|
Founder members of the Premiership, QPR's recent history has seen a disappointing few years littered with relegations and financial troubles. However, last season QPR grabbed promotion back to the Championship (or old Division One) with a last-day victory at Sheffield Wednesday - just pipping Bristol City to the post.
Unfortunately, despite the summer signings of George Santos and Watford's Lee Cook, the Super Hoops have yet to adjust to a step up in division and are still waiting to register their first victory of the new season. A 1-1 draw on the opening day of the season with Rotherham was closely followed by a crushing 3-0 defeat at Watford live on Sky. However, QPR did steal a credible point from a gruelling away trip to Sunderland last weekend. Saturday saw the end of their unbeaten home record that had stood since early 2002, when Derby stole a 2-0 victory. Therefore, it seems likely that QPR manager Ian Holloway will name a strong side to face the Swans, as he attempts to pick up his first victory of the new season and raise morale.
QPR's recent history in this competition is distinctly average. After being knocked-out in the first round by Northampton and Leyton Orient in 2001 and 2002, last season saw them reaching the third round with victories over Cheltenham and Sheffield Utd. Eventually, Manchester City proved one step too far and the Super Hoops were beaten 3-0 at Loftus Road.
Swansea's recent record in the League Cup has been poor. Beaten last year in extra time at Bristol City after a hard fought 90 minutes, the Swans were beaten 3-2 at home by Wolves in the previous season live on Sky. Of course, Swansea did achieve success in last year's FA Cup when they progressed to the Fifth Round, taking the scalps of Rushden, Stevenage, Macclesfield and Preston. In fact, the last meeting between the two sides came in the 2001/02 season and saw Swansea run out comfortable 4-0 winners at the Vetch, with Mamady Sidibe stealing the show.
On paper, this looks like a home win. Yet with Jackett's history, he'll be desperate to put one over on his old club and at the same time, win back the respect of some of his harshest South Wales critics. There is no doubt that Swansea are the underdogs, but perhaps with some hard work and a bit of luck, the Swans may be able to grab a credible Championship scalp......