Good morning! QPR manager
Harry Redknapp will be talking to the media in around 15 minutes as his side prepare to face Everton in this week's Monday evening match.
The Hoops come into this match off the back of an important win over fellow strugglers Burnley. The 2-0 lifted them out of the bottom three last weekend, but did see top goalscorer
Charlie Austin sent off, which means that they will be without the striker for their trip to Goodison Park this weekend.
This match marks a run of four Premier League outings in 13 days for the London club, as they have matches against West Bromwich Albion, Arsenal and Crystal Palace coming off over the Christmas period, as well as the visit of Swansea City on New Year's Day.
Speaking of Charlie Austin, the in-form forward is one of six players nominated for November's Player of the Month award, but he faces stiff competition from the likes of Sergio Aguero and David de Gea.
While we're waiting for the manager, why not check out this little festive treat that the team put together for their fans earlier this week:
Although Everton sit five places above them in the league table, QPR will be optimistic of causing an upset this weekend as Roberto Martinez's men have struggled for form in recent weeks, winning just once in their last six outings in the Premier League. The Toffees are also in Europa League action later today, so won't be as fresh heading into the match as the Londoners.
Redknapp has previously revealed that he will be looking to make at least on addition to his squad when the transfer window opens next month. They've been busy already this week though, signing free agent Jake Mulraney to their development squad for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Michael Harriman has extended his loan spell away from Loftus Road with League Two's Luton Town in the last week, keeping him with the Hatters until early next year.
QPR also learnt earlier this week who they will face in the third round of the FA Cup next month. The Hoops were handed a home time against League One's Sheffield United, who knocked out a couple of Premier League sides on their way to the semi-finals in the competition last season.
While we're still waiting for the manager, let me remind you that we will have live coverage of this match from an hour before kickoff, as well as team news beforehand, half time and full time reports, match analysis, player ratings and loads more, so make sure you're with us on Monday evening to find out of QPR can put more distance between themselves and the relegation zone.
QPR defender Rio Ferdinand has already had a busy morning as he's been appearing as a guest on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show:
A little later than expects, Redknapp has finally arrived for his press conference, so let's see what he has to say...
The manager starts with a squad update. He reveals: "Charlie Austin is suspended, but other than that we've got a very strong squad going to Everton on Monday."
QPR haven't picked up any points away from home yet this season, and the manager admits: "£Our away form needs to improve. We're still searching for a winning formula and we'll have to do it without Charlie."
It was reported earlier this week that the players were involved in a skirmish during a Christmas lunch at the weekend following their win over Burnley, and that Steven Caulker needed hospital treatment as a result. When asked about the incident, Redknapp says: "A few of the players went out for Sunday lunch. Steven fell over. He's ok, he's recovered, end of story. Surely there's more important things going on in the world than this to make the front page, it's really crazy. The players were entitled to go out. It's done and dusted. We're focused on Monday's game at Everton."
It seems that it's not quite "done and dusted" as the manager continues: "I've got no time for them going out together for Christmas, but they just went for a Sunday lunch, a few of the lads. The headlines won't damage us, we've got a fine spirit here at QPR, and these headlines won't affect that."
Turning his attention back to this match, Redknapp admits that he is expecting a difficult match at Goodison Park: "Our home form has been excellent, we've had great results. We need to improve our away form tough. It will be tough at Everton, they're a very good side, it's a tough place to go. We've got to come up with a winning formula to get a positive result from Goodison Park."
Redknapp is asked about the transfer window, and reiterates that he is keen to add to his squad next month: "We've not made an enquiry for [MLS MVP] Robbie Keane. I've not spoken to Jermain Defoe either. If we can get one or two players in that would be great. We certainly need a couple of additions in January."
Redknapp is asked again about the team's away form. He tells reporters: "It's not easy to win away from home, but we are desperate to improve our away form, and that needs to start on Monday. The fitness levels of the players is fine. We're ready for the busy Christmas period. I've been pleased with our form. Late goals have done us recently away from home. We need to get points on the board though, sooner rather than later."
And that's it from Redknapp today. Obviously, with four days until they actually play there's time for things to change, but it looks like Redknapp is optimistic of taking an almost fully-fit squad to Everton. Don't forget to join us again on Monday to see whether QPR can get their first points away from home this season. Until then, thanks for joining me this morning, goodbye.