Fulham v QPR preview

Fulham host West London rivals Queens Park Rangers for the first time in over ten years this Sunday.

The last derby involving the two clubs was in the old Division One during the 1990/91 season, when the Cottagers were 2-0 winners on both occasions.

And, despite their lack of Premier League experience in recent years, QPR have made a better start to the campaign than their near-neighbours.

Rangers are seven places and four points above Fulham in the table and will take confidence from two away wins in three trips this season.

Last weekend's dramatic draw with Aston Villa took their unbeaten run to three games and they have not lost since Joey Barton and Shaun Wright-Phillips arrived at the club.

Fulham are still searching for their first league win under Martin Jol but the Cottagers have proven to be difficult to beat, earning four draws in their six top flight games.

Their Europa League form has been more encouraging and Thursday night's 2-0 win over Odense has taken them to second in their group.

Fulham have already played 17 competitive games this season, compared to QPR who have been involved in just seven matches.

Striker Andrew Johnson has returned to goalscoring form, after his brace in Denmark on Thursday took his tally for the season to six.
Team news

After missing the trip to Scandinavia, Bobby Zamora is expected to be back in the squad for the visit of QPR.

Zamora, along with Moussa Dembele, has been missing due to an illness and remained in London during the week.

Jol is still without long-term absentee Simon Davies but Aaron Hughes may be involved despite a recent knee problem.

For the visitors, striker DJ Campbell could be in line for a recall to the first team after coming on just after the hour mark in last weekend's draw with Villa.

Danny Gabbidon, injured against Wolves a fortnight ago, may return to the side after being absent due to a knee complaint.

Kieron Dyer (foot) and Rob Hulse (knee) continue to miss out for Neil Warnock's team and Armand Traore is suspended following his red card against Aston Villa.

Possible starting XIs

Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Riise, Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora.

QPR: Kenny, Young, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Connolly, Wright-Phillips, Barton, Derry, Faurlin, Taarabt, Bothroyd.