QPR v Chelsea/West Bromwich Albion: will there be any respite for the beleaguered Rs?

After a grim festive double that saw Queens Park Rangers, like the United Kingdom at Eurovision, pick up “nil points”, reality is beginning to set in as tough clashes loom large in the New Year.

Deadly | Luis Suárez eases past Clint Hill at Loftus Road to score the opener. (Image | BBC)

First up are Chelsea, beginning to come into form under Rafael Benítez, at Stamford Bridge before Rangers make their annual FA Cup exit – this time at the hands of West Bromwich Albion. Can a glimmer of hope be found amid the misery?

QPR v West Bromwich Albion/Liverpool: will it be a happy Christmas for Rangers?

With the aptly-named “mini revival” having been abruptly ended by Newcastle United, is there to be any festive joy for Queens Park Rangers as they take on West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool in the final two games of 2012?

Boost | Stephane Mbia, Clint Hill and Nedum Onuoha celebrate after the victory over Fulham, but the next two home games are similarly crucial. (Image | The Times)

Or will it be a case of a Grinch-style punishment for the Rs after a year in which they have rarely impressed, occasionally delighted, but more often than not been very bad indeed?

QPR v Fulham: will a local derby inspire the Rs to victory?

There is nothing quite like a tricky west London derby to warm the hearts of supporters who in the past 16 games have been watching a record breaking side play.

Frustration | Rock-bottom Queens Park Rangers are still winless this season. (Image | BBC)

Unfortunately, this is an outfit that has made the worst ever start to a Premier League season.

Can the R’s break their winless curse against Fulham, or will it be another missed opportunity?

Newcastle United v QPR: Rangers aim to smash their second record in a week

A win! A win! My kingdom for a win! Now that the gods of fate have answered the calls of all those concerned with Queens Park Rangers, the Superhoops face a trip to the north east.

In control | Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure leads Newcastle United a merry dance at St. James’ Park. (Image | The Guardian)

With Newcastle United in wretched form and possibly beginning to regret a certain eight-year contract, can Rangers break their second unwanted record in the space of a week?