Dan Young – QPR fan and occasional visitor to Craven Cottage, shares his views ahead of Saturday's West London derby at Loftus Road.
First things first, have you got over the 6-0 defeat at the Cottage yet?
That was a result that will take a while to get over if I’m honest, but a win on Saturday would certainly go a long way in addressing that. But we need three points for a number of reasons really...
What was going through your mind when the sixth goal went in?
The first thing that hit me was the fact there was still some 15 minutes or so left and at that point we looked like conceding every time Fulham went forward. I went to the game with my Dad who is actually a Fulham fan – and it was by far the worst experience of going to games with him. I think he saw my pain and, as a result, didn’t rub it in too much. He had a big smile on his face watching Match of the Day though!
Despite being a QPR fan, with Fulham in the family you can’t be averse to the odd trip to Craven Cottage; an Rs fan with a soft spot for Fulham perhaps?
That’s a fair assessment. There aren’t many of us but at least we all share a dislike of Chelsea! With my Dad being Fulham, and the fact we’ve not crossed paths in the League that often in my lifetime, it has been quite easy to put that rivalry aside. I went with him to Hamburg for the Europa League Final and despite nearly shedding a tear or two at the final whistle, QPR is still the club for me!
Having watched Fulham closely, which players do you think can cause QPR the biggest problems?
Clint Dempsey is getting better year on year and has really developed an eye for goal now – this season he has been fantastic. He’s one of the League’s form players and is capable of making a real difference. Then there’s Mousa Dembélé, who’s a dangerous player too and on his day he can be superb. He seems to be playing a bit deeper of late, so he could see more of the ball than I would like on Saturday.
And which players in the blue and white hoops should we be worried about?
Adel Taarabt is showing the form that won him so much praise last season, and he’s due a goal! Of course, Zamora deserves a mention too.
So how do you see the game going?
The atmosphere will be pretty intense and, with the game sold out so quickly it’s one that both sets of fans will be looking forward too. Both teams like to get the ball down and play, so I think there will be chances at both ends. That said, QPR need the points more – and that’s what I think will swing this one in their favour.
For our travelling fans, what is the best and worst thing about a trip to Loftus Road?
The best thing is probably how close the fans are to the pitch and that makes for a great atmosphere. The worst thing, as Fulham fans will no doubt remember, is the shocking lack of leg room between seats. If you’re over 5’10 – get an aisle seat!
One song we’re bound to hear?
Over the tannoy you will hear ‘Reach Up (pig bag)’ which is the QPR theme tune. You’ll also hopefully hear it when we score too!
Where should travelling fans get a pint?
There are a couple of away pubs in Shepherds Bush by the green. I’m pretty sure the Walkabout is one of them, which is always worth a shout.