Premier League preview: QPR v Manchester City

28 January 2013 13:14

Manchester City will head into their game with Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday knowing that nothing less than a win will do.

Roberto Mancini's side currently sit five points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United with the Red Devils to face Southampton on Wednesday in a game they will be expecting to win, making it vital City do not drop points at Loftus Road.

Currently enjoying a run of four straight wins, the reigning champions look to be in irresistible form with an impressive 2-0 triumph over Arsenal earlier this month typifying their capability of besting the league's top sides.

They will come up against a QPR side who suffered a soul-destroying 4-2 loss at the hands to Milton Keynes Dons in the FA Cup on Saturday, a game which manager Harry Redknapp described as 'disgusting'.

The London side are currently bottom of the Premier League and despite the fact there are 15 games left in the season they will be more than aware their chances of survival will diminish with every dropped point.

While it appears a relatively straightforward match for City, they will be concerned by the loss of captain Vincent Kompany who limped off in the first half of their 1-0 FA Cup win over Stoke City with a calf injury.

City assistant Richard Platt confirmed the defender will miss the trip to London after the match, saying: "There won't be any chance of Tuesday."

Despite the absence of their captain, City has ample cover in their ranks to deal with his injury and should run out comfortable winners against their lowly opponents.