THE CHALKBOARD

QUEENS Park Rangers were out of the traps quickly on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Leeds United to kick off their Championship campaign.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says he wants his side as fit as butcher’s dogs for this season and wants an aggressive and self-confident team.

Last season, Rangers had a habit of scoring one goal and then sitting back, with the Hoops claiming a club-record 18 draws.

Now, the Londoners are more businesslike in terms of fitness and confidence going forward ,which manifested itself in Hasselbaink’s first full pre-season at Loftus Road.

However, the Loftus Road outfit have not got the best record when it comes to the first round of the League Cup, losing five of the last seven - including against Swindon Town in 2013.

Swindon Advertiser:

Queens Park Rangers manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

LIKELY LINE-UP

Swindon Advertiser:

MAN IN FORM: Sebastian Polter

IT looks like Queens Park Rangers striker Sebastian Polter could be becoming an increasing bargain at Loftus Road.

The 25-year-old German striker joined for a fee believed to be around the million-pound mark from Bundesliga side FSV Mainz 05 last summer, but struggled in the early part of his Rangers career, blaming it on a lack of a proper pre-season.

He got dropped early on, which resulted in a strop from the player, but was handed a second chance during the hectic Christmas period.

Since the turn of the year, he has gone on overdrive and has been working hard on his fitness, including taking part in 10k charity run back in Germany over the summer.

Polter got off the mark in the opening game of the season, having already struck the post earlier on.

Swindon Advertiser:

TREATMENT ROOM

FORMER Town midfielder Ben Gladwin may be a doubt to face his old club at Loftus Road.

Queens Park Rangers head coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink admitted he brought off Gladwin against Leeds United because the winger was hovering perilously close to a red card in the second half of the 3-0 win.

However, it appears Gladwin was also carrying an ankle knock, which prompted his boss to remove him from the fray in the 56th minute and bring on Jordan Cousins for his debut.

Meanwhile, forward Jamie Mackie is on the sidelines, having been ruled out for at least three months in July with ankle ligament damage.

The 30-year-old sustained the injury in training while coming back from surgery on a long-standing hamstring problem.

While, defender Jack Robinson is another long-term absentee after sustaining a knee injury whilst on loan at Huddersfield Town last season.

Swindon Advertiser:

Ben Gladwin

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