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da blaze casino： This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
It will presumably be an emotional moment this Saturday when Charlie Austin returns to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, or Loftus Road as he knew it.
The 30-year-old enjoyed a wonderful spell with the R’s from 2013-2016, scoring an impressive 47 goals in 89 games across his stint with the Londoners – averaging more than a goal every two matches.
Austin returns to this corner of London in indifferent form, but he is still the man to keep an eye on given what QPR know full well he is capable of.
How has he fared so far?
Since signing for the Baggies in a £4m switch back in the summer, Austin is yet to score for his new side in five Championship appearances.
He has, however, netted against Millwall in the Carabao Cup, while his first league goal for the Midlands-based club surely can’t be too far away given the fact he takes 3.2 shots per game.
Austin may be struggling right now, but the QPR faithful know how prolific he can be if he gets a chance.
Chances of him scoring?
Well, Austin played as a lone striker last time out against Huddersfield, and if that turns out to be the case against QPR, he will find himself up against three centre-backs – Warburton has been using a 5-3-2 system with wing-backs recently.
At first glance, that makes it seem as if the former Burnley striker will be outnumbered.
However, Grant Hall – who has started seven league games at centre-back this term – is a doubt for the match, so some potential disruption at the back for the R’s could work to Austin’s advantage.
As aforesaid, Austin has proven himself to be a deadly finisher in years gone by, and he could only really need one golden opportunity against his former side to make an impact in Saturday’s game.
QPR must keep their eye on him, without a doubt – he has already struck plenty of goals at this stadium in the past, but the R’s won’t want to see lightning strike in the same place again.