Q.P.R. v City. Match preview

Last updated : 18 August 2007 By Michael Morris

The forward pair were left out of the midweek Carling Cup first-round defeat by Leyton Orient due to respective hamstring and back problems, but Rangers manager John Gregory expects them to recover in time for the visit of Dave Jones' men.

Gregory will also have Hogan Ephraim available again after the midfielder was denied permission to play against Orient under the terms of his loan deal from West Ham.

Defenders Marcus Bignot and Danny Cullip returned from injury for the Orient game, but it remains to be seen whether either player retains his place after the disappointing 2-1 home reverse against the League One side.

On-loan Chelsea forward Ben Sahar is still recovering after an appendectomy, while defender Pat Kanyuka (thigh), winger Gareth Ainsworth (ankle) and forward Ray Jones (foot) remain sidelined.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will play no part in Cardiff's trip to the capital.

The former Leeds, Chelsea and Middlesbrough forward, 35, had been tipped to join Cardiff's Coca-Cola Championship rivals Leicester.

But he opted to join the Bluebirds on Thursday, although he will not join up with his new team mates until Monday.

Hasselbaink's arrival is a boost to Dave Jones' men, who are still without Robbie Fowler as the former Liverpool striker battles to return to fitness.

The Bluebirds are still missing midfielder Riccardo Scimeca and striker Steve Thompson due to injury but Jones has no other injury or suspension concerns as his side go in their pursuit of their first points of the new season.

Sporting Life