danny Simpson

"Don't underestimate Benoit Assou-Ekotto (BAE) just because of his languid style. We would be in quite a lot of trouble if he wasn't playing for us. He has a cool head on his shoulders", "He looks a cut above most weeks. His touch and passing are first class, and he does it all with ease."

The left-back is on loan from Spurs this season. "He's the best left-back in the Championship by a country mile", "BAE has the skill to play himself out of trouble 95% of the time", "If he didn't have those moments when he seems to switch off, he could be aiming for world class status."

"Richard Dunne is slow from a standing start, but he reads the game well, which often allows him to compensate for it." The 34-year-old former Villa and Manchester City centre-back "was totally blown away for pace with one of the Leicester goals", "His lack of pace scares me."

The 35-year-old ex-Palace centre-back "Clint Hill is a top bloke and has the right personality, but as a player he's getting worse. He's guilty of countless poor passes, going out of position and turning over possession too often", "He is more consistent than Dunne, but we sit far too deep when he plays."

"With Nedum Onuoha in, our defence pushes up a good 15 yards, and the effect is huge for the rest of the side. Austin has midfield runners around him." The 27-year-old ex-Manchester City centre-back "has the ability to carry the ball forward himself", "Our side is so much better when he plays."

Rangers' Ponderous Midfield

"Harry's now referring to our striker shortage as the cause of our failings, whereas the consensus is that it is our style of play which is stifling us", "We clearly need more energy in the team", "Our main problem is that we are so predictable and slow in our build-up play. We lack pace in the middle."

Their striker shortage has been well documented in the media, but the consensus among supporters is that Rangers' poor goalscoring record (26 in 24 league games) is as much down to a combination of ineffective build-up play in the middle of the park and a lack of in-form wide players.

"We don't attack with pace, urgency or incision. We labour slowly, moving the ball between defence and midfield before eventually chipping it forward to Austin", "How many of our midfielders are making breaking runs into the box or scoring? There is no intent to what we do."

Central Midfield

"Our midfield isn't balanced correctly. We have strength in numbers, but we don't have the depth or variation in terms of physical quality. None of them have the legs or energy to play box-to-box, and they are unable to support the striker properly."

"Karl Henry — what's the point?", "I have never known a player go sideways so much", "Henry can't pass and Barton has to a job which is not his best role", "Henry has looked shell-shocked. He had to be taken off at half-time against Forest", "He doesn't even make us aggressive in midfield."

The 31-year-old former Wolves and Stoke man is "an absolutely appalling signing", "He struggles in intricate tight areas", "Henry has spent every game giving the ball to people in much worse positions. He cannot wait to get rid, has no awareness of space around him and is too slow."

"I refuse to believe Jermaine Jenas was on the pitch last night." The 30-year-old former Spurs and Newcastle midfielder is "an extremely limited player", "He's quietly effective in the opposite way to Barton's charging across the field and trying bone crunching challenges."

Jermaine Jenas

"My mates and I play a game called ‘Jenas-Count'. The rules are simple: Count how many touches Jenas has over the course of a game before passing to the opposition." Hoops have criticised how the former England international has achieved "invisibility status" against stronger opponents.

"Tommy Carroll's passing and off the ball running is first class", "He has great technique and works hard, but his impact is minimal." The 21-year-old Spurs loan signing "looks like a little boy playing in a men's team. He's far too fragile", "He does get his tackles in and puts himself about a lot."

Former Spurs and Portsmouth player "Nico Kranjcar is a frustrating player to watch. He drifts in and out of games and is carrying too much weight. We rely on his creativity a lot. Unfortunately, he's not delivering", "He has the ability to play in a striker, but he keeps dropping too deep."

"You can tell that he knows the game." The 29-year-old Croatian international "needs to dramatically improve his fitness if he is going to make a meaningful contribution this season. The game should be played through him", "He has no-one running for him from midfield."

Joey Barton

"Barton seems to be at the centre of every opposition attack, constantly breaking up play, doubling up on a forward or intercepting passes." The 31-year-old former Manchester City and Newcastle man's "short ball game is safe and retains possession", "He's our player of the season."

"So many of his passes go astray", "His Hollywood ball is so long and high that it's normally got snow on it by the time it reaches its destination", "Barton has looked increasingly peripheral when he has the ability and experience to dominate games such as against Doncaster."

He was sent off in the Leicester game just before Christmas. "It was born out of frustration. Barton was trying his heart out when none of the other midfielders looked like winning a header", "He was charging around in the second half, trying to orchestrate a team which seemed strangely timorous."

Wide Midfield

"Gary O'Neil doesn't have enough flair to play the wide role, but is busy enough to be in the middle", "He is so negative in his play. He cannot shoot to save his life", "Harry likes him on the flanks for extra defensive protection."

Gary O'Neil

The 30-year-old ex-West Ham and Middlesbrough player "is a far better option in a team that is set up first and foremost not to concede", "I like O'Neil's stamina. He works hard, reads the game well and always has a tackle", "He still doesn't like to push on, just sideways or backwards."

"Armand Traore is really a midfielder. He can't defend for toffee. His strength is down the wing, crossing into the box for Austin." The 24-year-old left-sided former Gunner "is no good in a defensive position", "There is a drop in quality if Traore replaces BAE at left-back."

Armand Traore

"Matty Phillips has an excellent first touch and is able to go both ways. He has a good cross on him and a hard shot. He's a good long term signing." Hoops are happy with the 22-year-old former Blackpool right-winger, although "he drifts in and out of games, especially against stronger teams."

"I'm not sure where Benayoun fits into the scheme of things. I'm not sure he is either." December signing, 33-year-old Liverpool and Chelsea player Yossi Benayoun "has no idea where or what position to play", "He's too lightweight, and too similar to what we've already got."

Junior Hoilett

"Aagh! Not again Junior! Repeat around 12 times per match." Former Blackburn left winger Junior Hoilett's "control is abysmal. He rarely gets a shot on target and his final ball is woeful", "Defenders know he likes to cut inside, but he does have a left foot which he can swing as well."

The 23-year-old "rarely tries a final ball. It's always a shot", "For someone who can beat a man so easily due to his fast reactions he is completely ineffective. So many times he has got into brilliant positions and just not made a decision to pass or shoot", "He looks dangerous, but he isn't."

"Every time Hoilett loses the ball, he completely gives up and lets the defender sort it out himself. This happens every time he plays", "I don't think he can actually tackle", "He clearly has talent, but invariably finds the best way to run into a defender."

Strikers

"It's ridiculous that we have only one fit and two old, crocked strikers picking up large wages", "Words fail me how a club, committed to playing ludicrously high wages in order to get to the promised land, felt that going into a season with Zamora and Johnson as back-up was sufficient."

Andy Johnson and Charlie Austin

"All we could muster against Everton was three shots off target in 90 minutes", "We don't have shots on target. I knew something was wrong coming away from (a 1-0 win at) Yeovil. The only shot on target was a penalty. We have been getting away with it in so many games."

"Andy — it's only a slight pull — Johnson is too injury prone and doesn't score enough when he is fit." The 32-year-old former Fulham and Everton striker has regularly come on from the bench in recent games. "He allows Charlie Austin to play off him in a 4-4-1-1 when they play together."

"Is Zamora better than a pantomime horse? Oh no he isn't." Bobby Zamora needs a hip operation which would rule him out until the end of his contract. The 32-year-old ex-Hammer "had a laughable 45-minute cameo against Forest", "He's an amazing target man who can no longer run and jump."

"Our supporters would prefer to see a young lad like Tom Hitchcock given a chance rather than watch some has-been hobble around the pitch, when it is clear they are in no state to play professional football." The 21-year-old scored the Hoops late winner against us in August.

The "diminutive striker" has just returned from a successful loan spell at Crewe where he scored three goals in six games. "If Hitchcock starts and scores a hat-trick on Saturday, it will totally scupper Harry's plans to bring in Crouch, Cole or whoever on a big fee and wages."

Charlie Austin

"Take away Austin, and we are toothless", "Austin reminds me of Teddy Sheringham. He's not blessed with great pace, but he is blessed with a football brain. He's good with his head from the right service and a good finisher. He is your number ten, in-the-hole type forward."

"He's not suited to this formation but he has grafted", "Charlie just loves playing his football. He's committed, passionate and goal hungry." He missed the Watford and Forest games over Christmas with a tight hamstring. "Without him, we are screwed."

The 24-year-old former Swindon and Burnley striker (and one time ITFC target) "is facing away from the goal for the majority of the match and frequently drops deep to pay the ball off for our midfield. He desperately needs assistance and the lack of this is a real oversight on Harry's part."

Hoops' views on ITFC and the Game

"This Christmas period has definitely knocked my confidence on us getting automatic promotion. It feels like a biggie on Saturday", "Ipswich are unbeaten in the last eight games and we're looking anything but convincing - 3-1 to the Tractor Boys (if we can find a goal from somewhere)."

"It will be a tough game." Most Hoops have forecast a draw, but their mood is not optimistic. "I am surprised a lot of you think we are going to lose. I hope the players don't think the same as you lot otherwise we are doomed."

Several Hoops have happy memories of their comfortable win in September 2010. "Last time I went was promotion season we won 3-0. It was a great night at Portman Road", "That was an enjoyable game."

"I remember Buzz (Akos Buzsaky) scoring with a volley from outside the box only for the ref to disallow it to give us a penalty instead. The Ice Man (Heidar Helguson) slotted in from the spot", "Yep, absolute screamer. That was the night that Kyle Walker made his debut, such a brilliant squad we had."

Websites

The most informed QPR website and message board is Loft For Words .

Photo: Action Images

Steve_M added 15:06 - Jan 10 The famed managerial acumen of Redknapp is showing clearly at present; still the transfer window is now open so he can carry on managing the only way he knows how.
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gazzmac4 added 15:27 - Jan 10 Good stuff as always Harry. Surprising how a squad with such good championship level players can be causing such a depressed following. But then i suppose we are having our best season for years and most of us arent completely happy. Swings and roundabouts i suppose. Still think they are dangerous for obvious reasons but can see us snatching a 2-1. Chambo from a corner and then a bit of DMcG magic out of nowhere to break them down. If we can squeeze 2 then that should be enough the way Gerks, Tommy and CB have been playing! COYB's!

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itfcserbia added 15:36 - Jan 10 It would be a massive statement to win this one, but I'm afraid it has a 0-0 written all over it. Hope I'm wrong though. COYB!
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Robbie12345 added 15:36 - Jan 10 Glad they have a few injurys expecially Hoilett! Hope their lack of confidance moves onto the pitch. Imagion this will be a close one, with us more of a tight unit, them more quality in areas but less used to eachother. I bet Mick would fight Rednapp over that he thinks Assou-Ekotto is the best left back in the league! Always loved Rednapp, but could be doing better with the team he has. Hope for a minimum of a draw, or win if wanting automatic premotion. COYB, cheers Harry!

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DiamondGezzer added 16:08 - Jan 10 Sounds just the opposite of us - a team of individuals. Thanks Harry once again. Looking forward even more now to a game quite frankly I was dreading.
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essextractorboy93 added 16:11 - Jan 10 Thanks Harry! Always interesting to assess the opposition before a match. I think QPR and Wigan have the strongest squads in the league on paper but we always give everyone a good game! COYB!
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Seasider added 16:41 - Jan 10 On paper looks like QPR should win with their team most of whom are known to non QPR football fans;but as Greavesie used to say the game isn't played on paper,its played on grass;although I remember when the 'Hoops' had this horrendous 'plastic pitch,in the early days of artificial playing surfaces. However reading Harry's comprehensive article,it is surprising how many 30 and over players in the other Harry's squad.I seem to recall that under PJ we had up to half a dozen 'experienced 'players in their 30's on large contracts or Loans and it didn't do the club any good. It would be nice for a change if Ipswich threw off the shackles for once,and attack,instead of giving the other team too much respect by matching up formations etc

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tractordownsouth added 16:53 - Jan 10 Assou Ekotto best left back by a country mile. Hmmmm cant have seen Cressy play then
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Tractorog added 17:35 - Jan 10 Much older squad than ours.
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HarryfromBath added 19:09 - Jan 10 I reckon that there will be no more than a goal or two in the game (although I thought the same before Blackpool). As DiamondGeezer says, they are a team of individuals, and I wonder if their biggest loss is Steve McClaren. Nevertheless, they are talented individuals, so we cannot afford to be complacent. Seasider's and Tractorog's comments about their age really struck a chord and echoed Steve's earlier comments about Redknapp's well known reliance on transfers. They are something of a bits-and-pieces team. The marriage of convenience with Redknapp could start to come under pressure if we win. I found this remark this evening on 'Loft for Words' which highlights the depth of their frustrations: "When you have a team of mostly crocked or bloated over the hill t****** on bigger wages then any other squad in the entire history of the club, not putting much of a f****** effort in, it's hard to stand up and roar the w****** on. Enough said." One little push...

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DanLyles added 19:25 - Jan 10 I would like to see us play 4-5-1/4-3-3 with Skuse, Hyam and Tunnicliffe in the middle, flanked by Taylor and Hunt, then McGoldrick up front. If Taylor was to drift inside from the right then his pace would cause Dunne and Hill no end of problems.
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airliner added 19:29 - Jan 10 Whereas we have a team of non prima Donna s and team spirit abounding. HR always try's o buy his way out of trouble or promotion as he always does this will be a close match.
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Flewitt85 added 19:56 - Jan 10 Think we can nick this one! With QPRs current form and us in 'ok' form and us at home I feel possitive about tomorrow. lets stay in the top 6!!! COYB!!!
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BillBlue added 21:16 - Jan 10 A really good one Harry, thanks. Wouldn't it be good if, just for once, we threw off the shackles and played good, quick, attacking football then when we score not try to defend a one goal lead and go on and trounce them. I think that could be achieved, but will it?
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JCBLUE added 21:36 - Jan 10 Great article Harry, thank you. 2-1 Town ..... please!!
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