Queens Park Rangers Premier League 2014/15 Prediction: Charlie Austin Key to Survival

Last season

Championship: 4<sup>th (promoted via play-offs)

FA Cup: Third round

League Cup: Second round

Top scorer: Charlie Austin (19)

Summer work

After successive summers of misguided and uncoordinated business in the summer transfer window, Rangers have adopted a more structured approach with a number of shrewd deals already concluded. Former England captain Rio Ferdinand is the headline signing, but Steven Caulker, Jordon Mutch and Mauricio Isla's arrivals should be enough to begin to justify the Loftus Road ticket prices. Thirteen players have gone the other way, including Andrew Johnson, Esteban Granero and Yossi Benayoun. Behind the scenes, Glenn Hoddle is expected to join in a coaching capacity,

Manager – Harry Redknapp

Achieved the bare minimum in returning a squad with the largest budget in the Championship to the Premier League at the first attempt via a stoppage time goal in the play-off final, but now back in the top flight Redknapp is charged with righting the wrongs of two seasons ago. Redknapp can draw on a trove of top-flight experiences, good and bad, and having streamlined his squad can produce a fitting swansong to his long managerial career.

Key Player – Charlie Austin

With Loic Remy's ambitions extending beyond a relegation battle at the foot of the Premier League, last season's top scorer Austin is set to lead the attack in his debut campaign in the top flight. Five years on from playing non-league football with Poole Town, Austin's dynamism in the penalty area should ensure he doesn't go goal-hungry - but the service to him will be crucial.

Expectations

Subtle additions to a squad brimming with Premier League experience mean hopes of a relatively comfortable campaign free of a relegation struggle are high. Redknapp still has much to prove at the Hoops after failing to achieve automatic promotion and whether the 67-year-old can still pull it off at the top level is questionable. Should a pre-Christmas struggle ensue, owner Tony Fernandes' deep pockets will no doubt be exploited.

Prediction

Expect a campaign free of drama at either end. 14th