As QPR and Leicester prepare to face off at Loftus Road tonight live on Sky Ash takes his usual look at the key runners and riders in the clash of the play off chasers.

Expectation:
And it’s not just us now either. We’d been flying under the radar somewhat, despite our results and performances, that was until Saturday evening. The R’s stirring comeback at Derby, was not only impressive because of the two goal deficit we came back from but it was the way we done it. As beamed by all at the moment, Rangers are playing some of the best football we’ve seen from a team in blue and white hoops, and before Saturday’s live game on the beeb, it was our little secret. One we all happy to talk about amongst ourselves while everyone else concentrates on the up and downs of Newcastle, Middlesborough and Ipswich (well more downs for them but you catch my drift). Not any more, people are talking about us, and not in a ‘Have you heard what QPR’s mad owner has done now’ or ‘Rangers have only gone and sacked another manager’ way but in glowing terms as the divisions in-form team and promotion contenders. Which is nice, and the amount of complimentary texts I got from friends and colleagues on Saturday showed that the live audience were suitably impressed with Jim Magilton’s men against the Rams and most if not all will be tuning in tomorrow to see the same again. Which is a level of expectation a Rangers team have had for a long time, yes expectation from us the fans is there - and is now ten fold thanks to the last few games. But this is something new, and sees us favourites tomorrow night, despite the fact that our opponents actually sit above us in the league and are proving quite a difficult side to beat. Does the expectation scare me? Do I think it will effect the players? Well in days gone by I would have easily said yes, but like Clive on Saturday I wasn't alarmed when we went two goals down and knew we could play our way back in it, and I’m not alarmed by this sudden expectations either. Infact I think our players will revel in it. Another four goals anyone?

‘Not doing a Rangers’
Although I do believe in Magilton and this group of players more so then I have a R’s side since Ian Holloway’s boys, part of me still wary that this is still QPR and we could still fall flat on our faces tomorrow night. Of course this run will end, both the amount of goals we’re scoring per match and the winning run in general will stop at some point but as long as its not done in a match we are more then capable of winning like tomorrows clash with the Foxes. No, I’m not really expecting us to dish out another four goal haul but it’s a game we can win (theres that expectation again!), and three points are there for the taken. What I hope we don’t see, is an ‘after the Lord Mayors Show’ type of performance that sees us outplayed and out performed. Let’s show that Sky audience who they should be talking about just like we did on the old Beeb last weekend.

Gavin Mahon
Remember that bloke who was booed by his own fans last season, in front of a live TV audience? Now isn't that the same bloke who slotted into the midfield so nicely on Saturday and scored the all important equaliser? Yeah I thought so. Ok, so I’m not going to sit here and suggest that Mahon is now an absolutely vital player for us, but you have to give it to him. Many of us, me included we have happily seen him on his way this summer and thanked for all his hard work as it did look as though he’s struggle to get into the team this season. But with Rowlands injured again and Ben Watson collecting red cards like merlin stickers, the former Watford man has stepped up to the plate and performed excellently when asked to in the past month. His cool head infront of the back four, letting the likes of Buzsaky, Faurlin and Tarabt buzz in and around him was a key factor in the comeback at Pride Park and few could have faulted his performance. Mahon will get the chance to continue that form tomorrow night and should it result in another victory for Rangers, what happens then? Watson will be back from suspension to face is old club Crystal Palace Tuesday night, but should it be fair to walk straight back into the team when someone is already excelling in that position? That nice decision is down to Magilton and all Mahon can do is help the R’s to another three points and then see what happens next.

Jay Simpson
Watching the Arsenal v Liverpool game last night, it was clear why the young striker has chosen a loan deal rather then fight it out for a chance at the Emirates. There they were in the Carling Cup fifth round, a competition Arsene Wenger usually uses to showcase the impressive young players at the club, and upfront was Nicolas Bendtner and Eduardo. Now I’m aware that they were playing Liverpool and the need for a trophy in North London is getting bigger every year but what hope would Simpson have had if he’d been at the club last night? It means when Simpson does go back to Arsenal he will have to fight off both the two that played last night plus, Robin Van Persie, Carlos Vela, Sanchez Watt and arguably even Theo Walcott. I’m not saying if he’s better or worse then any of those players but surely it ups the possibility that he could become a permanent Ranger if and when the opportunity arises. Another goal or two tomorrow night may prove a point to Wenger and even stronger reason for Flavio to flex his financial muscle for the frontman in January.

Jim Magilton
Humble Pie is a term I’ve seen on the message board quite a lot this week. And it’s a term at the moment that is quite fully justified. I was one of the many who was less them thrilled (and that’s putting it mildly) at his appointment in the summer, but here we are four points off the top with a game in hand. Indeed if we win our next two games and Newcastle fail to win this weekend, we could well be top of the pile on Tuesday evening. He couldn't do much more could he? Well yes he could, cos not only are we sitting pretty in the Championship we are doing it in free-flowing, passing and moving, goal glutting style. More of the same would be lovely at HQ tomorrow, but three points will be enough. Well done Jim and Jon Gorman.

Photo: Action Images

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