It's been a bad week. Two very poor performances and hits to any Premier League ambitions Gooners may have fostered in recent weeks, combined with the fractious debacle that was the Arsenal AGM have left the mood around Arsenal rather gloomy.
Still, it's been long enough for some hope to come shining back and no doubt Arsenal will be looking to provide some more against a rock bottom QPR side with no win in all 8 matches.
Easier said than done
It's all very well talking about bouncing back, but Arsenal have been rather shambolic lately, and are missing width and pace thanks to injuries. The last time the Gunners faced QPR they went down 2-1, though the home game was a 1-0 victory.
QPR may not have looked great this season but they have good players and will be looking to get their first win. Don't forget Norwich hadn't won when they played Arsenal too.
Team news
Arsenal look set to welcome back Bacary Sagna and Jack Wilshere from long-term injuries, and both are expected to feature in some capacity, though likely not starting.
Francis Coquelin may come into the starting line-up after impressing in the defeat to Schalke, replacing Aaron Ramsey, who's been invisible of late. Kieran Gibbs is still out, meaning Andre Santos is going to need to find form, and fast, if he wants to deal with the likes of Adel Taraabt.
On the wings, Aaron Ramsey looks very likely to be dropped, with Theo Walcott training ahead of the game today, though even 17 year old Serge Gnabry could get a chance to start. Gervinho will likely make way for Olivier Giroud.
QPR have few injury worries, apart from captain Park Ji-Sung being doubtful for the game. That's a blessing, bugger always scored against us for United.
Key players
Arsenal's wide men need to find some movement and pace if they want to create chances. In a similar vein, Olivier Giroud needs to be sharp enough to finish the chances he does get (he's had precious few of late).
Thomas Vermaelen and Bobby Zamora form a crucial role in the game. For reasons best known to himself, the Belgian has never been able to deal with Mr McAverage, and if that continues Arsenal will have problems.
Esteban Granero must also be dealt with, being a Champions League class player in a mid-table outfit.
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