Former England manager Steve McClaren has backed Swansea City to climb the Championship table and either make or get close to the play-offs.
McClaren brings his Queens Parks Rangers team to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, having recovered from a wretched start to the season.
Rangers lost their first four league games and conceded 13 goals, but have since steadied the ship to climb to 16th place, just two behind the Swans.
But the much-travelled boss believes Graham Potter’s team are still adjusting following relegation from the Premier League and despite the huge turnover in players, he believes they are capable of a quick return.
“Once they find the right formula, the right system and the right players they are going to be a threat,” said McClaren.
“They are going to be in the top six or thereabouts, without a shadow of a doubt.
“Sometimes you can be lucky and have a similar team to what you had last season and you can be flying, but I think they are in a similar situation to the one we are in – we are trying to find the right formula to win games.
“We are in the same boat, trying to find our best team, our best system, our best bench and the best way to change games as they develop.”
The Swans have failed to score in five of their last six matches, a lack of firepower that would have seen them down near the relegation zone if their defence had been just as inadequate.
Instead, Potter’s men have only conceded six goals in their nine league games, with youngsters such as centre-back Joe Rodon, 20, quickly proving worth their opportunity.
Rodon could well face former Swan Angel Rangel at the Liberty Stadium, with the Spaniard having signed a short-term contract following his departure from Swansea.
It’s a reunion Rodon is looking forward to, although there would be a 15 year age gap between the players.
“Angel is a legend of this club. I am proud to wear his number which is a big thing for me. I asked to have 22 this season because it would mean so much to me,” said Rodon.
“I used to watch his games as a season ticket holder. I loved watching him play for the Swans – he had a great engine and played with so much passion. He always worked his socks off for the team.”
“I remember Angel coaching me for a session at the academy when I was under-13s. To have that experience at a young age was really inspiring,” added the 20-year-old.
“He went on to become a massive legend at this club and gave it great service. To play against him will be a great opportunity and achievement.
“He is a great player and probably one of the most competitive people I have ever met. He has given players like me good advice over the years. I would love the opportunity to play against him.
“He was so competitive in training. Sometimes when I was on his team I was scared to give the ball away because he would be on to you. But that helps you to become a better player.
“His drive to win pushes you to be better.
Leroy Fer and Bersant Celina could return for Swansea. Captain Fer has been out with a groin problem and fellow midfielder Celina had ankle ligament damage. But both are back in training and may get some game time against Rangers.
Joel Asoro will miss out after suffering a knock playing for the Under-23s.
QPR will be without Jordan Cousins through suspension. The midfielder was sent off during the Carabao Cup defeat by Blackpool and serves a one-match ban.
Defender Grant Hall, who is working his way back from a long-term knee problem, gave Rangers a boost by coming through the full 90 minutes.
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Swansea have won three of their last four league matches against QPR, drawing the other.
This is the first Championship meeting between Swansea and QPR since December 2010, when Neil Warnock’s Hoops side won 4-0 at Loftus Road.
QPR haven’t won away at Swansea City in any competition since January 1981 in the second tier, drawing three and losing four since then.
QPR have won just one of their last nine Championship games on the road (D2 L6) however, that victory did come in their last away outing against Bolton (2-1).
100% of Swansea’s goals this season have come from open play (7/7) – indeed, they are the only team yet to score a set piece goal in the Championship in 2018-19.
QPR’s Nahki Wells has recorded 15 shots without scoring in the Championship this season; the only forward to have more shots without scoring is Leeds’ Samuel Saiz (20).