Harry Redknapp is rarely regarded as an astute strategist, partly because of his frequent comments about the futility of tactics, but a couple of his wins as QPR manager have arrived because of intelligent selection decisions. The shock 1-0 win at Chelsea, for example, was a game when Redknapp deployed Adel Taarabt as a false nine, and told the Moroccan to drop deep into midfield to help retain the ball, and encourage runners forward on the break.
Last week's 2-1 win at Southampton was another example of a good Redknapp selection decision: this time he left out Taarabt, and named Jay Bothroyd upfront for his first QPR start of the season. Behind him, Redknapp selected three pacey runners: Loic Remy on the right, Park Ji-Sung through the middle, and David Hoilett on the left. It worked well against a Southampton side pressing high up under Mauricio Pochettino, and leaving spaces at the back.
However, the same combination of attackers might be less successful this weekend at home to Sunderland, a side who defend deep in two banks of four, and enjoy just 40.5% of possession on the road; only Reading see less of the ball on their travels. This task will require extra creativity and guile to make the breakthrough, and therefore it would be a surprise if Taarabt wasn't recalled.
Remy is surely undroppable given his transfer fee, Park is QPR's captain, while Bothroyd deserves another start after his winner. Hoilett might drop to the bench, with Taarabt coming into the side on the left.
