Opta Stats: Newcastle v QPR

Opta / Michael Lintorn / 12 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Shola Ameobi will be asked to step up in the absence of Demba Ba

Mark Hughes faces a tricky task in his first match as QPR boss, taking the out-of-form Hoops up to Tyneside to meet Newcastle...

Demba Ba has scored 15 goals in his last 15 Premier League appearances but is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

QPR have won none of the last five meetings with Newcastle (D2 L3).

Rangers have scored just 11% of their goals in the final 15 minutes of games, the lowest percentage of any team in the top flight.

QPR have also conceded the lowest proportion of goals in the final 15 minutes this season (11%).

Newcastle have made their best start in terms of points to a top flight season since 2002-03 when they had 35 points after 20 matches.

The Londoners have won none of their last eight Premier League matches (D2 L6).

QPR have gone 11 Premier League games without a clean sheet.

QPR and Newcastle defenders have cleared the joint-most shots off the line this season (7).

QPR have suffered more fouls than any other team in the top flight (261).

Rangers have fired in fewer shots on target from inside the box than any other team (38).