QPR boss backs ‘complete’ Millwall to compete for top six this season as Millwall head coach also outlines what he expects from QPR clash

QPR boss backs ‘complete’ Millwall to compete for top six this season as Millwall head coach also outlines what he expects from QPR clash

QPR boss backs ‘complete’ Millwall to compete for top six this season

QUEENS Park Rangers boss Julien Stéphan backs Millwall to compete for a top-six spot this year ahead of his side’s clash with the Lions on Saturday.

Alex Neil’s side come into the tie unbeaten on the road in the league this season, winning twice and drawing twice. They currently sit in eighth, one point behind the Rangers in sixth.

QPR, meanwhile, boast an equally impressive Championship home record. They are currently unbeaten at Loftus Road, with again, two wins and two draws.

Stéphan thinks the form of both teams sets up a competitive tie.

“They are a solid team, complete team, very aggressive,” Stéphan said

“They press well, are good on set-pieces, able to create danger. For me, they are an outsider for the top six this year. I think it’s a strong team and I’m sure it will be a great game, because it’s a derby; kick-off 12.30 at home; they are in a good run; we are in a good run.

“We respect all of this team – but we are ready to compete, we are ready because we have confidence and because we trust as well in our fans to push us for 95, 96, 97 minutes.”

ALEX Neil also outlined what he expects from Queens Park Rangers ahead of Millwall’s trip across London to Loftus Road on Saturday.

The Rangers started the season poorly, picking up one point in their first three and getting thumped 7-1 away at Coventry City.

However, since that chastening loss in the Midlands, they have been undefeated, winning four and drawing twice.

They are currently sixth in the Championship, one point above the Lions in eighth.

Neil was asked by NewsAtDen what kind of contest he expects this weekend.

“Very similar to West Brom: 4-4-2 block, defensively strong, don’t leave a lot of spaces, quite happy to play without the ball, really dangerous in transition, quick front four, counter-attack quickly, good pace, dangerous, don’t necessarily need to play well to win,” Neil said. “So a good challenge.

Julien Stéphan was appointed QPR boss over the summer, his first job in England after seven seasons in France.

Neil was asked if Stéphan’s Championship inexperience gave Millwall an advantage.

“No, I don’t think it makes any difference because you’ve got guys that come in and do particularly well at this level as well,” Neil said. “I think there are a lot of variables and a lot of factors that go into that.