Preview: Owls v Q.P.R.

Wednesday will be looking for fireworks in front of goal as Brian Laws looks to give Wednesdayites something to cheer about against big-spending Q.P.R. on Saturday.

The Owls have been out of form of late and victory against Jim Magilton's men would be a welcome tonic in a tough spell of the season.

Rangers too haven't been in top form of late, and although splashing the cash on improving their squad, they haven't lived up to their pre-season expectations.

Owls midfielder Darren Potter on a possible formation change:

'You would imagine we will play a 4-4-2. QPR play free-flowing football, we like to do the same and particularly when we're at home, so I think it will be an exciting game.

'I'm sure the gaffer has analysed them and he'll be telling us over the next few days what their weaknesses and strengths are, so we'll be working on that.'

Wednesday boss Laws will be waiting until the last minute before naming his squad.

Laws had concerns about Michael Gray, Tommy Miller, Darren Purse, Mark Beevers, Etienne Esajas, James O'Connor and Sean McAllister ahead of last weekend's clash with Bristol City due to a virus.

The club have taken precautions to stop the virus spreading through the Owls camp, but the visit of Rangers could come too soon for some players.

Still, Laws may not want to change a side that performed so well while under-strength against Bristol City, with Lewis Buxton impressing at centre-back and Frank Simek also making a welcome return at right-back.

If Gray's passed fit, he could well be put back into midfield should Laws prefer to switch back to a 4-4-2 formation rather than the 4-3-3 used at Bristol.

Varney has been struggling in front of goal of late but his leveller last season will have given his confidence a boost. Hopefully the goals will start flowing, starting this weekend.

Q.P.R. come into the game on the back of a 1-1 stalemate against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.

The R's will have been looking to collect six points from their last two home clashes.

But a home defeat against Leicester City last Friday night was followed by the stalemate against Palace, and Magilton will be looking for a big response from his men at S6.

Long-term absentees Martin Rowlands (knee), Matthew Connolly (Glandular Fever) and Lee Cook (knee) remain unavailable for selection.

But Rangers have a big squad to choose from and Magilton could ring the changes for his return to Hillsborough.

Taarabt, on loan at Loftus Road, is one of the best players outside the Premier League and his skill and trickery, although easy on the eye, will no doubt cause the Owls defenders all kinds of problems. Will soon be playing in the top flight, with or without Rangers.

Head-to-Head:

Wednesday wins: 27

QPR wins: 18

Draws: 13

Last Time Out:

Rangers 3-2 Wednesday

Loftus Road, 13/04/2009

Wednesday let a two-goal lead slip in dramatic style to fall to defeat last time out. An own goal and a Marcus Tudgay spot kick after half-time put the Owls in command. But Rowan Vine, Gavin Mahon and Damion Stewart scored to give the hosts three points.

v Ipswich Town (A) - 21/11/09

v West Brom (H) - 28/11/09

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