Premier League preview: West Ham v QPR

Queens Park Rangers are preparing for their third consecutive London derby when they welcome West Ham to Loftus Road on Monday.

Mark Hughes’ men have had a tough fixture early in their second season since promotion, earning their two points from five games in draws with Norwich City (away) and Chelsea.

The Hammers, however, have been buoyant in their first season since their rise from the Championship, earning eight points in five matches with their only blip a 3-0 loss away to Swansea.

Sam Allardyce’s men fell to a 4-1 loss in their League Cup clash on Tuesday, but that would be of little concern to the manager with a second-string side sent out on the pitch at Upton Park.

The Hammers have scored in each of their home clashes this season – both league and cup – but conversely have failed to register an away goal in their two trips so far to Swansea and Norwich.

And if they break the away ‘drought’ of sorts, it won’t be done by the head/foot of Andy Carroll, who remains on the sidelines for another week with a hamstring.

Midfielder Jack Collison is out indefinitely with fluid in his knee.

QPR have a flurry of injury concerns, namely a trio of players with hamstring complaints that will see them miss the visit of West Ham – Jose Bosingwa, Fabio and Anton Ferdinand.

Adel Taarabt, who also had a hamstring injury, could return to face their London rivals.

Andrew Johnson (knee), Stephane M’Bia (knock) and Armand Traore (knock) will also be out of the matchday squad.

The two clubs have split their most recent outings in the Championship in 2004, with the home side winning in each instance in their only two clashes since 1996.

However, there is a small prize up for grabs for the winner on Monday, as they will edge the historical head-to-head tally which sits at 10 wins each, and 14 draws.