Arsenal Have Players Back For QPR

TEAM NEWS Arsene Wenger will have midfielder Tomas Rosicky and keeper David Ospina available again after thigh problems. Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey won't be fit to face the Hoops but could return for the other festive fixtures. QPR have a number of players - too many to list according to boss Harry Redknapp - who will be assessed prior to their Arsenal clash. Left-back Yun Suk-Young is a definite absentee with an ankle injury. MATCH PREVIEW Arsenal fans have enjoyed the traditional Boxing Day fixtures for years now, having only seen their team beaten once on 26 December under Arsene Wenger. Lawro's prediction "QPR are away from home - what are people expecting me to say!? Harry Redknapp's side have lost all eight of their Premier League matches on the road this season and it hard to see them improving that dismal record at Emirates Stadium." Predictions: Lawro v Guy Mowbray In fact, the Gunners have only lost once on Boxing Day since the formation of the Premier League. Their festive home record has been rock solid in recent years too, winning the last seven in a row, starting with a 3-0 victory over QPR in 1995. They beat West Ham this time last year and Wenger will be hoping it's a Christmas tradition that continues as they begin a run of three games in the space of seven days. Not surprisingly with Arsenal sixth in the table, his aim is to build some momentum. "We can make points," he said. "Our opponents will think that as well, but let's just put the performances in and capitalise on it. The consistency in that period is what will matter." If Arsenal are the team Wenger thinks they are, then this is the sort of match they should win. But QPR are no longer the soft touch they were at times in the autumn. Three wins from the last five league games has lifted Harry Redknapp's team a couple of points clear of the relegation zone. Their spirit was illustrated last Saturday in coming back from two goals down to beat West Brom 3-2 at Loftus Road. It's a good job their home form isn't bad, because their record on the road has been appalling so far. All of their points this season have been won at home. A first away win of the season might be a tall order though. The Gunners have only lost once at home in the league so far and Rangers have failed to score a goal on five of their last six visits. The exception was a 3-1 win some 20 years ago. Memorable for QPR fans and for Arsenal supporters too, because John Jensen scored his only goal for the club. MATCH FACTS Head-to-head Arsenal have won three of the last four meetings 1-0, including both games last season. The Hoops were undefeated in their first six Premier League meetings with Arsenal (W2, D4) but have only won one of the next six (D1, L4). Arsenal Arsenal have only lost one of their last seven matches in all competitions (W5, D1). They have only lost one of their 17 Boxing Day Premier League matches (W11, D5). Mathieu Debuchy became a record 20th Frenchman to score a Premier League goal for Arsenal against Liverpool last time out. Arsene Wenger is one win shy of his 400th in the Premier League era. Santi Cazorla has had a hand in five goals (three goals, two assists) in his last five league games. QPR QPR have yet to earn a point away from home this season (P8, L8). They are the only team in the league who have yet to win on their travels and have only scored three goals away from Loftus Road. Harry Redknapp's side have conceded the opening goal in 13 of their 17 league games this season, more than any other side. Charlie Austin is the top-scoring Englishman in the Premier League this season with 11. Austin has scored nine goals in his last eight league appearances, all at home. Source:bbc